With all of the chain restaurants and eateries found in town, Lynnwood might not seem like the perfect place to find the perfect meal. However, the city is actually home to a large eclectic mix of fine eateries from fine dining to a causal meal.
Sure, some of the restaurants on our list have more than one location, but don’t let that stop you. Our top ten includes the town’s best pizza, amazing barbecue, breakfast joints, ethnic diners and more.
Indigo Kitchen and Alehouse
Address: 2902 164th St. SW, Bldg. F, Lynnwood WA 98037
Serving, lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends, Indigo Kitchen and Alehouse is known for their extensive Happy Hours as much as they are their food! Happy Hours are available between 3 and 6 p.m. and 9 and 11 p.m. every day of the week!
Indigo Signature Cocktails include the Buffalo Trace Manhattan (Buffalo Trace bourbon stirred over ice with bitters and sweet vermouth. It can be ordered as an Old Fashion too.), Sazerac (Rye whiskey, Peychaud bitters, and sugar built over ice and served in an absinthe rinsed glass with a lemon twist) and Deer and a Beer (A pint of Rainier Beer with a shot of Cazadores Reposado Tequila on the side.)
Indigo features an eclectic menu of soups, salads, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, entrees and more. Favorite comfort entrees include Fish & Chips (Alaskan cod dipped in a beer batter and then tossed in panko crumbs), Fried Chicken (made with jalapeno-chorizo gravy and served with mashed potatoes) and Shrimp & Grits (with andouille sausage in a spiced curry cream sauce.)
For tacos, choose between steak, chicken, jerk pork, blackened fish, salmon or even cauliflower. All of them are served with rice and red beans. Sandwich and burger choices include Pulled Pork, Shrimp Po’ Boy, Black & Blue Burger (blue cheese and blackening spices) and a Meatloaf Hoagie.
Salads are a big deal here with choices that include Shrimp Avocado Roma, Roasted Beet with Salmon, Blackened Chicken Caesar, Grilled Steak and a Chop Chop Salad (with chicken, bacon, cucumber, tomatoes, avocado and cotija cheese). They also feature a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes including Roasted Cauliflower Tacos, Chipotle Veggie Burger and Red Beans & Rice.
Big T’s Moonshine BBQ
Address: 4911 196th St. SW, Lynnwood WA 98036
Big T’s Moonshine BBQ gets an “A” for atmosphere. Set within an old fashioned saloon setting, this barbecue joint is surprisingly high tech. Belly up to the bar and watch your favorite games on the high definition TV screens sipping crafted moonshine and house-smoked barbecue. If the weather is good, head out to the “backyard.”
Food choices are far from ordinary with starters like BBQ Meatloaf Sliders (with cheddar cheese, frizzled onions, garlic basil ketchup and BBQ aioli), Srirach Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Ribs (fried St. Louis style pork ribs slathered in chili hoisin glaze).
Entrees include half and full racks of St. Louis Ribs, Beef Brisket and Smoked Chicken Wings. Combo plates come with either two or three meats. Or heck, why not go with the Family Combo with a half-pound of smoke brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, a half rack of ribs and two hot links or kielbasa. All entrees come with choices of classic sides. Burgers, sandwiches and salads are available as well. You won’t leave hungry.
Happy Hours are available Monday-Friday from 3-5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to close. Specials include $3 drafts, $4 house red or white wine, $5 well drinks and $6 “Bootlegger’s Punch”
B3 Breakfast & Burger Bar
Address: 4027 196th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036
The folks at B3 Breakfast & Burger Bar got smart creating a restaurant that only specializes in breakfast, burgers (and a few sandwiches) and beverages. Although they are not open for dinner, they remain open into late in the afternoon and breakfast is served all day.
Specialties include Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes, The Incredible Hash (corned beef brisket, green peppers red onion that is topped with three eggs) and Chicken French Toast (fried chicken on top of brioche French toast, drizzled with tabasco honey, chipotle sour cream, tomatoes, pickled cabbage, green onion and served with bourbon pure maple syrup). They also offer gluten-free Seeded Cinnamon Raisin French Toast and pancakes. Omelets are served with home fries or fruit and toast or a huge biscuit.
Favorite burgers include the B3 Cheese (white cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, arugula and grape tomatoes on rustic sour white bread), The King Chicken (fried chicken, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, chipotle aioli on a brioche bun) and The B.E.L.T.C.H. (with bacon, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, cheddar and ham on a brioche bun). All are served with a choice of tiny fries, sweet potato fries, homemade chips, onion rings and even 3 truffle fries.
Their full bar features a full line of Bloody Mary’s (and Marias!), Mimosas, Mules and Margaritas. Signature cocktails, red wine and wine selections are also available.
Sparta’s Pizza and Pasta House
Address: 17630 Hwy. 99, Lynnwood, WA 98037
Located within a little, unassuming building off the highway, Sparta’s Pizza and Pasta House has been a local favorite since 1978 – and the recipe has never changed! Everything here is house-made daily including the dough, sauces and salad dressings. Each pizza is covered with a thick layer of organic Danish mozzarella cheese.
Choose between The Greek (garlic, tomatoes, onions, feta cheese, artichoke hearts and pesto), the Sparta’s Special (pepperoni, Canadian bacon, salami, mushrooms, green peppers, olives and onions) or one of the other 35(!) different pies. Still can’t decide? You can create your combination as well.
Italian specialties dishes include Chicken Parmesan, Baked Lasagna, Fettuccini Alfredo and of course Spaghetti. All are served with garlic bread and a choice of soup or salad. Sparta’s is also a great place for lunch with sandwiches and salads. We recommend visiting during lunch time to take advantage of their slightly smaller lunch-sized combo specials.
Kim’s Teriyaki
Address: 6810 208th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036
Not a teriyaki lover? Kim’s Teriyaki just might convert you. It’s known by some as a teriyaki joint for those who don’t care for teriyaki. Unfortunately, we don’t know their secret.
Kim’s Teriyaki has an extensive menu with features a lot more than what you would expect from such a small shop. In addition to teriyaki chicken, beef, pork, prawns, salmon and tofu menu items include teriyaki version of General Tao’s Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Orange Chicken, and Korean Barbecue Short Ribs. You’ll also find delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken, Stir-Fried Yakisoba, Chicken Katsu, Egg Rolls, Tempura Prawns…you get the idea.
Want a bargain? Try one of the lunch specials between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The only downside to Kim’s Teriyaki is the fact that they are not open during the weekend. Criminal.
Baekjeong
Address: 3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037
For those living elsewhere, Baekjeong (the Korean word for “butcher”) is known as one of the best (if not the best) Korean barbecue restaurant chain in America, but the only location in Washington State can be found in Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall. Not only is the food delicious, but it makes for unique dining experience as well. You actually get to barbecue your own dinner from a grill at the center of your round table surrounded by a variety of vegetables, marinates, sauces and spices.
Choose from prime premium meats like cast-iron ribeye, boneless short ribs, beef brisket, pork belly and a variety of different proteins for those who are more adventurous. Other dishes and appetizers include Kimchi Stew, Beef Brisket Soybean Paste Stew, Stone Pot Bibimbap, Beef Tartare, Homemade Fried Dumplings and a Seafood Pancake.
Kona Kitchen
Address: 3805 196th St. SW., Lynwood, WA 98036
Who knew that Daniel LaRusso’s nemesis from “The Karate Kid, Part II” would later find fame within the restaurant industry? Yuji Okumoto and his wife Angie were inspired to open Kona Kitchen after years of visiting his family in Hawaii. Rumor has it that when Yuji is in town, he’s happy to chat with fan and pose for pictures.
The causal family restaurant features a large menu with portions to match and many of the favorite dishes have been inspired by Yuji’s aunties, uncles and grandma. These include the inventive-named Kalua Pig and Cabbage, Broke Da Mouth Beef Stew and Tutu’s Meatloaf.
Kona Kitchen is known for their plate lunch specials including the Banzai Pipeline (teriyaki beef or chicken), North Shore (katsu pork or chicken), Waimea (combination of teriyaki bee & katsu pork) and the Da Kanak Attack! (a combination of mochiko chicken, teriyaki beef, Spam and Portuguese sausage). Each is served with large portions of rice, macaroni salad and spring rolls.
Kona Kitchen also serves breakfast all day long, even though they don’t open until 10 a.m.!
Silver Spoon Thai Restaurant
Address: 3828 196th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036
In Thailand, the humble silver spoon is a symbol of wealth, prosperity and well-being. For the owners of Silver Spoon Thai Restaurant, they use it as symbol of fine dining, service and atmosphere. Diners are serenaded with live piano music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Entrees choices like the signature Silver Spoon Cashew or the Orange Sauce can be made with chicken, beef, pork, tofu, vegetables, prawns, calamari, seafood or duck as well as a choice of spiciness from “No Spicy” to the 5-star “Extra Hot.” All entrees include Thai jasmine or brown rice.
The extra-large menu (over 78 choices) includes appetizers (served with plum or peanut sauce), soups, salads, noodle dishes, rice dishes, curries and combination plates. For dinner, choose one of the Chef’s Specials such as the Silver Spoon Medley (prawns, calamari, scallops and mussels sautéed with mushrooms, carrots, baby corn, bell peppers, celery, onion and egg), Lemon Grass Chicken (marinated chicken with garlic and lime leaves) or Chu Chi Salmon (topped with panang curry sauce). The children’s menu features kid-sized Thai dishes as well as corn dogs and chicken nuggets for picky eaters.
Anthony’s Seafood Grill
Address: 3000 184th St. SW, Suite 870, Lynnwood, WA 98037
Located at Alderwood Mall right across from the AMC-Loews Theaters, Anthony’s Seafood Grill is a mix of flavors with dishes reflecting the style and personality of Lynnwood, not to mention some budget-friendly meals including daily specials. Sundays, the Surf + Turf special includes seasonal seafood specialties paired with Northwest top sirloin. Monday offers all-you-can-eat prawns, Tuesdays belong to tacos (natch) and Wednesdays offers half-priced bottles of wine.
Early Bird Dinners, available Monday through Friday from 3 to 5:30 p.m., include three-course meals of a starter, entrée and dessert for just $30.
For dinner, house favorites include the Island Poke Bowl (raw South Pacific yellowfin ahi poke marinated in chili, ginger sesame and tamari), Fettuccine Alfredo (with optional Oregon Coast Bay Shrimp or chicken add-ins), Smoked Salmon Fettucine and Chicken Marsala. The Royal Ranch Prime Top Sirloin and New York Strip Steak is always a good choice too.
Anthony’s Happy Hours are from 3 p.m. to close daily with $5 Libations (including House Manhattan, Cosmopolitan, Moscow Mule, and the best-of-the-season hard seltzers), $5 draft beers and $6 glass wines. Lots of small plates, soups, salads and bar favorite specials too.
Bazille
Address: 3200 184th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037
For the uninitiated, you wouldn’t think that a restaurant located within a clothing store would make our list, but people swear that Nordstrom’s Bazille’s serves up the best French Dip anywhere. Considered a “Nordstrom Signature Recipe”, the sandwich is made with certified Angus beef and sharp white cheddar served on a parmesan baguette and au jus. Not your thing? There is a lot more to choose from.
Other Signature Recipes here include the Portabella Mushroom Ravioli (with a parmesan cream sauce), Spicy Wild Shrimp Pomodoro (with baby spinach, heirloom tomatoes and parmesan cheese) and Halibut & Chips (served with fresh slaw, remoulade sauce and bread & butter pickles). You’ll also find a nice selection of handmade pizzas, salads, soups and sandwiches at the Alderwood Mall location.
