The September Hit List: Kamp Social House, Bite, Elysian Brewing, and More

Sundays become a weekly anchor of joy at this queer women-owned restaurant, thriving  amid swank boutique shops and cozy cafes in Madison Valley. Take advantage of the $80 Sunday dinner special, served from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering a delightful three-course meal for two with cocktail options that range from boozy to booze-free. Start with the mouthwatering smashed Japanese yams paired with Spanish chorizo, chile lime aioli, and shaved cured egg — a veggie appetizer that’s pure bliss. Follow that with hearty options like a roasted cauliflower steak. Finish the feast on a sweet note with nostalgia-inspired soft serve ice cream flavors.

Welcome to a realm where art and hospitality intertwine in pure magic at Tacoma’s Hotel Murano. Set the stage for your culinary adventure with crispy calamari and zesty romesco sauce. But the star of the show? The grilled bone-in rib eye is adorned with maple bourbon butter, Yukon mash, and seasonal veggies. And for a sweet crescendo, indulge in lemon blueberry cheesecake with an irresistible brown sugar crumb crust. All of this is elevated by breathtaking views from the 4th floor of the Murano Hotel.

Step into the former Canterbury Ale House, where history seamlessly blends with contemporary elegance. The iconic knight still guards the bar’s entrance, while stained glass windows and a barn-wood dining room wall echo its past. Dive into unique dishes like halibut mousse on challah toast or short rib tagliatelle with fresh basil. Sip on the Meliora Peach Tea, a blend of bourbon, black tea, peaches, and mint. Expertly crafted cocktails are set against the backdrop of local artist Robert Williamson’s hand-painted murals in the lounge. Experience Pacific Northwest vibes in this artfully decorated space, a sibling to Rasai Seattle.

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While Elysian Brewing is renowned for its bold IPAs, guess what? It’s pumpkin beer season! Step into their 220-seat beer hall where classic pub fare shines from their scratch kitchen. Be sure to try the newly launched Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, brewed with over seven pounds of pumpkin per barrel. And for non-drinkers, there’s the refreshing Odd Water Sparkling Hop Water. On sunny days, soak in the vibes on the sidewalk patio with your furry friends. Be sure to watch the brewing magic on the 15 BBL Paul Mueller system, which happens most days at noon when the taproom opens. Mark your calendar for the 19th Annual Great Pumpkin Beer Festival at Seattle Center on September 29 and 30, featuring more than 80 pumpkin and seasonal beers.

Embark on an autumn coastal adventure and bask in the scenic beauty of Chuckanut Drive en route to Bow, and Samish Oyster Bar and Shellfish Market. Fall heralds shellfish season, with Taylor Shellfish’s five-generation legacy showcasing exquisite local oyster varieties, including Kumamoto, Virginia, and Shigoku. Indulge in marine delicacies like clams and geoduck, sourced from Samish Bay, on the patio from noon to sunset. Taylor Shellfish Farms isn’t just a seafood spot; it’s an intimate look at shellfish farming and the heart that goes into it.

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Named after chef and owner Chester Gerl’s mother, Grace, the menu at Gracia is a symphony of dishes, from springy masa topped with tender carnitas to crispy corn tortillas heaped with Mayan octopus ceviche. It boasts nine different types of tacos; the beer-battered cod and braised beef tongue are showstoppers. The cocktails rival the excellence of the cuisine. Every Tuesday, join Mezcal Martes, a promotion featuring a 25% discount on all agave spirits. Or explore A Breath of Fresh Air, a cocktail with Constant Reader gin, cucumber, amaro, Génépy des Alpes, fresh lime, Ancho Reyes Verde, and garden chocolate mint. The inviting outdoor patio at Gracia may be one of the few positive outcomes of the pandemic, adorned with lush greenery and gently sparkling hanging lights.

Freshly launched by the minds behind Tamari Bar and Rondo, this spot adds a burst of excitement to South Lake Union’s dining scene. Get ready for a mouthwatering adventure with seafood bowls, pokes, bento boxes, and delectable Japanese sweets. Don’t miss the Area 206 Curry, a cozy and bold creation featuring tender wagyu beef, Kurobuta pork, and caramelized onions. Favorites include the vibrant chirashi bowl and the zesty miso salmon bowl. Stay updated on daily specials by following them on Instagram. Oh, and you’ll fall in love with the ceiling adorned with a charming sake bottle light fixture. Psst, remember the daily happy hour magic from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.!

Enter chef Brian Durbin’s gastropub world, where shared plates evolve into Instagram-worthy memories since 2011. Kickstart your journey with Olympic Peninsula escargot, decadently butter-soaked with garlic and parsley. Alternatively, savor the perfection of halloumi cheese sautéed with dates, peppers, shimeji mushrooms, onions, and zesty lemon. As the weather cools, relish in the tenderness and flavor explosion of malbec demi-glazed beef short ribs. Quench your thirst with over a dozen wines and beers on tap, or dive into Major Danger — a strawberry-infused vodka lemon drop cocktail. Weekends extend into midnight, offering a leisurely late-night happy hour to cap off your day. And for convenience, Eastside friends, parking is a breeze with validation.

Step into the realm of Asian Fusion BBQ, where flavors of bulgogi, zesty pork collar, and an array of succulent meats await. Share the joy with a dining companion, as the all-you- can-eat experience caters to just two or more. Dive into the delightful dilemma of choice with Premium ($45.98) or Choice ($35.98) menus, offering eight or 12 items, respectively (feel free to order four at once). Unwind and enjoy unlimited access to the soda and hot and cold food bars, where grilling companions like fresh vegetables and an array of appetizers — spring rolls, crab rangoon, and more — await your indulgence. Round off your feast on a sweet note with an enticing array of desserts, including velvety chocolate cake, tropical coconut cake, and fresh fruit.

Find more info here.

In 2012, chef and owner Heong Soon Park extended his success from sister restaurant Bacco Cafe to create Chan. After amassing a solid reputation among Seattle residents and visitors, Park relocated Chan Seattle from a cozy spot in Pike Place Market to a more expansive locale within the downtown core, at the Paramount Hotel. Imagine this: a hipster-chic hangout with a laid-back front café and a sophisticated dining area at the rear. Chan is tucked into a corner lobby of a hotel, giving you those exclusive insider vibes. What favorites to rave about? The Korean melon salad and those drool-worthy ragu rice cakes. Oh, and here’s the deal-sealer, the happy hour (4 to 6 p.m.) in the lounge, where every dish is just $10. Get fancy with the steak tartare: caramelized onions, Asian pear, pine nuts, soy, rice syrup, chives, and sesame oil. Or keep it cool with the roasted cauliflower steak: chile oil, fermented chile, raisins, crispy shallots, sesame, and yuzu aioli.