The Cactus, Boise, ID - 1979?

This is an entry for one of the bars already included in my starting list for this project and one of the earlier bars I've been to in my life.  I couldn't find how it was, but it was an old bar when I turned legal, and remains perhaps Boise's quintessential dive bar.

517 W Main St Boise, ID 83702 - 208-342-9732
boise weekly -sneaky sunday best dives - nile guide - yelp

#991 - Capital Grille, Seattle - 2/6/2010

This is a fine, dry-aged steakhouse on par with the Met and El Gaucho, and with some pleasantly non-standard drinks.  The infused (peach?) vodka was very pleasant and the Hemingway Daiquiri was delicious.  This is part of a national chain but it's pleasantly localized by large paintings of various Seattle celebrities and business luminaries (we sat facing Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Lee in business attire).  The prices are pretty standard for an upscale steakhouse -- $35 to $42 for the entrees you'll want (ala carte) -- and proportions of most steaks and sides are huge.  It also has one of the city's best crab cocktails (10 legs for $21). Judging strictly as a bar, I still give El Gaucho a slight nod for the rat pack, romantic ambiance, and I give an ever so slight edge to the crab cocktail at The Met. But I'll prefer the Capital when I am looking for an interesting cocktail.

1301 4th Ave., Seattle 98101 - (206) 382-0900                                            
thecapitalgrille.com - seattle times - seattle foodster - seattle magazine - yelp

#990 - Finn MacCool's, Seattle - 2/7/2010

Finn MacCool's, Seattle, WA

4217 University Way., Seattle, WA 98105 - (206) 675-0885               
finnmaccools.com - the stranger - yelp

#989 - Unicorn (and Narwhal), Seattle - 2/2/2010

Like the bastard drug child of Shorty's and Pony, Unicorn features a wild French circus and mounted animal head decor that makes one's head spin with wonder at what kind of spectacle awaits when they open the basement.  The drinks are pretty standard (I was told that a cocktail menu is on the way) and the food -- well let's just say that "Unicorn Balls" were a little more adventure than I was seeking on this night.  But by all means, come in for the show. ((more pics)

1118 East Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 555-1000
Est. Jan 29, 2010 - Narwhal (basement) opened June 28, 2012 - Building constructed: 1916
Previous bars at this location: Spag's Tavern, Satellite Lounge
unicornseattle.com - the stranger - capitol hill blog - yelp

#988 - Mustard Seed Too, Bellevue, WA - 2/2/2010

Just read the yelp reviews of this place by native Bellevueites.  If you feel like you have anything in common with those people, then this blog is probably not for you.

1428 156th Avenue Northeast, Bellevue, WA 98007-4414 - (425) 746-8852
mustardseedgrill.com - yelp

#987 - Chasers, Lynnwood, WA - 2/1/2010

Chasers Grill and Lounge is apparently a large improvement on the previous bar in this location, and it tries, with mixed success, to be a bit upscale.  But it is still very much a suburban strip mall bar, despite the prints depicting much classier and more interesting settings and customers.

15620 Hwy 99, Lynnwood, WA 98087 - (425) 745-0777
chaserslounge.com - myspace - yelp

#986 - Orient Express, Seattle - 1/28/2010

The drinks are pedestrian at best, and the food (Chinese/Thai/American) did not seem remarkable, but of course what you go to the Orient Express for is the setting. It occupies the seven old time railroad cars that once hosted Andy's Diner. It's a strangely compelling combination of elegant old railcar decor and sloppily assembled Chinese-American restaurant signage, and features various nooks and crannies such as a private karaoke room and a surprising upstairs performance area.

2963 4th Ave S., Seattle, WA 98134 - (206) 682-0683
yelp - the stranger - seattle weekly