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What is the best restaurant in West Seattle?

Started 2 years ago by Tacomachine
Latest reply from Marie

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Tacomachine
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I'd love to get everyone's opinion on what's the best restaurant in West Seattle. Price not being a consideration, only food, atmosphere and service. Thanks!

Posted 2 years ago #
dhg
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Top of my list is Spring Hill. Best Thai in town is Buddha Ruksa. Rustica has a very nice Italian menu. Jacks is OK, Cactus is OK w/ a killer view and nice staff. Otherwise, I'm off to Burien: Tin Room, Baffi

Posted 2 years ago #
datamuse
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I'm going to have to try Spring Hill at some point.

My personal favorite is Ephesus, though it helps if you love garlic (I do).

Buddha Ruksa doesn't do it spicy enough for me.

Posted 2 years ago #
Que
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Our family has lots of favorites depending on what we want to eat.... top of the list is...

- Elliott Bay BrewPub (super family friendly, and very yummy beer and food) We are also big fans of

-Mashiko's who are undergoing an exciting change to only sustainably fished sushi, a unique choice amongst sushi places.

-Circa is fabulous too, I have never had anything I didn't love there.

Posted 2 years ago #
EmmyJane
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I think the best restaurant in West Seattle is La Rustica.

But the ones that I frequent the most are Elliot Bay and Matador (num num num!) They both consistently have good food (and they're within walking distance.)

Posted 2 years ago #
JenV
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Jak's.

Posted 2 years ago #
wilson
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I agree with dhg, La Rustica is very good, but my fave is Bistro Baffi (wish they were still on Alki) I need to try Spring Hill, I always forget about it...blah look to the bldg...all I see is the fish place w/ a few signs in their window :)

Posted 2 years ago #
bunnypug
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I love these threads!

Thanks for the heads up on Baffi and the Tin Room, I will check them out.

I think my overall WS fave is probably Buddha Ruksa. Also like Spring Hill and have been falling more deeply in love with Elliott Bay Brewpub.

So slight varriation on the post, Since we have a lot of the same restaurants on the list, what is everyone's favorite dish at their favorite spot?

For me its Ahi Tacos @ Elliott Bay Brewpub
Crispy garlic prawns @ Buddha Ruksa
and Prawns & grits @ Spring Hill.

Posted 2 years ago #
datamuse
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At Ephesus it's the ezme appetizer. Good enough to eat with a spoon! (Not that I've ever done that...nossir...)

At Jak's I usually go for filet mignon. Last time husband and I were there I had a wine called Sinner's Punch, it was delicious.

Posted 2 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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The skewers at Jaks and I truly like everything at la rustica!

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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Ezme at Epheus... it just doesn't get better than that.

Posted 2 years ago #
RubyRed1
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Rustica and Jak's

Posted 2 years ago #
Bru Klyn
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Yum Jaks'!!!Buddha Ruksa rules...Eats for brunch and the reubens!!!!

Posted 2 years ago #
rockhills
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Jak's and Maharaja

Posted 2 years ago #
c@lbob
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My vote is for Fresh Bistro in the Mural building on 42nd, across from Jefferson Square. I haven't gotten all the way through the menu, yet, but some of my favorites follow.

For dinner: the fennel crusted halibut and the pan roasted pork were memorable meals. We always get the sweet potato crab cakes for an appetizer.

For brunch: the Hawaiian sweet bread French toast with linguisa was yummy, also the frittata with sage sausage.

From the bar: try an Aviation gin martini!

Fresh Bistro is run by the folks from Herban Feast, the catering outfit that used to be on Califonia near Admiral.

http://www.herbanfeast.com/freshbistro/menus.html

Posted 2 years ago #
Kimberley
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I have a soft spot for Kokoras Greek Grill.

Posted 2 years ago #
Sue
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Another vote for Fresh Bistro - I am eating there way more than my wallet would like, but my tummy always thanks me. :)

Posted 2 years ago #
Cali101
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La Rustica is our favorite place to take out of town guests; great atmosphere and always yummy. LOVE lee's asian, crispy peppered tofu! Spring Hill is exquisite. I love west seattle restaurants. Oh, and husky deli has good sandwiches and yummy soup!

Posted 2 years ago #
rico
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Unfortunately I am posting this after the news that it just closed, but Phonecia is a huge step above most of the restaurants in West Seattle, though I have not tried the newer high quality places like Spring Hill and Fresh Bistro.

To those who put Elliot Bay Brewery on the list, were you joking? This is the worst place I have ever been. I have given it the old three try theory and each time it was worse than the one before. The last time they served my buddy and I an oyster appetizer that arrived with a very pungent clear odor of bad oysters. We both bravely tried one and stopped quickly, and each of us ended up puking later that night. We were sitting in a very visible spot, the wait staff and manager both clearly noticed we barely touched the oysters and had no interest in finding out why because they knew why, the smell was wafting all around them. Brutal meal. Yes I know I am supposed to have spoken to management prior to posting this, but the fact they clearly did not care causes me to not feel inclined to speak with them.

Posted 2 years ago #
Sue
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Rico, if the meal was that bad, why didn't you say something to them rather than expect them to see that you didn't eat it and ask you about it?

Posted 2 years ago #
rico
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I did not say anything because they had the gall to actually serve a clearly bad bowl of oysters that made people sick, overcooked burgers are one thing, bad oysters ridiculous and harmful. Any restaurant willing to do this, when it is obvious to the manager (and the kitchen of course) what it is they brought out from the kitchen, does not deserve my efforts at solving their problems. I am a fan of just not coming back, just my style. However, either I have high standards or others have real low standards because the place keeps pretty busy anyways, just not getting my business back ever.

And I will restate the fact that this was my third time there, earlier meals did not make me sick, but massively overcooked burgers (blackened if you will) show a lame effort. I prefer a "dome burger" in Pioneer Square for $5, which is not to say that dome burger is special just that they do a better job of cooking than EBB in my experience.

Posted 2 years ago #
FullTilt
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I had high hopes for Bistro Baffi, and I have to say they were dashed. I went there with my in laws a few weeks back, and everything about the place was meh. The service was horrible. Not the kind where you get ignored, that would of been better. This was the pushy kind of service from a waitress that demanded that we go for the most expensive things on their menu. I thought she was going to pout after the fourth time I told her I did not want the special app of the day. The she kept pushing $11 a glass wine, even though it didn't go remotely with the food we had ordered.

Oh the food. I got the Maialle Al`Agro Dolce, which is pork chops grilled with a honey balsamic reduction, and a side of Penne Bolognese. The pork was so over cooked and flavorless. How can you make a honey balsamic reduction and manage to get no flavor? The pasta sauce was overly sweet, and the pasta itself was cooked to mush. Our entire party had food that was just under par. Nothing was inedible, just blah.

The only upside was that the waitress ended her shift in the middle of the meal, and we had a few moments in peace.

The Tin Room down the street is a much better choice. Never had anything but great food there. The staff is friendly, and I do believe they make the best cocktails in the county.

Posted 2 years ago #
swimcat
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Rico, you are displaying the classic Seattle passive-agressive attitude that drives people crazy. I'm pretty shy but almost never hesitate to speak up when faced with a situation like that.

On topic, I used to think EBB was super over-rated as well. The first several times I ate there I thought the menu was boring and the food not that great (years ago). But now I LOVE it. I enjoy the food, the staff, the menu... I don't know what happened but I'm glad I gave it another try as it's our 'go-to' restaurant when we're indecisive.

For other WS favorites, I am again in love with Kokoras, and will always enjoy Lee's.

Posted 2 years ago #
CMP
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I'm also a fan of Kokora's, JaK's, EBB, the taco truck #2 in WC on 15th, and I also really love the food at Mission. I don't think Mission ever gets enough credit so here's my two cents. I just wish they were open for brunch since Blackbird closed and adopt their old menu...I'd eat there every weekend if that were the case!

Posted 2 years ago #
bfranklin4206
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since when does seattle carry a passive-agressive stereotypical attitude? M is describing all colors of a yuppy "im better then you" attitude because you like to open your mouth more. Yet you will write a short paragraph just to try and put someone down.(Rico)

i vote jaks

Posted 2 years ago #
rico
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I didn't think M was putting me down, I thought I was just being called "classic seattle".

But yeah, I probably do have some of the attitude mentioned, but so what, there are a lot worse attitudes around than that. I think of it more as being patient, give them the benefit of the doubt then when patience wears out simply leave, not so sure why that drives people crazy.

The attitude that you can do anything to anyone or serve anything unless they speak up is much worse in my opinion - push the bar lower until they speak up, what a bunch of crap. M is making it sound like I am the problem here, NO, the crappy attitude of the staff to serve seafood with foodborne illness is the real problem here. Maybe M owns the joint or something.

Posted 2 years ago #
WSMom
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I love Bistro Baffi, the Chicken Risotto is beyond compare. I've also been happily impressed with the happy hour at Matador, great food at excellent prices. Kokora's is good, we've gotten together with friends to take out Kokora's gyros to eat over at Beverage Place Pub. Jak's makes a mean steak and potatoes. The soups and quiches at Blue Willow are delicious and relatively inexpensive.

CMP, what do you order at taco truck #2 in WC? I've been hesitant to try food made in vehicles :)

Posted 2 years ago #
swimcat
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I don't own EBB; and all I was saying is that Rico displayed a passive aggressive attitude with the experience at EBB. I read the forums frequently and have lived in Seattle for over 20 years, so I see/have seen a lot of passive/aggressive attitudes displayed so if I'm incorrect in believing that is 'classic' or typical of Seattlites, I stand corrected.

Posted 2 years ago #
CMP
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WSMom, don't be afraid of the taco truck...it's good stuff! I've only had the tacos (chicken and a spicy pork, I believe) and they're really good. They're small, but three is plenty to fill you up. Wish I could say I'd tried more of the food but the tacos hit the spot so I won't stray from that. What it lacks in ambience, it makes up for in taste!

I also agree that the Tin Room is good, but I haven't been there for awhile. May have to go tonight unless they're closed on Mondays like a lot of restaurants.

Posted 2 years ago #
FullTilt
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I have eaten almost everything off of that taco truck. They post their health dept inspection reports and they have all been perfect.

My favorite thing on there is the carnitas tacos.

Posted 2 years ago #
hopey
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FullTilt, I'm glad to hear we weren't the only ones unhappy with the service at Bistro Baffi. We tried it twice. Both times, people who obviously had ties to the owner received over-the-top service, and the rest of us plebes were ignored. Disappointing, as the food we had was pretty good.

We are also fans of Kokoros... another West Seattle restaurant that sometimes has coupons/gift certificates on Restaurant.com, but I'd go there even without the discount. I recently tried the rice pilaf instead of the potatoes, and it was wonderful! Currants, raisins, cinnamon, and I don't know what else. Very yummy, and a perfect complement to their meats.

Posted 2 years ago #
squareeyes
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Echoing several others here - Jaks, Maharajah, Lee's, Buddha Ruksa, Taqueria Guaymas, and I always forget about Mission - have loved the food each time I've been there. Must also get back to Ephesus for some of their perfectly cooked lamb!

Posted 2 years ago #
austin
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Royal India is the spot for Indian food in West Seattle! Maharajah is cool cuz they deliver but the lamb at Royal India, Zang. :thumbsup:

Posted 2 years ago #
Tacomachine
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Thanks everyone! I agree with some and disagree with others. In my experience and my opinion....

Elliot Bay Brewery -Bad service, bad food
Talaricos - Good food, bad service, takes forever
Fresh Bistro - Good all around
Spring Hill - fantastic food, horrible service
Royal India - bad service, bad food (I found a staple in my soup), showed them and they didn't take it off the bill.
Boffi - never been, need to try
Lee's - good all around
Matador - I'm just not cool enough to go here
Rustica - Love it - although it's a bit cramped
Jak's - good steak
Ephesus - Great food but a bit overpriced, good service
Kokoras - good all around
Riva - still haven't been

Thanks everyone. I have some new places to try now.

Posted 2 years ago #
AlkiKmac
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I've seen so many endorsements for EBB that I've held off expressing my dislike of them. But since so many of you are attacking people who don't like EBB, I thought it was time to disclose. The last time I stepped foot into EBB was at least year ago and we ordered 4 appetizers on happy hour special and several beers. As I'm eating, I bite into a plastic bread back clip. Ouch...but I play it cool. Completely lost my appetite and sat there with a nauseated look on my face. The owner came over after we asked our waitress to fetch him and when I explained what happened he basically said, that thing happens sometimes. Gross! He said we didn't have to pay for that item. Never apologized or even seemed that this was a huge issue. After thinking about it for a bit...and remembering that I used to work in the food industry, I suggested that perhaps he wasn't offering enough to make amends. I told him I could have made a scene, letting others in the restaurant know what had happened. I didn't think that was necessary, but I did think we should have had our bill reduced by more than one appetizer, which I told him. No one ate anything else after I bit into the bread bag clip. Finally, the owner discounted our bill more. We still paid for our beers, but the food was discounted 50%.

Although I think their beer is great, it will be a very long time before I eat there again...if ever. Customer retention is not just offering a great product, but also involves how a business resolves problems.

Posted 2 years ago #
rico
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Alkikmac just provided an explanation of why I did not speak up with the bad oysters. I totally had the feeling from the staff that it wouldn't make a bit of difference, and is in line with the level of food quality they expect from themselves.

I would however, take a plastic clip in bread any day over an oyster that caused to me to get up and puke later.

BTW the oyster appetizer order was my buddies choice, I have always been a believer of not buying seafood from pubs/bars in the first place, even before I had a bad experience. My intuition was validated.

Posted 2 years ago #
luludog
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Spring Hill is fabulous, but we also tried Fresh Bistro for the first time this weekend and had a fabulous meal - we will certainly return. Great ambiance and creatively prepared in-season foods.

Cactus has good,fresh Mexican food.

Jak's seems very over rated and the food has such high fat content. Not being a big steak eater, it just doesn't do it for me at all, or my steak-loving partner for that matter.

Posted 2 years ago #
Bonnie
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I wasn't happy with Bistro Baffi either. Well, the food was pretty good but we went with a group. I made the reservations and asked about the menu, asking specifically if we could order off the entire menu. (we had gone as a group to the Beach House once and the owner/chef made us order off of a special menu) Anyway, I was told no, we could order off the regular menu and order whatever we wanted.

So when we got there the owner says 'No, you have to order what I have picked out for you.' He gave us 6 options, none of them pasta (which is what everybody wanted) and all of them in the $35 range a plate. Mind you, I'm okay with a $35 plate but we were there for a Mom's Night Out and many of us are on a budget. The food was good, but I didn't want to order from that limited menu. He refused to let us order from the regular menu. So all of us went with the chicken...the least expensive.

Anyway, while I think the food is very good many of my group said they would never go back because of the way the owner insisted we order off his special menu.

On the flip side, we went to Endolyne Joe's (notthe best in West Seattle but okay) and we were told in advance we would have to have a special menu and we were able to pick the menu. It was just nice to know in advance what was expected.

Posted 2 years ago #
swimcat
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I love this blog- I'm not being sarcastic either. It is now 10:30 in the morning and I am hungry for lunch after reading this!! But after reading these reviews, I don't think I'll ever try Bistro Baffi. I forgot to mention that I really like the food at Mission too. I rarely go up to the Admiral Junction for dinner so I always forget about it unfortunately.

I'll keep eating at EBB even though there are some horror stories out there.

Posted 2 years ago #
CMP
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EBB food and management problems won't keep me away, especially since I've never really had a problem there. I once found a big hairball in my phad thai at Buddha Ruksa and I got food poisoning from there once (could have been my fault for not refrigerating leftovers soon enough) but I still go back. Everyone has an off day and it's got to be REALLY off to make me cross a restaurant off my list.

One more good, simple spot is Alki Bakery for the chicken salad sandwich or lasagna. It's inexpensive and delicious, plus I don't feel like an outcast if I go down there solo and read a book while I eat.

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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FWIW, I have never, ever had a bad meal at EBB, and I have been there plenty of times. I, too, like Mission. Are they the BEST place in WS? Probably not. I think Buddha Ruksa is great, I think Jaks is great for what it is, I think that the Mac and Cheese at West5 is great.I love Circa, some people hate it. I suppose it all depends on one's taste...we're all different. I'm just glad we have a plethora (love that word-lol) of good places to eat on this side of the bridge :)

Posted 2 years ago #
KBear
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The negative experiences described here are unlike anything I've seen at Elliott Bay. I've been there dozens if not hundreds of times, have never had bad food there, and very rarely had any problem with the service. My only complaint is that it's silly to ask how you want your burger cooked, when it's going to be done medium-well anyway. Even so, the burgers are still tasty. I find their fish and chips among the best in Seattle. The food usually arrives very quickly. The low turnover of staff leads me to believe it's not a bad place to work. I guess I would be discouraged, too, if 3 out of 3 visits were a bust, but maybe some of you will give them another chance. I know they usually do better than that.

Posted 2 years ago #
sam-c
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CMP- I'm with you. about a year and a half ago, we went to Buddha Ruksa. My husband found (bit down on) a little rock in his phad khee mao. about 1/2" in diameter so maybe more like a little pebble. we've been back several times since.
We really like Talaricos and EBB.

I've tried so many things at EBB, and have found everything super tasty. I like the burgers, salmon sandwich, hummus, the turkey sandwich, crab cakes... (though the salmon sandwich and some of the burgers get to be so soggy when you're halfway through.- I hate juices running up my sleeve)

I wouldn't say that the servers are super cheery or friendly, but they are always attentive and service is quick. They have the best fish-n chips in Seattle. well except for maybe Sunfish- which is another favorite.
La Rustica, Mission, are household favorites as well.
I miss Blackbird, sad they're gone.

Posted 2 years ago #
km
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I have to agree with those of you that said Bistro Baffi and Tin Room! We started going to Bistro Baffi back when it was The Beach House and the food has always been the BEST! Try the Penne a la Mike...it might not be on the menu anymore, but the chef will still make it for you. YUM. Haven't ever had bad service and I've taken tons of family members there for dinner - they always create a homey, fun environment for us all! Re: Tin Room. They just remodeled inside and it is awesome! Best drinks, apps, dinners, and desserts. They are right up there with Bistro Baffi.

Posted 2 years ago #
Alkifan
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Azuma Sushi on California Avenue is great! The Mangofandango, Tempura, and California rolls are incredible. The best sushi in West Seattle.

Posted 2 years ago #
maplesyrup
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I like Azuma too.

Mashiko is probably better in terms of overall quality, but it's also more than I care to spend eating out.

So we go to Azuma. The sushi is good and I really like the owners.

Posted 2 years ago #
johnnyblegs
Member Profile

Good food is relative. In the case of -

EBB...I haven't tried a whole lot off the menu there but I personally think I could make a better burger in my own kitchen. It's not bad at EBB, but not great either. I wouldn't pay $10 for it. Sorry K-Bear and samc but the best Fish & Chips are actually found in Wallingford/Fremont at the Pacific Inn. For a buger I'd rather go to...

Jaks, which has the best burger I've ever put in my mouth. I haven't tried Zippy's, but I will soon. The sides at Jaks are bad. Steaks are average, but the burger kicks butt.

Buddha Ruksa...I've never gotten sick there; well maybe from eating so much because the food. is. awesome. If I got sick there I would still go back for the crispy garlic chicken; but if I encountered a hair ball (? really CMP?) that may change my mind. There are things that I draw the line on.

West 5... Overrated. The Mac & Cheese isn't that great JanS.

Bakery Nouveau...I don't understand why people go to Alki Bakery when at Nouveau you have it all and better. Best slice of pizza pie this side of NYC. Pastries...you get the idea. Everything William does is awesome.

Tacos Guymas...You can't keep me away from the tacos al pastor. Very authentic and delicious.

Revo...Just okay. It's good.

Ama Ama...With they were still here. Their happy hour sliders rocked! almong with their brunch menu.

Maharaja...yum. I love Indian food and no one else does it better.

Posted 2 years ago #
johnnyblegs
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Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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johnnyblegs...I love the combo of their Mac and Cheese and Blueberry tea (an alcoholic hot drink)in the winter. The best mac and cheese I've ever had? Beecher's @ Pike Place Market, hands down. Their recipe is easy to make yourself, and it ROCKS !

Posted 2 years ago #
KBear
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johnnyblegs, I said I found EBB's fish & chips to be "among the best", so I won't deny that Pac Inn has excellent fish & chips while I stand by my original pronouncement. As for JaK's side dishes being bad, are you including their garlic mashed potatoes and potato pancakes in that statement? If so, I question your ability to judge potato dishes and therefore find you unqualified to comment on fish & chips. :-) On the other hand, JaK's ubiquitous carrot & broccoli gets a little dull after a while.

Posted 2 years ago #