Doc’s Marina Grill History
on
Bainbridge Island
The building Doc’s Marina Grill is located in is the last of the old historic working waterfront of Bainbridge Island. It has been many names as a tavern, starting with the Yodeling Oyster. There aren’t too many of the older generations of Islanders still around, but those who are fondly remember it as Mac’s. The area was sort of Bainbridge Island’s Cannery Row.
Ringing the bell bought the house a round. Michel had never bought a round in his life — this was his chance of a lifetime. (Note: The pub claims to have the original bell from Mac’s Tavern, but this photo shows clearly that it is different. Sorry, Jeff.)
Some of the infamous events at Mac’s were the beer fights. There were times when it was wetter inside than outside in the rain. Oddly enough, Mac’s is fondly remembered for a couple of fine dining experiences: the crab and cheddar omelet with hash browns for breakfast and the crab cheddar pita for lunch. Doc’s continues this tradition in a couple of menu items and in their October Crab Fest.
Jerry the bartender was one of many. He was a part-time artist and lived life large. He met an early end when a car he was riding in raced for the late-night ferry, missed the boat, and wound up in Davy Jones’s locker. Hey, it happened more than once.
Now, I know that this doesn’t exactly belong on a website for a fine restaurant, but read on. You know how every roadside attraction has something special? Come on, you know: trees of mystery, a sea lion cave, face on the barroom floor, a volcano … . Well, so does Doc’s. See the opening above the urinal? That is actually a giant periscope. That’s right — it is the only one in the world of its kind and it still exists (although a little more upscale). You can still savor the experience of many Islanders who have come before to take a leak while soaking up a panoramic view of Eagle Harbor. (Ladies, the staff will be happy to clear the room so you too can view this historical monument.) Who said we didn’t have a sense of culture back then?
Here is the guy (Lee Scott) responsible for its creation. Scott was a Carnegie Melon design graduate. For more of Mac’s Tavern history, visit Bainbridge Island’s Multicultural Advisory Council (MAC). Be seeing you!
– Dave