Once again, it depends on palate and wallet. There is a group who own
the 74th Street AleHouse on Greenwood Ave., as well as the Hilltop on
Queen Anne who do justice to bar food like few others, along with an
excellent assortment of wines and brews.
I probably shouldn't tell you about the Maple Leaf Grill on Roosevelt,
or the Snappy Dragon right next door, but I already have. Parking sucks
in both of these places, but well worth the effort. If you are into
WINE the Maple Leaf grill has what I understand to be an excellent
selection. These folks don't take reservations but do accept warnings.
In Wallingford the Blue Star on Stone Way & 45th does a decent job and
is a NO SMOKING establishment. For Mexistyle food, Beso del Sol has its
good moments, as well as Guadalajara (45th and Wallingford). Also
nearby is the Bizzaro, worth checking out.
In Ballard Burk's Cafe is excellent, on Ballard Ave.. Also Lombardi's
has Italian food if you love GARLIC. A bit cheaper is the Shilshole Bay
Marina's restaurant, good sunsets are possible.
Behind Pike Place on Western is the Wild Ginger. A bit spendy but
great atmosphere and bar, as well as Satay if you like meat-on-a-stick.
Also, up Aurora near Oak Tree is the Doon Kong Lau? or something.
HAKKA cuisine, chinese with a slightly different orient. Great place to
meet before or after movies. Also the Golden Dragon across the street
from the theatre is fast and cheap, but unsavory types may be found
nearby, but on their best behaviour.
These are some places I tend to recommend unless you are some asshole
that I would rather see go far away. With an eye on expenses and
variety. I also go for the quieter less-crowded atmosphere which some
of these places don't have on a Thursday or Friday evening. Some of
them you have to get to early to get served at all and are better with
friends.Seattle, WA