X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

Few literary scholars know Chaucer’s twenty-fifth lost Canterbury Tale, about the wretched hive of scum and villainy known as the Canterbury Ales and Eats. Lack of notoriety didn’t stop some Seattle entrepreneur from opening a tribute business. Though located on the north end of Capitol Hill’s quaint, huppie-inhabited (hipster + yuppie, ya’ll) 15th Ave section, The Canterbury is a true dive bar. Its darkness shrouds ripped upholstery but can’t mask the faint smell of human excrement. Most of the staff are surly as hell (apart from the sunny Shauna… does she still work there?). Still, there are untold treasures in its expanse of four rooms! The front room, with its tall booths, is good for large parties, but be prepared to freeze your ass off every time the door opens. On the left, past the juke box, is a cozy sitting room complete with a fireplace. To the right, past the barfly corral, is the vast game room. Here you can challenge another chap to such olde-timey favorites as shuffleboard, pinball and pool. All this plus great fries and Strongbow on tap! When I lived three blocks away this place was my rec room.

534 15th Ave E 98112
206-322-3130

March 13, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

Tucked away in the corner of the Wallingford Winchell’s parking lot, one might not even notice Rancho Bravo Tacos. But of all the roadside taco trucks, this one is definitely worth checking out. Strategically situated one block down from Dick’s Drive-In and open till 2:30am on weekends, the grinning Rancho Bravo bull clearly has an agenda: lull the 2am snack scavengers away from boring burgers with the smell of fresh salsa and carne asada. So far, it appears to be working. No matter what you order, you’ll get your money’s worth. The burritos are a 5 napkin affair and their veggie quesadilla is packed to the gills with a pleasing array garden goodies. Those of you looking for the more unusual animal parts in your Mexican food might be a little disappointed, but the average taco consumer will be perfectly sated. Everything is made fresh and, while the service suggests they may be hot boxing the Bravo, they clearly know what they’re doing when it comes to taco truckin’. For a little dinner entertainment, “dine in” under their canopy and watch the eclectic Winchell’s regulars eye you suspiciously.

211 NE 45th St 98105
http://www.myspace.com/ranchobravotacos

March 12, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

The stately black building that greets you as you cross the Ballard Bridge is a long-standing institution. It was one of several Chinese restaurants opened by the Louie family in the Seattle area in the 1930’s. The remaining Louie’s restaurant upholds the class and tradition from that era. The high backed chairs and tall, private booths, elegant Chinese decorations and impeccable, attentive service will make you feel like you’re really dining out; not just grabbing a quick bite to eat. All your favorite Chinese entrées are available and prepared to precision. One simply cannot complain about their hearty plate of General Tso’s chicken or a steaming pile of moo shoo wrapped in a flowery pancake. Be sure to order the egg rolls, fat and fresh out of the fryer. They are spiced with just a hint of nutmeg and served alongside a trio of dipping delights. Louie’s is a unique dining experience.

5100 15th Ave NW 98107
206-782-8855
http://www.louiescuisine.com

March 11, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

In a town where “fusion” is on the rise, La Casa Del Mojito dares to serve classic Latin American and Cuban dishes with precision. Adventurous eaters mightn’t have the best experience but the food is so stupendous, it’s hard to imagine any patron unhappy. While, the vegetarian selection is limited, you can’t go wrong with the fresh, flavorful options. Their meat dishes are seasoned to perfection. Entrées come with delectable black beans and rice and a couple of tostones (fried green plantains dolloped with mojito sauce). Their titular drink is unequivocally the best in town. They also do Brazilian expats proud with a lovely Capirinha. Outstanding service helps round out a magnificent dining experience. When one of our appetizers came wrong, our server fired off a couple of partiality questions and brought us back an amazing marinated vegetable plate, smothered in garlic and olive oil and free of charge. Lounge outdoors for a leisurely summer meal, or distract yourself from winter gloom with the brightly decorated interior. Both locations are small and the Lake City restaurant fills up quickly on weekends so call ahead. It’s a bit pricey but well worth it for a treat.

5253 University Way NE 98105
206-524-4615
http://www.lacasadelmojito.com

March 7, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

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Much to my delight, the taco appears to be rising in the ranks of urban street food. Forging the path is Taco Gringos, who give their tiny store front operation most of the characteristics of an urban cart with the added bonus of getting to wait for your tacos under the warmth and safety of fluorescent lighting. Their no-nonsense menu is scrawled on a tiny chalkboard. Mini tacos are $2 each and you have the choice between chicken, chorizo or vegetarian. Soda is $1. Choose from 3 salsas, pay the men (cash only), and be on your way. Don’t forget to drop a Washington into the tip jar. It’s so simple, yet so brilliant. These boys work hard doing one thing well. And they know their audience. They’re open 8pm to 3am 7 days a week to cater to the Capitol Hill bar crowd, and conveniently located across from the foodless divey wonderland of Clever Dunne’s. I wish there were more places like this. Who wants to open Cannoli Bambinas with me?

1510 E Olive Way 98112
http://www.tacogringos.com

March 3, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment