Last night Gene and I ventured into the depths of North Seattle, taking our date night out of the traditional Fremont-Belltown-Ballard triangle and into the wider world. We decided to try out Bick’s Broadview Grill, a chalet-like spot at 105th and Greenwood Ave N. Friends had ample praise for the small restaurant’s daily dinner specials, and its seemingly endless collection of hot sauces has earned Bick’s a cult following among those Seattleites with braver taste buds.
Upon arrival, neon lights in Bick’s front windows promise both “seafood” and “landfood.” Gene and I answered the call, ordering lamb shank and red sea bass, respectively. Both plates were on the board of daily specials, and neither proved disappointing. Buttery lamb with garlic mashed potatoes, cornmeal-breaded snapper with yam mashers, glasses of affordable pinot, and blackberry cobbler to boot! As we left the restaurant, we both gushed about how we wanted to return to try all of the standard menu options. But I have a feeling our eyes will go straight to the chalk-drawn specials the next time we visit.
Service is – for me – by far the most important part of dining out. In this department, Bick’s surpassed expectations. We saddled up to the bar (our preferred spot), and were greeted by a warm bartender and her recommendations for dinner. She instantly won our hearts with her stiff Tanquery and tonic. Later, she spoke freely about the wine options, offering Gene a full sample glass of the house pinot before he made his decision. The other staff members were equally gracious, equally welcoming, and really added to the cosy ambiance of the place.
Highlight of the evening was when our neighbor, James, walked in and sat a few seats down from us at the bar. Turns out he is a regular at Bick’s, knows all the staff by name, and even has a habitual ritual of his own with their habenero peppers. We really do live in a wonderfully colourful part of this city.
Perhaps Gene said it most succintly, said it best: “Bicks rules my face.”
Love me some Bicks!