settling on a favorite variety. The food, meanwhile, is similar to the splendidly authentic Mexican fare served at its sister establishment, Ballard’s Carta de Oaxaca. Stellar additions to the menu include gringas oaxaqueñas, marinated, spit-roasted pork with little bits of seared pineapple, drizzled with melted Oaxacan cheese, and served as tacos in handmade corn tortillas; and barbacoa cabrito, a chili-marinated, slow-roasted goat accompanied by a queso-speckled mole negro. KEEGAN HAMILTON 2123 Queen Anne Ave. N., 216-4446, mezcaleriaoaxaca.com $$ The prices are sky-high at Sky City, the Space Needle’s revolving restaurant. But suck it up and plunk down some plastic, because there’s no more iconic landmark dining room in Seattle. Under chef Jeff Maxfield, the food’s actually worth the big bucks. For a little lighter check, go for lunch, when the crowd’s not all decked out for proms or Grandma’s 100th birthday. Order the flatbread topped with Quillisascut curado and Salumi guancale, then try some of the city’s best fish-and-chips. (The crispy batter’s spiked with Alpine pilsner.) Speaking of getting a buzz while twirling in the air, SkyCity’s wine list is full of gems from Washington. and the prices are down-to-earth. Insider tip: Sign up online and SkyCity will treat you to a meal on your birthday or anniversary. LEsLIE KELLy 400 Broad St., 905-2100, spaceneedle.com/restaurant $$$
South L ak e u n i o n The organizing principle at Brave horSe tavern, the most successful of the restaurants Tom Douglas debuted in 2011, is beer. If a dish screams for a brew, it’s probably incredibly well-made here. Initial hoopla centered on the soft and doughy Bavarian pretzels, but the menu’s studded with successful, subtly Germanic dishes that answer a drinker’s call for salt and heft. Cheese curds are fried, a bratwurst shares a plate with mashed potatoes, and a juicy burger gets a lift from its
Dahlia Bakery bun. Best of all, “tavern” isn’t a throwaway term here: The dining room, with its picnic bench–style seating and shuffleboard tables, is always upbeat and noisy. HANNA RAsKIN 310 Terry Ave. N., 971-0717, bravehorsetavern.com $$
Mad i S o n Par k Cormac Mahoney’s MadiSon Park ConServatory is a paragon of civility, befitting the ultra-luxe neighborhood which surrounds it. But the young restaurant’s refined cocktails and bespoke dining room don’t signal stodginess. Mahoney, who gained local culinary notoriety by selling inventive tacos from a wooden crate outside 14 Carrot Cafe, brings a playful streak to his very pretty dishes. In the summer, there are leggy spot prawns with nuoc cham, best enjoyed on the waterfront deck. Winter finds the kitchen pickling, braising, and grilling beef tongues—which would probably make a fine taco filling. HANNA RAsKIN 1927 43rd Ave. E., 324-9701, madisonparkconservatory.com $$$
Enjoy our cozy nEw Bar nolasco
Open 7 Days a Week Lunch Specials Happy Hour 4 - 6:30pm Mariachis EvEry TuEsday nighT!
2234 2nd Avenue Belltown 206-728-6262
mamas.com
www.
B e L Ltow n
Since
Seattle’s early risers can perhaps find more refined pastries at Café Besalu or Honore Artisan Bakery, and more sugary starters at any of the upscale doughnut shops, but nothing better steels a busy eater for the day ahead than MaCrina Bakery’s morning-glory muffin, a wholesome, rough-hewn handful of carrots, raisins, walnuts, apples, pineapple, and coconut. The 20-year-old bakery, the sweet-smelling manifestation of a philosophy heavy on whole grains and community connections, is like an all-grown-up 1970s cooperative, its handsome display cases crowded with consistently splendid plum rolls, monkey-bread twists, and savory scones. Beyond breakfast, Macrina makes a terrific baguette that frequently turns up in restaurant baskets. HANNA RAsKIN 2408 First Ave. and other locations, macrinabakery.com $
1974
WWW.GAMEWORKS.COM
Join us for lunch and dinner
Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 3pm–7pm Family 4-pack Every Sunday Pizza and Four 1-Hour Time Cards*
Brave Horse Tavern
JOSHUA HUSTON
*Must be 18 and older after 10pm. Additional $2 activation fee required on new card purchases. Time play offer valid for video game play only - does not include photo, prize games or special attractions. Cannot be combined with other offers including in store bonus offers. Offers subject to change with or without notice.
WWW.GAMEWORKS.COM • 1511 7TH AVE • SEATTLE • 206.521.0952 VORACIOUS DINING GUIDE 2012 • Seattle Weekly
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