The July Hit List: Cora, Baekjeong, Ray’s Boathouse, and More

Since Baekjeong opened in Lynnwood last year, the restaurant has garnered hours-long lines for its beloved Korean barbecue. Assisted by skilled staff members, the tableside grilling experience at Baekjeong is both interactive and engaging. Every perfectly cooked bite is a delight, from juicy bulgogi and tender short ribs to flavorful pork belly and spicy marinated chicken. Equally noteworthy are the banchan that form a staple of Korean dining — in this case from traditional kimchi and other pickled vegetables to savory pancakes and steamed egg custard. As of last month, this location is the first Baekjeong restaurant to accept online reservations. Reservations are available via Resy for lunch and dinner service and can be booked 90 days in advance for tables of up to 10 people (larger parties may call the restaurant directly).

If you’re searching for a brunch spot that embodies the essence of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, look no further than Glo’s, a neighborhood fixture for more than three decades. Sure, it’s in shiny new digs above the Light Rail Station, but the space, staff, and rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee are as inviting as ever. Brunch remains the star of the show, offering everything from classic scrambles and omelets to their legendary eggs Benedict. Think luscious hollandaise streamed over perfectly poached eggs with your choice of ham, bacon, smoked salmon, sauteed spinach, or avocado. Glo’s is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday for late-night cravings.

Find more info here.

If you’re a fan of Lark, you’ll love its new casual sibling, Cora. The Capitol Hill newcomer serves wood-fired small plates, pizzas, and saucy pastas — with plenty of great wines to pair. (There are also plenty of non-alcoholic options, including a sweet and zesty Sicilian orange soda.) Whether you swing by for a pizza, a plate of spaghettini puttanesca, or a nightcap and lemon budino with vanilla kumquat preserves, this will become your neighborhood go-to. On Wednesdays, all pastas and bottles of wine are half off.

Studies say that catching warm rays can be a mood-lifter. If you want to test this science, eat in Eve Fremont’s sun-drenched dining room. If Vitamin D and Eve’s good vibes don’t boost your mood, their comforting menu will. A nourishing chicken bone broth with mushrooms, black garlic, and cilantro will feed your soul. At the same time, Eve’s beloved Hot Bowl with ancient grains, greens, legumes, and vegetables is a staple for a good reason.

OK, let’s be real: For having such stellar water and mountain views, Seattle is sorely lacking in rooftop deck options. Motif Seattle is one of the prized few — here, it’s all about the views. And the outstanding cocktails. It’s always cocktail hour at Frolik. From Tuesday through Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m., and Friday, 3 to 6 p.m., gather your friends for happy hour and skyline views. Craving something light? The green garbanzo bean hummus or chicken lettuce wraps are both tasty options. A decadent artichoke and gouda dip with house potato chips is made for sharing. Or go all-in with the mashed Motif burger or perfectly crisped fish and chips.

Good news for diehard burger lovers! The highly coveted bacon cheeseburger at Beast & Cleaver (and lauded by cookbook author J. Kenji López-Alt) will be available by late July inside Fair Isle Brewing in Ballard. Previously served only once a week, the beefy, funky delight will be served at the new venture housed in the 100-seat tasting room called Beast & Cleaver 49th Street. The menu will be simple — 10 items only — including smoked veggies, charcuteries, and fermented foods. Chef Jaimon Westing, formerly of Willows Inn and No Anchor, will be helming the kitchen. On a hot summer day, there’s no better pairing than an incredible beer and burger combo.

Find more info here.

While summer is in full swing, book a table in the darling garden tucked behind this charming Spanish restaurant. In its 25th year of serving the city’s best tapas, the whole dining experience — from the second you walk in the door to your last bite of olive oil cake — has only gotten better. It’s best to come with a group to truly appreciate the full roster of tapas. Start with a small bowl of garlicky gazpacho before moving onto surprisingly light slices of grilled acorn-fed pata negra pig sauced with cider and served with panadera potatoes (a creamy, classic side cooked in olive oil and wine). The Spanish wine list is vast. And if you want a front-row seat for the culinary action, try for a spot at the chef’s counter — although those seats are first come, first served, so plan accordingly.

Few views in Seattle can compete with the water’s edge one at Ray’s. In its 50th year, it’s a fixture on the fine dining scene, especially for special occasions. Settle in with a tangle of seared Washington asparagus topped with a soft egg, complemented by pancetta and bright lemon zest. The grilled applewood Pacific Northwest sablefish in sake kasu is a simple yet flavorful firm-fleshed signature dish. Next, linger over a glass, bottle, or half-bottle from the extensive wine list while watching the summer sun dip behind the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains.

From the second you step into this bright and breezy brunch spot on your way up I-5, it’s hard not to smile. From its sunny signage to its whimsical cocktails, this 21-and-over establishment is a wonderland for adults. Start with the honeycomb toast — a thick slab of sourdough bread generously schmeared with sweet and salty honeycomb butter will surely become your new breakfast best friend. The Brookefeast (named for co-owner Brooke Martin) comes with two eggs poached or soft-scrambled with pulled pork, sourdough bread, breakfast potatoes, and a side of giardiniera. Don’t sleep on the always-changing specials, like a recent elote crepe with buttery corn, queso fresco, and a healthy sprinkle of Tajin. Of course, there are plenty of brunch cocktail classics, as well as booze-free options. Order an It’s Spritzy B*tch with vinho verde, raspberry liqueur, soda, and fruit. Or try a Little Nip — a non-committal “breakfast woozy” sure to ease you into the day.

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Renowned for its wood-fired, thin-crust pizza, this indispensable Italian staple serves up a mighty fine date night or inspired solo dining at the bar. To start, bite into a whipped cloud of salt cod and potato atop a crostini with first-of-the-season cherry tomatoes. Don’t miss the Romana pizza with tangy sauce, Gaeta and Castelvetrano olives, and salty anchovies. Spend a few extra bucks and add the mozzarella di bufala. The wine list shines on affordable Italian varietals. A spritzy Cucumber Collins with mint and lemon is a refreshing sip with whatever you order. (Bar del Corso’s glassware game is bar none.) On a warm summer night, there’s no place better to be than the intimate back patio.

Call 206-395-2069 for reservations.