The Wandering Goose — Restaurant in Raymond

The Wondering Goose isn’t just a restaurant or a hotel; it’s a living, breathing embodiment of heartfelt hospitality, culinary artistry, and quiet coastal magic. Years ago in Seattle, the Wondering Goose first left its imprint on my life with its humble yet transcendent beet and carrot juice blend—a drink that became the cornerstone of my own cocktail recipes for the better part of a decade. It’s where a simple, perfect biscuit taught a Seattlite why Southern cuisine gathers around this buttery, golden cornerstone. It’s where simple elegance met indulgent comfort, offering a warm hug against the Pacific Northwest’s signature chill.

Now, the Wondering Goose has found a new home in Tokeland—a tiny, remote beach town tucked into a wild and beautiful stretch of Washington's coastline. The owner has transplanted not just the food, but the spirit of the original restaurant into this new space, and somehow, it feels even more special here.

They offer weekend brunches and nightly dinners (perhaps even more, as their following grows), and the pilgrimage is worth every mile. On our first night, we were treated to a special cocktail, a staff-recommended white wine, local Willapa Bay fried oysters, soy-miso black cod, and a peanut butter chocolate cake that was downright nostalgic. Each dish lived up to, and maybe even surpassed, my vivid memories of their Seattle days.

It’s worth mentioning that the oysters, farmed just steps away in Willapa Bay—one of the cleanest estuaries in the world—embody the best of Northwest bounty. Fried with a Southern-style cornmeal batter and paired with a garden-fresh herb remoulade, they’re a sublime fusion of regional pride and Southern comfort.

The attached hotel is delightfully rustic, holding fast to the building’s history as a boarding house. The small rooms gently push you toward the rich communal spaces—ornate lounges where you’re encouraged to sip a thoughtful cocktail, play a board game, swap stories with fellow travelers, or simply enjoy the easy charm of the house cats. The creak of every floorboard makes it feel like the party is just waiting for you, whenever you’re ready to rejoin it.

Throughout the hotel, the passion of the host’s vision is clear: eclectic decor, a welcoming atmosphere, and a profound sense that you're a guest in someone’s dream made real. Beyond the backyard, dogs (both guest and resident) run free through the expansive estuary, painting a scene of pure joy.

Professor Scott Galloway of NYU often says he travels for hotels, not locations—and staying here, I finally understand what he means. The Wonder Goose isn’t just a stopover; it is the destination. And yet, through it, you unlock the wild beauty of the coast, an excuse to savor unforgettable food, and an invitation into a lifestyle that feels more natural, more human, and infinitely more wholesome.

The Wondering Goose is a true landmark in the world of hospitality.

It may not be for everyone—the rustic, social atmosphere requires a certain openness—but honestly, it should be.

This place is nothing short of...

The Wandering Goose was my favorite spot in Seattle. My partner and I stayed three nights at Tokeland and ate downstairs each morning and evening. It’s just as good as I remember it, maybe even better with the view of the water.

Pros: I found the wait staff to be sparse but not inattentive. This is a positive for me. I find it refreshing to not be bothered every five minutes asking me how the food is. It wasn’t difficult to get someone’s attention if I needed it, and you’re welcome at the counter. It’s not so serious, which is great. Everyone is so friendly!

The seasonal menu is delicious and incredible. A few staples like the sawmill biscuits and gravy you can get anytime, but your dinner options are preplanned and wonderfully created. Also, some of the menu items include ingredient descriptions that show off local goods. I think its pretty neat that they’re including stuff like “george’s HEIRLOOM zucchini” on the menu - it shows they appreciate the sources of their produce. Only a complete miser would find that pretentious.

Consistency. As I mentioned, we ate here all three days morning and evening. We tried every menu item, some multiple times. Absolutely flawless.

Gratuity. Here it is folks - we’ve been saying for years that restaurants should do away with tips. Now that money is rolled into the final price as a service charge, which is fine by me. Although I do think that if it wasn’t explicitly called out less people would be complaining about it, but hey. Who cares about an incredibly good restaurant in the middle of nowhere supporting a historical site paying their employees a reasonable wage?

Cons: Seasonal menu. I can see this being an issue for some people who might think that they can substitute menu items on a premade seasonal menu. That would be silly, but I can see some people making that mistake.

Limited staff. The Wandering Goose inside Tokeland Hotel is, admittedly, the star of the show. However, the staff at the restaurant is a small crew and I think I saw the same folks there each day, morning noon & night. Expect that when things are busy, you might need to be a bit more patient with the staff.

Casual. I find it interesting when someone expects to have michelin-star treatment from a place they go out of their way to say doesn’t have michelin-star food. If it’s your birthday or anniversary, you might feel entitled to special treatment. You won’t find it here, because the food is the star of the show. Maybe it’s not michelin-star, but I’d be hard pressed to find a better biscuits and gravy in a 100-mile radius.

Final thoughts-

Let’s be real. If you’re coming to the Wandering Goose, you should be coming here to kick back and relax. Don’t make it out to be something that it isn’t. Enjoy the beautiful views, enjoy the wonderful food, and take...

Food quality / price (value) rating 10. The atmosphere is historic / eclectic. This restaurant, The Wandering Goose, can be found in Washington state's oldest inn, The Tokeland Hotel. This beautifully restored property has developed into a museum of antique collectibles & memorabilia, fine art, and has been very tastefully decorated, and includes a bakery and nice gift shop. There are 18 rooms that can be rented for around $225 a night, which is competitive with local properties that aren't nearly as nice! We had breakfast here. I had the French Toast, which was cooked perfectly, with a custard like center, and slightly crispy outer skin. There were three slices, and I couldn't finish the last poece because it was so much food. The wife had the Granola & Greek Yogurt with fresh fruit. A very large portion that had a creatively assembled presentation. We both had a fantastic cup of their coffee also. There is a pretty good view of the ocean, and they have a small working farm with several animals such as chickens, goats, pigs, and peacocks. Our server, Christine, was very attentive without being intrusive, and was well informed with regards to the property. The bill was lower than we guessed it would be. I also picked up an Oatmeal / Chocolate Chip cookie to go from the bakery. If you are ever within 20 miles of this place, you should definitely make an effort to have a meal here. If you are looking to stay in this area, this should be a...