Archive for March, 2010

Wednesday, 31 March 2010Posted by Mike W.

It’s an alright place to stop off for a beer and hang out with some friends before or after a game but the food is not that great.  The portions are relatively small and overpriced.  The good thing they do have is $2 high-life’s every day, all the time.  I would much rather go to The Elysian if I had the choice between the two.

419 Occidental Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 623-4800

Final Grade: 2/5 Stars

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Tuesday, 30 March 2010Posted by Mike W.

Besides the eye-candy throughout the whole establishment,  the food is subpar and the drinks a bit overpriced.  With that said, the atmosphere and comfortability of the restaurant is great.  Ranging from having some drinks with some friends or going to watch a big sporting event on the lowering projector, it’s a great place to meet up.  If th-ey were willing to offer more of a happy hour with more food options and at a cheaper price, I’d be all for it.  They need to follow after the others in the area like a McCormicks and Shmicks or a Z-Tejas.

800 Bellevue Way NE
Bellevue, WA 98004

(425) 637-1177

Final Grade: 3.5 / 5 Stars

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Monday, 29 March 2010Posted by Mike W.

Awesome little diner-like atmosphere with very good service.  I have eaten here many of times before and it never seems to dissapoint.  Because the staff is so focused on serving their customers, you’ll generally walk in to find a clipboard with a pen on it.  You sign in and list how many are in your party and wait until your name is called.  Because the service is so fast and many of the people are regulars, space usually frees up pretty fast.  The portions are pretty good size for what you pay.  If it was a little cheaper, I would go more often.  Only hard thing is that it isnt very accommdating for parties bigger than 4.

2632 Bellevue Way NE
Bellevue, WA 98004

(425) 822-8830

Final Grade: 5 Stars

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Sunday, 28 March 2010Posted by Mike W.

Great restaurant with a spectacular view.  The view has to be one of the top 5 places to east in the Seattle area. (Space Needle, Canlis, Palisades, Ivars)  The food is like any upscale seafood place similar to that of an Ivars or Dukes.  Staff was nice and the interior of the restaurant is nice as well.  Good place to go on a date but isn’t very good for accomodating a big crowd and is definitely more of a formal restaurant.
1936 Harbor Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 937-1600
Final Grade: 4 Stars
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Saturday, 27 March 2010Posted by Mike W.

Cool shop with lots of open space.  Very cool if you’re able to get a seat by the window.  Fun to sit back and relax and people watch or do work, browse the web, listen to music, etc.  Pretty simply place but very laid back. The food here is very good and is made fresh. They have the typical coffee shop pastries that more unique then that of a Starbucks or Tully’s where it doesn’t have a very local or fresh taste to it. I recommend this as a great place to study solo, play cards with a friend, or chat over coffee with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.  It is different than your typical coffee shop that is quiet so if you’re trying to do work, be sure you bring headphones if you’re distracted easily.  The shop is dog friendly as well so in the summer, it’s a great place to get a drink to cool down.  I recommend this spot to anyone looking to sit and have a cup of joe while soaking in the view of water.

2738 Alki Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116

(206) 935-1352

Final Grade: 4 Stars

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Friday, 26 March 2010Posted by Mike W.

Food was amazingly fast, and the prices were good. For how hard it is to “mess” Pho up, the experiences are pretty similar.  The portions were good size and there was no wait.  The cleanliness is a little towards the bottom but the 3 minute wait makes up for it.  It is a great place to stop in at if you’re in the area and feel like Pho. This is a place that you get the true bang for buck.  You can also be in and out within 15 minutes if you need something quick. this is another restaurant that is frequently filled up with University of Washington students.  Overall, a great place with an authentic taste.

4207 University Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105              
(206) 633-1735

Final Grade: 5 Star

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Thursday, 25 March 2010Posted by Mike W.

Although this isnt much of a restaurant, it is a great place to go and have good conversation with a friend or on a date.  It’s quite a cozy place that usually consists of a mixed crowd.  Often on the weekends you’ll see University of Washington students studying and working on their laptops.  Awesome place to buy loose leaf tea, and a very knowledgable staff.  It is also a great substitute for a coffee shop that is well lit, relatively quiet, and usually can get a seat pretty easily with your own personal space. I highly recommend stopping by and grabbing a cup of tea instead of opting for the typical Starbucks.

2128 Queen Anne Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109

(206) 283-5931

Final Grade: 5 Stars

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Wednesday, 24 March 2010Posted by Mike W.

How can you go wrong with Azteca?, this particular is as good as any of them.  The food is good but as chain restaurants, it’s pricier then the one-off restaurants.  The service was fast and portions are good.  When the weather is nice, it  is definitely a great place to go suck down some margaritas on their outside deck and relax!
1823 Eastlake Ave E
Seattle, WA 98102

(206) 324-4941
Final Grade: 4/5 Stars
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Tuesday, 23 March 2010Posted by Mike W.

Great breakfast joint with great service and atmosphere.  The prices are a little on the high side for the portions but the food is delicious and they have a wide variety of options.  This place sort of reminds me of Brief Encounter in Bellevue.  It is a place where it seems a lot of locals come on a weekly basis for breakfast.  A very friendly staff and prompt service make this place a constant go-to joint.

2305 Eastlake Ave E
Seattle, WA 98102

(206) 324-1442

Final Grade: 5 Stars

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Monday, 22 March 2010Posted by Mike W.

I must say, Molly Moon’s Ice Cream is good and the whole operation is cool to see, but the SUPER long waits aren’t worth it in my opinion.  I didnt feel the ice cream was anything special.  The best part I thought was the waffle cone, which are made on the spot when you order, and served stilll warm (yummm).  Prices are good which make the place a little better but I have a hard time justifying waiting over 30 minutes (let alone an hour) for any Ice Cream. If you manage to catch this place at time that there isn’t a wait, I highly recommend the Scout mint. 

1622 1/2 N 45th St
Seattle, WA 98103

(206) 547-5105

Final Grade: 4/5 Stars

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