#1427 #S870 - Sambar, Seattle - 4/26/2011

Update: Sambar (and Le Gourmand) closed in 2012.

Sambar is a tiny bar with no discernible sign, and attached to the back of Le Gourmand french restaurant.  The cocktails, crafted by Jay Kuehner are very good (I started with the Nocturne -- scotch, smoked black tea liqueur, caramel water, and orange bitters).  It serves fine food from the associated restaurant, and in summer has a patio that Providence Cicero describes as "like drinking in Monet's garden."

425 NW Market St., Seattle, WA 98107 - (206) 781-4883
Est. 2004 (Le Gourmand 1985) - Building constructed: 1926
sambarseattle.com - seattletimes - monappetit - thestranger - seattleweekly - yelp

#1426 - PF Chang, Bellevue, WA - 4/25/2011

525 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004 - (425) 637-3582

#1425 #S869 - La Luna, Seattle - 4/25/2011

Update: La Luna closed in August 2015

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The former Opal and Flow Lounge space now hosts a romantic Mexican bar and restaurant, with good tapas, including some killer scallops, and fine margaritas.

2 Boston St, Seattle, Washington 98109 - (206) 282-2511
Est. April 2011 - Building constructed: 1906
Previous bars at this location: Opal, Flow Lounge
lalunaseattle.com - chowhound- seattle weekly - yelp

#1424 #S868 - Brave Horse Tavern, Seattle - 4/24/2011

Update: Brave Horse closed temporarily in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, then announced permanent closure as of July 15, 2020.

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A new tavern in the historic Terry Building by Tom Douglas.  There are 26 good beers on tap, including the house beers brewed by Schooner Exact. There are lots of good food choices, but the emphasis is on the fresh baked pretzels.

310 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 - (206) 971-0717
Est. 2011 - Building constructed: 1915 - Closed July 15, 2020
bravehorsetavern.com - seattletimes - link

#1423 #S867 - Lunchbox Laboratory, Seattle - 4/22/2011

There is a fairly standard sized bar here, but this place is all about the monstrously-sized burgers.  Yes they do have a number of original drinks "straight from our mad scientists!"  But judging from their cocktail menu output, their team of scientists was apparently comprised primarily of  junior high school girls.

There is the "Kryptonite Shot" (Green Apple Jolly Rancher infused vodka), the "Astronauts Mimoso" (champagne topped with Tang), and you can do a good enough job guessing what goes into the  "Grape Ade" and "Barbie's Bana-tini."

So if it's not a good choice for a cocktail if you are over 16, but if you don't want to have to eat again for a week, or enjoy a real challenge as to how to actually fit your burger into your mouth, it's a fine option.

1253 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109 - (206) 621-1090
Est. Jan 2011 (originally opened in early 2008 at 7302-1/2 15th Avenue N.W)
Previous bars at this location: Southlake Grill
lunchboxlaboratory.com - facebook - seattletimes - seattletimes 2 - seattlemet - thestranger

#1422 #S866 - Chupacabra, Seattle - 4/21/2011

The quirky burrito and margarita joint from Greenwood is a great fit for this funky space across from Alki Beach. There's nothing spectacular about the food or drinks here, but it still feels like a perfect little neighborhood place.

Mind your goats!

2620 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 - (206) 933-7344
Est. April 8, 2011 - Building constructed: 1916
facebook - westseattleblog - thestranger - yelp

#1421 #S865 - Cafe Flora, Seattle - 4/20/2011

A friendly, garden-like vegetarian restaurant with some inventive cocktails to boot. I enjoyed the Camp Ten Trees (pine infused tequila, St. Germaine, lime, orange twist).   I'm not quite ready to give up the wicked pleasures of seared animal flesh, but places like Cafe Flora, Plum Bistro and Carmelita are leaving me with fewer excuses.

2901 E. Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112 - (206) 325-9100
Est. 1991
cafeflora.com - facebook - seattleweekly - thestranger - seattletimes - yelp