The Pink Door
1919 Post Alley
(between Stewart St & Virginia St)
Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 443-3241
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sun 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Dressy
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
105 Reviews for The Pink Door
The Pink Door is beautiful! It's pretty small but with the chandeliers and candles! romantic!
But, I ordered the special which was spaghetti with artichokes which wasn't very good, a little too much for my taste. There were other things on the menu that caught my eye, which i wish i went with instead.
The night we went, they had a trapeze act. Which was entertaining!!! The place is beautiful :)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
This was one of my favorite restaurants while in Seattle.
We started out with an appetizer, the Crostini Misti which had 3 different toppings (bean puree, baby artichoke and fresh mushrooms) all were delicious. For the entree, I had the lasagna spinach layered with beciaelle pesto and topped with a marinara sauce. I finished it all, so it must have been good. For dessert, we had the trio of Creme Brulee (coffee, butterscotch and plain) I thought the coffee Creme Brulee was the best. Service was good.
Wish we had come on a Sunday or Monday because that's when they have the live entertainment with trapeze performers.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I have heard about the glory of The Pink Door and have seen with my own eyes the potential for greatness, but my experience here was not so hot.
My waitress was a snot. A scenester who seem amused by my gangs "newness" to her establishment. My friend Jamie never knows what to order (she is allergic to gluten so it can be tough), I am used to it...but the chick had no patience either.
I ordered the pizza (chef's special) and it was bleh, and meh. It so needed sauce, there was zero flavor. Actually the second pizza I got had no flavor. The first one was sitting in about a half an inch of liquid that turned the entire pizza into a circle of sog and had to be sent back. My friend also said her antipasti misto was bland (how is that possible). All three of us salted our dishes and I never salt. We were sharing food trying to add flavor. It was a mess.
The mood was chill, the ambiance nice, can't complain there. Seems like a good night time place. I am a little wary however for the alcohol is, IMO, over priced. $9.00 for a pear bellini which was a small flute of champagne with a sliver of pear floating in it....Lame.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
While toting itself as a pet friendly outdoor seating environment we made our routine lunch/dinner stop over to the Pink Door with our 5 lb dog. While we have done this many times I guess we hit it on the day when the owner was in a pissy mood cause for some reason she said there were too many dogs on the deck that day and declined seating us. WHAT??? I never saw a "dog limit seating capacity sign". I thought she was kidding- I thought wrong. Oh well- Kells welcomed us with wagging tails. Now, I cant blow off Pink Door completely- even though we did not have a good experience nor have been back since then, the food is OK. I woudnt eat there if I had to sit inside. The deck makes everything better.
Friends & I love the olive tapenade.
Making memories in the summer time on the patio over bottles of chianti. Probably the best chianti I've had~
Excellent Italian, Excellent location
Only if they restored happy hour~~ that would be a bonus star
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
A great Seattle staple! Everyone loves the pink door! Great tiramisu. Live entertainment. Awesome food and drinks. If you haven't been there you have to go! In the summer its a great place to eat outside. My only complaint is that they took Bagna Cauda off the menu and it was a great dish that I can't find anywhere else.
The Pink Door is a favorite among locals and out of town guests alike. Touted as an Italian-American Restaurant & Cabaret Lounge this tucked away hot spot in Post Alley offers a little bit of everything for everyone.
The main dining room provides an intimate and eclectic setting to enjoy a candlelit dinner with your special someone or an enjoyable evening with family and friends. If you're looking for something a little more social, or if the dining room is unavailable which can often be the case on weekends, then the bar area or outdoor patio in the summer are great options.
The menu is always a crowd pleaser with much of your traditional Italian inspired fair made to perfection. I don't believe I've ever had a bad meal at the Pink Door. The pastas are usually my go to dish, but sometimes I'll be tempted by a juicy lamb chop or fresh fish.
If you're there on a weekend and feel a slight breeze on the back of your neck it's probably not the ocean air blowing up from the sound but more likely the nightly trapeze act swinging over head. It's nothing death defying, but for those that see it for the first time it is definitely an experience, if not a point of confusion.
One thing you may want to look out for, besides the dangling feet overhead, is the phone service. The wait staff is always friendly and helpful, but on occasion the person or persons handling the phone can be difficult (at best) when you're calling to make reservations. I guess that's all part of that Seattle hospitality that we've come to...enjoy?
Tell me. Just tell me one other place that has people trapezing above you while you eat? Cant think of any can you?
Thats why this place is radical.
(oh and I don't know how often this occurs but I know it can happen as it did at the last yelp event held here. Extra bonus, the food was great.)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
My husband took me here for one of our "Date Nights." The staff was great, we made reservations but traffic was so bad we knew we were going to be late (we live in Kent) We called and they moved our reservation up which was very kind of them. I love the location, decor and the candles on the table. My husband ordered the lasagna that had spinach in it. It was the best lasagna I have ever tried. I ordered the steak and it was perfect. My husband drinks so much water during dinner that I feel bad for the person that has to keep re-filling it... as if by magic it would be refilled almost instantly which was nice. Our server was very kind and knew everything. My husband and I were able to sit and enjoy our meal and were not rushed out. I would highly recommend this restaurant and I can't wait to go back to see the show.
Oh my gosh, do I love this place or what!!!
I came here for the Elite event, BUT this review is for the lunch I had here before the event as a normal customer. First off, this place is the epitome of darling. The decor is soooo cute and warm and welcoming and you really feel like you are in a French movie and should be sipping wine and making lovey dovey eyes and some handsome strapping French stud across the table (that might just be a me thing, but eh, what are ya gonna do).
As for what I ordered. The Bolognese was my meal of choice since I am on a mission to find the best Bolognese in the US and while this wasn't it, it was definitely tasty and served as a great cushion for the wine and cocktails I consumed later that day.
The staff was also super nice and the wine was divine. Definitely a great spot to take an out of towner and I hear this place is THE spot in the Summer with the patio area. Definitely check this place out!!!!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (2)
Cool (7)
Love this place. The house antipasti is really, really wonderful -a lot of yummy food. Pear Bellini was very good. Entertainment was a nice surprise, and they have something different every night.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I have always been a fan of the Pink Door, actually in that past ten years that I have been eating here I have never left unhappy, empty or unsatisfied. Quite the contrary....
Nestled in the hidden Post Alley and the pink door being the only sign of anything could possibility be down this odds and ends alley, if you don't know where to go it could be difficult to find. Walking down the stairs always greeted by the most loveliest of hostess, even though it could be slammin busy during the weekends or special days, the hostess is always pleasant and is more the willing to offer up the bar as an alternative seating area.
The dcor is something to take and always noticing something new whenever you may arrive. Funny, I always have the same waitress no matter day or time, I'm starting think she lives there. She is super cool... I once went there with a hardcore vegan the waitress went out of her way to ensure that he could enjoy a full meal without sacrifice. Pink Door is never pretentious, never to busy to help out with wine selections and is never without a recommendation off the menu.
I went to the Pink Door this afternoon for lunch and was fully satisfied. I always get the lasagna because it's actually the best lasagna in the city, I swear, my lunch was under $15, very reasonable. My lunchmate got the ravioli and was blown away with the flavors.
My lunchmate and I stayed well passed after we paid our bill, getting caught in conversation and never once were we given the evil eye and the eye roll, we were actually told to stay as long as we wanted. We both left very full and very satisfied and very pleasant.
Pink Door is pretty much always 4 stars, dinners are awesome, lunch is awesome. Dinner is more expensive but well worth the price and the shows on Saturday nights are guaranteed to always be unique, fun and memorable.
Highly recommend, the Pink Door and all its awesomeness!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Tucked within a pleasant alley lives a restaurant by the name of the Pink Door. Named the Pink door for the most obvious reason, they have a pink door. Quaint yet lively, one may just walk right past this establishment if not for said door.
Upon arrival you will descend to the restaurant to be greeted by the host or hostess. A reservation is recommended at this restaurant and you will notice the environment to be very busy and alive with energy. More than likely you will choose to wait for your table at the small, cramped bar area near the kitchen located at the backside of the restaurant. The Italian lager is ok.
After a beer and a prompt seating we ordered appetizers and began the debate of our food choices. Fresh pasta, veal, pork tenderloins, crab salads and tangy ravioli. My Oh My.... What will I dine on tonight?
However; contrary to the popular review, I was not overly impressed with the Pink Door. Don't' get me wrong, it was good, just not the life changing experience I had read it to be. The Penn Cove Mussels and Manila Clams were okay. Not great, kinda gamey... I ordered the Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin and it was okay. Not great, tough and somewhat under seasoned. I tried the pastas and they were very good. Fresh, hand made pasta with real homemade meat sauce. Very traditional styled foods here and to be fair, I'm just not that wowed over noodles and sauce no matter how well prepared they are. That was my favorite meal when I was 8 years old, 20 years later I would like to try something that is a little more experimental. That's just me.
Conclusion: I rated this establishment 4 stars because we had a really great time and the food was very reasonably priced. For just a few dollars more then you would spend at a crummy chain restaurant you receive a quality meal. The location is awesome, the environment is fun and there is a neat bar across the alley to venture into when you're done eating. I'll be happy to go back again but it will not be my first dinning selection.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The Pink Door is great. I love that it is hidden in an alley that feels like you shouldn't be wandering down unless you want to get mugged - not eat at a nice restaurant. I love that there is no sign, making it feel like you are in on a local secret. Once as I was entering an older couple walking by asked me what this place was, and when I said "The Pink Door" they looked like they didn't believe me, as if I was saying something smart because the door is in fact pink.
In nice weather they have a large deck that looks over Elliot Bay. I've never been when they have the trapeze artists, but I think they are supposed to be on Friday nights. I did make a special effort to go to the burlesque show on Saturday night and had a great time. If you go for dinner make sure you get your name on the list for the show - it's popular. The girl dancers were fine but the star of the show was the guy at the end, dressed like a biker in leather, stripping to Dude Looks Like a Lady. His act was one of the funniest things I've seen (don't worry straight male dinners - burlesque means no real nudity, just implied).
The food has its ups and downs. Like the restaurant, the menu is experimental and always changing. Once I got this pasta dish that looked like plain noodles with some veggies, but the taste was amazing. I have no idea what they put in it. Unfortunately, my next trip there I was dying to have it again, but it was off the ever changing menu. So were the 3 cups of different flavored creme brulee that I had enjoyed before.
The food can be hit or miss, but you can't beat the Pink Door for the unique dining experience.
I just love the Pink Door, and always will. I have sat on the patio in summer with girlfriends drinking refreshing cocktails. I have sat at the bar and chatted up the cute bartenders while eating smoked fish. I have had my palm read there. I have seen friends play in bands there. I have seen burlesque there. I have enjoyed every minute of it.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
They weren't kidding, there is actually a Pink door to welcomes you. My boyfriend took me here for my birthday. The waitress was extremely attentive and helped us picked from their menu of goodness. I always suggest the fresh pasta. We had their fresh ricotta ravioli, we had to savor each bite. If you love lasagna, you won't be disappointed. Their drinks are comparable. If you enjoy raspberries, try their Angelic Kiss. It has fresh pureed raspberries with champagne and a few others. A perfect desert drink!
I love the burlesque shows on Saturday nights.
The space is intimate, charming and unique. The shows are cheeky, humorous and sexy. A glass of red wine and a delicious chocolate dessert during the show and I couldn't ask for a more enjoyable or entertaining Saturday evening. Splendido!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Update, We just love this place. Its a constant. We normally start the night off here or end up here. I love the vibe. The staff is way cool. The bartender George....one of the friendliest, clever bartenders we have met in Seattle. HE ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR NAMES and greets us with a big smile.
MORE BARTENDERS SHOULD TAKE NOTE.... that how it should be done!
A funny story we went to the burlesque show on a Saturday and had a blast. The girls ended up buying pasties and gave the boys a pasty show after the bar closed. Even though our one friend got so drunk we had to stop her from touching the dancers, they were still cool with us.....THIS PLACE IS SO COOL. Go to the show for a great Saturday night.
Drinks are awesome......ask for George's famous flaming coffee drink! and watch the show!
We go here every Thursday night to listen to the Gypsy Jazz-style music. The staff is really nice and quick with the food. We recommend this as a great place for a first date! It always brings back fond memories of Paris.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I went here just on Valentines Day... I highly recommend their clam/mussel appetizer... it's hands down one of the best and freshest in Seattle. I wanted to order the gnocchi but ordered a special vodka sauce plate with shrimp... It was good...but Bizarro's food is better (wish I could combine both restaurants)... My boyfriend ordered the ravioli which was a mistake... it didn't have any sauce it was just plain ravioli.. but overall, I would come back and try their other menu items... The service was great and very relaxed.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Awesome pasta, lovely atmosphere, attentive servers...A perfect dining experience!
You can tell the pasta is made fresh, mixed with fresh vegetables and meat. Try the bolognese, it was scrumptious!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This place is beyond cute. I've been here a few times, including their burlesque show on Saturday nights. Always a good experience. The best was on Valentine's Day last year with my boyfriend. The food was amazing, the service spectacular. Very romantic, and BEST COCKTAILS I'VE EVER HAD. It is pretty pricey, but worth it. The only complaint I have is that the menu can be kind of limited. But the food is great. Check this place out for a special occasion or just for the burlesque show in the lounge on Saturdays. If you go for the burlesque show, get there early and bring cash for the cover.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
One of my top 5 fave restaurants in the Seattle area. I swear on my lime green peep toes that this place is an absolute MUST. Saturdays are Burlesque night at 11and Trapeze artist Sundays from 6-9. I mean, need I really say more? It's a party. The cheese board deluxe is amazing, as well as the sauteed calamari .. sooo good. Everything fresh and great .. especially the lasagna. (best in town!) There is also outdoor seating, so on a nice day the view is awesome. And if it isn't a hit for you? Kell's is across the street and hell, it's in Post Alley. It's a hit, trust!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Oh my, I love this place. A nice romantic walk through the market then cut through Post Alley. Where do you end up? The quintessential romantic compliement, Pink Door. A nice summer day at the Pink Door is too die for. Great view of the sound, great food, and alcohol makes up for a those depressing fall and winter days.
For food, the tapande is a must try. Fresh olives and not as sodiumee as many tapandes around town. For the main dish, I go with the Ciopinno. Great combination of seafood and tomato broth.
If you take a date, please reserve the deck.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
My friend suggested going to the Burlesque show here for her birthday. The 9 of us ventured in early, got seats at the front and started on a bottle of wine. The food is great, the show is wonderful and the service is impeccable! We each had something different from the menu and there were no complaints, which is saying a lot coming from this group of ladies! For a combo of food, great service and a good show this is the place!
It does get crowded, so come early if you're coming for the Cabaret! The cocktails are delish and there is some great comedy between acts. Girls and guys alike will love it.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Quite romantic and if you are craving a non-traditional lasagna this is your spot in Seattle. Pesto Goodness! Light rendition of a typically artery clogging disaster.
The waitstaff know what they are doing and so do the bartenders. I am pretty sure I remember a tasty lemon drop martini (which is saying a lot). I also recall the calamari was above average.
I have heard summer on the patio is where its at, but unfortunately I have no more Seattle summers left. I will just have to return here on a cold, blustery night with a special someone and enjoy it for what it is....and definitely order up the lasagna;)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Can't speak much for the food since by the time I arrived my friends had devoured what was once a cheese and fig appetizer, but judging by the smell and appearance of other peoples dishes, it looked pretty alright.
SO I arrived just in time for the cabaret/ "Burlesque" show. It was my friends Birthday Celebration and we were right next to the stage. Well actually, I was hanging on the corner of the stage since there was barely enough room for me to squeeze between the table and the tiny tiny stage. The hostess of the evening was Paula the "Swedish House-wife," whose banter was laden with tongue-and-cheek/sexual innuendo type humor. Not that I have a problem with it, just seems a bit played out too much . Like, "(S)outh( L)ake (U)nion (T)ransit"- -OK yeah, doesn't take a freakin comedian to SPELL out an acronym!!
And so the night continued... The dancers I thought were not so much dancing as much as wiggling and shaking. I mean, if you're going to make taking off your clothes an art, it's all about bringing something special to the table. I've seen some strippers more graceful than some of the performers there. Surprisingly, it was the one guy in the show who was actually performing up to par. If you're going to be absurd, I really want you to run with it. No half assing it, please!
It was nice how they did have a little segment for the birthday people. Singing happy birthday in as many languages as possible was rather charming, as was Paula's comment about my friend Brittany showing a little more class than you know who.
I left there with a bar tab that was a bit too high, and glitter in my mouth from being a bit too close to the stage. Not sure if I'll return, but at least it's cheaper than the place I work at.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
During my last business trip out to Seattle, my colleages and I decided to take an excursion out to The Pink Door. I had been here once before, and had a great experience, so I convinced the group to check it out. As before, there was an accordion band, which absolutely rocked (we lucked out and got a table close to the stage). I went with the cold dungeness crab dish, and between the four of us, we killed two bottles of wine, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Everyone loved their plates as well, and the desserts were heavenly. Highly recommended.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Why oh why did you disappoint me??? I was so excited to go to the Pink Door. All i heard was how great it was, how fun, how beautiful. I'll admit, the decor was beautiful but the food was BLAND! The only reason why this place gets three stars is become of the atmosphere.
I ordered the Gnocchi and it was bland. Nothing to write home about. My husband got the Pesto Lasagna and it was very soggy tasting and... yep, you got it, BLAND.
Finally, we got the desert special since it was Valentine's Day. It was a black cake with sweet cream filling and berries. Sounds divine right. Ummmm... no. It tasted like a frozen chocolate cake that was defrosted from Trader Joe's (and not even that good), covered with a smidgen of berry compote. I'm soooooo disappointed. I hope this is a fluke but alas, there are too many other restaurants to try and until I run out of them, I don't think i'm going back anytime soon.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
3 shots of lemon drop - FREE, cuz your friends bought it for you
2 beers - FREE, cuz another friend bought it for you
1 killer hangover the next day and 20 questions by your co-workers whether you're lesbian or not cuz you didn't remember that you made out with the exec's very sexy blond admin because they goaded us on - PRICELESS
Um... that's pretty much all I remember about the Pink Door and I'm sure I'll go back again sometime.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (4)
This became one of my favorite restaurants during my first visit to Seattle. The food was sooooo tasty, I had the Clam Linquini - the drinks are good too, I had a Pink Madonna and some other drink that had raspberry puree and Sambuca. Yum! The place is a little hard to find considering there's no big sign just a pink door and it's in the middle of an alley.
To top it all off, there was a trapeze artist in the dining room during dinner.
Reservations were made for an evening in September. We arrive a few minutes before our time and were directed to the hostess by the patio. Soon there after we were seated at a corner bench table with plenty of room so we weren't on top of the table next to us which kept growing and growing as the evening went on.
I went to the Pink Door thinking I wanted wine to go with my dinner but their cocktail list changed my mine, I had the Basil Lemon Drop which was delicious, my friend she had the Pink Madonna which she loved, our cocktails were a great way to start the evening.
We decided to start with the roasted garlic and ricotta-gorgonzola cheese spread, it was to die for. If you like garlic, ricotta and gorgonzola please try this dish, it's so good. For dinner I order the risotto and it was creamy and tasty like risotto should be. My friend had the gnocchi and to be honest the gnocchi were better than the risotto at least in my opinion the sauce it was severed with was perfect.
While enjoying our cocktails and roasted garlic a hush came over the patio than the servers working out there started whispering to each other and pointing, so I look to see who they were pointing at and it was non-other than Seattle's own celebrity chef Tom Douglas with his wife and I believe son.
Our server and water boy (not sure what he's really called) couldn't have been any better. Our server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, the cocktail list and the wine list. He gave us plenty of time to decide; we never felt rushed and provided a few cute jokes throughout the meal. The water boy kept our glasses filled and had a constant smile on his face even while attending the growing table next to us.
If you're going to go to the Pink Door during our warmer month, make reservations for the patio you won't regret it, a good time will be had by all.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
I must preface this by saying that my review is primarily of the burlesque show....I've been for dinner also, and enjoyed the experience immensely with the exception of the crowded dining area in the bar. If I'd had a bit more space, it would have been perfect.
I returned recently for my birthday to enjoy the burlesque show. I was expecting something completely different, but enjoyed myself nonetheless. My main gripe is this - again - crowded bar! It was difficult to see the stage from our table and we were over an hour early for the show and the second couple on the RSVP list. The Pink Door continues serving dinner until who knows when, so the bar was still crowded at 10:00 PM with late night diners and would-be burlesque show observers. I guess I thought that for $15 cover and an early RSVP, I would have been given a seat that actually allowed me to see the show without craning my neck (silly me!). Also, during the show, the wait staff are circulating throughout the bar tending to the late night diners, so - if you're unfortunate enough to have a waiter stop right in front of your limited view to take an order from a large table, you will miss much of the performance.
And it's a performance not to be missed, which is why I'm so miffed about having a difficult time watching it. Classy and sassy, I would definitely go again, but with some serious conversations first with the seating staff.
Here's a tip - sit at the bar! It looked like the best seat in the room for the show. Oh, and watch out for drunken soon to be brides....
If you love calamari and tiramisu, this place is for you! Their calamari is light and flavorful, a nice change from the usual heavily breaded and fried calamari. TASTY! And the tiramisu for dessert. mmMm! The pasta we had for our meal wasn't bad but it wasn't spectacular either but the appetizer and dessert made the restaurant more than worth it! We went here on a Thursday evening so didn't see much of what the have to offer as far as entertainment.
**
My second visit here was again on a Thursday but the European jazz band sounded good. The lasagna is superb and so was the rock fish. Someone ordered the trio of creme brulee and OMG was it fabulous! 3 little cups of different creme brulee along with shortbread covered with chocolate and hazelnut. Superb! p.s. If you're hungry, don't get the ravioli because it only comes with 5 pieces.
Cue the theme to Mission Impossible. (the original, in 5/4 time rather than U2's 4/4 abomination of that theme) Bum bum... bahbah bum bum... bah bah bum.... My mission, which I chose to accept, is to find the Pink Door in order to attend the Yelp Elite Event.
I check my watch, a solid stainless steel Diesel. 10bar/330 feet. Water resistant. Which is good, because the rain is pouring down and I'm wearing my favorite suit, no umbrella, no jacket. Nothing to call attention to myself. Well except my top two buttons are undone and I'm wearing way too much jewelry. I'm in disguise today as Randy Williams, bassist of Stay Tuned. Or am I Bill Lanni, eye-talian ex-mafia hood from the east coast? Damn, I should have checked my file more closely. Well it's hard to when it self destructs in 5 seconds.
2:55pm. I have 5 minutes to find this place. I've wandered through the Pike Place Market and Post Alley for 8 minutes now, smelling the scents of exotic cheeses, locally grown fruit, and midwestern tourists. My car is hidden in a safe place -- the Pacific Place mall. Best parking in town. My tracks are covered: I hailed a taxi that had a fare but stopped for me anyway and kept me dry for the 9 blocks down to the Market. But my resulting lack of moisture is becoming the opposite. Where is this damned Pink Door!?
I stop two girls walking by and ask them if they know where this place is. They point back the way I just came from. At that moment a familiar face pops into view. It's Mitzie H. I don't recognize her at first; last time I met her she was disguised as an 80s pop diva. Safety in numbers, and she knows where she's going--the complete opposite direction that them two girls were pointing me in. They must have been enemy agents.
We arrive at Kell's in Post Alley. I'm confused at first, but Mitzie pushes open an unmarked door across the alley--unmarked except for the garish shade of pink it's painted. Of course.
We enter. We've made it. Our names are on the list. Familiar friends and allies are here. Drink tickets are pushed into my hand. Stephy from SF is up in beautiful sunny Seattle to help Michelle regulate the crowd of Elite Yelper agents who have all chosent to accept this mission. Anthony from the Moore Theater is here as well, I'm sure to make mental notes of which trouble-makers he will need to keep an eye on. I hope you have a lot of eyes, there Anthony, a lot of eyes.
We're served a drink called a Pink something or other. My mental faculties have abandoned me. Someone pushes bruschetta covered in cheese, mushrooms, olives and who knows what else. It's tasty, but I immediately wish I had gum. Alyson L. shows up. She's the Q to my Bond, always supplying that life saving gadget you find you need at the most opportune of times. Out of her trusty bag of tricks, she pulls multiple flavors of gum out and hands me a stick. Ian M. points out that that should be her "schtick." Clever man, that Ian. He could talk his way out of the chilly vacuum of outer space.
We are seated for dinner. I stick (or schtick?) close to Alyson, assuming I will need her help again after we dine on this delicious meal. Jon L. and Diana L. are also present. We are the [name] L. table. Us L.s stick together.
While we are served a very delicious caesar salad, an enemy agent shows up and begins to draw our attention away from potential danger. She is potential danger. No... she IS danger. She is clad in almost nothing, though fishnet stockings keep coming to mind. A distinct, perfect sharp nose that makes me think of the French, and long black hair. And, as Alyson L. does not need to point out, a 'fabulous ass.' Thanks, Alyson. We noticed. She ascends a hanging length of fabric and within seconds has wrapped herself and spun herself and levitated herself to the ceiling, smiling effortlessly, pausing for applause. We are mystified. I think we ate some food. There may have been raviolis. There may have been gnocchi. I am pretty sure it tasted good. At one point I think I was nibbling on bread dipped in olive oil and talking to Diana about quitting blow. We could have been poisoned, pick-pocketed or dressed in clown outfits and I'm not sure we would have noticed.
The main course was served, along with wine. A beef dish, with a cooked broccoli and risotto? Polenta? is served next. I am not sure what it was, because at this point that daring young lady is on a flying trapeze, hovering 8 feet above us, swinging gently back and forth. Trust me, the food was good, from what I remember. It's just hard for your mouth to compete with such a tasty dish for the eyes.
Now that I think of it, there was a dessert as well. A chocolate something with a berry sauce on top. It was extremely tasty. I think I realized it when we all came out of our collective stupor as mysterious levitating trapeze woman descended and disappeared.
If you can find the Pink Door, prepare yourself for a full frontal assault upon your senses.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (4)
Cool (4)
So I took a friend here when she was visiting last summer after reading about the great view, I have to say, neither of us were particularly impressed with the view. It was nice, but we were seated right next to the big honking air handling unit from the neighbors roof that was barely hidden behind some lattice. We're both architects and maybe this isn't something other people notice, but it was distracting.
Other than that, we were very happy. Our server was smiley and fun, the drinks were yummy and fresh - raspberry puree and champaign, I ordered the vegetarian lasagna - a nice take on a simple lasagna, rich and satifying with lots of flavor from the pesto - my friend had linnguini with clams and way too much panchetta, not that it was bad, just unnecessary. Dessert was a little disapointing, I'm a fan of fruit crisps/crumbles/cobblers. And while their peach and berry cobbler was a nice finish to the meal, it tasted an awful lot like bisquik on canned peaches. Not exactly what I was expecting from a nice restaurant in the middle of summer in the fruit ladden NW.
So, I have a couple complaints, but it was still an enjoyable meal and I'd definitely go back!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I've been around the world, and there are alot of beautiful, warm, romantic restaurants, but for some reason THIS is the place that I always hold above all others in my heart.
The ambiance is the best, it's just the perfect place to take friends, family or that special someone. I hate that it's located in Seattle and that I can't go as often as I like, we have nothing as warm and inviting down in Los Angeles...it's truely a special place.
When I first started going there they had a zaftig lady in a swing singing opera tunes above everyones heads and I was SO scared for her. Knowing me I would have fallen off that thing and ruined someones dining experience.
I think this is the best restaurant in Seattle hands-down, just for the feeling you get when you walk in the door.
The Pink Door is a hideaway restaurant near Pike's Market place. For an out of towner, my co-worker and I found it through a local's recommendation. Good food and friendly service on a cold winter night. Highly recommended for it's cool factor. It's like a tiny Tadich Grill in an off of main street location.
We had such a great dinner the other night, it deserves five stars.
It was Friday night, rainy, windy, miserable, around 6:30PM or so. We were in the area, so we decided to stop for dinner instead of proceeding to the Parking Lot (I-5). We parked at our usual lot and walked to Wild Ginger. We'd just had a not-so-great dinner there, so I thought we'd give them another shot. Turns out, Wild Ginger is ridiculously crowded at 6:30PM on Friday nights. We usually go at off-times, like weekend afternoons, so I was a bit shocked. We tried waiting a while, but it was just too crazy in there (I know!), so we left. We were walking to Etta's, and came upon The Pink Door. Hadn't been there in a few months, decided to pop in.
When I walked through the door, I was afraid we'd see an angry mob (again). I couldn't have been more wrong. I looked down the stairs to the hostess podium (?), and the hosted looked up and smiled. For real. The weather was so miserable, I was starving, and...we were saved. I asked if they had any space for two, again, thinking I would be scoffed at...wrong again. Yes, no problem, we have a table right there.
We were seated in a corner, which was cozy and private. A little bit strange to see my husband sitting under what looked like a fuse box, but he didn't mind at all. The waiter arrived within five minutes or so--he was a seasoned veteran and quite friendly.
Our food arrived almost TOO quickly--a nice surprise. I tried the linguine alle vongole--it was AMAZING. Garlic, but not too much (it must have been lightly sauteed and/or infused in the oil, because the flavor was gentle), pasta al dente, tons of little clams, fresh Italian parsley...Perfection.
My husband had the penne with meatballs. He really liked it (although he wasn't freaking out like I was). His only minor issue was the addition of olives to the bowl of olive oil that came with the bread. He likes olive oil, but hates olives (yes, I know). Being somewhat more normal, I love olives and all olive-derived products, so again, I am still blissed out.
For dessert, tiramisu, which was lovely. Very elegant but homey--the flavor reminded me of the Godzilla-sized tiramisu at the Fremont Classic (a previous favorite, I just haven't been back there in YEARS). The mascarpone was light as air, melted in my mouth. My husband tried the Rome AppleTart, which was a bit odd, although the waiter had recommended it. I liked the caramello (a thick caramel sauce which I, again, loved) and the warm cream that came in a tiny pitcher alongside it (I poured some in my coffee).
And the coffee. Apparently, it's "just local, from Caffe D'Arte"--the waiter responded to my interrogation very plainly, as though their coffee was the most normal thing around. No. There is nothing normal about it, their coffee is some of the best in the city. It is sweet, not heavy, smooth, and just dreamy. I barely had to sweeten it (at Starbucks I use four Splenda in my Americano). I drank two cups within five minutes and wound up taking half of the tiramisu home.
We'll be going back, very soon. The warm, prompt, professional service was such a nice surprise, and I loved the food.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
