Seattle Press on Line - Fremont Restaurant Guide

Fremont Restaurant Guide

Jun 13, 2001 -- ASIAN WOK AND GRILL
3601 Fremont Ave N #314, 675-8508
Open M-Th 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-10pm

Sweet and tender Chicken Teriyaki, crisp tasty vegetables and savory, warming miso soup are only a few choices from a generous menu including Pot Stickers, Vegetarian Tempura and Singapore Noodles with Curry. Kick back in this no-rush atmosphere for a relaxing dinner. Cocktails. Free local delivery.

BAGEL OASIS
462 N 36th St., 633-2676
Open M-F 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7am-4pm

An informal breakfast-and-lunch bagel joint. You'll find six omelets on the breakfast menu, each served with a buttered bagel--try the Farmer's Market: green peppers, potatoes, onions and cheddar cheese. While you're there, grab a dozen fresh bagels and a tub of scallion cream cheese. Free parking!

BALLARD GRILL and ALE HOUSE
4300 Leary Way NW, 782-9024
Open xx Happy Hour M-F 4-6pm

Unpretentious beer 'n' burgers sports bar. Lunch and dinner consists of 21 kinds of burgers, 12 chicken sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and pizza, pizza, pizza. Two giant-screen TVs, video and pinball games, darts, and pool. With a full bar and 30 beers on tap, this is a place to kick back. Cocktails. Over 21 only.

BARLEE'S CAFE
3410 Fremont Ave. N, 633-4545
Open M-F 11am-10:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-10:30pm

Breakfast, lunch and dinner--casual West Coast fare. For breakfast try Fremont's Favorite Crepe, with sour cream, topped with orange liqueur, suzette and fresh strawberries. For lunch, sink your teeth into the Gyro combo, California chicken burger or Hummus Pita Combo. Dinner includes pizza, burgers, entrees, with veggie choices. Beer/wine.

BITTERS CO.
513 N 36th St., 632-0886
www.bittersco.com
Open Th-Sat until 10 pm, Fri until 12 mid, Sun 12 noon-5 pm.

An "eclectic general store" with a rustic, breezy wine bar. A short menu includes "Small plates" like Ecuadorian Toast (toasted garlic bread with guacamole) and "Daily plates" like Antipasto and the Mediterranean Sandwich. In addition to wine, port, beer, coffee and tea are available. Live acoustic folk/world music Friday nights. Beer/wine.

BRIGHT STREET GRILL
4332 Leary Way NW, 706-1443
Open M-Th 11 am-10 pm, Fri 11 am- 12 mid, Sat 12 noon-12 mid, Sun 12 noon-10 pm. Happy Hour 3-6 pm, 7 days a week.

Is the Bright Street Grill "Seattle's Best Kept Secret"? Cheerful yet elegant, featuring white tablecloths and fresh flowers, wooden African masks on the walls, with attractively landscaped open-air seating. Sophisticated menu offering grilled fresh seafood and steaks, pasta and creative American cuisine--like Pecan Chicken, encrusted with Georgia pecans and topped with a rich portabella mushroom sauce. "Grandma Alice's" Gumbo is another favorite. Happy Hour features "giant" drinks and appetizers. Cocktails. Outdoor seating.

BUCKAROO TAVERN
4201 Fremont Ave. N, 634-3161
11 a.m. - 2 a.m. 7 days.

Come up the hill to this neighborhood bar for basic but decent bar grub--burgers, sandwiches and salads served with chips. The decor consists of well-carved wooden tables and booths, along with a pair of pool tables. Cocktails. Over 21 only.

CAFFE LADRO
452 N 36th St., 675-0854
Open 5:30am-11pm, 7 days a week.

The West-Seattle-based Caffe Ladro has expanded to five stores. They do a brisk business at breakfast, with fresh-made scones, cinnamon rolls, and breakfast breads, plus coffee drinks. Lunch always offers a vegetarian soup of the day, along with panini sandwich and quiche. No alcohol. Outdoor seating.

CITY CAFE and ESPRESSO
4459 Fremont Ave. N, 633-2139
Open M-F 6:30am-5pm, Sat 8am-5pm

This espresso bar is a neighborhood favorite for breakfast and lunch. Homemade Breakfast Biscuits come with an assortment of fillings: egg, potato, veggie sausage, pepper jack or Swiss cheese and bacon. One of these is just right with your morning cup; two make a hearty breakfast. Muffins, cookies and coffee cakes are also available. For lunch, try their made-to-order sandwiches, hot or cold.

DAD WATSON'S
3601 Fremont Ave N, 632-6505
www.mcmenamins.com
Open M-Th 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 12 noon-12 mid

Part of the Oregon-based McMenamin's chain, featuring upscale tavern food: lusty sandwiches, salads and burgers (veggie included). Dad's brews their own ales (15 beers on tap) and has a brewery on site. Outdoor seating. Over 21 after 10 p.m.

The Dish Cafe, almost in Ballard.

THE DISH
4358 Leary Way, 782-9985
Open Tu-Sat 7am-2pm, Sun 8am-2pm. Closed Mon.

Every weekend, rain or shine, a disorganized line of freshly scrubbed, casually dressed 20- to 30-year-olds waits to get in The Dish. Hearty classic breakfasts include homemade Biscuits and Gravy, great pancakes, Tofu Delight, French Toast and omelets. Everybody seems to be having a good time, including the cooks and wait staff. Free Tootsie Pops.

THE DUBLINER
3517 Fremont Ave N
Under construction in their new location!

EL CAMINO
607 N 35th St, 632-7303
Sun-Th 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm. Late-night menu till 12mid; bar open till 2am.

This sophisticated little joint was rated "Best Mexican Restaurant in Seattle 2000" by Citysearch, and features traditional and contemporary Mexican. Entradas include Salmon con Tamarind with mashed sweet potatoes, and Bistec Estilo Capitalino, thinly sliced marinated steak with chili-cheese enchilada. The Ceviche appetizer features fresh salmon, scallops and shrimp. Cocktails.

ESSENTIAL BAKING CAFE
604 N 34th St, 545-3804
Open M-F 6am-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-3pm

Watch the bakers work at the big hand-built oven while munching on one of the best bran muffins in town. Fresh-made Danish, scones and croissants sit alongside stacks of beautiful handmade loaves. Granola is also available, along with well-made espresso drinks and French-press decaf. Lunchtime brings pizza, soup, salads and sandwiches (some grilled). It's a quiet, cheerful, comfortable place--and boy, do these people know how to bake!

FREMONT CLASSIC PIZZERIA and TRATTORIA
4307 Fremont Ave N, 548-9411
Open Sun-Th 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm

Traditional pastas and great hand-crafted pizzas at a reasonably priced, family-friendly Italian restaurant. The antipastos are as big as a meal. The atmosphere is country Italian, with a little opera on the sound system. Paul and Erin Kohlenberg own the place: he runs the kitchen with imagination and attention to detail, while she greets and seats. For last-minute dinner plans, or out-of-town guests you want to impress, you can't go wrong at this cheerful neighborhood trattoria. Beer/wine. Take-out available.

THE FREMONT DOCK
1102 N 34th St, 633-4300
Open daily 7 am-2am, Happy Hour 4-6:30 pm

Advertising "the Best Breakfast in Seattle," the Dock is also open for lunch and dinner. They offer 16 microbrews, and entertainment along the lines of pool, darts, and a big-screen TV. Cocktails. Over 21 only after 8 p.m.

FREMONT FRESH MARKET
3601 Fremont Ave N, 633-3663
Open 7am-12mid 7 days a week.

Grocery deli and espresso, with plenty of gourmet treats. Take-out only. Beer/wine.

George and Dragon owners John Ravenhill (left) and John Bayliss are mad about football.

GEORGE and DRAGON PUB
206 N 36th St, 545-6864
www.georgeanddragonpub.com
Kitchen open 11:30am-10pm, bar open till 2am

Blame it on the World Cup. At 2 p.m. on a Wednesday, with England playing Greece, the pub was jammed with avid fans, eyes glued to the TV. Owners John Bayliss and John Ravenhill aren't playing around--this is a genuine British pub, from the Fish & Chips to the Bangers & Mash, with entrees, sandwiches and the heavy-duty "All-Day British Breakfast." Have a pint & pitcher of one of 18 draught ales and ciders. Cocktails. Over 21 only.

HALE'S ALES BREWERY and PUB
4301 Leary Way NW, 782-0737
Open Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12mid. Sunday brunch 10am-1pm.

All ages can enjoy hearty burgers and brats, pizzas and veggie delights while watching brewers work amid gigantic gleaming vats. Upscale yet comfy, with cushy booths and sofas. The pizza crust is made from "spent grain," a by-product of the brewing process, and Hale's gets creative with the toppings. Other notable delectables include the Salmon Burger and veggie Portabello Burger, and for dessert the Stout Float--that's vanilla ice cream in your "rich & creamy" beer! Beer/wine. Smoke-free, all ages.

HARVEY'S TAVERN and PIZZA KITCHEN
4356 Leary Way NW, 782-9799
Open 11am-11pm-ish.

Harvey's has been a Ballard/Fremont standby for 27 years, and owner Audrey Grant tells of customers traveling from east of the mountains just to get a taste of her pizza. The loyal following is due to her tasty sauce "made from scratch" and special house cheese blend. Harvey's is a classic, no-nonsense beer and pizza house, with rustic picnic tables and a bar. Beer/wine. Take-out available. Over 21 only.

HOKI'S TERIYAKI HUT
3624 Leary Way NW, 634-1128
Open M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 11am-8pm. Closed Sundays.

Even if Loco Moco means nothing to you, you'll find something to like at this little taste of Hawai'i in Fremont. Daily specials include Kalua Pig and Lau Lau. Order the Bento to try Teriyaki Beef, Ginger Chicken, Mahi Mahi, Furikake Rice and Kim Chee--but if you're not used to Kim Chee (Korean pickled cabbage), better ask for "little bit Kim Chee" with your Bento.

Jai Thai in downtown Fremont.

JAI THAI
3423 Fremont Ave N, 632-7060
Open for lunch M-F 11am-3pm, for dinner Mon-Thu 3-9:30pm, Fri 3-10:30pm, Sat 12noon-10:30pm, Sun 12noon-9:30pm.

This neat little space in downtown Fremont offers an "exotic Southern Thai style" menu. Go beyond the usual Phud Thai and Thai Iced Tea--try Southern Thai specialties like Keo Yum, with grated coconut, lime leaf, lemon grass, green beans, bean sprouts and grapefruit over rice, with sweet palm sauce and Chaplu leaf. Beer/wine.

KOSTAS OPA
3400 Fremont Ave N, 633-4141
Open Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

See review this issue. Cocktails.

KWANJAI THAI CUISINE
469 N 36th St, 632-3656
Open M-Th 11am-9:30pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 12noon-10pm, Sun 12noon-9:30pm.

Kwanjai celebrates their second anniversary on June 14! This happy, homespun spot comes with a tempting menu reflecting the passion and dedication of owner Kwanjai Elder. Kwanjai brought recipes from her native Thailand, and her instinct to develop different and interesting sauces, all made with fresh ingredients, has paid off with a loyal following. Kwanjai is opening a second restaurant in July--New Noodle. Look for it at 119 N 36th St. Beer/wine. Some outdoor seating.

LONGSHOREMAN'S DAUGHTER
3508 Fremont Place N, 633-5169
Open 7:30am-4pm, 7 days a week.

Though shaken by the recent building facade collapse, this downtown Fremont stalwart is still serving, though dinner is off the menu. Breakfast favorites include pancakes and Texas Eggs (2 poached plus black beans and cornbread/tortillas), while the lunch menu offers comforting, creative fare like homemade Macaroni & Cheese and the Sweet Potato Sandwich (with smoked mozzarella, artichoke hearts and basil oil). Cocktails.

M and S GROCERY DELI
418 N 36th St, 547-2843

This Mom & Pop grocery has hidden delights for the budget luncher. The Steak sub, $4.99 with chips and a cookie, was very good. The homemade soup and half sandwich ($3.75) was great too ... but the French Dip for $3.95 finally got me hooked. M & S has espresso drinks, over 36 bottled microbrews and a nice dinner wine selection. Take-out only. Beer/wine.

MAD PIZZA FREMONT
3601 Fremont Ave N, 632-5453
Open 11am-10pm 7 days a week

Fremont's home-grown pizza joint. Munch locally. Eat in, take-out, delivery.

MARKETIME FOODS DELI
4416 Fremont Ave N, 632-8958
Open 6am-11pm 7 days a week.

Well-stocked grocery and deli, lots of homemade treats. You're sure to find your picnic here. Take out only. Beer/wine.

PACIFIC INN PUB
3501 Stone Way N, 547-2967
Open 12noon-2am, 7 days a week.

The unassuming exterior hides a cozy neighborhood bar, complete with pool table, wooden booths and local microbrews on tap. But bring customers come back to this joint for the friendly atmosphere and great pub grub. The menu is short, but everything is delicious. The delectable Fish 'n' Chips, fine Caesar Salad and wonderfully spicy Lemon Pepper Chicken Sandwich make this little watering hole a great lunchtime destination. They've added a deck, and a parking lot Parade party is planned for Sat June 16, 11 a.m. Cocktails. Outdoor seating. Over 21 only.

PASEO CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT
4225 Fremont Ave N, 545-7440
Open Tu-Sat 11:30am-9pm, Sun 12noon-9pm. Closed Monday.

This little Cuban pork palace puts together the finest sandwich this side of the Ship Canal--mayonnaise, cilantro, lettuce and a juicy, fat piece of grilled pork on a baguette. Order rice and beans on the side--Paseo beans are the palate-perfect side dish; fragrant and mild, they don't compete with your pork-eating pleasure. Paseo also cooks chicken, fish, prawns and scallops. beer? cocktails?

PATILLO'S NY BISTRO at Wit's End Bookstore
770 N. 34th St., 548-9433
Open 10am-9pm DAYSXX

A wonderful little sandwich and espresso cafe across from the Adobe two-steps-above-excellent sandwich of smoked turkey, Vermont cheddar and red onion came with a tasty salad and a free can of soda for $6.25. Try their pizza-like items made with Indian flatbread (naan), homemade tomato sauce and whole-milk mozzarella. Soups, pastries and "noshes" complete the menu.

PCC NATURAL MARKET DELI
716 N 34th St, 632-6811
HOURS

Natural foods grocery and deli, with prepackaged veg/non-veg entrees, juice bar, fresh hot soups and rice, great wheat-free brownies. Beer/wine.

PONTI SEAFOOD GRILL
3014 3rd Ave N, 284-3000
Lunch M-F 11:30am-2:30pm, bar menu 2:30-5pm. Dinner Sun-Thu 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm. Sun brunch 10am-2:30pm.

Fancy-schmancy seafood joint (with valet parking!) on the canal, just across the Fremont Bridge. In 1997, Zagat's rated Ponti "Seattle's Best Seafood"... intrigued? Cocktails.

SEATTLE CATCH SEAFOOD BISTRO
460 N 36th St, 632-6110
Lunch M-F 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner M-Th 5:30-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm, Sun 5:30-10.

An arty little bistro serving grilled fresh fish and pastas like Smoked Salmon Ravioli and Linguini Seafood Fra Diavolo, plus risotto, salads and a vegetarian soup of the day. Portobello mushrooms make the Seattle Catch a perfect place for fish aficionados to break bread with vegans. Cocktails.

SERGIO'S MEXICAN CUISINE
703 N 34th St, 632-6685
M-Th 11am-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12mid.

The Troll Salad was irresistible: a crispy homemade flour tortilla filled with chicken, topped with lettuce, Monterey jack cheese, sour cream, guacamole, olives and tomatoes, and served with fresh fruit. The Fremont Burrito special also sounded great, as did the chimichangas--and watch tortillas being made as you enjoy the appetizers. The Pollo Al Carbon is a boneless breast of chicken marinated with fresh herbs, charbroiled and finished with a creamy chipotle sauce. Cocktails.

STARBUCKS
3415 Fremont Ave N, 633-3706
Open M-F 5:30am-9pm, Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 6:30am-9pm

Starbucks has the rare distinction of being the only international chain eatery with an outlet in Fremont. There's no Subway, no McD's, BK, KFC, DQ, IHOP, not even an Ivar's ... so how did Starbucks get in?

STILL LIFE COFFEEHOUSE
709 N 35th St, 547-9850
M-Th 7:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 7:30am-11pm, Sun 7:30am-10pm

A Fremont essential, favored for perfect coffee, fresh-baked pastries, creative soups and hand-built sandwiches. The big sunny room is bustling at lunch; at other times it's a great place to sip and dream. Beer/wine. Outdoor seating.

STONE WAY CAFE
3620 Stone Way N, 547-9958
M-F 6am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm

The best home fries in Seattle are here--little red new potatoes, glistening, fresh and hot. Our favorite Stone Way breakfast is eggs over easy with home fries, bacon or sausage, and a biscuit--a homemade, two-inch-high fluffy number. Our second favorite breakfast is a short stack, sausage and eggs over easy. The place is crowded in the mornings and usually filled with roofers (it's next door to Stoneway Roofing Supply), electricians, carpenters and plumbers fortifying themselves for a good day's work.

SUNNY TERIYAKI
4401 Fremont Ave N, 632-3258

A great teriyaki joint up the hill from "downtown," with delicious food made fresh, good variety and very fast service. It's popular at lunch with Fremont regulars; dine in the bright, clean (yes, sunny) restaurant or take food to go. Kung Pao Chicken and Miso Soup are among their specialties.

SWINGSIDE CAFE
4212 Fremont Ave N, 633-4057
Tu-Sat 5:30-10pm, closed Sun-Mon. Reservations recommended for parties of 6 or more.

Italian food that will make you sit up and beg for more! Chef Brad Inserra is a man worthy of the title, lovingly serving up a well-chosen menu of rich, perfectly seasoned dishes, every one of which will soon become your favorite. The restaurant has a small patio, complete with fountain, in back for sunny-day basking. The atmosphere is one of cozy relaxation, perfect for savoring your meal.

TACO DEL MAR
3526 Fremont Place N, 545-8001
Mon-Th 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 11am-11pm.

Mexican. Casual. Fast. Decent food at decent prices. Try the signature fish burrito, and see why this is rapidly turning into a major fast-food chain.

TOUCHSTONE BAKERY
501-A N 36th St, 547-2000
Open 6 days 7:30am-6pm. Closed Wed.

A great, quick stop for breakfast. At the walk-up window you can choose from an array of breakfast pastries (some wheat-free)--like the Breakfast Savory, a whole-wheat pie stuffed with onions and mushrooms, plus coffee, tea, juice and espresso. Breads have no refined sugar; pick up your daily loaf while you're here. And--bravo!--Touchstone is collectively run. Take-out only.

TRIANGLE LOUNGE
3507 Fremont Place N, 632-0880
Open M-F 3pm-2am (kitchen opens 5pm), Sat-Sun 11:30am-2am (kitchen opens 11:30am).

The Triangle is open weekends for lunch and dinner; the menu is not your average bar food: goat cheese salad, shrimp potstickers and roasted garlic are on the starter menu, and main dishes of baked half jerk chicken, spinach lasagna and char-broiled steak sandwich sound impressive. But you can still get "Classic Tavern" style pizza, with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers and mozzarella cheese.

TROLLEYMAN PUB AT THE REDHOOK BREWERY
3400 Phinney Ave N, 548-8000
Open M-Tu 3-11pm, W-Th 11am-11pm, F-Sat 11am-12mid, Sun 12noon-9pm. Bar open till 2am. Happy Hour 3-6pm.

The Trolleyman features 7 varieties of fabulous Redhook product on tap, including "near nirvana" cask-conditioned ales. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are also available. Noshes include a soup of the day, the hefty veggie Fremont Burrito, and the meaty Ploughman's Platter--bread, cheese, salami, smoked salmon and more. Live music Thurs-Sat. Beer/wine.

VARSITY INN
1801 N 34th St., 547-2161

The Varsity Inn serves up breakfast in a casual American style: omelettes, pancakes, eggs, waffles. The lunch menu includes hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, salads and soups.

YAK'S DELI #1
3424 Fremont Ave. N, 632-0560
Open Mon-Sat 10:30am-9:15pm.

High-volume but still yummy teriyaki restaurant in the heart of Fremont. Arrive early or late during lunch to avoid the rush. Other popular offerings include sushi, yakisoba, veggie or meat stir-fry and noodles.

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