Old Country Buffet
4601 200th St. SW, Suite A, Lynnwood; 425-672-9731; www.buffet.com
Specialty: American favorites
Have it your way: abundant food at a low price, with a selection to please the whole family.
Reviewed March 25
Mrs. Pennycooke’s Tea Room
922 Front St., Snohomish; 360-568-5040
Specialty: lunch and high tea
The egg salad’s a winner, and the soup is much improved. But service remains slow, and the silver doesn’t gleam as it could.
Reviewed March 18
Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing
710 Front St., Mukilteo; 425-742-6180
Specialty: seafood
Restaurant is back to shipshape after repairing storm damage, a worthy example of a Puget Sound culinary institution.
Reviewed March 11
Thai Bistro
1018 164th St., No. A-14, Mill Creek; 425-787-9707
Specialty: Thai favorites
Don’t let the strip-mall location fool you; the food and decor of this Mill Creek restaurant rely on authentic touches.
Reviewed March 4
Golden Corral Buffet
1065 State Ave., Marysville; 360-659-4035
Specialty: American favorites
Kids and picky eaters can have all the food they want their way, without the food they don’t want.
Reviewed Feb. 25
Bogie’s All American Diner
11419 19th Ave. SE, Everett; 425-379-9179
Specialty: American favorites
Bogie’s serves classic diner food: comfort food the way you’d fix it if you had the time and inclination.
Reviewed Feb. 18
El Paraiso Mexican Grill
1431 Ave. D, Snohomish; 360-568-5406
Specialty: Mexican cuisine
El Paraiso, a justifiably popular Everett eatery, has opened a second location in Snohomish.
Reviewed Feb. 11
Lucky Dragon
25 95th Drive NE No. 102, Lake Stevens; 425-397-2099
Specialty: Chinese
The popular neighborhood restaurant serves a range of treats, all fresh and delicious.
Reviewed Feb. 4
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood; 425-368-2875, www. macaronigrill.com
Specialty: Italian
The food at the latest chain restaurant at Alderwood Mall, a lively, casual place, live up to a customer’s recommendation.
Reviewed Jan. 28
Burney Brothers BBQ
17171 Bothell Way, Lake Forest Park; 206-417-6200, www.burneybrothers.com
Specialty: Texas-style barbecue
The brothers can’t be accused of violating truth in advertising laws: Their food is definitely purty dang good!
Reviewed Jan. 21
Mama Mia’s
4809 Evergreen Way, Everett; 425-259-2868
Specialty: Southern Italian
Menu items flagged with a boot are made from the owner’s family recipes at this popular new restaurant. But even the “barefoot” selections are delicious.
Reviewed Jan. 14
Oceanaire Seafood Room
1700 Seventh Ave., Seattle; 206-267-2277; www.theoceanaire.com
Specialty: seafood
Poor service detracts from the food at this trendy Seattle restaurant.
Reviewed Jan. 7
McGrath’s Fish House
3000 184th St., Lynnwood; 425-670-9050; www.mcgrathsfishhouse.com
Specialty: Seafood
The Alderwood mall fish house looks like a warehouse, but with all the ways it prepares seafood it must need the space.
Reviewed Dec. 31
Oy Sy Japanese restaurant
1606 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-252-2515; closed Saturday and Sunday
Specialty: Japanese food
The downtown eatery attracts customers with its popular tempura, bento boxes and sushi.
Reviewed Dec. 24
Claim Jumper
18725 33rd Ave., Lynnwood; 425-778-5700; www.claimjumper.com
Specialty: American favorites
This chain restaurant with a Gold Rush theme serves huge portions of everything, but keeps the quality high.
Reviewed Dec. 17
Sports Page Grille &Bar
907 First St., Snohomish; 360-568-8202
Specialty: American favorites
A bar with a bad reputation reopens with new owners, a friendly staff and an abbreviated but rewarding menu.
Reviewed Dec. 10
Wasabi Bay
16300 Mill Creek Blvd, No. 102, Mill Creek; 425-743-4424; closed Sunday
Specialty: Japanese fusion
The Mill Creek restaurant isn’t another sleepy sushi bar. Instead it offers twists on Japanese and American favorites.
Reviewed Dec. 3
Porky’s
17121 28th Drive NE, Arlington; 360-652-8688
Specialty: American favorites
Island Crossing favorite takes its packed salad bar and an expanded menu to a new location.
Reviewed Nov. 26
PF Chang’s China Bistro
3000 184th St., Lynnwood; 425-921-2100; www.pfchangs.com
Specialty: Chinese cuisine
You may need a reservation to get a table at this deservedly popular new eatery at the Alderwood mall.
Reviewed Nov. 19
Casa Rojas
2923 Colby Ave., Everett; 425-259-1818; closed weekends.
Specialty: Mexican
Restaurant next to historic Everett Theatre boasts delicious food, a romantic setting and a strolling guitarist.
Reviewed Nov. 12
The Sisters
2804 Grand Ave., Everett; 425-252-0480; closed Sunday
Specialty: breakfast and lunch
Reopened after a lengthy closure caused by a fire, The Sisters remains one of Everett’s best places for breakfast and lunch.
Reviewed Nov. 5
Red Twig Bakery Cafe
117 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds; 425-771-1200, www.redtwig.com
Specialty: breakfast and lunch
Establishment has taken over for longtime favorite Brusseau’s, but it needs to work out a few glitches.
Reviewed Oct. 29
The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive
2578 Chuckanut Drive, Bow; 360-766-6185, www.theoysterbaronchuckanutdrive.com
Specialty: seafood
A scenic drive leads to fresh fine dining at a historic restaurant.
Reviewed Oct. 22
Hawkeye’s Sports Bar &Grill
1002 Vernon Road, Lake Stevens; 425-335-4359
Specialty: American favorites
The publike establishment is a comfortable place to catch a game over a burger and beer.
Reviewed Oct. 15
Haggen Market Street Cafe
20115 76th Ave., Arlington; 360-403-3800
Specialty: deli
and
Ranch 99 Express Deli
22511 Highway 99, Edmonds; 425-670-1899
Specialty: Asian deli
Consider food courts for inexpensive yet satisfying lunches and dinners.
Reviewed Oct. 8
Hot Rod Cafe
22805 44th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace; 425-778-9800
Specialty: hamburgers and breakfast
Burger joint is a delicious, well-decorated blast from the past.
Reviewed Oct. 1
The Grille at Smokey Point
3529 168th St. NE, Arlington; 360-657-2048
Specialty: steaks
Recently renovated facility has put aside its reputation as being more bar than restaurant.
Reviewed Sept. 24
The Mad Crab
10 Front St., Coupeville; 360-678-0241
Specialty: seafood and pizza
Sweeping views of Penn Cove, blues on Saturday nights and a selection of seafood choices await.
Reviewed Sept. 17
Chef Chen
15704 Mill Creek Blvd No. 9, Mill Creek; 425-338-3300
Specialty: Asian buffet
With selections from Thailand, China, Japan and Korea,newly opened Chef Chen proves to be a winner.
Reviewed Sept. 10
The Hub
928 Avenue D, Snohomish; 360-568-5944
Specialty: hamburgers and American favorites
This popular hamburger joint updated its menu when it updated its building, adding dishes to its signature hamburger offerings.
Reviewed Sept. 3
Frida’s
3226 132nd St. SE, No. 108, Bothell; 425-357-8606
Specialty: Mexican
Restaurant honors Mexican painter Frida Kahlo with dishes that transcend more typical burritos and tacos.
Reviewed Aug. 27
Doug’s Rockin’ Hamburger House
9810 270th St. NW, Stanwood; 360-629-0600
Specialty: hamburgers and sandwiches
Doug’s Country Cafe goes retro to the 1950s becoming a hamburger joint with food the way you remember it.
Reviewed Aug. 20
Bistro Vino
1801 Hewitt Ave., Everett 425-252-4214; closed Sundays
Specialty: International favorites
Lively new restaurant quickly making its mark on Everett’s ever-expanding downtown scene.
Reviewed Aug. 13
Pho On Broadway
1820 Broadway, Everett; 425-304-0879; closed Sundays
Specialty: Vietnamese
An excellent place to discover the interactive Vietnamese soup known as pho – or a number of other tasty choices.
Reviewed Aug. 6
Seabolt’s Smokehouse
31640 Highway 20, No. 3, Oak Harbor; 800-574-1120; closed Sundays.
Even the competition is impressed after roadside stand expands to “wonderful” fresh seafood restaurant.
Specialty: seafood
Reviewed July 30
Chuckanut Manor Seafood &Grill
3056 Chuckanut Drive, Bow; 306-766-6191; www.chuckanutmanor.com, closed Mondays.
Specialty: seafood
The popular Skagit County roadhouse serves up a vast array of great seafood, but plan on taking time for your meal.
Reviewed July 23
Horseshoe Saloon
1805 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-303-0250; closed Sunday
Specialty: steaks and American favorites
With its focus on fine food and jazzy music, this downtown Everett restaurant is working to overcome its past as a biker bar.
Reviewed July 16
RT’s Eaglecrest Restaurant
21102 67th Drive NE, Arlington; 360-474-8275
Specialty: American favorites
Ray and Tina Thorsen tried to retire, but the restaurant business is in their blood, and that’s good news for diners.
Reviewed July 9
Clayoven
7318 Evergreen Way, Everett; 425-355-3663
Specialty: Indian cuisine
The former Bombay Bar and Grill keeps the old favorites and great atmosphere but adds some innovative chicken and fish dishes.
Reviewed July 2
La Palmera
15224 Main St., Mill Creek; 425-379-5100
Specialty: Mexican
Here is Mexican food and atmosphere for those who like it authentic, which apparently includes many of you, judging from the restaurant’s popularity.
Reviewed June 18
Eagle’s Nest Grill
Gleneagle Golf Course, 7619 E. Country Club Drive, Arlington; 360-435-6713
Specialty: American favorites
The food is expertly prepared, but poor service spoils an otherwise fine dining experience.
Reviewed June 11
Everyday Eats
17171 Bothell Way, Lake Forest Park; 206-417-5732; www.everydayeats.com; closed Sunday
Specialty: international favorites
Don’t overlook the food court at Third Place Books or you’ll miss good food and a vibrant dining experience.
Reviewed June 4
Maddox Grill &Bar
18411 Highway 99, Lynnwood; 425-778-2223; closed Sunday
Specialty: American and Pacific Northwest favorites
Long a fixture in north King County, the relocated restaurant is a fine addition to the Lynnwood dining scene.
Reviewed May 28
Neapolis Ristorante
1915 124th Ave. NE, Lake Stevens; 425-334-1923
Specialty: Mediterranean
You don’t have to jet off to Athens for fine Mediterranean food. Just motor on over to Lake Stevens.
Reviewed May 21
T&T Seafood Restaurant
22511 Highway 99 No. 103, Edmonds
Specialty: Chinese
This new restaurant is the place for seafood, and diners don’t seem to mind standing in line for a while.
Reviewed May 14
Bonefish Grill
22626 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell; 425-485-0305
Specialty: seafood
This popular dining spot is a delight, with expertly prepared seafood served by competent, professional waiters in an attractive setting.
Reviewed May 7
Thai Rama 3
12190 Village Center Place, Suite 101, Mukilteo; 425-493-0026
Specialty: Thai.
This Thai restaurant offers dishes not always found elsewhere, but take care if you can’t stand the heat.
Reviewed April 30
Tail Draggers
18218 59th Ave. NE, Arlington; 360-403-8970
Specialty: American favorites
Arlington Airport restaurant has seafood to make your spirits soar. OK, our crab cakes broke in two, but why complain when they’re so tasty?
Reviewed April 23
Patty’s Egg Nest
19837 U.S. 2, Monroe; 360-794-6040
Specialty: Breakfast favorites, burgers and sandwiches
The new management, continues a tradition of offering filling, classic meals, no matter how you like your eggs.
Reviewed April 16
Tokyo Stop No. 5
521 S. Second St., Mount Vernon; 360-336-0777
Specialty: teriyaki and sushi
It’s worth a journey to Tokyo – er, Mount Vernon, to sample the delectable Japanese fare at this restaurant convenient to Tulip Festival visitors.
Reviewed April 9, 2004
O’Brien Turkey House
2310 Highway 530, Arlington; 360-652-7522
Specialty: American favorites
The landmark eatery at Island Crossing offers turkey and other comfort food that’s more than up to the task of chasing away the blues of the rainy season.
Reviewed April 2
Amante Pizza &Pasta
4730 196th St. SW, Lynnwood; 425-640-6600
Specialty: Greek-style pizza and pasta
At Amante, delicious pizza is just part of the show: The restaurant boasts an extensive menu of wonderful pasta dishes too.
Reviewed March 26
Boondockers Cafe
921 Vernon Road, Lake Stevens; 425-334-4331
Specialty: American favorites
Boasting the best burger in Lake Stevens, this small restaurant serves up a big, tasty meal.
Reviewed March 19
Two Fish Japanese Restaurant
14626 Highway 99, Lynnwood; 425-741-8047.
Specialty: Japanese and Korean
You may or may not know the name of the dish you’re eating, but it’ll probably be delicious and surprisingly affordable.
Reviewed March 12
Timberline Cafe
116 W. Stanley St., Granite Falls; 360-691-7011
Specialty: American favorites
In its 40 years, the Timberline has learned how to please its diners with breakfast all day and tasty nightly specials.
Reviewed March 5, 2004
World Bean Cafe
1515 Pacific Ave., Suite 100, Everett; 425-252-8382; closed weekends.
Specialty: coffee and deli
Known for its freshly ground Venezuelan coffee beans, World Bean Cafe has expanded to offer equally fresh breakfast and lunch deli selections.
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2004
Smashed Tomatoes
1509 Wall St., Everett; 425-252-5032
Specialty: Southern Italian
A restaurateur makes the jump from numbers and spreadsheets to menus and a fabulous spread at Smashed Tomatoes.
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2004
Mrs. Pennycook’s Tea Room
922 First St., Snohomish; 360-568-5045
Specialty: English tea
Inexpert service and inattention to details detract from some nice touches at this popular downtown Snohomish destination.
Reviewed Feb. 6, 2004
Everett Events Center
2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-322-2600
Specialty: stadium food and more
Especially on the weekends, you can eat pretty well at the Everett Events Center, with a range of choices from stadium staples (hot dogs) to more lofty fare.
Reviewed Jan. 30, 2004
John’s Wok
12199 Village Center Place, Suite 101, Mukilteo; 425-349-1760; closed Sunday
Specialty: Asian and deli favorites
John’s Wok puts its signature on the cheese steak sandwich, giving diners a new look at an old favorite. Plus, of course, it has delicious-sounding Asian specialties.
Reviewed Jan. 23, 2004
Saigon Kitchen
19602 U.S. 2, Monroe; 360-794-6612
Specialty: Chinese and Vietnamese
Vietnamese seafood and fish sauce-accented dishes take the chill off a cold winter day, while favorite Chinese cuisine rounds out the menu.
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2004
Tulalip Bay
Tulalip Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Marysville; 360-651-5900
Specialty: American favorites with an Asian-Northwest twist
You’re in for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate at this restaurant at the Tulalip Casino.
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2004
Fred’s Rivertown Alehouse
1114 First St., Snohomish; 360-568-5820
Specialty: Northwest favorites
It’s the perfect place to come in out of the cold and rain to enjoy a burger and a beer.
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2004
Silver Grill
526 91st Ave. NE, Everett; 425-334-5162
Specialty: American favorites
Frontier Village-area family diner meets its goals of affordable family dining with good food and good service.
Reviewed Dec. 26, 2003
Hansa Thai Restaurant
817 Avenue D, Snohomish; 360-568-2910
Specialty: Thai cuisine
The food is delightful, with most dishes made fairly mild and sauces available to increase the heat. It’s worth a return visit to try more selections.
Reviewed Dec. 19, 2003
Philly Ya Belly
9800 Harbor Place #200, Mukilteo; 425-349-1316
Specialty: Sandwiches
It does what it says with good taste and great gusto. Only a Philadelphian would quibble with the excellent Philly cheese steak sandwich served here.
Reviewed Dec. 12. 2003
Jasmin
8715 271st St. NW, Stanwood; 360-629-2044; www.eatspicythai.com
Specialty: Thai cuisine
Jasmin’s signature dishes, such as sizzling duck with tamarind prawns, beckon diners beyond standard-issue phad Thai.
Reviewed Dec. 5, 2003
Heavy’s
4019 Colby Ave., Everett; 425-252-6463. Closed Sunday.
Specialty: Southern-style barbecue.
If Southern barbecue is your weakness – or if you’re missing some teeth – this is the place for you. Mmmmm.
Reviewed Nov. 28, 2003
Petosa’s
19191 U.S. 2, Monroe; 360-794-4436
Specialty: American favorites
There’s a lot to like at this family-owned restaurant, most especially the fresh-cut French fries.
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2003
Lombardi’s Cucina
1620 W. Marine View Drive, Everett; 425-252-1886
Specialty: Italian
If garlic in your apple crisp sounds intriguing, head for Lombardi’s during its annual garlic festival. If it doesn’t, stop by anytime for some satisfying food.
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2003.
The Convergence Zone
10809 Mukilteo Speedway, Mukilteo; 425-349-1325
Specialty: American
Neighbors are just happy it’s not a strip joint anymore. But this restaurant on the Mukilteo Speedway has undergone a facelift and returned to its homey tavern past with bar-food favorites like burgers and steaks and deep-fried candy bars.
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2003
The Braeburn
197-D Second St., Langley; 360-221-3211
Specialty: country-style American
The Braeburn serves food like your mom and grandma did, only a little fancier. You’ll be transported home in no time.
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2003
Simply Fish Seafood &Chowder
14007 Highway 99, Lynnwood; 425-745-1694; closed Sunday.
Specialty: seafood and sandwiches
The cod, clam strips and sweet scallops were delightful, but the shrimp was overcooked and the oysters undercooked at our visit. But all in all, good food (including the homemade tartar sauce) and attentive service.
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2003
EZ Rider Cafe
1851 Bouslog Road, Burlington; 360-757-7662
Specialty: American favorites
Nestled inside the Indian Motorcycle showroom, this cafe offers a nice balance – good food that’s also easy on the wallet.
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2003
Gianni’s Italian Restaurant &Pizzeria
5030 Evergreen Way, Everett; 425-252-2435
Specialty: Italian
Twenty years after its opening, this Everett institution proves once again that its formula is a winning one.
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2003
The Cove at Captain Whidbey Inn
2072 W. Captain Whidbey Inn Road, Coupeville; 360-678-9325
Specialty: American and Northwest favorites
Breakfast and the view are great, so we can only imagine the delight of dinner, with the new owner, noted chef James Roberts, in charge.
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2003
Bombay Bar &Grill
7318 Evergreen Way, Everett; 425-355-3663
Specialty: India
A flavorful mix of exotic spices – cumin, peppercorns, chilies, masala, cardamom, saffron, cloves, ginger, cinnamon -mingle or accent traditional dishes such as biryani, tikka and roghan josh that fill the restaurant’s menu. When paired with fragrant basmati rice, dinner becomes a swirl of aromas and flavors. Add to this variety vegetarian and nonvegetarian dishes and it seems like the choices are unlimited.
Reviewed Sept. 26, 2003
The Islander
96 Union St., Seattle; 206-344-8088
Specialty: Polynesian
The atmosphere and the view are fantastic, but you may have to settle for chilly food in this Polynesian paradise.
Reviewed Sept. 19, 2003
Chuck’s Seafood Grotto
1229 First St., Snohomish; 360-568-0782
Specialty: seafood
Here you can enjoy an incredibly fresh salad and some of the best fish and chips we’ve ever tasted. Alas, there’s no dessert, so wander down the street to …
Reviewed Sept. 12, 2003
Snohomish Pie Company
915 First St., Snohomish; 360-568-3589
Specialty: sandwiches, soups and pies
And, oh, those pies! It’s like grandma used to make, except with a choice of delectable flavors.
Reviewed Sept. 12, 2003
Nakron Thai Restaurant
1105 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-303-8300; closed Sunday.
Specialty: Thai
This eatery serves great food with great care, but you wouldn’t expect to find it in Everett’s industrial waterfront area.
Reviewed Sept. 5, 2003
Luca’s Italian Deli &Cafe
430 91st Ave. NE, Space 10, Everett; 425-334-2066; closed Sunday.
Specialty: Italian
The Nasti brothers bring a delicious taste of their homeland to the Frontier Village area. The food is fresh and fabulous.
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2003
Zorba’s
841 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor; 360-279-8322; closed Sunday.
Specialty: Greek
In Oak Harbor, a town fat with fast-food outlets, Zorba’s stands in stark contrast with its Mediterranean fare and wines.
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2003
BAM! BBQ and More
526 N. West St., Arlington; 360-474-8664; closed Sunday.
Specialty: barbecue
Break out the napkins and dig in to the Arlington restaurant’s New York-style main dishes and mostly satisfying sides.
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2003
Himalaya Cuisine of India
4520 200th St. SW, Lynnwood; 425-771-6422; www.himalayacuisine.us
Specialty: Indian
Himalaya Cuisine of India offers vegetarian and meat dishes with spices that complement, but don’t overpower, your meal.
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2003
Chopsticks
23025 100th Ave. W., Edmonds; 425-776-1196
Specialty: Chinese
This long-established restaurant serves three different chow mein dishes, including the one that was popular around World War II – served over crunchy noodles, not spaghetti, with well-cooked vegetables that include just a little celery and onions.
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2003
Stella Mia Ristorante Italiano
23718 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell; 425-488-1486
Specialty: Italian
Stella Mia’s warmth comes from the decor and ambiance as well as its Italian-French comfort food. And chef Bruno Girardi likes to surprise at times, too, with such specials as risotto tossed with wild boar and portabella, oyster and porcini mushrooms with a zesty tomato stew .
Reviewed July 25, 2003
Little China
909 Everett Mall Way #E-540, Everett; 425-267-0805
Specialty: Chinese
Herald readers are quick on the draw to inform us that we don’t have to travel to Seattle’s International District and search for a parking spot to enjoy first-class dim sum. It’s now served daily at Little China, and is as tasty and as expertly prepared as anything you’ll find in Seattle.
Reviewed July 18, 2003
Rio Brazilian Grill
5259 University Way NE, Seattle; 206-526-7123; closed Monday.
Specialty: Brazilian barbecue
To a Brazilian, it’s typical food. But to most of us, the tasty fare served at Rio Brazilian Grill is plenty exotic. This is a great place to bring the kids because the side dishes appear fast. But don’t eat too much of any one item; the next will be different but just as delicious.
Reviewed July 11, 2003
PS Suisse
221 Second St., No. 12, Langley, Whidbey Island; 360-221-9434
Specialty: Breakfast and lunch, plus European bakery
This small eatery toward the rear of Langley Village has the charm of a village restaurant in Europe – reflecting the Swiss heritage of chef Peter Boden – with a menu that changes daily depending on the weather. Choices might include a vegetable barley soup, tomato and cambazola cheese plate or half papaya with chicken and fruit. The bakery desserts are delicious.
Reviewed July 4, 2003
Eagles Buffet
Tulalip Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip; 360-651-1111.
Specialty: American food served buffet style.
An excellent, all-you-can-eat buffet open daily for lunch and dinner in the new Tulalip Casino puts the emphasis on a wide menu of well-prepared entrees, salads and desserts.
Reviewed June 27, 2003
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