Thursday, July 12, 2007

What makes a restaurant great?

Deciding whether or not one likes a restaurant is a very subjective thing. Just look at this blog and read some of the comments. For example, my co-authors love Royal Orchid, I think it's pretty good, and a reader thinks it's one of the worst in Renton.
I like Naan N' Curry, but a couple of readers regard it as one of the worst in Renton.
So what gives?
We like restaurants for different reasons, and have different expectations going into each one.
I like teriyaki joints, but I don't go in there expecting to see elegant surrounding and have a leisurely meal with great service. For a teriyaki joint, my goal is good, fast, filling, and cheap.
And I don't go into an elegant place seeking good, fast, filling, and cheap.
Very few places have the whole package.
So here's a few questions for the vast multitudes of readers( the 4 or 5 of you?)
1. Where in Renton do you like to go for inexpensive food that's better than average AND is accompanied by friendly service?
2. Where in Renton can serve as both a special occasion place but not be so expensive that it couldn't be a regular hangout?

My answers:

1. Aloha BBQ at 2439 Maple Valley Hwy, Renton. Great, inexpensive food. The daily specials rival the expensive, gourmet places in quality, taste and presentation.
Downside: It's not fast food. Either call in your order (425-271-4451) or be prepared to hang out a while. It's in a kind of scuzzy strip mall and could easily be mistaken for a fast food teriyaki type joint, but it's not. They're not real slow, but it takes a while to cook good food. Their hours are unpredictable, so it's a good idea to call first.

2. Red House Beer and Wine Shoppe, 410 Burnett Ave S., Renton 425-226-2666.
This is currently one of my favorites anywhere. It's just a tiny bit spendy. There is a lot of variety on the menu, so you don't have to spend a lot, but when I'm there I want to order too many things.
Service is great, and it's a fun atmosphere to hang out in. Genuinely festive without the fake frivolity that too many restaurants have. A comfortable, fun place. Gene and Houng Sens know how to run a restaurant. The place has a very distinct style. There are so many wine varieties that you could go there for a year every day and still not have sampled them all.
Most Wednesdays from 6PM-8PM they have wine tastings with an appetizer buffet for twenty dollars.

Other candidates? Let's hear 'em!

Freakazoid Freddy

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cheap and good:

Ivars/Kid Valley in Gean Coulon park often get overlooked. In the summerime, the park is too busy with ghetto/white trash - but when fall rolls around, it's nice to watch the sunset from inside eating some nice chowder.

Ezel's chicken! One in skyway and one in the highlands. Go to the one at skyway - the people are nice and the spicy chicken is grub. Get it to go and have a picnic at Kubota gardens.

Nice but not too expensive and unique:

Omar Al Kyam - the ambiance leaves a bit to be desired, but the people are nice, and the food is excellent. It's been there for twenty years, so they're doing something right. On Suet - close of the dirty book store.

Sushi Man - just like Tokyo. A 12x12 ft Sushi restaurant in Kent. I know it's not Renton, but it's worth the drive.

Dinner Train. It's moving to Tacoma.. snif... For the money, I think it's a fair price.

Anonymous said...

The new Jack's Bar & Grill on NE 4th has become a fast favorite, good selection, clean, good staff.

A long-time favorite is Doofer's. Again, bar food, but they have the best reuben sandwich and something they call Martha's sndwich that are hard to beat.

Although not Renton, favorite sushi place is Tokyo in Factoria. Sushi is best on Tuesday's.

Anonymous said...

I am new to Renton, and must admit, I refrence your blog as I find my way around. Thanks!
My Wife and I recently checked out the bars downtown, and DC Bar on 3rd was hands down our favorite. Their staff was super friendly and attentive, and when our server learned we were new to town he gave us a map, and marked other resturants and things to do in the area. DC is clean and welcoming, and we will go back whenever we get the opportunity...oh yeah, the fish and chips are the best!

Anonymous said...

I'll second and third your comment about the Red House. The Wednesday tastings the best bargain in town--great food included in the tasting price. We go there regularly for fun, when guests come in town, for tastings, for "I'm too tired to cook..."

Illegitimus non carborundum said...

My favorites include:

The Red House
Pabla Indian
Little Peking
Renton Technical College Restaurant

Anonymous said...

Without a doubt Red House is one of Renton's best. But don't overlook William's Ave Sports and Eatery located at 214 Williams Ave. By far the best bar food in all of Renton. Try the ribs! They're the best and the Cobb salad.....best value too.

Anonymous said...

Ivars in Coulon definetly, and in the highlands, the santa fe grill has some of the best mexican food I've ever ate, although it's a bit expensive, it's worth it. If you aren't a big fan of mexican food, there is a vietnamese pho resteraunt that is in the gas station right next to the santa fe grill, and it's alot cheaper as well.