The October Hit List: The Butcher’s Table, Maximilien, Skål Beerhall, and More

Indulge in the cozy embrace of romance at this refined French eatery. As the fall season settles in, revel in the panoramic views that stretch from the gliding ferries of Elliott Bay to the distant Olympic Mountains, all while overlooking the bustling Pike Place Market below. The menu is a testament to dishes steeped in traditional French culinary techniques, offering a warm and comforting experience as the days grow cooler. Delight in the decadent tarte flambée, the savory delight of garlic and parsley butter-baked escargots, or the classic steak frites with a luscious red wine demi-glace (add seared foie gras for an extra $20). To complement your meal, choose from an extensive wine list featuring a wide selection of French and Pacific Northwest wines.

Step into Skål, where the spirit of a Viking mead hall comes to life. With a rotating lineup of craft beer, a vast selection of mead, and a cocktail program that pays homage to the Scandinavian spirit aquavit, Skål is your Nordic-inspired haven in Seattle. Treat your tastebuds to the shrimp Skagen, a legit Scandinavian-style shrimp salad bursting with dill flavor, and a Pacific Northwest twist of salmon roe. For a hearty bite, try the braised lamb sandwich, an inventive take on Norway’s national dish, Fårikål. Braised lamb leg, cabbage, and pickled carrots come together on a rustic potato roll. Don’t forget to explore the unique cocktail menu, featuring the Odin Fashioned with its distinctive aquavit base. And for a truly Viking experience, gather two of your closest friends for sword shots.

Discover new culinary magic at the old Speckled and Drake space. Chef Peaches, with stints at Vito’s and Reckless Noodle, takes the helm. The menu entices with small plates, such as crispy ditalini fritters with marinara, and wings kissed by a tantalizing burnt brown sugar chile glaze. Delve further into pasta delights, like black pepper fettuccine bathed in a luscious lemon sauce, harmonizing with Parmigiano, garlic, white wine, and thyme. Quench your thirst with a refreshing boozy Italian soda or a tomato basil martini. And, of course, savor the heavenly honey crème brûlée. While dining, admire the captivating mural created by local mixed media artist Sonia Rae Lujan.

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America loves its red meat. The Butcher’s Table serves a diverse selection of exquisite eight-ounce steak cuts, ranging from the marbled coulotte to the delectable rib-eye cap. Can’t make up your mind? Opt for a 12- or 16-ounce tasting flight to sample a variety. For non-carnivores, the crudo tasting takes seafood towers to new heights, featuring spot prawn ceviche, yellowtail, salmon tartare, local oysters, Dungeness crab salad, and an albacore tuna tostada. Tasty sides complement the tender meat, with highlights like the rich beef fat brioche and the sweet chicory Caesar salad.

Seattle’s beloved Beast & Cleaver has a new home at Fair Isle Brewing in Ballard. Under the guidance of executive chef Jaimon Westing, celebrated for his expertise at the Willows Inn and No Anchor, 49th Street Beast offers a delectable array of dry-aged meats, fermented delights, and craft beer. For burger enthusiasts, “The Burger” is a must-try, featuring a 100-day dry-aged beef patty topped with American cheese, ketchup, and beef garum. Equally enticing is the signature “London Royale” — a top-round steak cooked in garlic butter, glazed with beef garum, and accompanied by confit garlic and bread. Enhance your meal with a smoky grilled cabbage, Caesar dressing, umami-rich whey miso, sourdough, and Parmesan.

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Step up your Thanksgiving celebration at Ray’s Café on Thursday, November 23rd. The upstairs café pulls out all the stops with a bountiful buffet that showcases both traditional holiday delights and beloved Pacific Northwest flavors. Start with a Northwest antipasto spread, then move on to a bar brimming with the freshest seafood, including Gulf prawns, Dungeness crab clusters, and shucked oysters. And the main event? Roasted turkey with all the mouthwatering trimmings, tender roast prime rib of beef, and smoked Pacific Northwest salmon. We’re not stopping there — expect a colorful array of seasonal vegetables and an irresistible dessert table overflowing with sweet treats.

Literally elevate your dining experience to new heights at the 16th-floor rooftop bar of the Graduate Hotel, tucked in Seattle’s University District. Here, you’ll bask in breathtaking views of the Space Needle, the city skyline, and even the majestic Mount Rainier on clear days. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails like the Meany’s Mule, a booze-forward blend of bourbon, peach, Campari, ginger, citrus, and bubbles that will leave you feeling peachy keen. As for bites, indulge in reimagined campsite classics, including potato chip nachos and the Campsite Spread with pickles, prosciutto, pimento cheese, and toasts — perfect for sharing. And don’t forget to explore the Sunday brunch menu, where the s’mores pull-apart bread is an absolute must-try. Keep an eye out for pop-up events and live music.

Plenty of Clouds draws its culinary inspiration from the vibrant flavors and rich culture of China’s Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. For a nutritional powerhouse, start with the chrysanthemum leaves, starring alongside a zesty soy vinaigrette, fiery bird’s eye chiles, and a sprinkling of crushed peanuts.  Family-style dishes, like the mouthwatering ground pork fried rice adorned with mushrooms, cabbage, greens, and a dollop of spicy bean sauce, fully embrace the fiery essence of the region. Another spicy delight is the dry fried chicken, featuring chiles, Sichuan peppercorns, kohlrabi, and rice. You can also treat yourself to a baijiu flight — a traditional Chinese spirit. Alternatively, indulge in “It’s Not a Turmeric” with turmeric gin, osmanthus flower syrup, and lime for a unique flavor experience.

Similar to its counterparts in Everett and Mill Creek, this cozy family-owned Mexican restaurant chain specializes in authentic South of the Border cuisine. They take pride in crafting hand-pressed tortillas and preparing most ingredients in-house. One standout dish is the chile Colorado burrito, generously filled with succulent steak chunks simmered in a flavorful, smoky ancho chile sauce. For a refreshing option, don’t miss the shrimp ceviche — a zesty and citrusy delight. Plus, their all-day, everyday happy hour offers unbeatable deals, featuring $6 margaritas and an array of tempting $7 small plates.

In the summer of 2023, the doors opened to reimagine the space once occupied by neighborhood favorite Petite Soif, giving birth to Fable. While retaining the essence of what made Petite Soif beloved — delicious wines, fresh cuisine, and warm hospitality — Fable expanded its horizons. Now known as an all-day cafe, it offers extended hours, coffee and beer service, freshly baked pastries, and a dynamic menu that evolves throughout the day. Indulge in the Boursin toast with brûléed figs and a wine reduction or savor the sage chicken sausage patty with cheddar and mixed greens, complemented by sweet and tangy mustard, all served on a delectable vegan olive oil brioche from Sea Wolf Bakers. Don’t miss the daily fresh pastries, including a morning roll adorned with dates, honey, and a spiced sugar glaze.

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Get set for a flavor-packed adventure as Kamp unveils its fall menu refresh. But that’s not all — beginning September 18, the space morphs into “Kamp Koven” for a spooktacular Halloween extravaganza. Immerse yourself in enchanting decor inspired by your favorite witchy movies and relish the mystery with a secret cocktail menu. Next up, dive into an unforgettable Oktoberfest celebration starting September 30. Expect a delightful sausage sampler and a tempting Raclette cheese platter for the fall season. On the cocktail front, we’re bringing back the smoky, sparkling New Best Friend. And don’t miss out on Camarão na Moranga, a beloved Brazilian dish featuring a spicy Thai curry served inside a baked kabocha squash.