- Where: Rosebud Restaurant and Bar, 719 E Pike St,
Seattle
- Owners: Robert Sondheim and John Busey, (206)
323-6636
 A "Nice Comfortable Place"
My dream house
has a warm sunny living room with cozy couches and a friendly bartender. This is the
scene entering Pike Street's Rosebud Restaurant and Bar.
 Seven years ago, John Busey talked Robert
Sondheim into purchasing the restaurant. John's background is in business
management, while Robert has 20-plus years experience in the industry. The team's
goal: to create a "meeting place for everybody."
The couches are the perfect  place for
happy hour after a long day at work. The gorgeous patio is neatly landscaped during
the summers (Robert has a green thumb as well as culinary skills). "The
food," says Robert, "is homestyle continental cooking."
I tried the night's special: Halibut Steak. The yummy fish was
tender, juicy, and lightly seasoned; however, the best part of the meal was freshness.
Robert decides each weekend's specials after seeing what is best at the market on
Friday.
 Also recommended: Mama Kane's Meatloaf-- more
than just meatloaf, it includes sundried tomatoes, spinach, and a brandy sauce. A
summer favorite at Rosebud is the spinach ravioli in a spicy leek sauce.
Rosebud's service is friendly and reserved. The bartender--
known as Old Robert-- introduced me to a tasty concoction named after Grape Nehi.
Waiters, William and George succeed with their own styles: William
has a "subtle way of suggesting menu items"  (example-- he said I would like the Halibut and was right)
and George "doesn't dominate the dining room." The atmosphere this
creates is as relaxing as it is relaxed.
John and Robert note that some call friendly service "a new
concept to Capitol Hill." As a part of creating an enjoyable, fun
restaurant, the two expound to their staff to listen to the customers, and serve them well.
 Rosebud's sunny yellow walls are covered with
great framed photographs and paintings. One series of pictures on display was of
nude models at different points of interest nationwide-- including at Rosebud! The
photographer's goal was to capture unsuspecting people before they realize they share the
bar with an undressed model.
Rosebud is picturesque and relaxed. The clientele and staff
are interesting and diverse. Like many Capitol Hill bistros and cafes, the food is
moderately priced and parking can be scarce. As an added bonus: the Egyptian
Theatre is just a block away-- making Rosebud a wonderful start for a romantic night out.
   
See Also: Rosebud's Happy
Hour Specials
--E. Eibel, June/99 |
