Maybe you crave a perfectly charred burger. Maybe you’re after craft cocktails with friends. Either way, you’ll likely find yourself at a bar & grill in Redmond soon. If you’re lucky, the spot nails both the food and the vibe. But there’s a good chance one aspect overshadows the other—unless you know where to go.
The Goose Pub & Eatery
$ | (425) 454-1554 | WEBSITE
It’s pretty much impossible to go to The Goose Pub & Eatery and not order their taco salad, which makes sense, because it’s perfect. That’s the beauty of going as a foursome: You can split one salad per couple and still have room to try more of the menu, like their super fresh ingredients, or the excellent crispy flour tortilla. Throw in a round of cold drinks and you’ve got yourself quite the meal.
Roanoke Inn
$$ | (206) 232-0800 | WEBSITE
The last time we visited the Roanoke Inn, we weren’t just grabbing a quick bite—we were settling in for the afternoon. Let that sink in. This cozy local hangout has that perfect pub atmosphere for lingering, and despite its location near I-90 where construction can sometimes complicate access, it’s got a great deal of charm. Take in the dim, buzzing interior with afternoon chatter—it’s got everything from friendly regulars at the bar to groups laughing over beers.
Lots to chat about with your friends, between bites of crispy fish & chips, and a mushroom-Swiss burger that hits all the right notes.
Palmers East
$ | (425) 867-3837 | WEBSITE
Perfect Order: The Mushroom Swiss burger, a prime rib plate, two BLTs, a round of Happy Hour drinks, and something from the late-night specials. Palmers East nails that sweet spot where you can unwind with a cold one and a solid meal without breaking the bank. The vibe is pure relaxed, dive-bar comfort—think festive lights strung up during the holidays and a good stretch of outdoor seating when the weather’s right.
Service is cheery and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. And with a large free parking lot out back and a central downtown location, it’s almost too easy to swing by for a filling breakfast, a quick bite, or just to kick back with friends. This place is a local favorite for a reason: great bar food, reasonable prices, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps you coming back.
BeachHouse bar + grill
$$ | (425) 968-5587 | WEBSITE
With classic rock tunes drifting over the waterfront patio, this bustling, vibrant bar and grill in Redmond will instantly make your group dinner feel like a celebration. Actually, you should consider yourselves on a double date here: your friends, plus the meant-to-be pairing of BeachHouse’s generous portions and incredible water views. You should order enough of both so that every square inch of surface area on your table is occupied.
BeachHouse is an especially great choice if you have seafood lovers or rib enthusiasts among your crew.
The Pumphouse Bar & Grill
$$ | (425) 455-4110 | WEBSITE
Perfect Order: The onion rings, two orders of the blue cheese burger, the variety of on-tap beers, the selection of sauces, and the relaxed outdoor patio seating. The cozy atmosphere for date night, the plenty of TVs for watching sports, and the attentive, friendly staff with quick service. The small dog-friendly patio out front, the comfortable environment with a local feel, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes customers feel like family.
The Pumphouse Bar & Grill remains a Bellevue staple since the ’70s, with a great selection of beers and cocktails, and a place that needs to stay despite the development around it.
The Coalman
$$ | (425) 698-1371 | WEBSITE
The Coalman is a bar and grill, meaning it’s perfect for ordering lots of snacks like fried olives, deviled eggs, and savory cheesecake. But they also have more creative dishes than your average neighborhood spot, so it’s worth going with a group to try more. Sip on wine and cocktails, and if the duck confit sliders are on special, get them. The short ribs are our favorite dish here, and they’re ideal to share.
Hollywood Tavern
$$ | (425) 481-7703 | WEBSITE
Hollywood Tavern has a cozy, warm, delightfully old-style interior—so inviting, in fact, that if you come here alone you might feel like you’re missing something. (A group of friends, to be exact.) Bring your favorite crew to this lively Redmond spot for a moderately priced, hearty evening of bar food, and order a whiskey drink after your beer course. Maybe even two drinks.
Redmond’s Bar & Grill
$$ | (425) 558-9800 | WEBSITE
This Redmond bar and grill—and, as its name may have tipped you off, prime rib specialist—is an excellent choice for groups of just about any size. The French dip sandwich is a good deal at $18, featuring juicy tender prime rib and provolone cheese on ciabatta bread with wonderful fries.
After your meal, if the night doesn’t feel like it’s over just yet, head outside to one of the dog-friendly tables for drinks from their impressive selection of draft beer and cider while watching games or playing trivia.
Pogacha’s Pub 85
$ | (425) 576-8640 | WEBSITE
Perfect Combo: The burger and beer special for $12, scrumptious-looking pizza that everyone craves, and—even if the beer prices have climbed to $8—the cran vodka cocktail, a smooth sipper at $9.50. The cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and great service make it a spot to hang out with friends or on a date, especially if you’re not a dancer.
Firecreek Grill
$ | (425) 883-1200 | WEBSITE
A weeknight dinner is the perfect excuse to order a hearty, classic meal at this friendly neighborhood bar and grill in Redmond. The fish and chips, a generous portion of crispy beer-battered cod with thick-cut fries, comes with tartar sauce, but only one lemon wedge. Maybe whoever finishes first wins the questionable privilege of paying the reasonable tab. After your last bite, check the time and see if there’s still room to grab a club sandwich before the kitchen closes at 7:00 PM.
Daman’s Bar and Grill
$$ | (425) 881-8801 | WEBSITE
Perfect Order: Chicken strips, whiskey burger, two old-fashioneds (half-price Mondays), and the pool tables for entertainment. Plus the karaoke for dessert.
Lucky 7 Bar and Grill
$ | (425) 821-7717 | WEBSITE
Walking into Lucky 7 Bar and Grill feels like stepping into a lively game room with a side of hearty breakfast. Classic rock plays, and generously portioned comfort dishes anchor your morning. Everything about this place is bright and fun, from the pool tables in decent shape to the halal chicken that’s flavorful and satisfying, and garnished with a side of crispy fries that looks like a golden pile of joy.
Weekend breakfast for four is a little busy, so keep your eyes peeled for a table by noon—or dispatch someone to grab seats early.
The Game Neighborhood Grill and Bar
$ | (425) 821-8006 | WEBSITE
Heading to The Game Neighborhood Grill and Bar for lunch with friends is a mostly practical choice, and a very satisfying one. It means you can share the divine prime rib sandwich with just the right amount of horseradish—served on sourdough with cheese, and a favorite among regulars—but also explore more of the menu in general. Grab a table in the cozy dining area, and catch up over a cold pint of beer, and the crispy Tater Tots, which might just be our favorite things here.
Pine Lake Ale House
$$ | (425) 898-9099 | WEBSITE
Before you tell us that Pine Lake Ale House is just another sports bar and we’re crazy for recommending it, hear us out: Every time we come here, we see groups of friends sharing pitchers, and we think they might be onto something. The Redmond spot with the pub-style atmosphere that makes it a great neighborhood hangout has a beer list that’s hard to make a dent in without a few people, but it’s also very welcoming with TVs showing sports and a comfortable vibe. Hence the groups.
The only thing that’s hard to split between friends is the mouth-watering Monte Cristo sandwich, but it’s often praised as one of the best in the world, so we trust that you’ll figure it out.
Central Bar + Restaurant
$$ | (425) 578-7878 | WEBSITE
Perfect Order: A round of Scotch from the knowledgeable bartender, as many starters as you can fit on your table, including the steak bites and Korean fried cauliflower, a gorgeous wedge salad, pork chop, and the chicken piccata special. For dessert, beignets are a must. The sophisticated decor and warm, welcoming environment create an upscale yet fun vibe, perfect for casual outings or special nights out.
The staff, especially Charlie, is attentive and makes you feel welcome, though note the 20% service charge is added automatically.
