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Bleu Bistro's Grotto
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
1801 E Olive Way(between E Broadway & E Harvard Ave)
Seattle, WA 98102
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
(206) 322-3087
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 5 pm - 2 am
Wed-Sun 12 pm - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
46 reviews for Bleu Bistro's Grotto
Review Highlights
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"My old staple, the Wasabi Grilled Cheese, was still on the..." In 6 reviews -
"They also have these giant open windows that I thought were..." In 3 reviews -
"cocktails are strong &&& delicious." In 4 reviews
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46 reviews in English
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Review from Ken S.
Seattle, WA
5/16/2012
Overall:
food (happy hour) - average
service - great
We stepped in for happy hour and a gnosh. Nice, intimate décor. It was a sunny day, and the large open window was very pleasant. The service was friendly and fun - Diane was our bartender, and was quite... charming! They have the Rasputin stout available, so we went for that. They had a mixed drink special that looked pretty good too. We nailed a couple of the happy hour tacos, which were not amazing, but good. Dished ordered by other patrons looks promising, as well. And, sitting on the bar... one of those chocolate death cakes from Costco. No objections - it's one of the best chocolate cakes available - couldn't say no to that. -
Review from Stephanie J.
Seattle, WA
5/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I miss when Bleu Bistro was located on the corner of Broadway and John. All of the tables had their own curtains and the atmosphere was really intimate and quiet. A great date spot! In fact when it was located on that corner I did go on a date their and I remember the food and drinks being great.
Alas, they have moved and are just two blocks down the hill on Olive now.
With the move the atmosphere has changed as well. The tables are all open and it's a bit louder than previously. I went in with two friends and we sat at the bar and grabbed drinks and the hummus and salsa plate with chips. Here is where the night took a turn for the worse. The hummus and salsa was great. BUT there was SO much garlic in the hummus that I swear my breath could've caught the whole place on fire. My friends and I each shoved gum in our mouth as soon as we left, but to no avail. The garlic was permeating every crevice of our mouths. It definitely wasn't the end of the world, and it wasn't like a beer and three waters were spilt on me (this is happened, play 'Where's Waldo?' with my reviews to see where) but so much garlic is not romantic, it doesn't make for a kissable mouth, and it's just awkward when you're trying to talk to friends at a bar but you have to cover your mouth and pray they have a head cold.
Overall this place is A-OK.
Drinks are good.
Service is good.
Food is subject to vampire slaying potential. -
Review from Eugene M.
Seattle, WA
4/26/2012
This is my favorite restaurant in Seattle, and their old location was my old favorite in Seattle.
I love their cheese platter -- Chez Cheese -- their appetizers are killer, and the drinks are sweet and strong. Sounds perfect to me, because it is!! -
Review from Alice C.
4/9/2012 2 Check-ins Here
It's the Bleu Bistro's younger, wannabe just as cool and newly announced to society younger sibling... Who misses the mark. I mean, Bleu Bistro Grotto is certainly much more spacious and open than its previous location, but that was part of the Bistro's charm.
On to the drinks and menu items, everything from the previous locations menu is here. But the drinks just don't pack the same punch for the price as the previous incarnations did, and I've tried the grilled cheese as both locations (but never the other offerings, too pricey for what I've seen come out of the kitchen), and while it's solid, it's just meh-tastic. Call me a penny pincher, but I don't think a grilled cheese should cost more than $5-7 and not come with a side of fries/salad or something. And the cheese itself has never actually been melted- merely warmed up enough to hold the bread together just enough to resemble anything related to a grilled cheese sandwich. -
Review from Irene S.
Seattle, WA
4/9/2012
Has anyone watched the biggest loser on the week when the contestants make a confession on what their all-time favorite meal is? They will be full of guilt and remorse, looking at videos clips from their pasts, stuffing into their mouths, gross 2000 kcal meals that include things like deep-fried catfish, gigantic burritos, or enchiladas, covered in all kinds of crap.... etc, etc. Certainly not appetizing to look at.
When I went to Bleu Bistro's Grotto and got my $18 Onassis pasta (listed first on the pasta section, says on the menu that it has been the customer favorite for 11 years..), that's exactly what came into my mind. Those gross looking meals from the biggest loser.
Although not a health freak, I certainly like eating good, healthy food in moderation, and always try to support businesses that agree with the idea that quality and taste of food is what matters most and make the restaurants good, not the portions, and definitely not the amount of crap the food is loaded with.
However, this sad pasta I got, was not in the range of "food" I could tolerate. I honestly could not even figure out what was in the sauce, that they proudly listed on the menu as their "secret" sauce. It had all kinds of things floating in, just a lot of things I could not tell what they were and did not taste right. It was one oily disgusting greasy mess.
Even more problematic was the bruschetta. Thick oily bread covered with thick layers of fake pizza cheese and grocery store sausage? I do not even want to think about it further how frustrating it was to see something like that at a restaurant.
If you like pasta and bruschetta that actually looks and tastes like what they are supposed to, I do not recommend this place. I will certainly not be going back. It is also not helping that the food is way too overpriced for what seems like a concoction of a bunch of fatty junk food ingredients. -
Review from Francisco G.
Seattle, WA
4/8/2012
"Meh. I've experienced better" is right. I stopped by here after a jog (I went home and cleaned up first) so I was hungry. The place is small and seems too crowded with all kinds of stuff. It reminded me of an episode on Restaurant Impossible were an Italian restaurant is getting a make over because it has too much stuff in it and too much on the menu.
It was our first visit and we only stopped by because my girlfriend had Groupon-like deal. The menu was confusing, all over the place. From Italian food to Mexican-like food to American bar-like food. The prices were pretty expensive, especially the pasta (just under twenty dollars).
We ordered the bruschetta that was recommended, a pasta dish, and a chicken focaccia. The bruschetta came first and boy did I wolf it down (mind you I just finished a jog and I was hungry). The portion is quite large so I was feeling full after the side salad. I didn't pay much attention to the quality or taste, but once our entree arrived I wasn't concentrated on just filling up my stomach. The pasta was a really large concoction of pasta, nuts, veggies, and other gooey substances. It looked like something a college kid with high metabolism would make on a Sunday afternoon and be proud of it. Nothing special or terrible to write about the focaccia.
The staff was great. They were all friendly and had great attitudes. I liked our bartender, she was pretty cool.
Overall, I wouldn't comeback to this place. If you are hungry and like large portions of food and not mind the prices this is a good place. My girlfriend said "I bet this is what sports bar food was like in the 80's." And even though I don't know how bar food was back then, I strangely agree. -
Review from Robert B.
Seattle, WA
5/15/2012
My wife and I learned about this place through an email from Bloomspot, where we received a 3-dourse meal for 2 for just $30. After reading the reviews on Yelp, I feared that we made a big mistake. We are both foodies, and we are both vegetarians. We love restaurants that range from neighborhood Thai to the Dahlia Lounge and Tilth. Wow, were we pleasantly surprised by Bleu Bistro's Grotto. First of all, we sat in a booth with curtains, one of several that apparently do not exist according to other reviews. Our server was young and of the alternative type, but was very pleasant and efficient. The food was much better than we expected, after having read the reviews. We started with a bruschetta that was wonderfully crisp, very tasty, and not greasy at all. We then had pastas that were definitely comfort food. They were creamy, rich, very tasty, and full of wonderful touches throughout. There was no subtlety there, but boy were they satisfying. The prices are high, but we couldn't even begin to finish them and they included a very nice salad. We realized that with out appetites we could eat there and spend as little as $30 for the two of us and feel very full and satisfied. The atmosphere is irreverent slightly punky and very funky, the music that was almost too loud was of the alternative rock variety (I loved it myself), and the vibe is very casual and funky, and my wife and I were very pleased with the meal.
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Review from Sasha W.
Seattle, WA
5/22/2012
This was my second time to this place. The first time was with two friends almost a year ago so it was a small group. The second time there were six of us, and the server nor the menu didn't bother to note they charge a mandatory 22%!!! gratuity for "such a large group." I don't mind paying for good service, only if we actually had "good service." We went on a week night and were one of few tables. We ordered drinks and a while later asked to order another round and the server said she would be back in a few minutes, but spent 25 minutes speaking to her two friends at the bar. At the end of the meal we received our bills with the 22% gratuity and when I inquired about it she tried to belittle me in front of everyone and said "if you want I can just go grab my wallet and give you a few dollars if it makes that big of a difference to you." I was not rude, I was calm, when I asked about the mandatory gratuity. The food is not bad and they have a great drink selection (with great names, I might add), but in the end it's customer service that wins me over, and she apparently had none.
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Review from Alishea T.
Renton, WA
3/30/2012
Been to both locations, loved both. Vegetarian selections are good, drinks are creative and tasty, good value for pours.
What I especially love is the unique layout. They offer little two seater booths that have curtains that you can close for ultra-privacy. Low lighting, and really good acoustics that suck up excess sounds. It's a great place for a low key, low pressure dinner. Not a lot of distraction. The food is excellent, service is great. You're unlikely to leave disappointed. -
Review from Corinna K.
Seattle, WA
1/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
HARRUMPH. I'm not going to mince words - it pisses me off that Bleu Bistro and especially The Buck were closed while this pile gets to be the legacy. Pretty much everything is wrong with this place. The server has been incredibly rude every time I've been there, like I'm taking all of her precious time with my annoying orders (eeewww, customers are so gross). The menu is a book of atrocious typos and descriptions of mediocre food for atrocious prices. The space can't decide whether it wants to be a restaurant or a bar. The drinks aren't anywhere near the caliber of my dearly departed Buck.
Harsh? Too bad. The Grotto is the staph in the wound of The Buck's closure.Listed in: My Girl Wants To Party All The…, Yeah no.
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Review from D O.
Seattle, WA
2/19/2012
The old bistro has been gone a while now, and I finally gave in and tried the contemporary. Despite the vastly different space, there is just a touch of the old vibe still in play here. It probably helps to go at night if you want to get that old Bleu feeling.
Service was allright on the quiet night when we went for dinner and drinks. Server was amazingly generous, quite friendly, and fairly attentive. Food was much like the old Bleu, though I agree with many that the wasabi grilled cheese seems to have become less spicy and amazing. Drinks were exactly the same as always. Prices seem to have gone up a good deal.
Honestly, I think that going to the Grotto has given me an epiphany: the old Bistro was never all that amazing, but it had charm. Take away the charm and you're left with very decent food and a big and creative drink menu, but neither are anywhere near Seattle standards.
A worthwhile place to stop in when you're nearby, but not really a destination. -
Review from Jen P.
1/30/2012
Just doesn't compare to the original.
Bleu went from being "small, cozy, romantic, intimate" to communal tables?!?!?! -
Review from Abby T.
Seattle, WA
1/23/2012
This is a difficult review to write, because its a cross between my opinion as it would be coming in as a stranger off the street, and the inevitable comparison to Bleu Bistro which was an obvious neighborhood favorite for those of us who've lived on the hill for years.
That being said, as a restaurant I think the place was done well, I like the open windows at street level and I'm glad they kept some of the funky booths and at least attempted to keep some of the curtained off areas. I can't help but miss the old atmosphere, though - and it pales in comparison.
Food:
I was a loyal subscriber to the Verona pasta for years - I distinctly remember this coming in a ginormous bowl for $14.99, I'm very said to see Grotto slash the portion and jack the price up to 17.99, (Yes, we did notice that you bums) which is kind of ridiculous for pasta.... especially if you consider that it probably cost them about $5 to make. They also became somewhat inconsistent with their steltar salad, no biggie but yet another Bleu staple they've tampered with and failed to improve in any way.
Drinks:
The list is extensive, looks like they kept everything from before. It's creative and tasty and maybe the only thing that is actually consistent, but I don't know what all these people are talking about when they say the drinks are strong... because, really? (Also their well liquor is typically crap).
Service:
Mediocre at best, but I was never impressed with it at the original location either. Grotto - you're riding on the coat tails of our beloved Bleu, but don't expect to use their reputation to hike up your prices and slack with your service. You're still the new kid on the block - IMPRESS US. (Or perish with your predecessors.... muahahaha-ahahaha) -
Review from Andres G.
Seattle, WA
12/28/2011
I used to love the old bleu bistro so i guess its hard to not compare the two but i am not a fan. Service is terrible and they seem to be just fine with that. I should say service is terrible if/when you actually get any. One thing i will say is that they are very quick at dropping the check and cashing you out.
I'm glad people seem to like this place since its a local business but i guess my tastes have changed. I work way too hard to spend my money at a restaurant where I have to wait to be noticed at every step and get an attitude from the staff. With so many great restaurants in the city why should I pay to feel like im in somebodys home who doesnt want me there?
Also this new restaurant just does not compare to the atmosphere of the old place. I know you cant expect two very different locations to feel the same but this new place lacks any imagination and feels like a half-ass generic copy of the original.
When you are at Bleu Bistros Grotto they will get to you when they get to you, so just sit there and be patient. At least our bill wasnt very high since its kind of hard to order another round of drinks if you never see your server. I wont comment too much on the food because although the food is fine, its just not worth the hoops you have to jump through to get it. -
Review from d w.
Seattle, WA
3/13/2012
As a fan of the old Bleu, I read all the reviews and decided it was going to have the atmosphere of Denny's and who knows what kind of food I'd get. I almost didn't come to the new Bleu Bistro Grotto, but I'm so glad I did! I was lured by another reviewers talk of half-priced grilled cheese on Tuesday. That didn't happen, but it may have just been a temporary special.
I wandered in on a slower night after work and was only one of only a few customers. I was greeted warmly by the bartender and given my choice of where to sit. I noticed that in addition to what others have described as communal tables, there were the familiar cozy velvet roped private tables along the sides. Yay, I could have a romantic date here.
It was dark and cozy with candles and vintage wall decorations. I sat at the bar and ordered my beloved, long lost Wasabi Grilled Cheese. The little salad was the same or better. The WGC didn't have that zingy bite that Old Bleu had, but it was still pretty darn good. The dipping sauces were just right. I am so glad I came back. It's not exactly the same, but on a rain/snow-soaked night after a hard day at work I cheered up, walked out happy and feeling good. I'll definitely come back!
Tip for the Grotto: more wasabi in the grilled cheese and stronger drinks and I'm yours forever. -
Review from Anthony A.
Seattle, WA
3/18/2012
My party enjoyed the food and service. My complaint with Bleu is it isn't the old place. The new location looks terrific and I'd love it if they didn't sacrifice the old Bleu Bistro to create the new. The old location was quirky, weird, fun and had a great menu. They also seemed to be consistently busy, so not sure why they closed it. I'll probably visit Bleu Grotto again, but won't seek it out in protest of their closing one of the most unique restaurants on Capitol Hill.
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Review from Xav V.
10/13/2011
Rest in peace The Buck and Bleu Bistro. As you are both now in ashes, we have to hope that Bleu Bistro's Grotto rises as a fully realized phenix. My first visit here I was pretty turned off by the server's moody, disinterested attitude, but luckily I gave these guys another try because service took a noticeable uptick on the second pass through. What drew me in was the promise of the much beloved Wasabi Grilled cheese, and what will have me return is the solid happy hour nibble menu and mid-priced wells.
While I was there a gal tried bringing her baby into the bar. I thought the server did a pretty good job of telling the party in the nicest way possible that 21 and over doesn't actually mean under 1 year old and/or 21 and up. No babies in this bar, thank fucking god! I am still not loving this place, but I no longer hate it. I like ya just fine Grotto, want to be Facebook friends? -
Review from Oliver S.
10/17/2011
I was really impressed by their food.
We ordered a Charcuterie board as an appetizer and I ordered the JJ Chicken trencher. The trenchers come with a small salad and with a piece of toast with hummus. I savored every bite of that delicious trencher.
I worried a little that the portions would be too small, but it turned out to fine; I was stuffed by the end.
The place seemed a little cluttered. A lot of knickknacks that made the place seem crowded rather than add to the charm. The place has dim lighting, giving a romantic feel that makes it nice for dates.
Not good for crowds, best twosomes. I definitely plan on coming here again. -
Review from Becky G.
Seattle, WA
11/10/2011
So this place isn't as cozy as the Bleu Bistro, but it does hold a warm place in my heart and I'll tell you why.
It's a quick walk from my house and much more comfy and decorated then some other places in a 2 block radius.
They specialize in cocktails and cheese. Two of my favorite things!
The food is yummy! They brought some of the old menu from Bleu..the grilled cheese and the cheese plate.
The main bartender is great, one time I was just overwhelmed with the drinks menu (as one often can be when you see the drink menu is many pages!) and so I asked her for something yummy! she was super nice and even let me sample the current cocktail, pumpkin spice, yum!
There happy hour times are kind of confusing, I always seem to get there either right before or right after. But if you do make it to happy hour, get a double, they will make your drink strong!
I love the chalkboards at the booths, someone had written "call for a good time #) and left a number, my bf called the number and said hi and they guy texted us back asking if we wanted to go to a party! What a crazy way to make friends!
Oh we went for my sister's birthday and she got red velvet cake(her favorite), which just happened to be the current dessert choice, she loved it! Another time, I had a gingersnap cookie & it was yummy.
Each time I go to the Grotto I like it even more. I challenge you to try it too!Listed in: Eating & Drinking in my…
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Review from Tracy M.
Seattle, WA
3/7/2012
Disappointing service experience. The location is cute, although the tables are WAY close together and it can be awkward/difficult to move around. They advertise a $2 wasabi grilled cheese special from 8 to 11pm on Tuesday nights. I met a friend at 10:30pm. There were only two other people in the whole place. Tried to order a grilled cheese. We were told they were "out of bread" but that they could still sell us the $8 sandwich, if we wanted. My friend, who comes often, says that the $2 and $8 sandwich have always used the same bread (at least, she said it seems the same). So it's not a situation of "out of Wonder bread, but still have the fancy stuff." Weird. So my friend closes out her tab. I am still hungry and trying to ask the waitress about what sandwiches/food they still have, but she walks off. We're trying to decide where to go, instead. Ask the waitress if there are any happy hour specials coming up (as Happy Hour begins again at 11pm, and it's not 10:45pm). She says "No. Happy Hour isn't for a LONG time away and she'll be gone by then." She then ushers us out of the restaurant. Very strange, as they're open until 2pm. Maybe she wasn't allowed to go home until her only table (us) closed out so she just wanted to get rid of us.
I was a fan of the former Blue's sandwiches, and I am willing to come back and try again. But this was disappointing. -
Review from Cassie T.
Seattle, WA
10/26/2011
If you're looking for the Bleu Bistro, you've come to the wrong place. The Bleu Bistro's Grotto is coming into it's own.
The menu is changing, but not too much. It's getting serious. No more whimsical pictures of Alice In Wonderland, no more previously filled out surveys that have the random sexually charged jokes on them. You'll still find plenty of intense mixed drinks and the plethora of food options.
I admit, I'm a fan of the now closed Bleu Bistro. http://www.yelp.com/bi... When I moved to Seattle, it was one of the first restaurants I went to, and I fell in love. Even when our party had a giant log separating the table that you had to look around... that was part of its charm. I went there with just one other or multiple friends. It was a place for birthdays or even more intimate, cozy company. Pull the curtains for uber privacy and romance wasn't just a word, it was a moment.
The Grotto takes all that intimacy and literally throws it out the giant open windows that face the sidewalk turning a unique little cute establishment into just another Capitol Hill watering hole. Now you can find yourself in a loud restaurant, with no sound barriers and no special intimate moments.
My favorite dish was still there - My Bleu Au Pair Bruchetta. The recipe was a little different, though. Maybe a new cook with the new location meant that some ingredients were dropped? The main course was served with overly-cooked pasta which turned the dish into a globby mess.
Drinks are still VERY strong which is a good thing to help you drown out the surroundings, the taste, and your sorrows for a wonderful place that is no longer around. -
Review from Rachel G.
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't really get what the big deal is. The space is super cute with giant open windows and the service is good, but man I was so disappointed in that wasabi grilled cheese everyone raves about! So I guess my rating is based on that, which probably isn't fair, is it?
For ambiance it's more like 4.5 stars. -
Review from Racheal B.
Seattle, WA
10/25/2011
Though admittedly this is such a regular spot for my boyfriend and I because we live so close, Bleu Bistro's Grotto is still a 4 star spot for me.
Pros: The food is always fantastic (though, usually very heavy on the garlic, so be aware of that if you're sensitive); the staff, though sometimes a little flaky, is always super friendly and helpful; the management recognizes us, remembers our names, and helps out as much as the servers do; the drink selection is fun and diverse; the location can't be beat- just off Broadway, but close enough to still be in the action; and it seems like they're always adding new items and trying new things around the place.
Cons: The garlic (I'm super sensitive to it, so sometimes I just can't eat there); and it's not a great "starting the night" kind of spot- it's dark, and has a "just here to hang out with a friend or two" kind of feel, so if you're looking to party or hang out in a big group, I wouldn't suggest it (though the bar is quite nice). -
Review from Jamie M.
Seattle, WA
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Written while at Bleu:
Note to new employees on a DEAD (literally three tables of people and two at the bar) Sunday evening:
Don't forget about customers you seat and then leave totally unattended in a booth. They like to spend money and you've forgotten about them. They'll be leaving in 5... 4... 3... 2...
The next day:
I was seriously disappointed in the service. I could see our severs feet walk past the little walkway on the other side of the booth next to us a few times. I caught her back once, but I didn't feel like I should have to chase her down for some attention. We waited at least 15 minutes.
My fiancé and I started going to Bleu right after we started dating five years ago. Now, with their move and this poor service I am afraid that special little chapter (we've spent many birthdays, anniversaries and other lovey events at Bleu) ended when we walked out last night. Sad, sad girl. Bleu was one of "our places." -
Review from Lisa J.
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh Bleu, I miss you. The old location was my favorite place in Seattle. I'm glad they were able to stay open at a new location, but the grotto loses much of the charm and whimsy of the original location.
Perhaps it's just nostalgia speaking, but it seemed like everything was a little less tasty at the new place. My old staple, the Wasabi Grilled Cheese, was still on the menu... but it was less spicy and soggy in the middle (while being hard and chewy on the edges). The tea toddy I ordered had a great scent and flavor, but was only luke warm.
The grotto is still a good place for a bit and a drink... it's just not quite the same as the original Bleu. -
Review from Katy H.
As if I didn't love Bleu enough they had to go and move even closer to where I live! The Grotto is a great addition to the neighborhood. With Tommy Gun, CC Attle's and a few other new spots this block just got way cooler.
I'm still a fan of Bleu Bistro which I hear will be around for a while yet. So that's a relief! But I think this newer space will be great for them. I love the decor, the menu is still fabulous and of course the cocktails are amazing. How could I live without a wasabi grilled chesse?! -
Review from Kimberley D.
Seattle, WA
6/29/2011
If you've ever wished you could have the food/drinks from Bleu but still bring a group of friends, the Grotto is there for you.
The new Bleu venture maintains some of the things I liked best about the other one (areas with private curtains, late night happy hour) and has other parts that are more like a "normal" bar (large areas big enough for larger groups of people, wide open layout).
The late night happy hour menu is slightly different but still contains important items like the wasabi grilled cheese and $3.75 wells. The prices are in effect Sunday & Monday 11:30pm - 12:30am and Tuesday - Saturday 11:30pm - 1am.
Food menu - https://www.facebook.c...
Drink menu - https://www.facebook.c...
Service was slow in our booth and our server left us there for 20 minutes or so when the curtain was open, but I suspect that will improve when more people are there. -
Review from Engel C.
Renton, WA
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Heard about this place because a friend's sister works here. But I was pleasantly surprised when i walked in. The place is small and intimate, which is great if you're on a date or just don't like the hassle of bigger bars. It definitely gives off that Cheers appeal but higher classed. They have booths that are curtained off, so that it's more private. They also have these giant open windows that I thought were great....but might not be so much if you sat next to the window. The staff were great and very friendly....but I may be biased on that since I know one of them!! :)
Now on the food, we got the meat and cheese platter. It was awesome! Now I'm horrible at writing these reviews right after I've gone somewhere...so I can't quite recall everything that was on there. I just remember it being good. I also love the wine selection, surprisingly wide for a small place and the drink names...HILARIOUS!!
On a different note...I see that everyone compares it to the original bleu and says it doesn't live up to the old bleu, but I like to rate places as if it is the original. If you don't come with pre-conceived notions about this place, it is definitely enjoyable. And hey...who wouldn't want to go to a place that it's possible for "everyone to know your name". :) -
Review from Niousha M.
San Diego, CA
1/24/2012
Sadly, this is no Bleu Bistro, that place was a charm and gem. This place gives the feel of a cheap, boring diner. There is no longer than lovely ambiance or feel. The food also I felt was quite mediocre. The menu is basically the same with the same drinks and food though.
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Review from Allison M.
Bellevue, WA
9/16/2011
Good food and talented bartenders. Bleu really has something for everyone: tasty drinks of every variety, something to munch on, or just a cold beer and a hang out. And the prices are reasonable (always a plus).
I went out with my boyfriend on a Thursday night, and it was busy, but not packed. We got a couple of cocktails and split the chicken foccacia sandwich, which was absolutely delicious!! Our bartender, Ceraya, was really attentive and knowledgable. She made me a wicked lavender cosmo and recommended a tasty burbon for my boyfriend (which he loved). Also, if you're a coffee drinker, try the spanish coffee.
All in all a great experience and I'll definitely be back! -
Review from Mike A.
Bellevue, WA
7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you get a window seat on a warm day with the windows opened up ... simply awesome spot to people watch and enjoy a few pints.
Staff gets a 2+ to 3 on a 5 scale -- but they get a five stars today given the cheap / good happy hour and brew on warm sunny day with the windows wide open (experience).
Increase the quality of the service and I'll be there anytime I'm in the area. -
Review from Matthew P.
Seattle, WA
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'd give this place four stars if I weren't comparing it to the old Bleu Bistro location up on Broadway. The food is just as good as ever, and the drinks are inventive and very tasty (if pricey), but the ambiance of the old place just isn't here. Gone is the cozy, opium-den feel of the old place. In it's place is a pretty generic yuppy-bar feel that seems more appropriate for Kirkland than Capitol Hill. Farewell old Bleu Bistro, you are missed.
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Review from W J.
Seattle, WA
3/14/2012
Bleu Bistro's Grotto; First I am happy they are still around, the new place is coming
into its own . . . We sat at a private table, there is more room and not so tight I really
appreciate the extra space. The menu has some new items, the best French Dip
I have ever had ! The food is great and the price is alot less than the new trend
of restaurants on the hill. I do not always want a tribute to food every meal, sometimes
I just want quality food and I believe I had that at Bleu Grotto. My Girlfriend for now...
As long as I keep in line, she was very happy with the Croque Monsieur, one of the
best she has had ! The woman serving us was sweet ! They have a $2 grilled
cheese on Tuesdays ! just for a value snack is what she said, I ordered it, and
for $2 it was a nice food choice. I can see stopping in and having one with a
bottle of wine or a beer, it makes Tuesday a cheap date and that is what I have been
told I am many times .... (lol) check them out ! -
Review from Reese C.
11/6/2011
Soo delicious! A friend and I sat in one of their cozy booths on a crisp Autumn day and it was so perfect! :) We had hot cocoas, celery soup and wonderful vegetarian sandwiches, made to perfection. The waitress was so friendly and attentive and she let us sit there for a long time, shooting the sh** and enjoying the afternoon. :)
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Review from Lis R.
Seattle, WA
8/11/2011
The service was awful. I went on a Sunday night to meet a friend and was directed by one of the bartenders to sit at the bar and while I waited. While I was waiting the owner, Ross MacCartney was working behind the bar and was extremely rude to me. He told me to get up and go look for her to see if she was already there or call her to see where she was because he "couldn't help me" until she came. That made me feel horrible! I felt like I was doing something wrong. When my friend got there we had one drink each - which were mediocre and left. I will never go back after being treated that way.
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Review from Cameron F.
Seattle, WA
11/20/2011
Bleu Bistro Grotto is so fun! The happy hour is awesome, great, interesting dishes to choose from for only $3! I'm a huge fan of the baked french fries which taste like regular fries!!!
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Review from Ashley G.
7/5/2011
My boyfriend and I went to Bleu Bistro Grotto with high hopes, unfortunately they were too high. Service was extremely slow. Although when we did get the attention of a waiter, they were very nice. We sat in a very dark booth and had to wait at least 10-15 to be acknowledged by a waiter once we were seated. We only saw our server once, and had to flag down other servers for drinks.
The drinks were not bad once we got them, and the wasabi grilled cheese tasted like a descent grilled cheese though could not quite understand where the wasabi taste was that we had expected. I ordered tacos and they fell apart--Big hole in the middle of the both tacos as a side effect of too much juice from the ingredients making the tortillas soggy.
When it came time to pay, we received a bill with tons of discounts. We thought this was their way of trying to redeem themselves because of the horrible service. They took our credit card and upon return, gave us our "real" check and charged our credit card the actual amount anyway.
Too bad this place was not up to my expectations since it's a block away from my apartment. -
Review from Max J.
Seattle, WA
8/12/2011
What a disaster.
Go here if you are a fan of the following things:
- Terrible, terrible, horrible, no good service.
- $10 "wasabi" grilled cheese that has neither wasabi, nor any other worthwhile flavor.
- You love your $10 falling apart grilled cheese served with the following dipping sauces: McDonald's style Asian sesame salad dressing, mayonnaise, and what I swear to God must have been peach baby food.
Honestly, the original Bleu was one of my favorite restaurants, but this place really isn't worth anyone's time, and if you don't believe me the staff will let you know. -
Review from Joe S.
Seattle, WA
I recently went on sunday during Happy Hour and ended up ordering most of the appetizers that they had on the menu. Everything that we ordered was very good and especially for the price. The place is small and not too noisy, you can definitely have a conversation in there. I would like to try one of the curtain booths next time I visit, I will definitely be going back.
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Review from jun w.
8/3/2011
this is such a wonderful place to chill at on a summer night or any night!
we were seated immediately but didn't order 'til centuries later; reason not being poor service but the Very descriptive menu. Every item had its own blurb.
cocktails are strong &&& delicious :)
ordered the pesto chicken on focaccia and it was a sandwich done right!
definitely coming again and with the right date... i'll probably nab one of the special booths with the curtains ;)
