#1182 - Joey, Bellevue, WA - 7/13/2010

Even the Lake Union Joey seems pretty Bellevue, so I didn't expect to like anything about the actual Bellevue version except ogling some of the women. But the night I went there, the bartenders and crowd were both actually pretty cool. I can't say its cocktails are particularly good -- although also not as bad as some places like this (e.g. the Bellevue Earls), and the food is pretty decent. I wouldn't go out of my way for it, and I certainly wouldn't trade the Lake Union view for the mall-ish Bellevue setting, but it's not altogether unpleasant either.

800 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004-4229 - (425) 637-1177
joeyrestaurants.com - facebook - yelp

#1181 - Earls, Bellevue, WA - 7/13/2010

I have zero interest in ever going to Earl's for a drink again.  If you like top 40 dance music blaring, lots of hair product, and cocktails designed for sorority girls on spring break, maybe you'll like it better.

700 Bellevue Way NE #130, Bellevue, WA 98004 - (425) 452-3275
earls.ca - yelp

#1180 - Naga Bar, Chantanee, Bellevue, WA - 7/13/2010

Very good cocktails, very good Thai food, and hand-carved baseballs of ice to dilute and cool at just the right rate.  Mike McSorley has replaced Andrew Bohrer behind the bar, and the Naga Lounge remains the home of the best cocktails on the East Side.  (Photo by Neil C.)

601 108th Avenue Northeast #100A, Bellevue, WA 98004 - (425) 455-3226
chantanee.com - facebook - bellevue reporter - seattlemet - seattle times -  the stranger - seattle mag - seattle weekly - yelp