Skip Schmick's--Bookstore Bar's the Best on First Ave
We are sad to report the decline of yet another iconic local restaurant. The First Ave. McCormick & Schmick's is not what it used to be.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the service is inexplicably spotty. One table complains about an undercooked burger. Another patron who'd ordered a burger gets one meant for a different table--the plate is removed from under his nose, which is unaccountably rude, but at least reminds us of our favorite Fawlty Towers episode.
We order steamed shrimp off the happy hour menu. We get six shrimp, served on a bed of...are those onions? The smell reminds us of our college dining hall.
The beer offerings disappoint--not a single local craft brew is on tap, unless you care to count nationally-marketed brands like Red Hook and Widmer.
The check comes, and we find that, including tip, we'll be spending $22 for six shrimp and two pints of Stella Artois. Recession? Hello? Instead of lowering prices, M&S is raising them.
Meanwhile, about 40 steps south at Bookstore Bar, they are wise to the times and running a "Ken Griffey Jr." special. Portage Bay Pilsner, a true and tasty craft beer, goes for whatever Junior's batting average is. At time of visit, that's $2.15. Sold.
Other craft beers are on tap as well. And if you're feeling a little flush (or want to be), Bookstore has one of the largest selections of single malt scotch in the city.
Unlike the claustrophobic M&S, Bookstore Bar has an floor-to-ceiling window that opens out onto an outdoor patio and awesome people-watching on First Ave. Their happy hour menu includes tasty pork sliders and dangerously addictive shoestring fries.
And the people in the bar are more interesting. As it's downstairs from the Alexis Hotel, you get some fascinating international travelers. There was a Swedish motorcycle club on the patio when we visited.
Service was friendly, prompt and honest--we didn't know about the Griffey special, but the bartender was kind enough to point it out. And though Griffey's upped his average to a robust .219, we'll be back to sample that special again.
Bookstore Bar at the Alexis, 1009 1st Ave., btwn. Madison and Spring.
