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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Chow / Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz A Restaurant Recommendation for the Meeting of the Future In-Laws

Posted by Bethany Jean Clement on Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 12:23 PM

Sometimes people email me for restaurant recommendations. I always answer! Here's one from loyal friend of Slog Elissa.

Hi Bethany!

Sorry to be one of these people, but I've used the internet as much as possible and I'm frustrated! I am humbly asking for your assistance as a long-term Stranger & Slog reader.

My fiance's parents and my parents are meeting for the first time (along with his 12 yr old sister and my 9 yr old nephew), and we'd like to take them all out to dinner. I would like a place along the lines of Maple Leaf Grill, Stumbling Goat, Cafe Flora (but with meat) (but not all meat), Pair, etc. Small, neighborhood-y American or New American but not as pricey as Tilth, and ok with (very well-behaved) kids being there. A place where the adults can have a conversation. His family is from Wisconsin and mine is from Texas, so they'd be scared of anything super awesome, like Ethiopian, Thai, etc. Here's the problem: Monday night. It HAS to be on a Monday night.

Can you think of any place that fits these criteria??...

So far, Hi-Life in Ballard is in the lead, even though it's not as intimate as I was hoping for, or maybe Endolyne Joe's, even though it may be on the loud side. A place like Delancey would be perfect if it weren't just pizza. I was also thinking Wild Mountain Cafe, but it seems to be more known for breakfast and I can't find a dinner menu online.

Any help you could give would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Elissa

No problem! Dinette or Tilikum Place Cafe should be great—I haven't been to either in a while, but they get high marks from lots of friends for exactly what you're describing. I believe both are open Mondays, but do call ahead/make a reservation anyway. Have fun future-in-lawing, and let me know how it is!

Best,
B.

You are a gem, thank you!

Awww!

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Comments (13) RSS

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Chilis or Flingers?

Posted by Urgutha Forka on July 31, 2012 at 12:26 PM

Skilletskilletskilletkidsandparentsloveskilletonamonday

Posted by gloomy gus on July 31, 2012 at 12:46 PM

Phinney Market

Posted by dirge on July 31, 2012 at 12:48 PM

Five Point.

Posted by DOUG.

on July 31, 2012 at 12:51 PM

Five Spot on Queen Anne Hill.

Although, The Five Point would be hilarious. I love The Five Point.

Posted by Nic in Greenlake on July 31, 2012 at 1:36 PM

While it's not "American" food, you might consider Cafe Lago in the Montlake neighborhood. Absolutely delicious food, great vibe, works well for all ages, warm and friendly staff. My personal go-to.

Posted by Fire Chief on July 31, 2012 at 2:14 PM

Ohhh, I adore Tilikum. Great choice.

Posted by Tracy on July 31, 2012 at 2:14 PM

St Clouds in Madrona. kid-friendly (kids meals come with sundaes) cocktails for grownups, good not-too-exotic food, great owner and staff.

Posted by nedludd2 on July 31, 2012 at 3:14 PM

I would second Skillet. I brought my grandmother, aunt and 13 and 11 yr old cousins there before and everyone loved it.

Posted by noodleslayer on July 31, 2012 at 4:08 PM

My mom actually LOVED the 5 Point, but then she spent a few years working as a bartender in Castle Rock, so it wasn't exactly an unfamiliar milleu to her.

That being said, I'd put in a vote for either Skillet, or maybe Bick's up in Greenwood, Palace Kitchen, Steelhead, or perhaps Ray's if you want to go a little more touristy.

Posted by COMTE

on July 31, 2012 at 5:07 PM

Seriously, Steelhead Diner. It's in a tourist spot (Pike Place Market) with great views, especially in the evening. It's non-threatening (a diner, after all). Service is anything but stuffy. And the food is a terrific mix of iconic seafood (salmon, crab cakes) and cozy southern (Po'Boys). Meatloaf, too. If they're drinkers, all the wines are from the Northwest.

IMPORTANT; Don't just wander in off the street and hope for the best. Call ahead and explain your expectations in detail.

Posted by Cornichon