Restaurant Roundup: Literary Libations and Tequila on the Docks

There are still three weeks until Thanksgiving, but the spread of offerings this year at Seattle-area hotels is already impressive. Whether you’re traveling in the city or simply don’t want to deal with dirty dishes, the cornucopia overfloweth. Enjoy a feast at the Four Seasons’ recently remodeled Goldfinch Tavern, or a three-course meal at The Edgewater’s Six Seven Restaurant. The W Seattle is putting together to-go dinners for two, available for pickup at its TRACE Market. Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar inside The Westin will serve a sage-rubbed turkey with savory brioche stuffing. And out in wine country, Willows Lodge will host a three-course holiday dinner at the Barking Frog, as well as a family-style buffet in the ballroom. 

Hope you saved room for the sides.

From Córdoba to Pioneer Square

Slabs of beef and peppers on a grill alongside a plate of empanadas—that is what one typically pictures when it comes to Argentine cuisine, so discovering the world of the country’s pastries is a welcome surprise. To do so, head to Argentum Coffee & Bakery, where Axios’ Melissa Santos indulged in the sweet (alfajores) and the savory (criollitos). The facturas and mafalda sandwich stuffed with soft ham and cheese are both worthy orders too.

Don’t ask for ranch

It’s kind of a faux pas at Vindicktive Wings in Belltown, where bleu cheese is the dipping sauce supreme. The restaurant also leaves the fried chicken in for longer, giving each piece a crispy shell that holds up well against whatever flavor you choose: buffalo (medium or hot), lemon pepper, mango habanero, or salt and vinegar. Throw in the 99-cent wing night and the spot makes a strong claim to be the best in Seattle. 

Bites from the Polish underground

Sebi’s Kitchen is open one night a week (Friday) and entry requires a $1 community center day pass, as it’s located in the basement of the Polish Home Association. It’s all part of the adventure, and once you’re in, this secretive Miller Park gem wows guests with the expected hits (kielbasa, golabki, pierogies, oh my!) as well as pizza and a few German dishes. Calling ahead, or simply snagging a reservation, is important since the neighborhood consistently shows up.

Tequila on the docks, please

Cantina Monarca, an elevated Mexican restaurant established in Bellevue in 2022, will soon expand with a Seattle location on the water at Lake Union Piers. The space will be massive—11,000 square feet with indoor and outdoor dining and entertainment areas—and showcase views of the Space Needle. Guests can expect menu highlights such as ceviche, lobster enchiladas, tlayuda, and more, plus a collection of more than 100 renowned tequilas. A summer 2027 opening is the target.

A novel way to drink

RIDER has launched a fall cocktail menu that takes a page out of dark academia, with nods to the likes of Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, and Sherlock Holmes. To best enjoy these literary libations, Alexis Tiedmann, director of food and beverage at Hotel Theodore, had a few pairing suggestions: “The Elementary! goes well with the smoked salmon fish dip. The smokiness of the scotch pairs with the smoked fish, and the gin botanicals pick up the fine herbs. The Tell-Tale Heart goes well with the rigatoncini. The earthy beet and rhubarb bitterness of the drink suit the lamb and artichoke of the pasta.” Explore the other drinks on the menu through next February, along with RIDER’s new fall food menu.