Thursday, February 23, 2006
The Eastlake Zoo Tavern: go for the cheap beer and pool, stay for the traditional Eastlake friendliness
- Review of: Eastlake Zoo Tavern
- By: Tim Ahlers
- Rating:
- Read review on Judy's Book.
The Eastlake Zoo Tavern: go for the cheap beer and pool, stay for the traditional Eastlake friendliness
I like dive bars, and the Zoo is no exception. Some of the cheapest pool in town (and some new tables finally). Good beer selection with PBR on tap ($6.50 pitchers). The wait staff isn't the most talkative bunch, but the Zoo draws a very friendly neighborhood crowd. Old but functional (and cheap) shuffleboard, snooker table, real darts, Big Buck Hunter II, Golden Tee, pinball, and a newly-added Silent Scope. What more could you ask for?
BTW, no food other than potato chips. I'm pretty sure they have a small selection of wine, but this isn't really a wine-drinking kind of place.
Don't forget to say hi to the giant dragon on the way to the mens room...
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Gordito's: huge, inexpensive, good burritos and great service
- Review of: Gordito's
- By: Tim Ahlers
- Rating:
- Read review on Judy's Book.
Gordito's: huge, inexpensive, good burritos and great service
Went here just before noon and didn't wait long to get my to-go order. The cashier offered me a "small" (by their standards; plenty big enough for me) basket of chips and some salsa while I waited. Nice touch! I had a regular steak burrito with hot sauce (which wasn't very hot). I've had other burritos I've liked better, but nothing beat the combination of size, quality, and price here. I'll definitely go back to try some of their other items. (And the line was out the door when I left shortly after noon.)
Monday, February 20, 2006
No, not typical Ballard, but enjoyed Matador for what it is
- Review of: Matador
- By: Tim Ahlers
- Rating:
- Read review on Judy's Book.
No, not typical Ballard, but enjoyed Matador for what it is
... which is a fun, upscale Mexican/latin/whatever restaurant. We went there on a quiet Monday evening in late February and didn't wait more than a couple of minutes for a table. We ordered some appetizers and a salad: the spicy prawns were *very* spicy but good, the crabcakes were very nice, and the scallops were awesome. Highly recommend all of them. Margaritas were excellent as well.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Norm's Eatery great place for casual food and beers
- Review of: Norm's Eatery & Ale House
- By: Tim Ahlers
- Rating:
- Read review on Judy's Book.
Norm's Eatery great place for casual food and beers
Stopped by last night with a few friends for some late-evening food and drinks. The veggie mac 'n' cheese was good, and I'm told by a very reliable source that the chili, burgers, and pork chop are excellent. (But what's with the peanut butter in the chili anyway?) The on-tap beer selection is good (which means average for most bars in Seattle), and they have a reasonable selection of bottled beer. They're dog-friendly as well, so you may see a few four-legged furry friends cruising around.
Oh, and you're able to order 40 oz. PBRs--in a paper bag, no less.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Thai Tom's worth a visit
- Review of: Thai Tom's
- By: Tim Ahlers
- Rating:
- Read review on Judy's Book.
Thai Tom's worth a visit
I'm pretty sure the address is actually 4543 University Way NE, not 4700 block.
I popped in for lunch to go (chicken Pad Thai, the dish I start with at any new Thai place) and I was pleasantly surprised. I'd agree with Steve R. that the show in the open kitchen behind the counter is high energy, and I'd also agree with the statements about small space/long wait--I waited 20 minutes for my to-go order, and there weren't that many people there when I first arrived (but by the end, there were people out on the sidewalk waiting for seats).
