Restaurant Pick--The Ram!

Family Restaurant Pick!

RAM Restaurant & Brewery
http://www.theram.com/
 

I'm assuming that some of you are already in the habit of going out to eat with your families so you already know about the quintessential family spot - Red Robin! But maybe you're a little tired of the same old, same old. You just need to see a menu that doesn't have a bird on it. I understand. Enter...the RAM!

The closest locations to Edmonds are Northgate, U Village and Tulalip. Slightly inconvenient, I understand, but can you say shopping?? Their menu has a little bit of everything on it so anyone can be satisfied with their options. They even call out which items are gluten-free - bonus point for them!

Another little perk for family dining is that on Monday nights kids can order from their special menu and it only costs $1/child (for each adult entrée ordered). Great if you have a picky eater and feel like you're always wasting money when you go out. And, as a side note, the kids' side of a "fruit cup" I thought was going to literally be one of those pre-packaged numbers. Nope. At least a cup of red grapes and freshly sliced strawberries. Color me impressed. Next time I just have to make sure my daughter doesn't start with that! The RAM has some of the largest TV screens I've ever encountered in a restaurant before and a pretty substantial noise level so you won't have to worry about loud children and a little bit of craziness.

--Emily Hoornstra

Restaurant Pick--Five Restaurant Bistro

Five Restaurant Bistro
650 Edmonds Way
Fiveedmonds.com

Hip décor and a friendly staff in addition to delicious food make Five a great date night (or date lunch?) pick.  Wood fired pizzas, fresh salads and a selection of thoughtfully constructed entrees, such as the amazing carne asada , will be sure to please most palates.  Open weekdays for lunch, and 7 days a week for dinner service, this restaurant is easily accessible and their large dining capacity enables a party of 2 to get in with relative ease on most occasions. Also to be noted is the daily happy hour where $5 personal pizzas are served from 2-5pm daily, along with other food and drink specials.  A personal favorite is the Five Caesar, or the fish tacos both available on the happy hour menu.  While this restaurant selection is dedicated to a “date night” pick, it also should be noted that Five is kid friendly, and is actually the favorite spot for mac and cheese for my children.  Kids and adults alike devour this gooey, oven baked dish!  Enjoy the atmosphere, the food and the time away at Five, and be sure to end your meal on a sweet note; the Bolinhos (think homemade donut holes rolled in cinnamon and sugar) equate to a warm delectable indulgence, are a guarantee to please you and your sweetie!

--Quinn Manning

 

 

Restaurant Pick--Dickie's Barbeque Pit

Dickie's Barbeque Pit

If you've ever seen Steve Martin's "Father of the Bride", then you may recall that you don't want to have the word "pit" on your wedding invitation. However, weddings aside, this is a "pit" worth checking out! You can make up your own meal combo out of the wide variety of both meats and sides that they have. My favorite? Turkey breast and chicken breast - the two meat combo! Along with the sides, this gives me plenty to share with my youngest child. And, speaking of children, on Sundays you get a free kid's meal for every adult meal purchased. Score! Our family has visited the Lynden and Auburn locations but never fear - there is now a location right off 128th in Everett and one coming soon in Bellevue!

Some people have lamented that out of all the sides available it's a crime that cornbread is not one of them. Perhaps...but I'm also completely in love with the dinner rolls that come with every meal. Addicting, to say the least. I'm not missing the cornbread. Another little perk is that they have a soft serve vanilla ice cream machine that is open to all their customers. If you actually have any room left in your stomach that is! I've been known to get some soft serve ice cream and root beer in my cup to go. Hard to go wrong with a root beer float, my friends.

Visit the website here:)

4.5/5 stars

--Emily Hoornstra

Date-Night Restaurant Pick--Bar Dojo

Bar Dojo:

Going on a date with the hubby and want to stay local just in case you get the dreaded, “Hi____, I am really sorry but____ just threw up all over that afghan in your room (the one your grandmother so lovingly made for you)”… ok I digress. Point is, go to Bar Dojo, it’s in Edmonds located at Five Corners, and has delectable fare! This restaurant is fabulous, and while they do have a kids menu, it is not a spot that I would necessarily recommend taking children to- though your child may have a more sophisticated palate than mine! 

The only drawback to this establishment is the location. It’s in a weird spot. However, the food is divine. Think creative Asian fusion cuisine; favorites of mine are the Hurricane Popcorn (only $3 on happy hour!), Avocado Tempura, and the Crispy Shallot Beef Sliders.

 I am a self-proclaimed happy hour connoisseur, and Bar Dojo does not disappoint in this department. Discounted food and drinks are available on their happy hour menu Tues-Sun 4-6pm, and as a mom used to serving up dinner at 5:30pm, this time hits my hunger sweet spot and who doesn’t love a bargain, especially when you don’t have to do the dishes?! 

Check out this local gem for your next date night, or meet up with a girlfriend.

4.5/5 stars.

*Bar Dojo is participating in Seattle Restaurant Week, which is a really fun way to try new restaurants; they provide options from a fixed 3 course menu for $28/person.  This runs Oct 13^th-17^th & Oct 20^th-24^th.

--Quinn Manning

Kid-Friendly Restaurant Pick!--Anthony's Beach Cafe

Anthony's Beach Cafe - Edmonds, WA 

I wanted to start out the year with a brief review on a mainstay of dining in the Edmonds area. I've yet to meet a local that hasn't been to the Beach Cafe and just loved it! The location is beautiful as it's set right on the water near all the boats and they have a good-sized amount of outdoor seating during the warmer weather. Another perk when you're eating outside is that your kids can play in the sandboxes they have set up! When dining inside, the restaurant can get a little noisy but you may find this to be a perk if you have little ones. I've also found the kids menu is somewhat limited, especially for those with food allergies but the rockfish tacos (on the adult menu) are to die for and make up for that!

* 4 out of 5 stars

--Emily Hoornstra