The History of the Restaurant

Callen’s Restaurant is the newest restaurant to occupy this building after nearly 70 years of restaurants in this location. The first restaurant to occupy this building was called The Ripp Tide and was in operation for many decades. The story is told that the original Ripp Tide was located across the street (where the ferry landing is now) and was set to be torn down when the ferry landing was moved from further south on the inlet. The locals loved the restaurant so much that they got together, jacked the building up, set it on logs and then rolled it across the street to its current location.

How penn cove mussel farm helped to decorate the dining room

When the Jefferds family started Penn Cove Mussel Farm in Coupeville their mussel ropes suspended by the very wormwood you see on the fireplace room walls. When the floats could no longer support the mussel ropes because of the worm holes it was dried and milled into paneling you see here.

Callen’s Founding owners

Michael and Emily, a husband-and-wife team, fell in love with Whidbey on a vacation. They moved to the island with their four children to start a new life at this iconic location, and they poured themselves into Callen's. Their hard work, generosity, and care for guests and staff turned a beloved landmark into a thriving community gathering place.

Current ownership

Dena first visited Callen’s in 2026 and was immediately hooked by the food, the people, the setting, and the island itself. She was thrilled to have the chance to buy the business and become its next steward, and she looks forward to keeping Callen’s what it has always been, a place where the community gathers, celebrates, and feels at home.
We welcome your thoughts and comments. Please feel free to reach out to us directly at hello@callensrestaurant.com.