Bothell Favorites!
I grew up in Ballard so when we first moved to Lake Forest Park I felt a little isolated but soon after we discovered downtown Bothell and it has become our go to area! So many places to tell you about so tighten your seat belts or scroll to the bottom for a quick list.
One of the first places that really made us feel at home was McMenamins Anderson School. It’s kid friendly but felt like an adult play ground! Idk if you’re familiar with McMenamins but they have multiple locations throughout Washington and Oregon. They buy historic property/land and turn them into epic restaurants / bars / hotels / movie theaters / you name it. Ours also has a community pool. There are so many fun different spots all in one so it felt like bar hopping around in Ballard again.
Anderson School has my favorite movie theater to go to, the room has been turned into an old school auditorium that plays one movie at a time (for a really good price - $9!) with a full food and drink menu available. We don’t go to the movies much but when we do that’s my number one pick. Afterwards I like to walk a whole 50ft over to their tiny little whiskey cottage for a night cap. The bartenders there are always friendly and happy to help you figure out exactly what you like and/or make a recommendation for something similar to try they think you will! I think they have about 4 tables inside with an outdoor patio and fireplace that is just oh so cozy no matter what time of year. Be warned though - you will come home smelling of campfire.
The other restaurants on the McMenamins property are:
The WoodShop - a sports pub feel with games like pool, shuffleboard, pin ball etc.
Tavern On The Square - another pub feel but a bit more intimate and upscale with a larger menu. Good for date night or brunch but don’t worry you can still wear sweatpants if you want too
Principles Office - the ‘secret’ bar here (its at the top of the hotel.. on your mark, get set, go find it!)
Northshore Lagoon - this restaurant and tiki bar is above the community pool and something really fun to see. They’ve crated a little jungle around the pool and made the restaurant feel like a pirate ship or something. They specialize in mezcal drinks (not my personal fave but I know a lot of other people like it.)
MORE BOTHELL FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
Whew! I did not anticipate writing that much all about McMenamins but there you have it. We love it there but believe it or not that not even our favorite Bothell Restaurant to go to! So here’s the rest which maybe I’ll do a deep dive on later…
The Cottage - THIS is my favorite Bothell restaurant. Its farm to table style perfect for brunch, lunch, happy hour, or dinner, literally… they nail it all! They also change/update the menu every season according to what’s fresh/available which I just love. It is a little spendy (especially if you get a few rounds of drinks like we usually do). But it is a worth it to splurge every once in a while. The manager Madison is really who makes the experience even better with her smiling face (even her mask) and welcoming demeanor. She has done a great job training the rest of the staff as well. Again, I highly recommend. On Fridays they usually have live music and we’ve found lots of great local artists there, who doesn’t love an intimate concert! They also put on great events like special ladies night happy hours and hey sometimes pop up shops with yours truly!
Mexican : Julios, Poquitos, or La Gloria.
Julios is very family friendly with sweet staff and a little easier on the wallet. Kind of your standard Mexican food place but we love it
Poqutios is trendier (super cute) with a more creative menu and great bar. Always have to get the queso
La Gloria is the newest spot to me, 21+ with an authentic small plate menu. good vegetarian options besides just bean or fajita veggie substitutes
Burgers :
The Bison comfortable dive feel with a ton of different burger options and some bbq. also a good place to watch a sounders game
The Cottage Burger is a fav too!
Stack 571 - My favorite thing on their menu is actually the tempura cauliflower with buffalo sauce. Get it. My husband is a vegetarian and that the closest substitute we’ve had for wings. Beyond that they have so many variations of burgers (my favorite so far is the three pepper bomb swap pepper jack for sharp cheddar) but im sure you can find something to please your palette. And if your’e also a vegetarian they have beyond burger patty’s for just a $1 upcharge - much cheaper than other places.
Sandwiches / Taprooms:
The Bine has a rotating tap list with a good variety and a good menu or snacks/sandwiches. I loveeee their veggie grilled cheese. Basically a caprese grilled cheese sandwich with cheese curds. Mouth is watering just typing about it.
Alexas - great casual brunch spot
Beardslee Public House - we just went for the first time a few weeks ago and idk what took us so long! Wide range of menu and everything was delicious. Their poke bowl was amazing which was quite the surprise. The deviled eggs were incredible, and of course you can’t go wrong with the soft pretzel.
Comment below if you’ve got any favorites to add!
