I just read the reviews here and I'm so surprised of the low ratings. Â We live in Seattle and make it a point to try and eat there when we are up north for the day. Â I have only had the fish and chips which I think are one of the best I've had and my husband tries other dishes and no complaint from him. Â Staff has always been super nice and quick service, last few times we stopped in it was busy and we waited for a table. Â By the way I'm a fussy New Yorker and thisplaces gets my vote.
Review Source:This place was simple, food was ok but nothing to come back for, and the staff was friendly but not the most attentive. Â We ate here for lunch and my friend had the reuben which was kind of a healthy version of it? Â And I had a quiche and wasn't too impressed with the heavy onion flavor. Â The kids chicken fingers were actually our favorite part :)
Review Source:I love, love, love the specialty cocktails that the Trumpeter makes. Definitely the best thing about this place for me. Although, if you have celiac (or are a bandwagoner), the gluten-free options are great. For whiskey buffs, too, the whiskey selection is probably a huge pull.
The thing I don't like about the Trumpeter is the environment. It comes off as being unwelcoming to a large part of the Skagit Valley demographic, if you ask me. As a whiskey bar, you kind of expect more of a...cowboy vibe? And in an area like this, a cowboy vibe is a good one to have. Instead, the Trumpeter comes off as being slightly pretentious.
I've never seen this place very busy so I'm not sure how they handle volume or rushes, but the service has always been friendly and good when I've been in. I like the events that they offer. I just think they could do with offering some lower-priced dishes and being slightly more "down-home". It's nice to have an upscale place, but not sure if it should come in the form of a whiskey bar in Skagit.
Used to be good for fine dining but now just a nice bar with pretty servers. Â The food lately is overpriced, undersized, and mediocre. Â Â I have given this place a several tries in recent months but each time have been disappointed. Â Â If upscale pricing for lower mid-scale quality is your thing, then eat at Trumpeter. Â Seriously, you would be better off at Olive Garden or Outback and that is not saying much. Â A shame, used to be so much better until they decided to start playing it cheap in the kitchen.
Review Source:I met a friend here for dinner. I was excited to try this place as I just moved to Skagit County. We ordered a couple cocktails and they were just okay, especially for the price. We ordered a crab/gouda dip that was more cheese then crab. And like i said, for the price it was disappointing. We both ordered fish and chips and the cod was good, but the batter was a bit soggy. Overall I thought it was quite pricey for the quality of food we got. On a positive note the servers were friendly and attentive.
Review Source:We enjoy the Trumpeter about once a week. Food is always fresh and creative, high quailtiy, delicious! Oftentimes we are just getting off work and order the Trumpeter Burger which we have not found the equal of anywhere else. So comforting to enjoy this burger with a glass of good red wine sometimes. On special occasions we order one of the featured items, and haven't been disappointed yet.
We are always warmly greeted by Paul and Karin and regard them as friends. Indeed, this is a favorite place of ours.
Arriving to the area super late but still wanting dinner, we actually stumbled upon Trumpeter after unsuccessfully looking for a Thai place we were seeking - that turned out to be right around the corner but it was dark, it was late, & we were all tired - give us a break!
Nice selection on the menu & local brews on tap
Buddy ordered the Beef Tenderloin & totally enjoyed her steak although she had asked for it medium-well but it was served medium.....even so, she dug the beef & she was also a fan of the sauce, potatoes & carrots it came with
At the merest glance of seeing "Homemade Veggie Burger", both Sis & I were sold!
I thought the veggie burger was slimy & had an overabundance of thyme. Â If this had been a tapenade-like spread instead of all bunched up into a burger, I'd have probably loved it.....but as a "burger", it was too much
And it wasn't cooked like a burger - it was just a warmed-up ball of tapenade-like dip......the fries on the other hand were really good so filled up on those bad boys. Â Large, steak-cut fries that were just a bit crispy on the outside but tender on the inside
Sis, on the other hand, liked hers well enough & even enjoyed her leftovers.....I threw mine out
Way too late for dessert, we walked out of there as they were closing, thankful for the late eats
Veggie Burger = 2 Stars from me; 3 Stars from Sis... Steak = 4 Stars from Buddy for an overall 3 Stars
I was amazed during my research of restaurants in this area that almost everything on the menu was gluten free or could be made as such. We made sure to make a stop as it was on the way to our final destination. The menu was as advertised online -- it says directly if something is gluten free or if you need to make it such on request. Food choices included the hot crab dip served with tortilla chips, fish and chips and a tri-tip steak sandwich. The fish and chips were coated in a light tempura batter served with cripsy fries; the steak sandwich is served on a homemade bun which was really awesome, not dry but fluffy and flavorful. Portions were not overwhelming but just enough to fill you up without overdoing it. My only complaint about the restaurant was the service -- the server was NOT attentive at all, even if you waved your hands in the air she would look at you and say "hold on" and go about her business; did not pay attention to dirty dishes, refills, etc. Very frustrating considering the restaurant does not have too terribly many tables. Maybe it is the laid-back attitude of the town (?) but I was not impressed. Prices were very reasonable. A great place overall for people with food allergies.
Review Source:Awesome atmosphere. It is a perfect place to spend a few evening hours with a glass of wine and watch the rain outside. I have been here twice-- once for dinner, and once for happy hour. Both were enjoyable experiences. The dinner is a bit pricey, so beware. the portions aren't huge compared to most places, but it suited me just fine. The happy hour was nice ($1 off drinks and apps) and a good time to sit by the fire and talk for a bit.
Overall, a good experience if you are willing to pay a bit.
Wonderful ambiance! Food is a little bit pricier than your average pub fare, but worth it. I had the crab macaroni and cheese (gluten free) and it was really delicious.
The burgers are priced comparably to other local pubs, and are more manageable when it comes to size. The french fries and onion rings are absolutely delicious. The menu also offers a lot for those with dietary preferences, like vegetarians and those who are gluten free.
The staff are extremely nice and attentive. The atmosphere of the restaurant is pretty relaxed; it's quit though there is a television on near the bar (usually showing soccer). There is a lounge area with leather couches/chairs near the fireplace that looks pretty comfortable for drinks/tapas.
I would recommend it to anyone, and will most certainly go back again. Repeatedly.
My wife and I always enjoy our experience at Paul and Karin's. They have a wonderful little "social nook" in front of a fireplace with very comfortable leather couches. This is where we come to enjoy evenings out with friends and good libation.
Last night, I tried one of Karin's new food creations...the gorgonzola and reduced balsamic mushroom burger. Wow, now that was an experience for serious foodies. Other such notables are the shepard's pie and dungeness mac n cheese.
Paul and Karin go the extra mile to make sure we are happy and well taken care of. I gave the Trumpeter a 4-star instead of a 5 because I wish they could stay open later than the standard 10:00-ish. This is, however, a by-product of having a place where people want to be.
Now I have to be honest, I have had only a couple experiences where the food was not up to my expectations....HOWEVER, they have always insisted on making sure my experience is a positive one, whatever that requires.
staff was friendly, nice atmosphere BUT the worse "french onion soup" I have ever eaten and another guest at my table tried it and agreed...no taste except like beef broth...also the caesar salad was nothing to write home about either...bread pudding was excellent but would not recommeed or go back again..sorry to as frequent the Lincoln Threatre often
Review Source:After reading the reviews here on Yelp my date and I chose the Trumpeter for our Valentine's date and wish now we hadn't.
They had a Valentine's menu but we both wanted Shephard's pie which we had seen on their online menu. Â The waitress said that would be easy to put together and not a problem at all. Â What she meant to say was, Â "Sure, we have some left over from yesterday in the freezer, it'll be a breeze to nuke it for you." Â The pie had a good flavor it was just the icy chunks of meat in the dish that turned me off. Â I sent mine back three times to be reheated.
So then we ordered a slice of the 5 layer chocolate cake, which was really like 8 layers of cake most definitely made out of the house in assembly line fashion. Â It was awful. Â And it's hard to to make a bad cake, especially a chocolate cake. Â This cake tasted like it was made of whole wheat flour, it was dry and had a off-taste. Â I don't usually give bad reviews but this was just plain bad, not going back to the Trumpeter.
Then as we were leaving in a dark parking lot we had a homeless person come up to us while we were getting in our car and ask for money. It was just a little uncomfortable being in the dark with no one around and up walks this guy - no reflection on the Trumpeter though.
The Trumpeter is possibly the classiest restaurant in Mount Vernon. Â While it doesn't come close to the Empire in terms of beer selection or food quality it does have its strong points. Â They have a full bar and have an extensive gluton free menu. Â I strongly suggest the steak, chicken, or pasta offerings over the sandwiches and burgers. Â The entrees are very well done and perfectly cooked while the sandwiches and burgers are over complicated and come out as a mess. Â All in all this public house is a good place to stop in and enjoy the old world ambiance while sipping some craft brews and eating some steak.
Review Source:Anytime I hear Public House I get excited. Â I think dark, woody, smoky, pints, and darts. Â This is not that Public House. Â However....
The Trumpeter has a Fantastic tap selection of about 18? craft and imported beers. Â 2 Nitro taps and a fancy Stella tap. Â The only place I've seen Walking Man beer north of PDX.
They have a fully stocked bar with an impressive selection of single malts and bourbons and they serve Absinthe with the proper equipment.
The restaurant has an upscale look and feel and we almost didn't even go in as it looks so fancy. Â We didn't eat so can't comment on the food.
If you want my original thought on Public House go around the corner....
Quench your thirst my friends. Â Cheers!
Excellent for vegetarians/gluten-phobes/vegans alike. I am vegan and was pleased to find out that the red pepper bisque was made with coconut milk. Also, their vinaigrettes are wonderfully light (the pear one has no oil whatsoever) and the coffee is above average. Â The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, but will gladly double check with the chef if you have any questions.
Overall, I had a wonderful experience; it's a great place to dodge the rain and have an appetizer or a half order of something. Â Speaking of which, I love that the 'half order' is coming back. Â It's nice not to have to order an entire smorgasbord when you just want a snack. Â Thanks for the great coffee and the bisque par excellence.
Pub food prices, but the food was so much more!!  The sampler cheese and meat platter (an appetizer we recieved free for mentioning yelp) was filled with cured ham and beef and had some yummy mild cheeses to go with it.  It fed five hungry guests with leftovers we continued to snack on through dinner.  The burgers were huge too. I didn't have one, but I am told they were very good. I shared both the beet goat cheese salad- a parfectly dressed combo of baby greens, hazelnuts, beets oears and goat cheese, and the padilla pepper with coconut curry sauce  stuffed
with quinoa. Â All of the food was very filling.
Beers on tap were Also awsome. There were a bunch (15?) local micros with lots if IPAS to choose from as well as european version appropriate for this British styled bar. Â
Decor perfect for a casual date, or dinner with friends. Also I think there was a tv there- probebaly good for catching soccer games
It's a nice location with good atmosphere. We loved the calamari. It was the best thing we ordered. My husband had scallops, which were pricey for only 5 scallops. And I can't even remember what I had which tells you how memorable the dish was. Overall it was a good experience, but not sure if it deserves a second visit.
Review Source:Needed to find a lunch stop off of I-5 and not familiar with any restaurants in that area. Â Chose Trumpeter Public House and must admit, it exceeded my expectations. Â Even has Gluten Free options! Â Service was fabulous, food was good, prices were reasonable and would totally recommend this to anyone looking for a bite in Mt. Vernon.
Review Source:This is by far the best Restaurant we have ever been too!!!!
The owners are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. They also have a fantastic staff!
We love the food, it is all made from scratch and there is a wide variety of Gluenten Free food if that is what you need. They do everything they can to purchase local products as well as Organic whenever available.
We live about 45 minutes away and try to make this a weekly stop. This is an absolute must if you are ever in the area, heck even if you have to drive an hour it is sooo worth it!
Oh and did I mention that this place has a larger Single Malt Scotch selection than I have ever seen at any restaurant! Infact they offer a larger selection than any of our local liqure stores. You will find some fantastic hard to find options to test your taste buds with.
We have been to the Trumpeter at least a half dozen times and have never been disappointed. Great service and selection!
On this last trip, I ordered the veggie burger and was delighted as to how tasty it was. Great flavor and moist! Somewhat the consistency of a crab cake. An additional item was to find out that flax seed is added to the burger. Hats off to the kitchen for also trying to make their food healthier for you. If you are looking for a boca-burger, then don't order their veggie burger. Â I have eaten a lot of bad veggie burgers in my time and this was NOT one of them.
Had a great lunch here yesterday. Server was great. Owner (Paul?) was behind the bar making drinks and squeezing fresh fruit (nice)! I had one of the many choices of tap beer and a tasty burger that  was a bit over cooked but I did not specify a temp and I blame the health dept. for freaking out our cooks these days.
Mount Vernon needs a place like this so bad. I look forward to another chance to stop in and try some single malt.
The Trumpeter has some of the best food you'll find in Skagit County. Every Monday night a group of us head down for some beer, appetizers, socializing, and yes... TRIVIA (very fun) Â Weekends I like to go there and grab a burger or their Fiery Irish Chicken sandwich... simply amazing food. Â I have yet to try anything I didn't really enjoy.
The atmosphere is very comfortable offering plenty of seating, a separate conference room, several seats up at the bar and even some couches and chairs around a fireplace.
Since I've been going there Karen, Paul and their staff have been very welcoming and their service is outstanding. I would highly recommend The Trumpeter to any of my friends.
Come join us Monday nights!
I have two words: Gluten-Free. Â This is worth 1 star alone. Â My wife has Celiac Disease so even though we live in Bellingham, we will be driving down just to go to this place which has an entire menu of Gluten Free. Â Now here was our experience;
Food: I had a barbecue burger which was excellent! Â My wife had artichoke hearts (appetizer) which were excellent, and the beef skewers (which were average). Â My Dad had a Chicken entree which he rated average.
Still, we went there on Valentines Day with no reservations which meant we sat at the bar. Â The service was great and friendly; as much as we could have wanted on such a busy night.
The atmosphere was friendly and warm, and we will be back.
The Trumpeter is a nice place. Â I had to be in Mount Vernon, to meet with a Canadian general manager for a territory sales position, and rarely get up that way, so you can imagine my surprise to not only find such friendly faces as the two owners Paul and Karin, who bought the resturant a year ago, but refurbished, clean, well lit, and a fabulous menu. Â
My goodness, they even had a gluten free Belgian Tripple ale, and the wonderful Italian beer, Moretti, if that in and of itself didn't say enough... you know how it is, you check for your favorites even if you are not drinking, to see the taste of the establishment. Â They had all the major meals on their menu, and next time I am Mount Vernon, this is where I am eating, always!
I love hot coffee, so when I said that I had not had a coffee in weeks (I am into holistic health, and nutrition), but would only have it if they could serve it to me, 'piping hot', Paul did...
This is a great place to eat, or meet, or drink and am glad that I found it. Â
They have extensive gluten free items on the menu, but this is a normal, resturant bar, but heads up to those with special food needs.
I read the last reviewer, and am saddened to read it, as my experience was completely different. Â I felt welcome, at home, and was completely satisfied... and, no, I don't know these people save my visit to town yesterday. Â A great place.
We really had high hopes for this place! It was packed and warm and cozy. However the service was just ok, the fries were soggy (I think they were precooked then warmed), my salad was slightly warm which meant it sat to long, my companions house-made veggie burger was smooshy! When we mentioned this the waitress said that's how they make their veggie burgers. Well sorry but it was disgusting, she reluctantly brought a different meal. Their tempura fried artichokes were ok but I really wish places wouldn't call something tempura fried when it clearly isn't. These were beer battered folks. My other companions fish n chips were marginal. My rueben was good. We won't be back though.
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