Finding a truly great bar restaurant in Redmond requires more than just scanning a map. We’re talking about places where the cocktails are crafted with the precision of a tech startup’s code, the small plates arrive with the reliability of a cloud server, and the atmosphere buzzes with the energy of a successful launch. This list has done the rigorous testing for you. Forget scrolling through endless reviews—just pick a spot from our definitive guide.
Prime Steakhouse Redmond
$$$ | (425) 376-2683 | WEBSITE
They’re out there right now, hiding in plain sight. You might not recognise them straight away, but trust us, they exist. No, we’re not talking about steakhouse skeptics. We’re talking about filet steak lovers. Happily some people just can’t get enough of this tender little cut, so instead we offer them Prime Steakhouse’s filet. A juicy and flavorful number cooked to order, it’s a classic celebratory dish in Redmond and an excellent dining choice whether you’re pro-steakhouse or not.
Fork and Spoke
$$ | (425) 448-9568 | WEBSITE
Fork and Spoke is one of those cozy hotel restaurants you hit up for some excellent fish tacos and sweet potato fries. But throughout the week you can also hit up their bar for a specialty cocktail called “Garden Party” that has everything you’ll need for a relaxing evening. Some of the menu highlights include the amazing salmon dish with unique avocado rice, delightful sauces, reasonable prices, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Cheers to taste buds everywhere.
Mandarin Buffet & Grill
$$ | (425) 885-3888 | WEBSITE
The bad news: some dishes can be hit or miss, with flavors that might need a little adjusting to your liking. The good news: Mandarin Buffet & Grill is still very much up and running as the best buffet around Seattle. We like their weekend Snow Crab as a no-brainer option that will have everyone nodding and saying ‘I like this crab, I like it a lot’.
If you’re just looking for a nice meal with plenty of variety, you’ll find plenty of options in their buffet – all well-prepared in their lively, clean environment. Average quality who?
Agave Cocina & Cantina
$$ | (425) 881-8252 | WEBSITE
For full disclosure, we want to let you know that this place is making us crave. A lot. Classic Redmond spot, Agave Cocina & Cantina, is serving up a macho burrito for $18 that includes shredded beef, rice, beans, and all the fixings, plus those to-die-for chips and guacamole. If you and your coworker / friend / significant other, are looking for a business lunch or just a solid dinner – or can’t resist a lively bar scene – we’d say this burrito is the way to go.
It’s the perfect hearty meal for two.
Spark Pizza
$$ | (425) 898-4106 | WEBSITE
This season we’ve decided to swap crowded summer patios – parking hassles, big no no – with devouring wood-fired pizza. Join us in this flavor mission by grabbing a pie from Spark Pizza. If the zesty Citrus Mistress pizza with its bright lemon notes isn’t your thing, then there’s also the bold Buffalo Soldier with tangy buffalo sauce, and tender meatballs in fresh tomato sauce for sharing. The dough comes out light and airy from the wood-fired oven, making it dangerously easy to keep eating.
While you might notice occasional uneven ingredient distribution, the imaginative flavors and quality ingredients shine through. The friendly staff, including the owner, keeps service quick despite limited seating, with a waiting area offering seats and cold water where you can order drinks. Supporting local breweries adds to the community vibe. Yes, parking can be tricky when wasps buzz around in summer, but the fire pizza creates perfect summer vibes with friends.
For takeout or dine-in, this spot delivers fantastic flavors that make minor inconveniences worth overlooking.
Northwest Brewing Pint & Pie Public House
$ | (425) 658-3157 | WEBSITE
The words ‘Loaded Tots’ make us feel alive. As does ‘craft cocktails’, ‘brewery’s own beers’, and ‘Pacific Northwest-themed decor’. All of the above come as part of Northwest Brewing Pint & Pie Public House’s lively atmosphere. Complete with a dog-friendly patio and plenty of space between tables, it’s perfect for a casual gathering with friends, or as an excellent spot for your family outing before 5pm when it’s quieter.
W XYZ Lounge
$$ | (425) 636-9922 | WEBSITE
Connoisseurs of casual comfort like ourselves, understand that no evening out beats the post-work wind-down. So just picture the relaxation you could find after settling into a craft cocktail at W XYZ Lounge, one of Redmond’s best upscale gathering spots. For $18 you get a surprisingly good clam chowder featuring rich broth, tender clams, and all the other comforting classics.
It’s designed as a starter, but we don’t see why you can’t make it a meal if you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner with friends.
Ixtapa Redmond Ridge
$ | (425) 868-8283 | WEBSITE
Everyone keeps saying that Mexican food in the suburbs can’t compare to the real thing. Well, make hay whilst the, erm, tortillas are warm and take this dreary January as an opportunity to switch up your standard takeout routine for something authentic. More specifically, something sizzling. Mexican specialists Ixtapa Redmond Ridge are doing comforting family-style dishes that range from a chicken fajitas and arroz con pollo situation to excellent shrimp tacos.
But we’ve got our eyes on the homemade nachos with their top-notch salsa.
Firecreek Grill
$ | (425) 883-1200 | WEBSITE
Well, this year has been a real mess, let me tell you. When dealing with modern-day frustrations and looking for a spot to unwind after work, we like to turn to comfort food. If it happens to be reasonably priced comfort food, even better. Get yourself a plate of fish and chips, a club sandwich, or whatever the chef’s special is as part of Firecreek Grill’s limited evening service. Or just grab a bite before they close at 7:00 PM. Two birds, one stone.
Japanese Cuisine Towa
$$$$ | WEBSITE
The birthday experience is the special occasion’s most memorable treat. What’s that? You think a surprise party is better? Let’s see how you feel when you’re celebrating and have the same old cake routine for the 86th time. But rather than settling for a typical dinner out, go all in with your celebration and book the pre-ordered Towa course with sake flights from upscale Japanese restaurant, Towa. Available on the eastside.
