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Categories: Pubs, American (Traditional) [Edit]
1825 72nd Ave SE
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This place used to be so great, but it's really gone down hill in the last few years. They're barely hanging on to the three stars because I have sentimental feelings about this it.
The highs: good beers on tap, chili, nachos, service, unexpected location.
The lows: burgers(!?!), Salad
People thought this was:
Great place to meet friends or have a casual business meeting. Its history makes a good story, the backyard and out door patio are charming settings.
People are friendly, and love the local feeling. That said, the food is only tolerable.
Find this place with friends, and you will have a good time.
Living on the island is so frustrating for any sort of night life. The Roanoke Inn is about the best place to go for a drink with friends and that's sad.
Eat before you go there first of all. The food is awful! Really really bad and sort of pricey for really really bad.
NO specials, NO Happy Hour = LAME! How about a little incentive to stay on the island and come back? Give us something!
It's cute and historic and cozy that is why I gave it the 2 stars. It's sort of fun in the back in yard in the summer. You have to come in at 10 pm though and it gets dark here at about 9pm. Lame.
Since it's the only decent place to drink the MI police swarm and hide around and the speed limit is 25 mph. Total trap for DUIs and tickets. Be aware and don't over do it or have a driver.
There are advantages to living on the island and the bars/nightlife isn't one of them!
People thought this was:
So let's pierce the Mercer Island mystique and do some truth-talking about this little pub on the island's north side.
The Roanoke Inn has its whimsical little charms. Penny said she heard the pub was originally a brothel. I don't know if that bit of lore is true, but the truth is that the food is expensive.
Burgers with fries are pushing $14. Two tacos are $8! April Fool's Day is not until tomorrow.
Penny ordered the Reuben with Swiss on Rye ($11) and thought the meat was skimpy but that the sandwich tasted OK. The fries looked crispy but were actually kinda gummy.
I had the "choice" ribeye steak ($20). Choice? Yeah, as in bad choice! I ordered it medium-rare but it came to the table well-done. Frankly, it had a terrible off-flavor. Still, that baked potato with fresh green chives was delicious.
When we first walked in, the two girls working there saw us but ignored us. So Penny, who's no shrinking violet, informed them that we would be sitting at one particular table. And that is were we sat!
People thought this was:
I know a lot of people who like this place just because it's got that local flavor. Everything about it says, "this is not a chain/corporate operation." I agree that can be refreshing. It's off-the-beaten-path location also makes it feel like a local secret, and everybody likes to feel like they are "in the know."
All that charm aside, I don't remember ever feeling like either the food or service was all that special. It's not a place that made me think "I really want to go back there soon." You know what I mean?
Also note: the whole place is a bar, so you cannot take your kids here (not even a newborn).
Ah the Roanoke. Nothing brings back memories of high school more than the Roanoke. Not cuz I came here during high school. It's just that every holiday break when I come to the Roanoke I was bound to run into alumni from MIHS. This is where all the kids congregate when they are trying to get away from their parents during the holidays.
The building's been around since 1914. It was once and hotel and grocery store back when you had to take a ferry to get to Mercer Island. It's a great spot to just hang out... provided you can get a table. It's not particularly spacious. During the colder months (so basically like almost all the time) the outdoor seating is unavailable. But it's worth it to get a table at this historic tavern.
The food isn't particularly gourmet. It's pub grub and it always hits the spot. I like that you can always get a turkey burger when you don't feel like eating hormone cow products. In fact, I actually prefer it. I find it a lot juicier and not as heavy. The Roanoke also has a decent selection of beers cycling various taps out seasonally.
People thought this was:
This place is my local. Easy access, just off the W. Mercer Way exit at the E. end of the I-90 floating bridge.
It's not a wild party spot, but is a welcome oasis from the plastic corporate crap which has taken over the Eastside. The place is dripping with character. And it's not faux-antique crap bought by some corporate decoration staff. And the food is plenty decent.
See the small handful of Eastsiders who actually leave their houses! Some of them are actually human.
People thought this was:
My wife and I met a friend for breakfast here one Sunday morning and it was an interesting experience.
This is another one of those bars that does breakfast (only on Sundays) and it looks like a bar. It is dark, with several TVs on the walls. We chose to sit in the backroom because it had the only window with light coming in.
The food wasn't all that special. The breakfast menu was small - I think the variety at the chain breakfast places gives the chain places a leg up.
This is probably the place to go if you live on Mercer Island - it definitely has the neighborhood bar feel. The staff was friendly and it was full of people who look like they come here every weekend.
It wasn't a bad experience, just not what we were looking for in a breakfast spot.
People thought this was:
I have an unique viewpoint of the Roanoke; not only am I a client but I also work there.
I've been here for 2.5 years now and I've noticed some positive changes that I would like to share:
1) expanded tap rotation. We now have 3 rotating taps. The emphasis of our rotating taps is on Ales. Typically we have a different IPA every few days (barring supply-chain issues) and rotate ambers, browns, and various strong ales through the other two taps.
In total there 12 taps, 9 of which are your bar standards: Mac & Jacks, Manny's, Guiness, Bud, miller lite, Amstel lite, Fat tire, Sierra Nevada, Maritime Pacific Heffe, And the rotating IPA, Seasonal beer, and rotating tap.
2) Spiffy new expanded wine list. To be frank I don't know much about wine but people seem to like the new high-end list of bottles that we are selling. If you ask me when I'm working I'll do my best to tell you what I know, but if I have to go ask someone more knowledgeable than me please don't take offense.
3) Changes to the menu and kitchen. All the standard items at are just as good as they were when I started, however we have been adding some specials that are really good. A number of times I have been miffed that we sold out before I could order one for dinner!
A few insights to offer: The round table next to the bar is a hot-ticket item on Thursday, Friday, Sat nights; On the off-nights you can call ahead and reserve it (if you have a group of 5+), Thurs-Sat if you want the big table it's first come-first serve...
The bar is packed with college kids the night before thanksgiving, and in the days leading up to Christmas. Everybody comes home from school, gets reminded of what it's like to live with mom & dad, and heads out to the Rowy. So if you want to take part in an informal MIHS reunion come on those nights. The place is a zoo during Seafair as well, but if you feel like celebrating and seeing old friends its a good place to see and be seen.
The bar has an great community feel because of it's regular patrons; that being said a first time patron will get just as good service as a regular in my opinion.
The outdoor seating has 3 components; there is (1) a covered front porch which is open Spring-Fall (you can sit there in the winter if you want... but it's pretty darn cold out at night!) (2) a patio next to the porch which is open from mid spring- fall ( although on a rainy day expect it to be closed) (3) and a large backyard seating area, w/ a croquet set available (which is open during the warmest part of the year).
In the winter the bar retracts to just it's indoor seating and it has a cozy feel to it.
Other important stuff: no kids allowed, if you come on a busy night and you want somewhere quiet to eat, your best bet is the southern dining room off from the main room (or outside if available). Like any bar in the state it's non-smoking and that also applies to the outside dining areas.
People thought this was:
When they said "brothel" I begged my friends to take me. When they mentioned the brothel closed a long time ago I didn't want to go. They said to go anyways for the food and ambiance. I was hoping I'd get a lap dance too but that was at another joint.
We got lost trying to find this little joint but we eventually found our way. It wasn't as busy on a Sunday morning like they said it would. I gather everyone else got lost trying to find there way. We sat outside to enjoy the nice weather and got carded. I don't think I've been carded so early in the morning. I double checked to see what time it really was..... 10am.
I'm not a big fan of breakfast. I mostly just grab a coffee and tough it out till lunch time. So I asked for a lunch menu but that doesn't happen till 12. Well bummer, I'll just order an omelet. I got the ham and two cheese omelet which I'm in love with because unlike other breakfast places this omelet was just right! Not soggy, not greasy but a damn good omelet! I enjoyed the view and the nice weather Mercer Island has to offer.
People thought this was:
They typically stock a nice selection of microbrews, and the atmostphere is divey with some character. The place is a certified historical landmark: the upstairs served as a brothel way back in the day... Now it's hard to tell between the gold-diggers and the regular patrons.
Unfortunately, I've encountered rudeness from the waitstaff far too many times to continue keep going here, even though I live just a couple blocks away.
I recommend a visit to The Islander instead, which is a much nicer establishment both service and atmosphere-wise.
People thought this was:
Top notch neighborhood pub/eatery with more character than any establishment east of downtown. Great food, and a nice smattering of beers and spirits on hand. A summer late afternoon in the back patio provides a great environment to saddle up with a few pitchers with friends.
Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!
People thought this was:
The 'noke is like an island institution AND it's a historical building so it's definitely not going anywhere soon. Personally, I love the Roanoke and have been frequenting it since I turned legal. My friends and I love hanging out in the booths on the front deck during the summer with pitchers of beer and a huge plate of nachos. Seriously, half an order can feed a small army. Try to stay away during the holidays. It becomes one big high school reunion and even I can't handle it!
P.S. They have a jukebox! Wheeee!
People thought this was:
Roanoke is our local tavern and we go at least once a week. The beer selection is very limited on Tap and there is no Pilsner- a real frustration to a former Canadian. The atmosphere is very eastern on the inside with some really fun original beer nostalgia items. The food is passable and not too expensive. Pass on the Casa Dia- very dry. The I-90 nachos are very good and served hot. There are a few burgers that are huge and very tasty. Recommend the steak sandwich- very good. The atmosphere is somewhat interesting: outdoor seating area with outdoor seating on the grass, outdoor booths in the front with pretty flowers and busy atmosphere in the bar.
Needs better food but some atmosphere and the staff is very friendly.
People thought this was:
The Roanoke is an establishment on Mercer Island.
When I say establishment, I mean it's been there for a few generations.
Perhaps the new money people don't like establishments. I know that I do. Old character-heavy establishments, even if the tables have some wobble to them, are always cool in my book.
That being said, this is a beer and homestyle food type place, not a Mortons.
My visit here was full of good conversation, a sunset on the patio, a tender steak, and some local brew.
People thought this was:
This is a dive. It's probably great for dinner or lunch, but we were there for breakfast. It was way too dark and felt like I would feel after an evening of drinking too much--dusty, musty, and stale.
The waitress was competent. The french toast was awful with strawberries on top that had to be canned--in May in the Northwest--which is ridiculous. They were partially dissolved. For $9, I expected more than 3 slices of overly dry wonder bread styled french toast and a less than fresh splotch of berries. I could have gotten considerably better at IHOP or Denny's for a few bucks less. The coffee was retched. The Bloody Mary was passable, but I expected more since we were in a bar.
The website made it seem there was a garden view, but the plastic chairs in the close doff courtyard hardly seemed worth it, nor were they offered.
Overall, there are not many options on Mercer Island, but I would never come back for breakfast. I might try a pint in the evening though.
People thought this was:
My brother and I were more than dubious when my parents told us they were taking us somewhere 'really neat on Mercer Island' for fish and chips and Guinness following my grandmother's funeral (this is what we in my family do after funerals or any other emotionally taxing day... or, often, just on a regular day). I thought 'really neat' and 'Mercer Island' couldn't co-exist, and yet, there's the Roanoke Inn. I'm not sure there is really any other reason to go to Mercer Island. Anyway, it is old, and funky, and historical (a million years or so ago it was a brothel), and 'really neat.' Excellent fish and chips, perfect pours of Guinness. It would get five stars if I didn't have to go to Mercer Island to visit it.
People thought this was:
Hubby and I had dinner here last night. I was pleasantly surprised to find such a low key place filled with regular types on this "island of rich white men". The food was predictable, beer was cold, and service was average. Can't put my finger on exactly what it is - but there is just something right about this place. I'd definitely go back.
The Roanoke Inn is the best place in greater Seattle/Blahview to spend a warm summer evening. Lots of outdoor seating...on the veranda or in the back yard. And, because it's in a residential neighborhood, you're not sucking in lungsfull of car exhaust with your Mac n' Jacks.
Once an Inn for ferry riders crossing Lake Washington from Leschi to the island, the Roanoke has been in continuous operation since 1914...and feels like it. Oh yea, it was a brothel too...yawn.
Reminds me of some of the inns and roadhouses I discovered while living in upstate Mass. Food is typical tavern fare...maybe a notch or two higher on the preparation scale. Not cheap but reasonable, with enough variety to satisfy a range of dietary preferences.
A great place to meet friends after work...or after softball. It's a must visit for anyone who has missed out on this (rare for the Northwest) little gem of a historical road house.
People thought this was:
Foodwise, definitely a 3 star. Pretty standard bar food - sandwiches, burgers, salads, quesadillas, you get the idea. I liked the outdoor patio area, but my favorite part was our waiter, who spoke less than a handful of times during the meal. He was what we in the waiter observing world like to call STEALTHY. Instead of approaching the table and asking for our orders, he approached the table and waited as we awkwardly figured out what he was there to do. Plates and glasses vanished without our noticing, and poof, the meal's done. I can't wait to apply to the ninja school of customer service!
People thought this was:
This place is always loud and rowdy. They make a mean cheap steak too, if you are hungry. If you want peace and quiet don't go there. If you want fun and good tvs to watch the game, go there. The food is surprisingly good. The crowd is pretty attractive, even if the median age is 45. Like Dave G. said- it's the only real bar on Mercer Island.
People thought this was:
I went here in the afternoon for lunch a few weeks back. It was pretty dead. I thought there would be a nice crowd, because it was a nice day. I'm not complaining though. It had a nice patio where I sat and ate. The menu isn't that big, but there is something for everyone. It was nice to get to see Mercer Island as well.
People thought this was:
I've been to Mercer Island several times and this is usually the bar my friends from Mercer Island head to, the rustic look and feel is fun and the food is pretty good for a bar! The drinks are cheap and I don't know how many times we've spent an entire night there without even glancing at the clock! The jukebox has good songs in it and there are a bunch of board games floating around too. In the summer it is HOT inside though so leave your sweatshirt at home!
People thought this was:
The Rowy. The only real bar on la Isla de Mercer. Be prepared for a class reunion any time you drop by. Grab a couple of pitchers of Mac n' Jacks and head to the outdoor beer garden on a summer night.
People thought this was:
Perfectly adequate for a suburban local establishment. The place itself has character, and the food is edible. If, for whatever reason, you find yourself on Mercer Island, your best bet.
Overall great place. I generally only go when I am home on random occasions. Holiday weekends can be a bit of an over kill.
I've been trying to think about how I should review the Roanoke for a while now. I wish that Mercer Island had more places like the Roanoke. It's got some serious character, which is something that's lacking in a lot of MI establishments. The Roanoke has a big fireplace and tons of great stuff on the walls. If you're looking for a place to wear out a bar stool - this is it. The only drawback is the food. I can't say it's bad, but I think Seattle has set a really high standard for pub food; and the Roanoke doesn't match up. The food at the Roanoke is generic pub grub. I give them 4 stars for being a cool local bar and 2 stars for the food. So, 3 stars for the Roey.
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