BELLEVUE, Wash. — Want to spend a weekend exploring the east side of Lake Washington?
Here are seven spots worth visiting, from Bothell to Bellevue.
Take a swing at outdoor sports — indoors — in Kirkland! The space features craft cocktails, locally-sourced bites, and Topgolf Swing Suites where you can try everything from golf and football to zombie dodgeball. Suites can be reserved by the hour.
Looking for an eatery with history? This Bellevue fixture is a blast from the past. Lil' Jon has been serving up ginormous pancakes and cinnamon rolls since 1967. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
In Bothell, British tradition awaits. Graham's RoyalTea is primarily an event space, but on afternoons they're not previously engaged you can book an afternoon "high tea" party. The service comes with finger sandwiches and desserts.
For southern hospitality in the Northwest, grab a table at Pomegranate Bistro in Redmond. Chef Lisa Dupar created the menu, inspired by her childhood in Atlanta and Charleston. They're open seven days a week — book your reservations online.
If you're looking for an outdoor event space, Woodinville Lavender has you covered. Owned by a rocket scientist-turned-farmer, they host everything from weddings to small dinners. It's a spectacular location for photos and a soothing spot for celebrating something — or someone.
Woodinville is also a great place to grab a pint, at family and bike-friendly Metier Brewing. Making award-winning beer is just one part of owner Rodney Hines' purpose.
"When you look at our label, it isn't a solo cyclist going up a mountain. It's a group of cyclists who are together, pulling and pushing each other to go up the mountain,” he said. "I think beer is almost like an ice breaker for conversation and connection."
Metier's taproom is open Thursday through Sunday.
This family-owned Kirkland restaurant gets high marks on Yelp because it offers fine dining-type dishes (pan-roasted miso salmon, pork belly tacos, and French blues burger, anyone?) for reasonable prices in a casual setting.
"I want to create that vibe where you're our family. It's kind of how you grow up in Hawaii,” said owner Reis Llaneza. "I just want people to enjoy it. Come in, and not have to empty out their wallet."
Box and Burgers is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.
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