The Floatation Device

The breakfast menu looks good but you eat an omelet it stays with you all day. Must be the grease they use. Their lunch was like the worst I have had ever. They can’t cook a good burger. They like serving drinks and beer more than food. Save your money eat at a real food place. Service is ultra slow.

This is a most ludicrous business, catering to some very special folk … I’ve never been inside and have no plans to … ever. My gripe with them is the dangerously bright ghetto sign they flash right next to highway 302. It’s a gaudy sign in the shape of an arrow pointing towards the bar trying to get customers in … like their patrons are so blind they can’t find the spot??? But the issue is the blinding glare the sign casts on drivers, headed both directions on 302. It cannot be legal. I have a complaint drafted for the Sheriffs office or the WA DOT to look into. I’ll update this review when I find out more. It’s ridiculously bright particularly when it’s foggy and the light bounces all around.

Man, I used to love going to The Float. It’s your typical tavern with some really great food — and some pretty decent BBQ to boot.
Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be going back anytime soon due to the service I received at the counter.
I arrived early for lunch with a friend and decided to play some pull tabs and drink beer while I waited. There were two servers working the counter, one on the bar side and one on the pull tab side. I opted to sit by the pull tabs and was served by a mature blonde lady, maybe in her late 50’s. It wasn’t that she was rude, it was that she was completely inattentive. Over the course of about 90 minutes while I waited for my lunch friend, I was only able to get two beers in and play about $ 40 in pull tabs. I’d have to stop her and ask for another beer or to play more when she went walking by.
My friend did finally arrive and we again had to ask to order lunch. The food was great as usual, but through our meal had to ask for more beers and I wanted to continue to play pull tabs.
We finished our meal and again, asked if I could put another $ 20 into the pull tabs (I was about $ 80 in) when she says to me, «I’m too busy for pull tabs — no». Now, I don’t know what she was too busy doing on a Tuesday afternoon, for there was no one else sitting at the counter but us — so I was really surprised by this.
$ 60 bill, $ 80 in pull tabs, terrible service, and for the first time in my entire adult life — I stiffed a server.
Sorry, lady — you didn’t deserve a tip. A simple, «I’m pretty busy, can I get to you in a few minutes» would have totally sufficed — but I didn’t even get that.
Guess I’ll find another cool tavern with good food to meet my buddy at — it won’t be The Float anymore.

This place has got to be as good as it gets.
I swung by on a Saturday around lunch based on the name alone. Who does not want to eat at a place called the Flotation Device? Please! Anyways, I sat down at a table termed «The Table Of Knowledge», and before the server even had a chance to greet us, a local informed us that we would indeed be smarter after sitting at this table.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they only served breakfast until 1 pm, and lucky for me, it was only noon. :) Who doesn’t love a good breakfast. Well, I ordered the Captain’s omelet and washed it down with a double bloody mary, cuz why not? The omelet was D-​E-​L-​I-​C-​I-​O-​U-​S. As I had checked on Unilocal,I found that they were supposed to have great french fries, so I asked my server if I could have french fries instead of hash browns with my omelet. Guess what? They were able to give me the french fries, and there was no disappointment. Hands down the best, crunchy french fries I have ever had at a restaurant.
The service was great, the food was delicious, and the prices were swell. I only wish I could come back for karaōke or a Seahawks game – I bet it would be crazy!!!
I will be looking for an excuse to return!

Horrible, horrible, horrible. Went in on a Friday night for dinner with friends and it took over an hour to get food. Had to ask several times for napkins and utensils, finally just got up and grabbed them ourselves. Chalked it up to a one time occurrence until we stopped in for breakfast today. Ordered our food and waited for well over an hour. We finally asked for the status of our food and was told there were still 3 tickets in front of us. We decided it was ridiculous and just paid for our coffee and left. The restaurant wasn’t even that busy. One patron at the bar drinking, and a smattering of other tables occupied. Worst part was, no one apologized for the horrible service or long wait time. I should’ve had a feeling when other tables around me were complaining about how long it was taking to get their food, and refills on their drinks. Not even sure this place deserves the one star, we will not be returning which is a shame. We really liked the food the first time and was hoping to make this a regular place as we like to support local businesses.

Being raised amid the bayous of Louisiana I’ve been to my share of «dives» … the Float is a cut above — with the down home feeling of the local crowd, good food offerings, good bar choices, and both live music and karaōke … we have relatives on Puget Sound and make it a point get to the Float a couple times a year — and I always sit where I can see the LSU football helmet amid all those displayed along the walls … last time I opted for the Patty Melt as it was on special — good but a grease bomb if you’re watching cholesterol; once a year is probably enough … a word of warning — if you’re not a Seahawks fan it’s best not to yell «YEAH!» when they fumble or otherwise screw up a play … and, as I’ve noticed on other reviews, this place is fairly far from any residential area — have a designated driver or call a cab — it’s hard not to jump in and embroil yourself in the camaraderie there …

Ahh, The Float. What can you say about her that you can’t say about the Lady Of The Night you visited in Southeast Asia that you’ll never admit to anybody, ever? She’s rough around the edges, unkempt, and at first you find yourself wishing for better… And then she gets her hands on you and you throw all conventional thinking out the window. She’s perfect. She’s your mistress of the sea. She’s your home away from home. That’s what the Flotation Device is in Purdy.
Nearly 30 prison-​grade search lights are arranged in the pattern of an ‘Eat At Joe’s’ arrow guiding you into the uneven parking lot of The Float. You’re immediately greeted by gargantuan chainsaw carvings, including a combination of a 1990’s era Troll Doll and the 12^th Man– a hollering figure who’s got a big 12 shirt on. When you see him, you know that you’re in the right place.
As you open the door, take a moment to breathe your environment in. Collegiate and professional football helmets line the room and classic photos of famous athletes adorn the walls and the bar. The flooring is tile and carpet, and the barren parts of the walls look to have been built during two distinct human ages: wood paneling and logs. There’s old outboard motors on the wall for decoration (or for an impromptu naval getaway) and pull tabs to keep you busy.
They serve karaōke some nights and a jukebox the rest. My memory of this place forever will be Omi’s «Cheerleader». It’s a favorite of one of the best bartenders that I’ve met. It always seems to be playing when she works.
To this point, the majority of what’s been described sounds less than great… And it would be, if appearances are all that count, but we know better than that. There’s an old saying that you can’t put lipstick on a pig, but I ask «Why not?» I’d talk about that pig the rest of my days!
What makes this place magical is the staff.
Though I’ve yet to set foot inside The Float during the day, the night crew are special. They have personal relationships with their guests, and are very good to newcomers. They make for the perfect neighborhood bar. They remember your name, know your drink and are always happy to catch up with you. They’re also incredibly memorable characters. Jessica, Heidi and Homer are the three that I’ve had the most experience with during my visits and I wouldn’t have it any other way. They’re essential to this building’s success.
If we’re being honest, running a great bar isn’t rocket science, it’s not even bar science like Jon Taffer would have you believe. It’s having a good selection of beer and wine (check), a location (check) and a service staff that makes you feel important and wanting to come back (check check).
If you find yourself thirsty in Purdy, or even just passing through, take a moment to stop by and allow this exceptional team the opportunity to take care of you. Your bill will always be less than you think it should be, and you’ll always stay longer than you intended. And you’ll stay willingly because the fun you can have here on a random weeknight eclipses anything you can do outside of these walls.

I cannot believe we waited an hour and a half for our food! We ordered breakfast and the table next to us said they waited two hours for our food. I wished we walked out and went somewhere else. Ridiculous wait time for breakfast. By the time we got our food it was lunch time we went in at 9 am the place was not that crowded got our food at 1130. Go here if you would like to wait the food was okay not worth the wait.

I moved to the kp 5 months ago and this was one of the first places I visited. While I wasn’t impressed with their lunch I’ve back many times in the evenings for drinks and dinner. It’s totally the social place to be after 7 in the area and the drinks are legit. The food is your basic but yummy bar food. Mostly fried, but well fried, stuff and burgers. I’ve heard the breakfast is awesome but have not had it myself. Mostly because I’m so hung over by the time am comes I can’t make it back out here from the kp for breakfast. But as far as bars go it’s awesome. I feel like I’ll be a frequent visitor here for years to come.

A little dive bar that I have come to LOVE! This is my friends go-​to place so she had to bring me here. Tavern setting-​pull tabs-​pool, roomy. I’ve only stopped in after 730 and left before 10, fast and great customer service. Good, strong drinks. I’ve tried the chili cheese tator tots, potato skins, float burger, mozz sticks — all so yummy and hits the spot! I saw they had pizza and salads too. Outdoor seating. I believe they do daily food specials — got a burger and fries for $ 5.99 the other day.

Great food, drinks and entertainment at a decent price. Also just a few miles from my house. Usually my first choice when my friends and I go out drinking.

Good quality outside of breakfast has gone down over the past few years. Still good place to meet for breakfast before going for a ride or to stop for a beer afterwards. Great parties with live music on the weekends, just eat somewhere else first!

Been here 4 – 5 times for breakfast. Haven’t been for lunch or dinner. Absolutely love their big foot chicken fried steak. It’s a huge portion and if you haven’t tried it before, you’re missing out. If you want something other than white or wheat toast they charge extra and I’ve tried the home made biscuits a few times and seem to have gotten an old batch that had the taste and flavor of an old box of arm & hammer that had been used to freshen the fridge for a few years. None of us in our group could eat it. The service is also hit and miss if your not a regular.
So, if you want an epic chicken fried steak and can overlook a mediocre service experience I highly recommend The Float!

Best home made giant cinnamon roles I have ever seen! They are Awesome! Yum! Definitely will come back again!

This place used to be a nice spot for lunch. Not anymore. It’s a tavern atmosphere with decent food and the absolute worst service during lunch. When I arrived, a menu was placed on my table without asking if I would like anything to drink. Then 5 minutes go by before I’m asked about my order. I ordered a burger and a beer and it was another 5 minutes before I got my beer.
Burger is decent at best.
The lunchtime waitress walked by my table three times without a word or even a glance in my direction. My empty beer glass was on the edge of the table for 15 minutes without even a question as to whether I would like another. 19 people in the whole place and you can’t even get a beer.
I’m glad I only come by here twice a year. Definitely better quality food and service at other locations in the harbor.

I have mixed feelings about this establishment. Dinner and Lunch = No. Breakfast… can be awesome depending. I love their Taco Omelets. A couple of the waitresses are really awful. Especially if you sit in the back room. But also if you are in the front. They appear really nice, but are very inattentive. As for the food… they are green onion happy. Too much on everything. I always have to specify no green onions. I like them, but they do overkill. They have great Bloody Marys.

If you are into waiting an hour for your food, or are just a general hilljack, you will absolutely love this place. I have been here twice. The first time, waited a full hour for food and I assure you I’m not one to exaggerate. The food was actually good but certainly not good enough to justify that wait.
We decided to come back and give another chance since the first time was extremely busy and also during their transition between breakfast and lunch. This time, it was 45 minutes and 4 coffee refills later we still had no food, so we left. The waitress, who was nice but barely apologetic, seemed like this was not the first time someone walked because of the wait.
The crowd was average and there were plenty of empty tables so no excuse for the wait, AGAIN. Definitely not planning to return which is sad because there’s so much potential for a great breakfast hole in the wall.

Excellent fish & chips, great service, cute servers and a comfortable environment. The bartender even gave the kids non-​alcoholic «slushy shots» after we ate! 5 stars for being great at what they are, a pub!

Excellent food and service. I really enjoy the pub bar and grill atmosphere. Had a great dinner with the family. The captains plate was perfect the oysters were deliciously cooked and the fish was beer battered with dill I think and was great. I highly recommend this place.

Until a recent bad experience here, I had regarded ‘The Float’ as one of the best breakfast joints around. I won’t go into all of the gory details, but what should have been a small problem with a meal was made much worse by how the employees handled the situation.
Still, it is a cool old bar and I’ve had many great meals here, so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt with three stars instead of one. Someday I’m sure I’ll return here and hopefully be able to upgrade this review, but it’s gonna be a looonnng time.