#1480 #S896 - Via Tribunali (Fremont), Seattle - 6/26/2011

The Fremont incarnation of the Mike McConnell's local Neapolitan pizza chain (certified authentic by the Associazionne Verace Pizza Napoletena). Good pizza and fairly good drinks.


4303 Fremont Ave N., Seattle, WA 98103 - (206) 464-2880
Est. Dec. 2008 - Building constructed: 1927
viatribunali.net - fremontuniverse - yelp

#1479 #S895 - Bleu Bistro's Grotto, Seattle - 6/26/2011

Update: Bleu Bistro's Grotto is now closed.

Bleu Bistro's Grotto was built largely because the owner Ross McCartney feared losing the lease on the original Bleu Bistro on Broadway.  Sure enough, the latter closed in September 2011.  The Grotto shares the former's huge menu, but unfortunately has virtually none of the funky, dark, intimate character of the old place, nor any hint of a grotto for that matter.  The original will be sorely missed.

1801 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98102 - (206) 322-3087
Est. June 8, 2011
bleugrotto.com - facebook - capitolhillseattle - thestranger - thrillist -  yelp

#1478 #S894 - RN74, Seattle - 6/25/2011

Update: After closing temporarily in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, RN74 announced in 2021 that they would not be reopening, and announced plans to open one of Mina's "Bourbon Steak" establishments in the fall of that year.

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Seattle's RN74 echoes Michael Mina's San Francisco version (named for Route Nationale 74, running from Dijon in the North to Chagny in Burgundy's wine country).  Mina was born in Cairo and resides in Las Vegas, but grew up in Ellensburg and attended the University of Washington.  RN74 is upscale, busy, designed like a French train station, and has an emphasis on French cuisine and on wine.  A large sign board announces prices on wines like arriving and departing trains.  It's a bit loud, rushed, and crowded for Seattle restaurant, but adds a nice alternative to downtown (the location was previously a Rite Aid pharmacy).

RN made big news by seducing legendary Seattle bartender Murray Stenson away from his long-time home at ZigZag.  But subsequent reports had Murray delayed a few months recovering from a shoulder industry.  Nevertheless, while the emphasis is on food and wine, there are some very good cocktails to be had at the bar as well.


1433 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 1433 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 - (206) 456-7474
Est. June 13, 2011 - Closed May 2021 - Building constructed: 1910
michaelmina.net - facebook - thestranger - seattleweekly - bizjournals - seattle times - eater.com - seattletimes -  yelp

#1477 #S893 - The Backdoor at Roxy's, Seattle - 6/24/2011

Update: The Backdoor closed Aug 15, 2024.

The Back Door at Roxy's is a new and ornate speakeasy themed bar in the former location of Rain City Video, behind Roxy's Diner in Fremont.  Like the best speakeasies, stepping inside makes you feel as if stepping into a different world, this one created by a set designer using images of the 30s, statues, velvet curtains and chandeliers.

The cocktails here are very good.  I had a very pleasant visit, in the hands of bartender Jason and chatting with customer Marie.

462 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103 - (206) 362-7322
Est. May 25, 2011 - Building constructed: 1939
backdooratroxys.com - facebook - fremontuniverse - thrillist (video) - bellesofthesound - yelp

#1476 #S892 - Via Tribunali (Queen Anne), Seattle - 6/19/2011

There is a small bar with some nice cocktails at this, the second instantiation of the local (and good) Neapolitan pizza places.

317 West Galer Street, Seattle - (206) 264-7768
Est. June 21, 2007 - Building constructed: 1913
viatribunali.net - facebook - seattleweekly - nwsource -  yelp

#1475 #S891 - The Rabbit Hole, Seattle - 6/18/2011

Update: Rabbit Hole closed Dec 12, 2021

Interesting addition to Belltown, roughly along the same rabbit/Alice theme as Fremont's new "White Rabbit," but very different in vibe, from the owner of Bathtub Gin, Marcus Johnson.  Rabbit Hole takes an intentionally more unrefined, more homey approach -- including skeeball and food choices like hush puppies, fried green tomatoes,  and bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuff jalapenos.  The cocktails are still quite good and a little more affordable, esp. during the 4-7 happy hour.

2222 2nd Ave, suite 222, Seattle, WA 98121 - (206) 728-6069

Est. June 9, 2011 - Building constructed: 1923 - Closed Dec 12, 2021
Other bars at this location: Buddha Belltown
rabbitholeseattle.com - facebook - seattleweekly - seattletimes - yelp

#1474 - Tin Room Bar and Grill, Burien, WA - 6/18/2011

A very fine neighborhood joint built in the old Ernie Eder’s Hi-Line Tin Shop (est. 1930). The food and cocktails are both quality versions of down home favorites.

923 Southwest 152nd St, Burien, WA 98166 - (206) 242-8040
Est. 2004 - Building constructed: 1921
tinroombar.com - seattletimes - yelp - zagat