Where to Eat in January: Gracia, Wero, STK Bellevue, and More

Mexican food is a multitasker, giving warm hugs and fun fiesta vibes with every dish. Gracia excels at comfort food — some classic, some creative, and all fun and flavorful. Think oxtail birria tostada, plated on a crispy corn tortilla made of Oaxaca heirloom corn, topped with pinto beans, purple cabbage, smoked chile crema, pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Menudo, the well-known hangover cure, seems to be extra curative here. Think of it like a Mexican stew, except instead of beef, it features tripe and adds tons of spices and flavors. Reservations are available for indoor and outdoor seating. Dogs are welcome on the heated patio.

At this buzzy Ballard spot, chef/owner Wes Yoo serves fare reminiscent of his childhood in Seoul. Start with the jeon, a savory pancake with kimchi, potatoes, and mung beans. The salmon ssam is a must-order dish, topped with chrysanthemum leaves and microgreens lightly tossed in sesame and lemon. Ditto for the japchae salad with short rib beef, eggs, dandelion, and chrysanthemum leaves (available vegan or vegetarian). A Heart & Seoul of Ballard — made with rye whiskey, smoked persimmon syrup, mandarin, lemon, and bitters — pairs well with everything. Reservations are available; the bar is always open for walk-ins.

Since STK Steakhouse took over the old Palomino spot in 2020, Bellevue residences have been soaking up its hip vibes, great cocktails, and perfectly grilled cuts of steak, from wagyu flat iron to bone-in filets. Although meat is the main attraction, don’t skip the epic shellfish platter piled with clams, mussels, oysters, ceviche, Dungeness crab, and jalapeño pickled shrimp. Try it with a burnt pineapple Paloma or STK mule. Pro tip: Head there for happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m.

Reimagined campsite bites, free-flowing libations, and a killer view make the hike up the 16 floors worth it (we’re kidding — there’s an elevator). Come for the warm winter beverages — and stay for the snacks and s’mores. The Forest Floor is a real winter warmer, made with SennzaFinne autumn amaro, cinnamon syrup, lemon, and sparkling apple cider. Or give a rich and silky Dark Wing a sip. This luxurious cocktail features duck fat-washed rye, Alpine amaro, and marjoram. For a hearty nosh, the Mountaineering Club Mezze is a belly-filler featuring marinated shrimp, green chile bean dip, smoked salmon pate, tinned mussels, seakraut, pickled onions, sourdough, and Saltines.

When looking for omakase in Seattle, it’s hard not to come across Shiro’s. Despite its rock star status in the local raw fish landscape, the vibe is surprisingly casual. Also, the price ($85 for 19 pieces of fish) is a fantastic value. Start with a warm bowl of miso soup and edamame, a nice contrast of hot and cold dishes, before moving on to the omakase course. Sit at the bar if you want a more interactive experience — the chef will explain each piece of nigiri and advise whether soy sauce is needed.

Need a cozy date night spot? Look no further than SWeL. From the warm staff and music to the décor, expect an intimate night out with superb shareable dishes. Set the mood with a half-dozen oysters on the half-shell. The oven-fired bay scallops in a spicy lime mornay sauce are also a solid place to start. Moving along, don’t miss the Bartlett pear and Gorgonzola pizza with pine nuts on dill pesto. For something heartier, the French cut pork chop with mashed potatoes, Marsala sauce, and portobello mushroom is pure cold weather comfort on a plate. Finally, try the Hygge with fig and vanilla syrup, Cognac, amaretto, and Angostura for a cozy sip. Vegetarian-friendly options abound as well. Pro tip: Try and snag one of the cute booths.

Southern hospitality reigns supreme at this exceptional find in Walla Walla. From plaid fabrics to rustic wood details, this charming spot housed in an old sawmill building is terrific for after-work cocktails or a celebratory dinner. Whether you opt for the crispy fried chicken bathed in “Backyard Sauce” or the more refined aged rib eye and pork ragu with sage spaetzle, expect thoughtfully constructed flavors. The wine list is vast, featuring roughly 120 bottles displayed in a beautiful glassed-off wine cellar. Try the I’ll Have What She’s Having — local huckleberries infused in Tequila, then mixed with house hibiscus syrup, orange, and lime.

Off-season in the San Juan Islands is magical. So the next time you find yourself there, be sure to book a table at Coho Restaurant. For those staying in Friday Harbor, it’s a few blocks from the ferry station. The four-course tasting menu is a steal at $85 per person ($75 for vegetarians). Plates shine on hyperlocal ingredients. Think: a roasted winter squash and apple salad, mussels with ginger, soy, and furikake, and halibut with roasted fennel and garlic. Finish your meal with a seasonal pot de crème and an aged whiskey from San Juan Island Distillery.

During these dark days of winter, we turn to comfort food every chance we get. The Comfort Zone, a soul-food restaurant run by the mother-daughter team of Talya Miller and LaShon Lewis, serves stellar macaroni and cheese out of The Royal Esquire Club building. The universal comfort food favorite is loaded with creamy noodles and a crispy baked top — it’s like a warm hug for carb- and lactose-lovers. Crispy fried catfish and incredibly tender oxtails with rice will also make you feel right at home.

This month marks the opening of the highly anticipated Alki Beach newcomer, Driftwood. Dan and Jackie Mallahan took over the former Alki Beach Pub digs in early 2022 and reimagined it into a “regional community partnership” with farmers and fishers. The menu shines on shared plates and ingredients from local farms, such as Whistling Train Farm snap peas with green strawberries and housemade feta; Structures Brewing steamed local clams with glazed pork belly and buttered turnips from Little Big Farm; and Mama’s apple cake with bourbon caramel, sour apple sorbet, and creme fraiche.