EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Alex Marshall of Harbor Haute Dogs
EXPLORE NOT-SO-SECRET SPOTS TO EAT, SHOP & ADVENTURE THAT LOCALS RECOMMEND THIS SPRING & SUMMER!
Secret Summer gives you the scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks and places to explore that Kitsap community leaders & small business owners love to experience during the sunny months. Look for new Secret Summer articles on the regular around here and start planning your Summer adventures today!
alex marshall
harbor haute dogs,
co-owner
Website | Facebook | Instagram
A fun connection between Love Kitsap and Harbor Haute Dogs is that we’ve known Alex since he was a wee little lad. That’s the magic of living in a community for a loooong time. You’ve got a front-row seat, watching the kids from your hometown grow up, chase their dreams, raise the next generation, continue to chase their dreams, and THEN your front row seat turns into a seat at the table as you’re given the opportunity to fund their dreams (with your monthly haute dog allowance). For as long as we’ve known Alex, he’s been the same GOOD dude. Anyone who’s ever interacted with Alex will express a similar sentiment. A big part of the Harbor Haute Dogs essence and charm is that it’s a couple of good dudes, making good food, and everyone has a good time.
WE CAUGHT UP WITH Alex TO GET His TAKE ON WHERE HE LOVES TO GO FOR EATS, WATERING HOLES, LOCAL BUSINESSES, PLACES TO GET OUTSIDE, AND SPOTS TO TAKE FRIENDS FROM OUT OF TOWN.
Explore Kitsap like a local!
Alex, WHAT Do YOU LOVE ABOUT KITSAP?
Alex’s Favorite Local Meal:
‘Our favorite place for a meal is definitely Taqueria el Ray. We love all the food on their menu but we LOVE the tripe tacos. Most days you’ll find their truck in a cozy little pocket off Sedgwick Road in South Kitsap. They are most similar to the food I had in Mexico, as authentic as you’re going to find around here.’
Alex’s Favorite Local Drink:
‘Same answer! Nothing goes better with tacos than a margarita! In addition to the taco truck, there is also a sit-down restaurant option just a few doors down from us in Town Square. We are up there 2-3 times a week and the owners are amazing.’
Alex’s Favorite Local Businesses:
‘Some of our favorite businesses are the many breweries and cider houses we vend at. We love the crew up at Bushel and Barrel and we love vending at Rainy Daze, Valholl Brewery, and Ridgeline Brewery. It’s always inspiring to build friendships with all the other food vendors we meet at events. It’s nice being together with other small business owners who empathize with the challenges of running a small business like ours.’
Alex’s favorite place to get outside:
Our favorite places to get outside would be Olalla Bay Market in Olalla, or Bushel and Barrel Cider House in Poulsbo. Both locations have amazing staff and the best views. It’s a vibe for the whole family (pets too!). Plan to stay a while. Order some delicious food (but bring some snacks too), have a couple of drinks, and chill for a while. Our kids will run around with all the other kids, like a tiny little Sandlot gang, we love chatting up the other parents, having some interesting conversations, and at the end, everyone feels like family when it’s time to pack it all up and call it a night. It’s the epitome of a rural, close-knit community experience.’
Alex’s favorite thing to do in the sunshine:
‘Our favorite thing to do in the sunshine is to turn the smokers on, put some meat on them, have some friends over, and relax. We don’t get much free time in this business but when we do, we love to spend it with friends and family over a good meal.’
Alex’s favorite thing to do in the rain:
‘In the rain, we like to do pretty much the same thing! What’s a little rain in Kitsap anyway? If we aren’t eating at home in the rain, we go see our friends at their restaurants. What can I say? I love food.’
Alex’s favorite place to take first time visitors:
‘If my friends are coming to Kitsap and the weather is nice, I would want to take them to either downtown Port Orchard or Poulsbo. It’s a blast looking at all the interesting shops and enjoying a walk along the water. Visitors are always amazed by our waterfront views.’
Alex’s favorite shots on his camera roll:
Explore more of Kitsap!
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet friendly place to travel, adventure and explore. Here’s our list of 20 dog friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup!