The Hollywood Tavern ★★★☆☆
Woodinville is known for its wine tasting rooms. From the very early days of Chateau St Michelle moving into the area to distribute their wine to the western Washington market, tasting rooms have flocked into the area mixed in with over 100 wineries. Close to the Chateau is a hipster-rustic tavern, The Hollywood Tavern, where you can grab some food to give yourself a break from exploring the wonderful Woodinville wine world.
The Hollywood Tavern is a relaxed tavern huddled next to a whiskey distillery. On a busy day, like the day I went with three other friends, the parking lot gets packed. Walking down the narrow parking lot, you have to go in the back door where you’ll see a giant outdoor space filled with casual seating around outdoor fireplaces. We went on Father’s Day and all the dads looked liked they were enjoying their craft cocktails while hanging out with their families. Definitely a retreat space for families wanting to relax outside of the winery scene.
The Hollywood Tavern is a relaxed tavern huddled next to a whiskey distillery. On a busy day, like the day I went with three other friends, the parking lot gets packed. Walking down the narrow parking lot, you have to go in the back door where you’ll see a giant outdoor space filled with casual seating around outdoor fireplaces. We went on Father’s Day and all the dads looked liked they were enjoying their craft cocktails while hanging out with their families. Definitely a retreat space for families wanting to relax outside of the winery scene.
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Upon entering, the Hollywood Tavern has a fancier feel than your average, run of the mill taverns. “Hipster-esque.” Even with the hipster feeling, it doesn’t seem too pretentious. Matter of fact, it feels just pretentious enough, especially with the tasty FRIED PICKLES.Coming in the door, it was standing room only on Father’s Day. People got up to leave and being the only ones in line, we pounced on the chance to sit at one of their only 4-seaters left.
Having explored some of the local wineries, we were ready to eat. “Mmmm, Fried Pickles!” I emphasized to the waitress.
“It’s one of our staples,” the waitress assured me. “If you come here, you typically order our fried pickles.”
The whole group was instantly impressed by them. The pickles were complemented with ranch and buffalo dipping sauces that unquestionably completed the appetizer. (I’m not a professional Chef or Gordon Ramsey, but if I was I would say, “the ratio of pickle to cornmeal to dipping sauces is spot on!”)
Munching on the pickles didn’t quite go along with how hungry we were. And, while we all enjoyed the dish, not all of us were pickle fans. Because of our deep hunger and because of the Father’s Day crowd getting our meal seemed really long even though it was a very appropriate wait time.
The kitchen runner brought us their classic burger, followed by their version of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, a CBLT (chicken bacon lettuce and tomato) sandwich, and ... “Wait where did my sandwich go?!” [insert shrug emoji]
Having explored some of the local wineries, we were ready to eat. “Mmmm, Fried Pickles!” I emphasized to the waitress.
“It’s one of our staples,” the waitress assured me. “If you come here, you typically order our fried pickles.”
The whole group was instantly impressed by them. The pickles were complemented with ranch and buffalo dipping sauces that unquestionably completed the appetizer. (I’m not a professional Chef or Gordon Ramsey, but if I was I would say, “the ratio of pickle to cornmeal to dipping sauces is spot on!”)
Munching on the pickles didn’t quite go along with how hungry we were. And, while we all enjoyed the dish, not all of us were pickle fans. Because of our deep hunger and because of the Father’s Day crowd getting our meal seemed really long even though it was a very appropriate wait time.
The kitchen runner brought us their classic burger, followed by their version of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, a CBLT (chicken bacon lettuce and tomato) sandwich, and ... “Wait where did my sandwich go?!” [insert shrug emoji]
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They said mine would be out soon, but was so noticeably missing that after a few minutes the waitress stopped at our table, scrunched her face, and asked us where my food was. [insert shrug emoji again!]
After tasting some fries and a bite of the CBLT, a couple minutes later, my Philly-like sandwich came out. One bite in, I wished I had ordered the CBLT. It had a nice ratio of all the elements plus an avocado spread that just completed everything #hipster. My sandwich wasn’t bad ... it was just average. Not everything can be a slam dunk especially with the really tasty Fried Pickles and CBLT. Overall, it was a fun break from the winery world surrounding it. While not everything on the menu is a slam dunk, they have their select dishes that will cause fireworks in your mouth. I encourage you to try it and tell me about your experience. |
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If you want to check it out, here is a bit of their info: The Hollywood Tavern 14501 Redmond-Woodinville Rd NE Woodinville, WA 98072 thehollywoodtavern.com (425) 481-7703 Hours: Friday - Saturday 11AM–10PM Sunday - Thursday 11AM–9PM |
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