Taps at the Guardhouse — Restaurant in Port Townsend

Wed 7/30/25: Taps at Fort Worden Extremely bad service provided by male — obviously new to hospitality industry & bartending “free-poured” lots of vermouth into a shaker filled with vodka to make a classic martini. — I noticed and said, “that’s not vermouth is it?” His reply, “yes.” Mine, “oh! You just wave it over meaning put little in— I stated my career was spent in F&B after he stated the “recipes call for…” I said, “we didn’t make it that way where I worked or patronized…” Bartender dramatically throws all contents of shaker into sink & told me “to leave ..” I will not tolerate anyone being rude to me” I said, “Are you kidding?! all I said was we didn’t make a martini that way & I didn’t like all that vermouth & I just said my career…” His final reply, “I don’t give a shit what you did for a living & leave!” Professional servers & owners know to create friendly environment & never allow employees to bash customers. Employees do not get defensive, are good listeners & make things right for their customers. This is a fireable event. If you think otherwise, you should not be owning or working in this industry. Respect of others. This should be a fun welcoming establishment for all. You want customers? Then, treat others as you would want to be treated yourself. Be kind. Employ knowledgeable staff. Negative word to mouth spreads quickly....

My husband and I visit Port Townsend quite often but never knew about, Taps at the Guardhouse. We stopped in for a late lunch today. What a pleasant surprise and great find!! The ambience was charming, the staff was welcoming and very attentive but best of all, the food was great! The menu is limited but there’s something to please every tastebud with a broad selection of beer and other drinks too. As we got ready to leave, we were presented with a “To Go Box” but we didn’t have any leftovers...?? You see, earlier we had tried to order the crab cakes but they were sold out. The cook and staff were very apologetic but no big deal we thought. We each ordered a delicious, stuffed baked potato instead. Best ever!! Anyway, while we were eating, apparently the restaurant had received a new supply of crab and surprised us with the crab cakes we had originally tried to order. That is the best customer service anyone could ever hope for. You can bet that we will tell all of our friends and family about Taps. Thank you again for the great food and dining experience!!! We can’t wait...

I went in to have dinner. I had heard good things about the restaurant, and since I was staying in the park for a month, I hoped it was good so I could visit a few times while here.

I had a service dog and was told that I had to sit outside. I told the manager(?) that she was a service dog. He stated that they "make their own rules". It was too warm for my dog to be comfortable and safe lying on cement for an unknown time. So I left. I returned later with a card to show the ADA. It has both the consumers' and the owners' rights. He refused it and cut me off when I tried to speak. When I told him not to cut me off and pointed out that he had done so previously, he pointed to the door and said, "Thank you, have a nice day." He did that 3 times.

I have sent a note to through the website in hopes of having a educational meeting with the owner or GM. I always try to use these opportunities as chances to educate the public. I'm hoping that they...