Dining list

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