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Categories: Burgers, American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: Madison ParkMon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sun. 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
I'd had a long, stressful, generally notsogreat, day. I was wanting "comfort food" in the form of a chicken sandwich and fries. And, wine in the form of a glass of wine. My sweet hubby was determined to bring this to me (or bring me to it, as the case may be).
We were going to check out a spot on Capitol Hill, but after circling the block for twenty minutes in search of nonexistent street parking and not wanting to spend $8 on a nearby pay lot, I suggested we head to Madison Park. It has ample parking, it is sorta-kinda on the way home, and it has Bing's. I'd been before, but not in many years, so I felt like I was going somewhere for the first time.
We were greeted at the door by a very gracious and welcoming hostess. After the day I'd had, I can't tell you how much I appreciated this. And, throughout the meal, all service was the same. It was friendly, efficient and, most importantly, sincere. This was not "I'm being nice because I have to" or "I'm being nice because I want a bigger tip" kinda service. This was "I'm being nice because I am nice" kinda service. They are totally getting an extra star just for this.
Unfortunately, the rest of the experience was pretty three star. Bing's is comfortable, clearly a favorite hangout for the neighborhood folk, and has the most awesome (modern and very colorful) chandelier hanging above a large table in the center of the room. But, the meal itself was just not especially special.
My husband ordered a burger that included guacamole and jack cheese and bacon and that he reported to be quite good. I was a bit disappointed to find there was only one chicken sandwich option on the menu. I suppose they might have obliged had I asked to sub a chicken breast for the beef patty on one of their many burger choices. But, I went with the lone chicken sandwich option -- a chicken gorgonzola sandwich, which was certainly perfectly fine, but nothing I would rave about, either.
Our sandwiches were reasonably reasonably priced (maybe a dollar or two above the odds, as they say). But, I was surprised to see how expensive some of the other items on the menu were: $18 for fajitas and $27 for crab cakes! This seemed really high for a little neighborhood burger joint. that has the feel of an old time diner.
Also, there are no prices on the "wine by the glass" menu. This is a pet peeve of mine. I like to know what I paying before I order something. (And, yes, I know I can ask, but that creates an awkward moment that should not be necessary.)
In short, I'm glad we went there on the night we did because, at that moment, it sure filled the bill. If we lived in the neighborhood, we'd probably drop in again. But, I don't see that we'll be going out of our way to go back any time soon.
This place is cute, nice lighting fixtures, interesting that they framed Interview magazine covers for artwork, huge horns wrapped in Christmas lights above the bar. Our waitress was super friendly and attentive but not overbearing.
That being said, the bacon blue burger I had was just meh. It was almost as if the blue cheese and the gorgonzola sauce were fighting it out to see which one got to be in charge. I actually think it would have been better without the gorgonzola sauce. Too many different flavors I think. Also the burger to bun ratio wasn't quite right. The bun was good but I ripped off & discarded quite a bit of it. The fries were just average, nothing special in my opinion.
I saw a breakfast pizza being delivered to the table next to me and wished I had gotten that. It looked yummy! If I go back it will be to try that dish.
It's cute in here. I want the chairs in my kitchen. Cozy but not too cramped. I like the horns above the bar.
Their burgers really are bodacious! Nothing really spectacular about them other than they are consistent and they toast the bun. The bacon/blue burger is great! Their crab cake bennedict is a surprise - the crab cakes are fried and darn good.
They're always less crowded than Cactus and they make a fine mojito. Bonus for outdoor seating. Service was super!
They're not going to win any James Beard culinary awards, nor will they be featured in the Michelin guide in America. However, Bing's does what it does and it's a damn fine place to have around.
It's become our "I'm too tired to cook, can we pick something up?" answer during the week. The burgers (incl. turkey) hit the spot and their fries are crispy every time (even after the car ride home).
If when I'm old I still live around here, I will join the regulars at the bar. I see them every time we go.
This is my favorite bar in Seattle - hands down. I always have fun here. The staff are super fast and friendly. Andrew & Danielle rock. Also the food is sooo good!
I especially like the atmosphere. It almost has a small town feel to it. I've noticed the other patrons really enjoy Bing's and it's staff as well. Everyone always seems to have a good time here.
My favorite thing about Bing's is that they grow mint next to their building. So when you order a mohito they go out and pick fresh mint to muddle for your drink! It's doesn't get more fresh than that!
Breakfast is unfussy, fresh, & easy. Service is quick & attentive.
Their efficiency clues you into enjoying your time, but not-overstaying, which I *really appreciate* in a breakfast place.
The fruit is FRESH and I can't say enough about the simplicity of doing breakfast classics..WELL without that heavy/greasy feeling!
I would totally disagree with the pricing other Yelpers disliked; I think it's fair, especially considering it's Madison Park. Um, most items are like 7/8 bucks (and they're far from small portions). I know it's depression 09, but...really?
It felt a lot like being in my living room. Kind of cozy. But, with burgers! Pretty decent burgers. And the Olympics were on. Not bad in here, not bad at all...
But, just as I was starting to fall into a happy blue cheese with bacon burger food coma they brought me the bill. I'm not used to be charged over $30 for two burgers and cokes in my living room...or anywhere that is not a Tom Douglas restaurant.
Good service and decent food though pretty expensive for what it is. The sandwiches are delicious, but it's something like $15 for a smallish sandwich and coke. Good place to go to grab and bite and hang out on a nice day or grab a quick dinner when you don't feel like cooking.
We still come here about once every couple months because it is easy and convenient to get to and to park. But each time we whine about how expensive it is and swear we will never come back...and then we re-appear again anyway.
We do like that you can sit anywhere you like. The hot dip roast beef sandwich is super yummy. Cole slaw while very good, comes in a thimble-sized cup.
Like Yelp reviewer Lindsey mentioned, I never knew the full name was "Bing's Bodacious Burgers". I… Read more »
When I was there, for some reason there were several small children with their parents. Maybe it's the park across the street.
The food was adequate.
If the kids aren't in tow, skip Bing's and go to the Attic. The food is much better with better prices.
Bings is merely adequate and overpriced.
Best wings I've had in along time!!!
I love Bing's for breakfast, but the one time I went for lunch/dinner/hangover food, I was seriously disappointed by their "bodacious burgers". Maybe it was an off day, but I wasn't impressed. But their south of the border omlette is soooooooooo good. Acid Reflux, here I come!
Oh yeah, and on a sunny day, they have some tables in the front and you can take your pooch in that area so that they can sit and drool and make you feel guilty for not having ordered them something.
I came here with my father for a casual birthday dinner; I wasn't expecting much, but I came away satisfied and very pleased! The homemade veggie burger was moist, yet firm, with just the right texture and taste. A solid "A." The outside seating was pleasant on a warm summer evening. Good service. I haven't had a chance to try anything else on the menu, and I haven't gotten a good look at the inside of the place, but I'd love to come back here again!
Not to discredit this Madison Park establishment, but honestly Bing's is typically my "back up" eatery if Cactus is overcrowded. Don't get me wrong, the food isn't bad, in fact this laid-back burger joint delivers (as promised)...good burgers. Aside from that, the fries aren't stellar (sweet potato or regular) and in my humble opinion quality fries are imperative for a worthwhile burger meal.
Overall Bing's ain't bad - it's ideal for a quick bite to eat after an afternoon sunning in Madison Park, but don't expect anything out of this world - truth be told, there are better burgers in Seattle.
You know what's so funny, is I never knew it was Bing's Bodacious Burgers...I just always knew it as Bing's...and I agree wiht Andrea, totally a weekend breakfast/hung over brunch place.
Great mimosas and bloody mary's sort of place.
Pancakes, waffles, and my personal favorite the breakfast burrito. It's jumbo and I love it!
I also tried the BBQ sandwich once and it was so-so. Like I said, I always thought of it as a breakfast joint only. Seriously didn't know they did burgers...
Bings is kind of interesting. When it opened more than a decade ago it was really trying to be a burger joint. It was always filled with families. Now those same kids are coming here on dates and meeting their friends for birthday parties; this is where they grew up after all. The older folks who's kids have long since moved out sit at the bar and swap stoires. I guess that's the definition of a good neigborhood restaurant.
The food is good, if a little spendy. The prime rib sandwich is tender on a soft Ciabatta roll but at 15 bucks, not a bargain. A chicken penne special might run around 21 bucks. The burgers are also pushing the 10 range. They Have Ribs and Mexican dishes too. These are both okay, but you'd be better off going to places tha specialize in those.
I'd eat here more but the service is always precarious. The owner never seems to be on the same page with his servers or hostess as far as seating or orders go. I've often come in and had him tell me he'd seat me in a few minutes only to have another couple come in after me and be seated by the hostess because he didn't write my name down. Some of the servers are outstanding and on top of things, others are perpetually absent and confused
In the mood of a burger? Well, Monday night rolled along, girl was in Woodinville, I was in Capitol Hill, getting close to 9PM. Dilemma you say? Not when you have Bing's! Understanding what it's like seeing a couple stroll in 5 mins to close, we flew into Bing's. Ordered burgers, fries and two beers. Asked for the check with the food. Out in 25 mins, leaving 25% for impeccable service and the food was EXACTLY what you want when you crave a burger & fries. Can't lose.
Great burgers. I wish they had more beer selections, but the food is a good value.
We went on a Monday night and had no idea about this place. It's discreet in Madison Park and the ambiance is very, very cute. The waitress was darling, but... I had fish tacos and they were very bland. I think if they would just put a bit more flavor in the food, this place would be out of this world...
Bing's is a small and cute restaurant that offers the best burgers in town, great salads, tasty sandwhiches and much more. I have tried the entire menu and I was never disappointed. Desserts are also great with their key lime pie being my favorite. They offer brunch in the weekends that is so much better than other overrated and over priced restaurants.
Bing's has mastered all the ingredients for a great neighborhood hang out: friendly faces, good reliable menu, great service, comfortable atmosphere and more. You'll see the same folks at the bar most evenings ala "Cheers." But you'll also see young families enjoying the kids menu and Seniors from the nearby retirement homes out on a date. The food is well-prepared, tasty and a good value for the price. The staff make a point of giving you a friendly greeting when you arrive and always thanking you as you leave. Sitting outside on a summer evening with a deliciously serious cocktail and yummy appetizers, people watching the Madison Park "scene" can be very entertaining. And don't forget the brunch: scrumptious omelets, scrambles and fabulous Bloody Marys! I lheart Bing's!
Went here two weekends in a row. Waitress suggested the Monte Cristo. Came with choice of potatoes or potato cake. The potato cake was good. Overall it was OK-nothing special.
Second visit on Easter, tried the breakfast Pizza with chorizo and mild yellow cheese on a thin pizza crust-THIN was right-thinner than a tortilla. The potato pancake was burnt and affected the flavor. French toast-so so. Hobo omelet-didn't really have any flavor-but the egg part presented nicely-fluffy and consistent color all over
As for the lighting-sit by the window (although those tables are only for 2). Otherwise if you are facing the window, it is difficult to see the person sitting across from you (and it was rainy the day we went) as the incandescent lighting is minimal-it's like sitting in a tunnel facing the light.
Overall-no so impressed
Good food with a friendly environment. I haven't sat outside yet but I look forward to doing so.
Seems like a nice neighborhood haunt. Parking was hard to find. I thought the food was ok, but each dish I tried (mine and others' at my table: fish and chips, albacore tuna sandwich, corned beef sandwich) was slightly lacking. I mean it was just missing something to make it special enough/tasty enough for me to go back again.
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