Skip Navigation

Dining out tips from seasoned parents

October 6, 2011

Last month we ran a contest in our fall edition of Bellevue Downtown magazine as well as on our Bellevue Local Table Facebook page asking you for your best family dining tips and the winning entries are finally in! Although all participants had great tips and tricks for keeping antsy kids occupied when out for dinner, Myriam P.’s pointers wowed us enough to win our grand prize of a $25 Tap House Grill gift card, a dozen Trophy Cupcakes for her and the kids, as well as a handful of coupons for the best restaurants downtown Bellevue has to offer. Congrats Myriam!

 I know all of you parents are eager to hear Myriam’s best tips for keeping squirmy kids at the table (and not under it!) so here they are!

 - Always keep a few pens and some paper on hand for drawing, writing and playing games.

- Make a “restaurant kit”. Fill a bag with stickers, Play-Doh, pads of paper and slate boards to keep kids busy while the adults finish their meal.

 - Request a “kid dessert”. Many restaurants will give $1 scoops of ice cream to kids upon request.

 - Do a little research and pick a kid friendly restaurant. Restaurants like Monsoon East have a condiment bar—great for picky eaters, while Din Tai Fung allows kids to watch the chefs make dumplings. Boom Noodle goes a step further by offering special bento boxes for kids complete with child-size chopsticks.

 - For young artists, Pogacha allows kids to draw right on the table and the menu is kid approved, says runner up Sharon L.

 - However kid-friendly a restaurant may be, points out fellow runner up Gus C., reinforcing proper restaurant behavior like quiet voices and no throwing food is paramount in having a successful dining out experience with the kids.

 Continue to follow the Bellevue Local Table blog, our Facebook page and Twitter page for upcoming promotions and contests like this one!

 Happy dining in downtown Bellevue! (with our without the kids)

Tap House Grill features the best in summer beer

June 11, 2011

The highly anticipated summer beers have arrived at Tap House Grill! Every summer Tap House features 10 to 12 refreshing local brews in addition to the 160 beers on tap from around the globe that are available year round―the largest selection in the Northwest!

This summer’s rotation includes 3 Skulls Blood Orange, Kona Wailua Wheat, Snoqualmie Summer Solstice, Pyramid Curveball, New Belgium Skinny Dip, Lost Coast Great White, Ninkasi Radiant and Elysian Avatar Jasmine IPA.

Owner Paul Reder explains “wheat beer is often a summer favorite because it goes great with spicy food like barbeque.” Tap House Grill’s menu features summer favorites that pair nicely with a pint of wheat such as BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Lamb Shanks with Spicy Guajillo BBQ Sauce and Tequila Chicken Salad. Enjoy these dishes and more on the patio for the perfect summer meal.

And the summer beer fun doesn’t stop there! Tap House Grill is a proud sponsor of several upcoming beer festivals:

June 17-19: Washington Brewers Festival at Saint Edward State Park
The biggest and one of the longest running events presented by the Washington Beer Commission. Features more than 60 breweries (50 from Washington State), 200 craft brews, live music, kids’ playground, rootbeer garden, festival food and more. Cost is $15 on Friday (21+) and $20 advance or $25 at the door on Saturday and Sunday (all ages). Visit washingtonbeer.com/wa-brewers-fest for details.

July 1-3: Seattle International Beer Fest at Seattle Center
This annual beer fest features “the ultimate world beer experience” with over 150 world-class beers from more than 15 countries. Cost is $20 advance or $25 at the door. Visit seattlebeerfest.com for details.

The Tap House Grill is open daily for lunch, dinner and late night dining. Happy hour is 3:30-6:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.-close Monday-Thursday, 11:00p.m.-close Friday and Saturday, and 3:30 p.m.-close on Sunday―food starts at just $2.95! For reservations call (425) 467-1730 or visit taphousegrill.com.

Bottoms up!

Downtown restaurants “go mad” for March Madness

March 7, 2011

March is a month for anyone to go mad for! Not only is spring just around the corner, but we also get to celebrate one of our country’s favorite sporting events – the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament. Downtown Bellevue has a wide variety of sports bars with plenty of good food and spirits to enjoy the games, and they’re ready to show you a good time throughout March Madness. Check out the restaurants below and make sure you’re keeping up with all the specials this month has to offer!

Boom Noodle
Boom Noodle has your March Madness celebrations covered offering $2.50 sake bombs throughout the Month of March.

McCormick & Schmick’s
During all tournament games McCormick’s & Schmick’s will offer specials on delicious bar food and drinks. $6.95 food specials include the Full Court Calamari, Chef Specialty Wings, Portobello Fries, Oysters on the Shell, Steamed Mussels, California 1/2 Roll and Popcorn Shrimp. Drinks specials include $3.50 Bug Light Pilsners and $4.00 Bud Light Pints, $5.95 Cinderella Story (Gin, lemon, simple syrup, champagne), $8.95 Full Court Press (Bourbon, soda, Sprite) and $6.95 Slam Dunk (Vodka, ruby red grapefruit juice, lemonade, cranberry juice).

Munchbar
Its “Munch Madness” every Tuesday from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Munchbar! Enjoy 38¢ PBR beers along with a mouth-watering food menu and live DJ. All tournament games will be shown on the multitude of HD TV’s throughout the restaurant.

Rock Bottom Brewery
Enjoy “Hoops & Hops” during March Madness at Rock Bottom! The brewery will be open for every NCAA tournament game and features 20 HD TV’s, a 120″ HD projector screen and a new video wall for your viewing pleasure. Rock Bottom will open at 9:00 a.m. for fans to catch the first round of games. On Thursday, March 17 head down for the College Hoops Kick-Off Party. From noon-3:00 p.m. radio personality ‘The Groz’ David Grosby will be broadcasting live on ESPN 710 radio. Happy hour is from 3:00-6:00 p.m. and green beer will be served all day long in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

Tap House Grill
View all of the NCAA tournament games at Tap House Grill throughout the entire month March. Lunch specials start at just $8.95 and happy hour begins at 3:30 p.m. daily.

The Spot off Main
Come on down to The Spot to watch the games and a chance to win an exciting giveaway! Fill out a March Madness bracket at The Spot anytime between Sunday, March 13 and Wednesday, March 16 for the chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas! Pick the the Final Four correctly and you’re the lucky winner! The Las Vegas package includes two-for-one airfare, a three night stay at the Flamingo or Riviera and $500 casino fare worth of food, drinks and casino chips. The Spot features 3 projection screens, 4 flat screens and plenty of seating. Enjoy $3 Bud Lights and $10 Bug Light pitchers during all March Madness games. Open at 11:00 a.m. on March 17 and 18.

Romance your Valentine in Downtown Bellevue

February 7, 2011

Are you tired of the same gift of chocolates and flowers every year? Valentine’s Day is an excuse to really show how much that special person in your life means to you, or to go out and celebrate singles-style with a group of friends at any of our local hotspots. Just like every other holiday, Downtown Bellevue has you covered this Valentine’s Day on all your romantic needs. So why not try out some of the special offerings at the restaurants listed below to mix it up and treat that sweetie of yours to something special!

520 Bar and Grill
This year at 520 Bar and Grill, the whole month of February will be designated romance month, with decorations and menu items to compliment this theme. Just like any other friendly neighborhood restaurant, 520 Bar and Grill is a place to relax and feel comfortable, not stuffy. Valentine’s Day should go hand in hand with this ideal and be fun rather than a holiday to dread. So bring your Valentine or be 520’s Valentine! For reservations call (425) 450-0520.

Barrio, LOT No. 3 and Purple Café and Wine Bar
Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with any one of Heavy Restaurant Group’s fabulous eateries. Barrio, LOT No. 3 and Purple Café and Wine Bar are suiting up to offer guests some great Valentine’s Day specials in addition to their regular menu. Each restaurant will feature a 3-course prix fixe menu for two, priced at $60 at Barrio and LOT No. 3 and $75 for Purple Café. Check out each restaurants menu:

Barrio Valentine’s Day Menu
LOT No. 3 Valentine’s Day Menu
Purple Café and Wine Bar Valentine’s Day Menu

The Valentine’s Day menus will consist of your choice of starter, entree and dessert to share. In addition, guests will have an optional $20 wine or cocktail pairing. For reservations at Barrio call (425) 502-5021. For reservations at LOT No. 3 call (425) 440-0025. For reservations at Purple call (425) 502-6292.

boom noodle
If you and your date are looking for a fun way to celebrate the love on Valentine’s Day, come to Boom Noodle! Between February 11–14, Boom Noodle is the place where you can EAT, DRINK, and BOOM! The “EAT” portion includes Vietnamese Caramelized Short Ribs and Honey Peanut Prawns, with sides of Miso broiled rice cakes, spicy green beans and Kim Chee; for the “DRINK”, you’ll receive a deliciously sweet White Peach Bellini; and “BOOM!”– You and your Valentine are set for a relaxed evening full of tasty Asian-inspired dishes and a funky, fun atmosphere! For more information, please visit their website or call (425) 453-6094.

Grand Cru Mixologie Lounge
Enjoy an early dinner or late night with choice of two dinner options of either $39.95 or $49.95 per person including a glass of Champagne or Wine, Single cheese platter, Arugula Salad or Caesar, an entree choice from our dinner menu, and a dessert consisting of Chocolate Molten Cake, Lemon Tart or Cheesecake. For reservations call (425) 455-4278.

John Howie Steak
John Howie Steak is offering a sweetheart of a Valentine’s Day dinner on Monday, February 14.  The dinner is comprised of a 3-course meal served in the intimate Piano Lounge, where live music will be played for guests to enjoy throughout the evening. The menu includes a choice of soup or salad, five delicious entrees, and three decadent deserts, all for $55 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Make your reservations today by calling (425) 440-0880.

McCormick and Schmick’s
At McCormick and Schmick’s they’re pulling out all the stops to make this a Valentine’s Day to remember! Guests who make a reservation between February 11 – 14, will have the opportunity to also request roses to be set at the table upon arrival for a $10 charge. In addition, you also have the option of personalizing a card to be set at the table prior to arrival, free of charge. Diners on February 14 will have a champagne or sparkling cider toast included in their meal as well. For reservations call (425) 454-2606.

The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is the place to be this holiday of love, whether you’re looking for someplace to enjoy with that special someone or you’re looking for the perfect singles hangout spot. In addition to the regular menu, check out their fabulous Valentine’s Day Celebration Menu. By ordering from this Valentine’s Day menu, guests will receive a complimentary champagne toast, chocolates and flowers. The cost for this four-course love extravaganza is $75 per person. For reservations call (425) 646-2744.

That’s not all! To liven up their extensive list of creative drinks, the Melting Pot is adding a few delicious “love potions” to sip on, including a Love Martini (Malibu Rum, Peach Schnapps, Cranberry juice and fresh strawberries), Passionate Kiss (SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit vodka, orange, lemon, basil and Cantine Maschio Prosecco Brut) and French Kiss Martini (Grey Goose vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice, and a float of Prosecco).

The Melting Pot is also showing the love by offering guests the chance to win “A Valentine Love Triangle” for Saturday, February 12. The package includes a romantic dinner for two at the Melting Pot, two tickets to the 5th Avenue Theatre show “My Funny Valentine” and a “Lover’s Overnight Stay” in a townhouse city side room at the Inn at the Market in Downtown Seattle. For your chance to win this incredible evening for two, fill out a Club Fondue form at any Melting Pot location before Monday, February 7, when the Grand Prize winner will be drawn.

Monsoon East
Monsoon East is a fantastic location right in the heart of old Bellevue for you and your sweetie to share a memorable evening together. This February 14, they will be offering an incredible Valentine’s Day tasting menu for couples to enjoy, in addition to their regular menu. The tasting menu will include 6 courses made up of a variety of Monsoon specialties, such as kusshi oysters, Butternut squash soup and Dungeness crab cake with asian pear slaw. The cost is $95 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. Please call (425) 365-1112 for reservations. For a closer look at their menu, visit monsoonrestaurants.com/east.

Pearl Bar & Dining
Bradley and Mikel’s Pearl Bar & Dining is known to some as “the sexiest spot on the Eastside”—and for good reason! Whether the night calls for dinner, drinks, late night dining or a decadent dessert, Pearl has romantic tables in the dining room and a sexy bar scene to complete any Valentine’s date. This February 14, try the steak, lobster and chocolate terrine special—perfect for enjoying with your sweetheart! For reservations call (425) 455-0181.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
For a limited time only Ruth’s Chris will be offering a succulent Filet and Lobster dinner including a 6 oz. Filet Mignon paired with a Caribbean Lobster tail. This delicious meal is priced at only $44.95 and is perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner or your next night out! . For reservations call (425) 451-1550.

Tap House Grill
Spend Valentine’s Day at the Tap House Grill featuring  The Velvet Rouge cocktail – a beautiful combination of champagne, Framboise and Raspberry Liqueur, served with a chilled Grand Marnier soaked raspberry. For reservations call (425) 467-1730.

The Parlor Collection
For the singles crowd, its a big night at Parlor on Thursday, February 10 in celebration of Valentine’s Day! Come by between 7 p.m.  - 10 p.m. for the Valentine’s Singles Mingle, the ultimate singles party. The night will include an exciting game of speed dating, mingling and meeting new people, the chance to win great prizes and much more to look forward to! For more information on the Valentine’s Single Mingle or to request a spot on the VIP list, visit parlorlive.com.

Twisted Cork
Twisted Cork, located inside the Bellevue Hyatt Regency, is known for their distinct classic dishes and cocktails with a twist. This Valentine’s Day, they’re offering some tasty new drinks to try and a menu of delicious plates that you and your loved one won’t want to miss. The “Twisted Love” cocktail is a perfect end to your day—or beginning to your night—for you and your sweetheart. The cocktail includes Vanilla Vodka, Chambord, Cranberry juice and is topped off with Sparkling White Wine, for only $5. Twisted Cork will offer the specialty cocktail along with its Valentine’s Day menu February 11–14.  For reservations call (425) 462-1234.

Z’Tejas
Come to Z’Tejas this Valentine’s Day Weekend to spice things up Southwestern-style! From February 11 – 14,
Z’Tejas is offering a Sweetheart Dinner menu for you and your Valentine to savor. Its starts with Tempura-battered Avacado with Lobster Melange for an appetizer, then progresses to four entree options straight from the grill that are equally mouth-watering. For dessert, you’ll finish off with Mission Fig Beignets served with warm raspberry sauce, cinnamon ice cream and fresh berries. Don’t forget to order some special Valentine’s cocktails either! The “PAMA ‘Rita” is a tasteful mix of PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur floated in their award-winning 6th St. Margarita, topped with some fun Valentine’s candy. Or try their “Love on the Rocks” with Prairie Organic Vodka, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, cranberry juice, agave nectar, fresh lime juice and club soda– served on the rocks, of course.

Downtown Bellevue: Your Super Bowl headquarters

February 4, 2011

McCormick & Schmick’s
Come on down to McCormick & Schmick’s to watch Super Bowl XLV on a 150-inch HD TV in their Cypress room. The game will also be shown on 4 other HD TVs in the lounge area. Guests can look forward to a half-price gameday bar menu as well as $5 well drinks, draft beers and Opera Prima Wines, and $3 Coors Light Pilsners. Throughout the day they will have tons of great giveaways and fun games! Reservations are preferred. Please call (425) 454-2606, or visit mccormickandschmicks.com.

Munchbar
Downtown Bellevue’s newest hotspot is hosting their own Super Bowl party! Relax in Munchbar’s ultra-modern lounge where you can watch the game projected onto large glass screens. To munch on, we recommend their tasty sliders and sweet potato fries. For more information, visit Munchbar’s facebook page: facebook.com/munchbellevue.

Paddy Coyne’s Irish Pub
Paddy Coyne’s is the best place in the neighborhood for classic Irish pub fare and a wealth of beer on tap to enjoy while watching your favorite sports game—be it soccer, rugby or football. This Sunday Paddy Coyne’s will feature drink specials and menu items to satisfy the biggest of football fans. Amd to liven up the crowd the Bacardi Girls will be making an appearance during halftime. Visit paddycoynes.com

Rock Bottom Brewery
This Super Bowl Sunday, Rock Bottom will be open at their regular time of 11 a.m., with upstairs seating opening at 1 p.m. Happy hour drink specials will last all day, then $2 drinks after the game to finish off the celebration! To feed that appetite, an all-you-can-eat buffet will be available for guests the entire day at the price of $12.95 per person. The buffet will feature Rock Bottom favorites like buffalo wings and pulled pork sliders. In order to provide you with the best viewing experience possible, Rock Bottom now has a new giant video wall in the downstairs bar that can either show four games at once or turn into a giant 100-inch screen. Guests  upstairs can watch the game on a 120-inch TV screen as well as 15 additioanl 40 to 50-inch plasma TVs. Rock Bottom has also added TVs in the dining room for all ages of the family to enjoy. Visit rockbottom.com/bellevue.

Tap House Grill
The party starts early at Tap House Grill! Come by for great food, an extensive list of drink options and a prime setting for watching Super Bowl XLV with all your friends. The happy hour menu kicks off at 3:30 p.m. and lasts until close. Visit taphousegrill.com

The Spot off Main
On Sunday The Spot off Main opens at 2 p.m. in preparation for Super Bowl XLV. While viewing the game, guests can enjoy $8 Budweiser pitchers, $3 glasses of Mack & Jack’s and $12 Mack & Jack’s pitchers. As an added bonus, the first 100 people to show up will be entered to win a wide range of fun prizes, with the grand prize being a trip to Las Vegas! Even if your favorite team doesn’t win, come on down to The Spot off Main for your own chance to score! Visit thespotoffmain.com.