Restaurant Reviews

3 Squares

If your route to work parallels the ship canal, take the high road and stop in for breakfast at Irwin's Bakery and Espresso, 2123 N 40th St. Irwin's boasts a range of baked-right-there goodies, and our favorite is indisputably the apple foldover. The pastry is what we would make if we could make pastry--flaky, buttery, fresh and sweet. And the baristas know how to make an espresso drink, a rare skill in this city where the ubiquitious coffee bar has dropped the bar low.

Lunch in Ballard

The easiest way to get to Mike's Chili Parlor at 1447 Ballard Way is to take the Ballard ramp coming northbound off the Ballard Bridge. It's a block south of Leary, right behind Doc Freemans, on the north side of the ship canal.

Mike's has the best chili in Seattle. Make no mistake: this is Detroit chili, not that bland good-for-you-stuff that masquerades as chili in the Emerald City. Mike's chili has meat in it. Big chunks of ground beef and lots of tomato and cumin--the stuff that makes chili great. At your option, chopped onions, grated cheese and jalapenos can be added for food group balancing. Pool, pull-tabs and a few video games provide the entertainment. But most people come in pairs or small groups to grab a beer and chat the ups and downs of their day with their buddies. If you are looking for a friendly neighborhood bar with great chili, Mike's is the place.

Dinner in Greenwood

La Piazza at 6722 Greenwood Ave. N is a comfortable neighborhood dinner spot with a charming Greek/Italian personality. The 12-year-old kid who cleans our office loves the pizza and announced plans to have his birthday party there. The menu has a wide range of pasta dishes, plus Greek specialties, including classic Greek salads and gyros. The pizza has a thin crust, is very cheesy, with a lively tomato sauce. The dining room is spacious, the service is top notch, and the reasonable prices are even more reasonable if you bring a Seattle Press coupon along.

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