Bleu Bistro’s Grotto
1801 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA, 98102
Bleu Bistro’s Grotto Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Seattle for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
1801 E Olive Way
Seattle, WA, 98102 - Phone (206) 322-3087
- Website https://bleugrotto.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :4:00 pm - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner, Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Michael U.
I have been frequenting this local joint since before it opened. Actually, I was a regular at their previous location just around the corner on Broadway just north of John, when it was The Bleu Bistro (sans Grotto). Most establishments don't survive a change of venue such as this, but most establishments don't have in their favor what Blue Bistro's Grotto has. The atmosphere here is unique in that it is not a single thing. It is simultaneously intimate and yet public and gregarious. It is a place where one can arrive accoutered in absolute finery, fluffed like they're in the finale of Ru Paul's Drag Race tonight or just in from a meeting with a stylist at Totokaelo and tomorrow show up still in uniform from their softball double header or tilling one's organic pea patch and feel equally comfortable and proper. The cocktails are inspired. Mike has installed their very own carbonation system, so their free-hand, house developed libations are all prepared with the freshest and purest of ingredients, down to the filtered water. Try the Blood Orange Margarita or a Kentucky Hand Job (while ensconced in one of the curtain covered booths). Now, I guess I must speak of the food prepared and served here. In my estimation, barring the ethic-specific 4+star establishments in the neighborhood, this is without a doubt the best food on the hill! (And beyond no doubt, but I don't want to dilute this review) Ross has an inspired menu, simultaneously simple and eclectic. One is required as rite of passage to indulge in the Wasabi Grilled Cheese. It is iconic here and had earned that status for good reason. But look beyond to the myriad delights that are conjured in their magical kitchen. Arrive with an appetite, for how they amaze in creativity they embellish in the portions served. Their mama's are duefully proud. Readers' Digest version, great place, great crowd, great drinks, great food, great proprietors. I dare you not to love this place. Ross and Mike, hosts extraordinaire!
(5)Caitlin B.
I have only been here for drinks and appetizers. I enjoyed a nice glass of wine while my buddies had the $5 cocktails on tap (a great value). We shared the mediterranean anti pasta plate easily feeds 5 people. They don't skimp either it was full of wonderful olives, hummus, and vegetables. I plan to return.
(3)David W.
Bleu's Feta Nacho's are the best Nachos I've had in Seattle. (note that this is a review of the slightly more expensive nacho order that has feta cheese and kalamata olives) Even more surprising is that they manage this nacho magnificence while being vegetarian. bleugrotto.com/Pasta.html Bleu's Feta Nacho's $14.99 Fourteen years of established Damn Great Nacho's. Corn tortilla chips, layers of Monterey Jack Cheese, salsa, chips, and diced onion, Oven roasted topped with kalamata olives, hummus, diced tomatoes, feta cheese, and French cut tomatoes, Topped with sour cream and fresh cilantro. * caution very hot! . Double Plate . . . . . (large oval )
(5)Saira R.
Unique, expansive menu. I like to come here for their salads, if you're looking for lighter fare. Their grilled cheese is also delicious but pretty heavy. I haven't tried anything from their bar, but the menu looks fine. I will say this: the seating arrangement is a little tight so if you're not comfortable in tiny spaces, be prepared.
(4)Thai D.
Wasabi Grilled Cheese Two Dollars on Tuesday Nights In booths with curtains #yelphaiku I still prefer the old Blue Bistro with it's tiny cubbyholes and such, but I get why they moved over to this spot. It's bigger, there's more seating and elbow room, a bigger bar, and a bigger kitchen. It's the same menu as the old spot (drinks with funny names, wasabi grilled chese, feta nachos, salad with hummus, etc.), and they have booths with curtains as a nod to the old cubbyholes - the tables in the booths are a bit wider, so they don't have the same feel, but whatcha gonna do? My biggest complaint is the Lost and Found quizzes in the menu are new ones, and no one fills them in anymore. It was fun to read the entries in these quizzes.
(4)Aundrea L.
Just came in for a quick drink.. great ambience and staff. Very relaxing atmosphere. The drinks are a little pricey but worth it for the experience. Check out the loft! Very cool.
(4)Kat L.
One of my favorite places to eat in Seattle. They use to be on 1st avenue next to American Apparel. The new place is a little hard to find because there is no bright lights and at night you cannot see the sign. Atmosphere: It's very dim lighting and some of the booths have curtains so you can close yourself off for a more intimate affair. They also have fun chalkboards to write on. Food: Wasabi Grilled Cheese is a must, best grilled cheese in Seattle! Their hummus is house made and comes with almost everything. They also make delicious pastas. I recently tried their nachos with feta, kalamata, hummus, Monterrey jack cheese, and some other "non nacho" stuff. Easily became one of the best nachos I have ever eaten. They have a late night menu at the end that's a little confusing to decipher. It's available ALL DAY and becomes the only menu the times noted. Drinks: They have an expansive craft drink list that seems to go on forever. I am a huge fan of the Lavender Cosmopolitan & French 75. One thing I am sad about is the lack of a Bloody Mary! Staff: Always super friendly
(5)Claire A.
Homemade infused vodkas and gourmet wasabi grilled cheese. If that doesn't sell you I don't know what would.
(5)Scotty S.
Cocktails on tap are delicious. But if you ask them to open the windows (what they are known for) even on a warm day, the manager will come and talk to you about the "needs" of the other customers and why they can't open the windows.
(3)Steve S.
Wow! Simply fantastic - service is excellent, plenty to choose from on the menu, and a great spot for happy hour on a warm summer Seattle evening. Wasabi grilled cheese was spot on and the roast need sliders excellent! Go here!
(5)Nick O.
This place holds a special place in my heart! My wife and I went on our first date here (actually at the original location) 8 years ago. I am happy to say that they still have the same amazing food and great service! I love the Verona Chicken Pasta and my wife loves the veggie BLT. Drinks are good and strong too!!! So happy to see you guys re-opened in the new location... close to my work!!!
(5)Katy H.
As if I didn't love Bleu enough they had to go and move even closer to where I live! The Grotto is a great addition to the neighborhood. With Tommy Gun, CC Attle's and a few other new spots this block just got way cooler. I'm still a fan of Bleu Bistro which I hear will be around for a while yet. So that's a relief! But I think this newer space will be great for them. I love the decor, the menu is still fabulous and of course the cocktails are amazing. How could I live without a wasabi grilled chesse?!
(5)Regina D.
Hands down the most awesome hideaway on Cap Hill. Plus the most creative, extremely strong drinks. I'm still swooning over the 8 layer chocolate cake and cookies the size of two hands perfectly displayed as if Bleu doubled as a French pastry shop. Drinks + dessert, I'll be back for sure! There's tables for 8 or along the bar in this small venue. The staff are amazingly friendly yet leave you be. Great place to start a party night or cozy up for a chat with a friend.
(4)Leanne S.
The service is superb, drinks are the best..and you'll get a solid buzz off of one drink!! The grilled cheese is always a solid choice and the chicken focaccia is to die for! ...There's a cute little loft that's perfect for a small group to hide out in. I love it! Last but not least, the bartender boy is a freaking babe.
(5)Vanessa O.
My brother had raved about this place to me. When I was in the area I thought I would give it a try. Sadly this place came short of expectation. The wait staff was incredibly snotty and took forever to serve us. Perhaps the bartender was having an off night because he seemed inexperienced. The grilled cheese was chewy and not fully toasted. Whenever I am back in the area I'll remember to skip over this place and give business to other great local restaurants that Capitol Hill has to offer.
(1)Harrison H.
We live above the Grotto and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! Not only can I smell the sweet succulent smells of their bacon and facon (which is just as good as real bacon) but I can just walk downstairs to get a grilled cheese whenever I want! They have some amazing food. We've been there probably four times in the past two months we've lived here and every time has been great. The last time we were there our server gave us a free cookie... AND IT WAS AWESOME! Get the board of fries. Probably my favorite thing on the menu. Tuesday is only $2 for a grilled cheese!
(5)Adam B.
Quaint little joint in the gayborhood with seemingly more (meticulously described) cocktails than food items. Very reasonably priced and fun atmosphere. Come here if you want a little nourishment with your dranks. My Bleu Au Pair Bruschetta: Tasty starter. Love me some bleu cheese & pear, even if it is a tad cliché. I like that there seemed to be cloves of roasted garlic in the mix. Lots of great flavors going on. Wasabi Grilled Cheese: Decided to get this because Yelpers either loved it or hated it. I was kind of in between. Good for a grilled cheese and the wasabi gave it a slight kick (though could have been stronger in my opinion). Can't say any of the three dipping sauce blew me away though. French Dip: Roll was way too thick, au jus sauce wasn't savory/umami enough and the steak should have been cut thinner. Rather disappointing; it's a good thing I split the grilled cheese with someone else.
(3)Alice C.
It's the Bleu Bistro's younger, wannabe just as cool and newly announced to society younger sibling... Who misses the mark. I mean, Bleu Bistro Grotto is certainly much more spacious and open than its previous location, but that was part of the Bistro's charm. On to the drinks and menu items, everything from the previous locations menu is here. But the drinks just don't pack the same punch for the price as the previous incarnations did, and I've tried the grilled cheese as both locations (but never the other offerings, too pricey for what I've seen come out of the kitchen), and while it's solid, it's just meh-tastic. Call me a penny pincher, but I don't think a grilled cheese should cost more than $5-7 and not come with a side of fries/salad or something. And the cheese itself has never actually been melted- merely warmed up enough to hold the bread together just enough to resemble anything related to a grilled cheese sandwich.
(3)Alex K.
Used yelp to find a nearby place to eat on my seattle trip. Decided to try this place out. Seating was confusing since there was not a hostess at the door, but I asked the bartender and seated myself. NBD. A server came up right away and took care of me the rest of the night. He was attentive and polite. The hummus was tasty, hit the spot. The chicken tacos also had loads of flavor with all the toppings added. I was disappointed there was only two at first, but after hummus and the two tacos I was stuffed. Great find on a random night in capital hill.
(4)Jan C.
This small restaurant packs a very large menu with some appealing choices in both drinks and food. We had pasta and the black bean "burger", both of which were tasty. As others have said, the service if uber friendly. We'll be back!
(4)April B.
A friend and I stopped in for a bite before her tattoo consultation in the neighborhood (we're from Idaho, in town for only one day). The owner, apparently, was very friendly and chatted with her about the tattoo design and the potential beneficial uses of drones. :) I was surprised to hear that "happy hour" is from noon-7 pm Wed.-Sun, that's pretty rad. In addition to drinks, I had the hummus board which was AMAZING and my friend had the nachos. We explored the small hidden seating area upstairs, which looked perfect for a private dinner and some booths downstairs had curtains. Cool decorating, too. We sat by the huge open window that faces the street and had a good time. I would definitely like to go back and try the wasabi grilled cheese.
(4)Malia J.
I used to love this place, I ADORED this place. However, I went here with my boyfriend for a quiet dinner during the week. It was quiet, no crowd at all, so I was happy. We shared a salad, mac n cheese, and nachos. All were disgusting. Even my easy to please, "I'll eat it if I'm hungry" boyfriend was disappointed. What made the dishes bad were that none of the flavors on the dishes went well. It was like throwing a blind person in the kitchen and letting them grab what they could and throw it on a plate, heat it up, and serve it. Definitely won't be back. Really sad, because I used to consider this place "two napkins good"
(1)Ryan C.
Top notch service, a friendly and inviting atmosphere, and incredibly good drinks. Ross and Greg were the bartenders, and they were great company! I would definitely go back
(5)Rachelanne G.
Oh thank GOODNESS you just MOVED!!! These were my first words to the gentleman who met us at the bar when we walked in... Hubbs and I loved this place when it was on Broadway, and were SO bummed when we saw it was gone. Thanks to YELP - we found out it had moved, and off we scurried to the new location. It looks a bit different, but essentially the same. The menu is pretty similar, with the old favorites (wasabi grilled cheese) and some great charcuterie platters with KILLER homemade hummus. The star of the table though, was my hot toddy, made with clove-spiked lemon, and Makers Mark. I had two...I was warm and toasty after that, I assure you. However, the best thing about our most recent visit were the two men working when we were there. I am unsure if they were owners, managers, or just really great representatives of the space, but they were fantastic. Knowledgeable, funny and helpful, they made the already fun place WAY more fun. We wanted to go back again on this trip, but ran out of time, sadly. Next time...
(5)Tisha F.
Blue is a great spot to get a good drink and some wonderful eats. If you like a fruity drink try the gin fizz!
(5)Brook W.
The atmosphere is nice, they have some fun drinks... My boyfriend and I went there a couple weeks ago on a Friday night. It was designated our date night of the week... We walk in, the waitress doesn't greet us, stares at us for a minute and says oh you want a table. Needless to say, she was completely awful. Did not offer any help with their menu, when I asked about a specific drink she said it was ok. She unfortunately did not have any sort of customer service or social skills and seemed more interested in conversing with the bartender than helping us. I will say whomever brought us food and noticed us waiting for our check, and actually rang us up, (I'm assuming Matt from the receipt), was very rather pleasant. The food was fine, the drinks are severely over priced. I live 5 blocks away and will not be back.
(2)Paul R.
I was out looking for lunch with a friend and we happened upon Blue Bistro's Grotto. We weren't quite sure about it at first because it looked more like a bar than a restaurant but the food smelled good. We were told we could sit anywhere since it was pretty empty and took a window seat. The server brought us menus (3 different ones, lunch, specials and dinner) and took our drink order. The lunches looked a little small so I ordered a french dip which I will say is one of my favorite things. It came with a starter salad, hummus and bread which were very good. When my sandwich arrived it looked just like it should and tasted fantastic. They have great bread to start with but the cut of meat and caramelized onions were perfect. It came with mild horseradish and the all important au jus. Everything was very tasty and also filling. We didn't try any of the drink specials but they sounded good. I think I will be back for happy hour sometime soon.
(5)Rachel G.
I don't really get what the big deal is. The space is super cute with giant open windows and the service is good, but man I was so disappointed in that wasabi grilled cheese everyone raves about! So I guess my rating is based on that, which probably isn't fair, is it? For ambiance it's more like 4.5 stars.
(2)Michael H.
I found the menu a little bit confusing because it is vast in all the wrong ways, or not as vast in the areas I wanted it to be. The food seems nice, but like I said, the selection might not be as broad as the size of the menu would lead one to expect. An excellent place for cocktails or wine, and a pleasant relatively secluded environment means it's a nice place for a quiet date if you're not planning on a three course meal.
(4)Rose R.
While I'm still grieving the loss of Blue Bistro's old location- this one is a fair substitution. They still have the same very tasty food & drink, really good happy hour deals and strongly poured well drinks. Unfortunately, the atmosphere did not carry over from the old place. It just doesn't have the same Alice In Wonderland mystique that it used to. They tried, they really did. But the new building is just too...well new...to be old and magical. I will say the service is wonderful though. One of my favorite bartenders from The Elite (another tragic loss for Capitol Hill) works there now and I was delighted to see him. All of the staff was fun and did a great job.
(4)Steven B.
I seriously joined Yelp just so that I could finally give this place the five review it deserves. Bleu Bistro is hands down my favorite little nook on the Hill. This is the spot I make all my out-of-town friends come to first. This is the spot they all long to return to. Hell, they might as well put a giant Wasabi Grilled Cheese on tip of the Space Needle, because that is the real reason my friends all come back to town - they are in it for the aioli! The privacy and intimacy of the curtained off booths is great, the service is excellent, the drink menu is extensive, they have a great happy hour (two separate ones, actually), the manager is extremely friendly and sometimes offers up complimentary little nibbles and the atmosphere is laid-back and unpretentious. You MUST try the Wasabi Grilled Cheese. It is seriously a spiritual experience every time I eat one of these. Get it with the salad, because the salad is ever-changing, always delicious and comes with a side of hummus that is delightful. Pro-tip: for the non-vege, non-Kosher folks out there, try the Grilled Cheese with bacon on it! Scrumptious and it adds a nice texture to it. Also, their Gin Fizz is great and comes in a giant stein with a pink-sugar-rim. Luckily I'm confident enough in my masculinity to be able to enjoy it, despite the fact that it looks like something out of a San Rio store. But seriously, what isn't there to enjoy about Bleu Bistro? You need to go here. Wasabi Grilled Cheese: Game changer.
(5)Scott W.
I can't possibly rave enough about this place. It has become a second home to me. The Happy Hour...Seriously is the best in town. A $4 dollar Charcuterie. It is basically a meal. Then the cocktails and the cocktail list is endless. Finally the STAFF...They are amazing. My favorites are Luke, Natalia and Anhna (I see them the most) Ross is awesome. Luke makes a mean drink and is model attractive (everyone, even my straight guy friends agree) and is the nicest guy ever. Natalia and Anhna are uber down to earth, beautiful inside and out, and if I'm having a rough day, Natalia gives me a big hug and Anhna will look at me, chin down eyes and brows raised and say "seriously, you're here now" and everything is grand. LOVE THE BLEU...
(5)Solisco G.
"Meh. I've experienced better" is right. I stopped by here after a jog (I went home and cleaned up first) so I was hungry. The place is small and seems too crowded with all kinds of stuff. It reminded me of an episode on Restaurant Impossible were an Italian restaurant is getting a make over because it has too much stuff in it and too much on the menu. It was our first visit and we only stopped by because my girlfriend had Groupon-like deal. The menu was confusing, all over the place. From Italian food to Mexican-like food to American bar-like food. The prices were pretty expensive, especially the pasta (just under twenty dollars). We ordered the bruschetta that was recommended, a pasta dish, and a chicken focaccia. The bruschetta came first and boy did I wolf it down (mind you I just finished a jog and I was hungry). The portion is quite large so I was feeling full after the side salad. I didn't pay much attention to the quality or taste, but once our entree arrived I wasn't concentrated on just filling up my stomach. The pasta was a really large concoction of pasta, nuts, veggies, and other gooey substances. It looked like something a college kid with high metabolism would make on a Sunday afternoon and be proud of it. Nothing special or terrible to write about the focaccia. The staff was great. They were all friendly and had great attitudes. I liked our bartender, she was pretty cool. Overall, I wouldn't comeback to this place. If you are hungry and like large portions of food and not mind the prices this is a good place. My girlfriend said "I bet this is what sports bar food was like in the 80's." And even though I don't know how bar food was back then, I strangely agree.
(2)Rix G.
FANTASTIC FOOD, SERVICE and ATMOSPHERE!! I honestly can not say a bad thing about this restaurant. They were quick to help us, take our order and kept checking on us often. I was HIGHLY Impressed... Not so easy to do! KUDOS!!
(5)Corinna K.
HARRUMPH. I'm not going to mince words - it pisses me off that Bleu Bistro and especially The Buck were closed while this pile gets to be the legacy. Pretty much everything is wrong with this place. The server has been incredibly rude every time I've been there, like I'm taking all of her precious time with my annoying orders and eeewww, customers are so gross. The menu is a book of atrocious typos and descriptions of mediocre food for terrible prices. The space can't decide whether it wants to be a restaurant or a bar. The drinks aren't anywhere near the caliber of my dearly departed Buck. Harsh? Too bad. The Grotto is the staph in the wound of The Buck's closure.
(1)Irene S.
Has anyone watched the biggest loser on the week when the contestants make a confession on what their all-time favorite meal is? They will be full of guilt and remorse, looking at videos clips from their pasts, stuffing into their mouths, gross 2000 kcal meals that include things like deep-fried catfish, gigantic burritos, or enchiladas, covered in all kinds of crap.... etc, etc. Certainly not appetizing to look at. When I went to Bleu Bistro's Grotto and got my $18 Onassis pasta (listed first on the pasta section, says on the menu that it has been the customer favorite for 11 years..), that's exactly what came into my mind. Those gross looking meals from the biggest loser. Although not a health freak, I certainly like eating good, healthy food in moderation, and always try to support businesses that agree with the idea that quality and taste of food is what matters most and make the restaurants good, not the portions, and definitely not the amount of crap the food is loaded with. However, this sad pasta I got, was not in the range of "food" I could tolerate. I honestly could not even figure out what was in the sauce, that they proudly listed on the menu as their "secret" sauce. It had all kinds of things floating in, just a lot of things I could not tell what they were and did not taste right. It was one oily disgusting greasy mess. Even more problematic was the bruschetta. Thick oily bread covered with thick layers of fake pizza cheese and grocery store sausage? I do not even want to think about it further how frustrating it was to see something like that at a restaurant. If you like pasta and bruschetta that actually looks and tastes like what they are supposed to, I do not recommend this place. I will certainly not be going back. It is also not helping that the food is way too overpriced for what seems like a concoction of a bunch of fatty junk food ingredients.
(1)Stephanie J.
I miss when Bleu Bistro was located on the corner of Broadway and John. All of the tables had their own curtains and the atmosphere was really intimate and quiet. A great date spot! In fact when it was located on that corner I did go on a date there and I remember the food and drinks being great. Alas, they have moved and are just two blocks down the hill on Olive now. With the move the atmosphere has changed as well. The tables are all open and it's a bit louder than previously. I went in with two friends and we sat at the bar and grabbed drinks and the hummus and salsa plate with chips. Here is where the night took a turn for the worse. The hummus and salsa was great. BUT there was SO much garlic in the hummus that I swear my breath could've caught the whole place on fire. My friends and I each shoved gum in our mouth as soon as we left, but to no avail. The garlic was permeating every crevice of our mouths. It definitely wasn't the end of the world, and it wasn't like a beer and three waters were spilt on me (this is happened, play 'Where's Waldo?' with my reviews to see where) but so much garlic is not romantic, it doesn't make for a kissable mouth, and it's just awkward when you're trying to talk to friends at a bar but you have to cover your mouth and pray they have a head cold. Overall this place is A-OK. Drinks are good. Service is good. Food is subject to vampire slaying potential.
(3)Chris L.
A great little place with an inventive menu, choices of intimate nooks and crannies or large social spaces, and a wait staff that is knowledgeable, social, and fun.
(5)D O.
The old bistro has been gone a while now, and I finally gave in and tried the contemporary. Despite the vastly different space, there is just a touch of the old vibe still in play here. It probably helps to go at night if you want to get that old Bleu feeling. Service was allright on the quiet night when we went for dinner and drinks. Server was amazingly generous, quite friendly, and fairly attentive. Food was much like the old Bleu, though I agree with many that the wasabi grilled cheese seems to have become less spicy and amazing. Drinks were exactly the same as always. Prices seem to have gone up a good deal. Honestly, I think that going to the Grotto has given me an epiphany: the old Bistro was never all that amazing, but it had charm. Take away the charm and you're left with very decent food and a big and creative drink menu, but neither are anywhere near Seattle standards. A worthwhile place to stop in when you're nearby, but not really a destination.
(3)Anondah M.
We are trying to be their "regulars" now. Still great cocktails and excellent services. This place really makes us want to go back!
(5)Will W.
Bleu Bistro's Grotto is fast becoming a favorite lunch haunt of mine. Steps from my office, they serve the most deliciously eclectic mix of food on the hill and deliver it with the most friendly service imaginable - really...it's becoming addictive. Today's open faced panini came with a complimentary platter of air fried french fries - all the joy minus the fat - lightly dusted with sea salt and served with a jalepeno mayo that zaps the tongue just right. YUM. Oh - and they lead the menu with cocktails which I appreciate immensely. :)
(5)Jeny V.
LOVED this place! Stopped in for a late lunch with a party of 5. Ross took care of us and had us laughing and feeling well cared for for the close to 2 hours we were there. He was SO NICE and fun to be around! Excellent service, thanks! It's not everyday you will find such service and it was noticed and appreciated. You can tell the guy likes what he does and genuinely cares about people, even complete strangers. And the food was delicious too! Yum...
(5)Evelyn F.
Now that I look at the review by Steven B. I wish I'd ordered the wasabi grilled cheese! This is a very intimate restaurant/bar we stopped by on a Friday night pub crawl. I'm a fan of the space with private booths with curtains that allow you the ultimate in coziness and with just the right level of music so you can actually hear each other talk. I loved the bourbon ginger drink. They have tons of interesting stuff on their menu on a whim I got the "pool boy" appetizer. It was just ok, a ton of hummus, bread, olives, cream cheese, all mediocre tasting. Overall this is a nice little place to check out if your romping around the hill.
(4)Reagan M.
Fantastic menu loaded with fun cocktails. The wasabi grilled cheese is a thing of wonder and the tomato soup is creamy and excellent. Very friendly staff, although sometimes the service is slow.
(5)M. C.
I used to love the old bleu bistro so i guess its hard to not compare the two but i am not a fan. Service is terrible and they seem to be just fine with that. I should say service is terrible if/when you actually get any. One thing i will say is that they are very quick at dropping the check and cashing you out. I'm glad people seem to like this place since its a local business but i guess my tastes have changed. I work way too hard to spend my money at a restaurant where I have to wait to be noticed at every step and get an attitude from the staff. With so many great restaurants in the city why should I pay to feel like im in somebodys home who doesnt want me there? Also this new restaurant just does not compare to the atmosphere of the old place. I know you cant expect two very different locations to feel the same but this new place lacks any imagination and feels like a half-ass generic copy of the original. When you are at Bleu Bistros Grotto they will get to you when they get to you, so just sit there and be patient. At least our bill wasnt very high since its kind of hard to order another round of drinks if you never see your server. I wont comment too much on the food because although the food is fine, its just not worth the hoops you have to jump through to get it.
(1)Jen P.
Just doesn't compare to the original. Bleu went from being "small, cozy, romantic, intimate" to communal tables?!?!?!
(3)Anthony R.
Ah Bleu. One of the first places I fell in love with on Capitol Hill. The owners and staff are outstanding and are the main reason I return. The cocktails are delicious and so is the food. The atmosphere is very cozy and laid back. I feel like I'm relaxing at home with good friend every time I'm here.
(4)Ken S.
Overall: food (happy hour) - average service - great We stepped in for happy hour and a gnosh. Nice, intimate décor. It was a sunny day, and the large open window was very pleasant. The service was friendly and fun - Diane was our bartender, and was quite... charming! They have the Rasputin stout available, so we went for that. They had a mixed drink special that looked pretty good too. We nailed a couple of the happy hour tacos, which were not amazing, but good. Dished ordered by other patrons looks promising, as well. And, sitting on the bar... one of those chocolate death cakes from Costco. No objections - it's one of the best chocolate cakes available - couldn't say no to that.
(4)Justin S.
I live nearby so I hit this spot pretty often. Kind of hard to label the bar into a single type but they have tables available if you're up for dinner, a casual hangout area upstairs and a basic bar area. All the bartenders are cool and there are some pretty tasty items on the menu if you're up for a bite to eat.
(5)Danny S.
The drink menu is expansive. Our food was delicious. The service was slow and unattentive. The food was a bit pricey. the setting is very nice and and great for having conversations. I will go back again.
(3)Oliver S.
I was really impressed by their food. We ordered a Charcuterie board as an appetizer and I ordered the JJ Chicken trencher. The trenchers come with a small salad and with a piece of toast with hummus. I savored every bite of that delicious trencher. I worried a little that the portions would be too small, but it turned out to fine; I was stuffed by the end. The place seemed a little cluttered. A lot of knickknacks that made the place seem crowded rather than add to the charm. The place has dim lighting, giving a romantic feel that makes it nice for dates. Not good for crowds, best twosomes. I definitely plan on coming here again.
(5)Abby T.
This is a difficult review to write, because its a cross between my opinion as it would be coming in as a stranger off the street, and the inevitable comparison to Bleu Bistro which was an obvious neighborhood favorite for those of us who've lived on the hill for years. That being said, as a restaurant I think the place was done well, I like the open windows at street level and I'm glad they kept some of the funky booths and at least attempted to keep some of the curtained off areas. I can't help but miss the old atmosphere, though - and it pales in comparison. Food: I was a loyal subscriber to the Verona pasta for years - I distinctly remember this coming in a ginormous bowl for $14.99, I'm very said to see Grotto slash the portion and jack the price up to 17.99, (Yes, we did notice that you bums) which is kind of ridiculous for pasta.... especially if you consider that it probably cost them about $5 to make. They also became somewhat inconsistent with their steltar salad, no biggie but yet another Bleu staple they've tampered with and failed to improve in any way. Drinks: The list is extensive, looks like they kept everything from before. It's creative and tasty and maybe the only thing that is actually consistent, but I don't know what all these people are talking about when they say the drinks are strong... because, really? (Also their well liquor is typically crap). Service: Mediocre at best, but I was never impressed with it at the original location either. Grotto - you're riding on the coat tails of our beloved Bleu, but don't expect to use their reputation to hike up your prices and slack with your service. You're still the new kid on the block - IMPRESS US. (Or perish with your predecessors.... muahahaha-ahahaha)
(3)Nikki K.
I love this place! Some friends and I met there after work. Loved the vibe, the ambiance, the music, the service. Good place for just hanging out and enjoying drinks after work. We had some of the HH apps. They were good, not out of this world but good for sharing and getting something in your stomach while you are drinking whiskey. :) The service and the environment was more of what I loved.
(4)Lisa J.
Oh Bleu, I miss you. The old location was my favorite place in Seattle. I'm glad they were able to stay open at a new location, but the grotto loses much of the charm and whimsy of the original location. Perhaps it's just nostalgia speaking, but it seemed like everything was a little less tasty at the new place. My old staple, the Wasabi Grilled Cheese, was still on the menu... but it was less spicy and soggy in the middle (while being hard and chewy on the edges). The tea toddy I ordered had a great scent and flavor, but was only luke warm. The grotto is still a good place for a bit and a drink... it's just not quite the same as the original Bleu.
(3)Becky G.
So this place isn't as cozy as the Bleu Bistro, but it does hold a warm place in my heart and I'll tell you why. It's a quick walk from my house and much more comfy and decorated then some other places in a 2 block radius. They specialize in cocktails and cheese. Two of my favorite things! The food is yummy! They brought some of the old menu from Bleu..the grilled cheese and the cheese plate. The main bartender is great, one time I was just overwhelmed with the drinks menu (as one often can be when you see the drink menu is many pages!) and so I asked her for something yummy! she was super nice and even let me sample the current cocktail, pumpkin spice, yum! There happy hour times are kind of confusing, I always seem to get there either right before or right after. But if you do make it to happy hour, get a double, they will make your drink strong! I love the chalkboards at the booths, someone had written "call for a good time #) and left a number, my bf called the number and said hi and they guy texted us back asking if we wanted to go to a party! What a crazy way to make friends! Oh we went for my sister's birthday and she got red velvet cake(her favorite), which just happened to be the current dessert choice, she loved it! Another time, I had a gingersnap cookie & it was yummy. Each time I go to the Grotto I like it even more. I challenge you to try it too!
(5)Jamie M.
Written while at Bleu: Note to new employees on a DEAD (literally three tables of people and two at the bar) Sunday evening: Don't forget about customers you seat and then leave totally unattended in a booth. They like to spend money and you've forgotten about them. They'll be leaving in 5... 4... 3... 2... The next day: I was seriously disappointed in the service. I could see our severs feet walk past the little walkway on the other side of the booth next to us a few times. I caught her back once, but I didn't feel like I should have to chase her down for some attention. We waited at least 15 minutes. My fiancé and I started going to Bleu right after we started dating five years ago. Now, with their move and this poor service I am afraid that special little chapter (we've spent many birthdays, anniversaries and other lovey events at Bleu) ended when we walked out last night. Sad, sad girl. Bleu was one of "our places."
(1)Jen E.
Came here last night.... first off - the place is very cool! Great setting for drinks with friends or even for a date. They have curtains which seperates the tables and they even have little fireplaces in your section. The food was GREAT! I tried the bruschetta and had a salad but it was unique and I was super full. And service was on par. I cant wait to come back.
(5)Alishea T.
Been to both locations, loved both. Vegetarian selections are good, drinks are creative and tasty, good value for pours. What I especially love is the unique layout. They offer little two seater booths that have curtains that you can close for ultra-privacy. Low lighting, and really good acoustics that suck up excess sounds. It's a great place for a low key, low pressure dinner. Not a lot of distraction. The food is excellent, service is great. You're unlikely to leave disappointed.
(5)Cassie T.
If you're looking for the Bleu Bistro, you've come to the wrong place. The Bleu Bistro's Grotto is coming into it's own. The menu is changing, but not too much. It's getting serious. No more whimsical pictures of Alice In Wonderland, no more previously filled out surveys that have the random sexually charged jokes on them. You'll still find plenty of intense mixed drinks and the plethora of food options. I admit, I'm a fan of the now closed Bleu Bistro. yelp.com/biz/bleu-bistro… When I moved to Seattle, it was one of the first restaurants I went to, and I fell in love. Even when our party had a giant log separating the table that you had to look around... that was part of its charm. I went there with just one other or multiple friends. It was a place for birthdays or even more intimate, cozy company. Pull the curtains for uber privacy and romance wasn't just a word, it was a moment. The Grotto takes all that intimacy and literally throws it out the giant open windows that face the sidewalk turning a unique little cute establishment into just another Capitol Hill watering hole. Now you can find yourself in a loud restaurant, with no sound barriers and no special intimate moments. My favorite dish was still there - My Bleu Au Pair Bruchetta. The recipe was a little different, though. Maybe a new cook with the new location meant that some ingredients were dropped? The main course was served with overly-cooked pasta which turned the dish into a globby mess. Drinks are still VERY strong which is a good thing to help you drown out the surroundings, the taste, and your sorrows for a wonderful place that is no longer around.
(3)B. W.
I would rate this a five star if five star didn't mean "WooHoo! As good as it gets!" since there are some things Bleu Bistro could improve on. Really though, I still love it. It seems every time I go there, they offer free food if they feel we've been waiting too long for service, despite it never having felt that way to neither myself nor my friend that eats with me there frequently. The first time we got a big slice of chocolate cake and the second time we got a huge basket of fries! It's really become a tradition for me to go there. The owner is very kind, is very responsive to suggestions, and the servers have been fine. I guess the only thing I could say Bleu lacks is an orginal ambiance - it's a little generic. Nothing about it really stands out, unlike it's previous location. All in all, the food is good, the coffee is really good, and I'll be back soon!
(4)Kimberley D.
If you've ever wished you could have the food/drinks from Bleu but still bring a group of friends, the Grotto is there for you. The new Bleu venture maintains some of the things I liked best about the other one (areas with private curtains, late night happy hour) and has other parts that are more like a "normal" bar (large areas big enough for larger groups of people, wide open layout). The late night happy hour menu is slightly different but still contains important items like the wasabi grilled cheese and $3.75 wells. The prices are in effect Sunday & Monday 11:30pm - 12:30am and Tuesday - Saturday 11:30pm - 1am. Service was slow in our booth and our server left us there for 20 minutes or so when the curtain was open, but I suspect that will improve when more people are there.
(4)K W.
As a fan of the old Bleu, I read all the reviews and decided it was going to have the atmosphere of Denny's and who knows what kind of food I'd get. I almost didn't come to the new Bleu Bistro Grotto, but I'm so glad I did! I was lured by another reviewers talk of half-priced grilled cheese on Tuesday. That didn't happen, but it may have just been a temporary special. I wandered in on a slower night after work and was only one of only a few customers. I was greeted warmly by the bartender and given my choice of where to sit. I noticed that in addition to what others have described as communal tables, there were the familiar cozy velvet roped private tables along the sides. Yay, I could have a romantic date here. It was dark and cozy with candles and vintage wall decorations. I sat at the bar and ordered my beloved, long lost Wasabi Grilled Cheese. The little salad was the same or better. The WGC didn't have that zingy bite that Old Bleu had, but it was still pretty darn good. The dipping sauces were just right. I am so glad I came back. It's not exactly the same, but on a rain/snow-soaked night after a hard day at work I cheered up, walked out happy and feeling good. I'll definitely come back! Tip for the Grotto: more wasabi in the grilled cheese and stronger drinks and I'm yours forever.
(5)Racheal L.
Though admittedly this is such a regular spot for my boyfriend and I because we live so close, Bleu Bistro's Grotto is still a 4 star spot for me. Pros: The food is always fantastic (though, usually very heavy on the garlic, so be aware of that if you're sensitive); the staff, though sometimes a little flaky, is always super friendly and helpful; the management recognizes us, remembers our names, and helps out as much as the servers do; the drink selection is fun and diverse; the location can't be beat- just off Broadway, but close enough to still be in the action; and it seems like they're always adding new items and trying new things around the place. Cons: The garlic (I'm super sensitive to it, so sometimes I just can't eat there); and it's not a great "starting the night" kind of spot- it's dark, and has a "just here to hang out with a friend or two" kind of feel, so if you're looking to party or hang out in a big group, I wouldn't suggest it (though the bar is quite nice).
(4)Bob T.
What a disappointment. First, the menu. It's supposed to be clever. It's confusing. Descriptions read like a bad novel. And full of typos. (the plural of pasta is not pasta's). The food was bland and uninspiring. Service was slow though the place was not at all busy. The 3 guys working around the bar seemed to be walking in circles. Their attitude was indifferent. Maybe it was because we were only ordering food and not rounds of cocktails. The atmosphere was cool. Literally. They propped a door open and cold wet air was blasting in. Perhaps the staff was overheated from standing around. We waited for 30 minutes for a check. The staff was ignoring us. No coming back to see if we wanted more food, drinks, or anything. Maybe this is a good place for a drink. But not for a meal. There are so many good restaurants around Seattle. This is not one of them and doesn't deserve to stay in business.
(1)Engel C.
Heard about this place because a friend's sister works here. But I was pleasantly surprised when i walked in. The place is small and intimate, which is great if you're on a date or just don't like the hassle of bigger bars. It definitely gives off that Cheers appeal but higher classed. They have booths that are curtained off, so that it's more private. They also have these giant open windows that I thought were great....but might not be so much if you sat next to the window. The staff were great and very friendly....but I may be biased on that since I know one of them!! :) Now on the food, we got the meat and cheese platter. It was awesome! Now I'm horrible at writing these reviews right after I've gone somewhere...so I can't quite recall everything that was on there. I just remember it being good. I also love the wine selection, surprisingly wide for a small place and the drink names...HILARIOUS!! On a different note...I see that everyone compares it to the original bleu and says it doesn't live up to the old bleu, but I like to rate places as if it is the original. If you don't come with pre-conceived notions about this place, it is definitely enjoyable. And hey...who wouldn't want to go to a place that it's possible for "everyone to know your name". :)
(4)Ashley M.
Had a wonderful experience! The drinks were fantastic and the food was delicious. Love this place!
(5)Allison M.
Good food and talented bartenders. Bleu really has something for everyone: tasty drinks of every variety, something to munch on, or just a cold beer and a hang out. And the prices are reasonable (always a plus). I went out with my boyfriend on a Thursday night, and it was busy, but not packed. We got a couple of cocktails and split the chicken foccacia sandwich, which was absolutely delicious!! Our bartender, Ceraya, was really attentive and knowledgable. She made me a wicked lavender cosmo and recommended a tasty burbon for my boyfriend (which he loved). Also, if you're a coffee drinker, try the spanish coffee. All in all a great experience and I'll definitely be back!
(5)Berni K.
This place made my Sunday afternoon. What a gem! I'm a portabello connoisseur and this place delivered. First of all, Ross is the man. He was gracious, hospitable, and melted the Seattle freeze on a chilly afternoon. Secondly the lunch was superb. The "side" salad was a meal in itself. The portabello was marinated to perfection. It was a great place to enjoy a little bubbly and devour delicious food. We're coming back Ross!
(5)Bob S.
Bleu is always a good place to start the night. The calm before the storm and good dinner. Really laid back atmosphere and ambience. Gotta get the wasabi grilled cheese and the "Paris Manhattan" is delicious and boozy.
(5)Chi M.
I love their mexican bus rides and their pulled pork tacos and wasabi grilled cheese! Their servers are nice too! It is sort of like the local bar where everybody knows your name. In fact, as walk into the front door to take my barstool, the staff and patrons all shout "CHIMUELA"! It justifiably burns me that there are some rather bitchy comments on here because I happen to like the mac n cheese, salads, and nachos (and I am picky). Too expensive? Maybe you should pull your head out of your *ss and realize that Capitol Hill is one of the highest rent districts in Seattle. If you can't deal with the price, maybe you should go to the Recovery Cafe on Boren that serves free meals. The pasta is too fattening? THAT IS THE DEFINITION OF PASTA! Maybe you should have ordered a salad. I feel that Yelp is becoming overrun by a bunch of 20 year old's that don't know their head from their *ss!
(5)William F.
This has become my new favorite place for casual food in Seattle! The food is incredibly fresh and unique. The staff is also incredibly friendly and full of playful conversation. On a nice day, the windows are opened and you get to enjoy the fresh air and view. Great drinks as well!
(5)Tracy M.
Disappointing service experience. The location is cute, although the tables are WAY close together and it can be awkward/difficult to move around. They advertise a $2 wasabi grilled cheese special from 8 to 11pm on Tuesday nights. I met a friend at 10:30pm. There were only two other people in the whole place. Tried to order a grilled cheese. We were told they were "out of bread" but that they could still sell us the $8 sandwich, if we wanted. My friend, who comes often, says that the $2 and $8 sandwich have always used the same bread (at least, she said it seems the same). So it's not a situation of "out of Wonder bread, but still have the fancy stuff." Weird. So my friend closes out her tab. I am still hungry and trying to ask the waitress about what sandwiches/food they still have, but she walks off. We're trying to decide where to go, instead. Ask the waitress if there are any happy hour specials coming up (as Happy Hour begins again at 11pm, and it's now 10:45pm). She says "No. Happy Hour isn't for a LONG time away and she'll be gone by then." She then ushers us out of the restaurant. Very strange, as they're open until 2am. Maybe she wasn't allowed to go home until her only table (us) closed out so she just wanted to get rid of us. I was a fan of the former Blue's sandwiches, and I am willing to come back and try again. But this was disappointing.
(2)A. G.
LOVED IT...... 1. frigging awesome happy hour... it is pretty much always happy hour... they have three throughout the day !!! What ??? right ??? awesome.... 2. friggin best damn Wasabi grill cheese in the world..... Cant even talk about it.....just trust me... 3. Cool , funky rockstar Ross as the bartender.... not only pours best drinks around, but will help you out in a bind with all kinds of shit.... He is the best 4. Crazy little velvet curtain tables...... I didn't get in one.. But I sure as hell will..... it was so Yummy... will be back For sure !!
(5)Anthony A.
I went back to Bleu Bistro last night and was thrilled to see they've added curtains to a lot of the booths, just like the old place! Now that they're matching the old charm in the new place, all is forgiven;-) We'll be back!!
(4)Eugene M.
They got rid of the Chez Cheese platter!! I hope this place burns down -- and then they rebuild it, and it burns down again -- and whoever made that menu decision dies sick and alone!!
(1)Lis R.
The service was awful. I went on a Sunday night to meet a friend and was directed by one of the bartenders to sit at the bar and while I waited. While I was waiting the owner, Ross MacCartney was working behind the bar and was extremely rude to me. He told me to get up and go look for her to see if she was already there or call her to see where she was because he "couldn't help me" until she came. That made me feel horrible! I felt like I was doing something wrong. When my friend got there we had one drink each - which were mediocre and left. I will never go back after being treated that way.
(1)Angelboi L.
Time to tell it like it is! This place is great. I vote it to be the number 1 place on Capital Hill for award winning Margarita!! From the ice cold mug it comes served in to the way they muddle mix up the concoction (sp) it is simply the best ever!! The second thing is, they also have amazing food to choose from. It is sooo not your standard blah choices. Everything is fresh, healthy and good portion sizes to boot. So that is food, drink and as far as the people and the place itself......absolutely outstanding!!! I love the cozy booths, to the quaint smaller tables and the placement of decor. It is a fun place to be with one or a few friends. The best part is the staff. I love Diane the night bartendar, she is great with everyone and so nice. And Ross is also great service and makes you feel very welcome everytime. One of my favorite places on Capital Hill to go.....
(5)Ashley G.
My boyfriend and I went to Bleu Bistro Grotto with high hopes, unfortunately they were too high. Service was extremely slow. Although when we did get the attention of a waiter, they were very nice. We sat in a very dark booth and had to wait at least 10-15 to be acknowledged by a waiter once we were seated. We only saw our server once, and had to flag down other servers for drinks. The drinks were not bad once we got them, and the wasabi grilled cheese tasted like a descent grilled cheese though could not quite understand where the wasabi taste was that we had expected. I ordered tacos and they fell apart--Big hole in the middle of the both tacos as a side effect of too much juice from the ingredients making the tortillas soggy. When it came time to pay, we received a bill with tons of discounts. We thought this was their way of trying to redeem themselves because of the horrible service. They took our credit card and upon return, gave us our "real" check and charged our credit card the actual amount anyway. Too bad this place was not up to my expectations since it's a block away from my apartment.
(1)Matthew P.
I'd give this place four stars if I weren't comparing it to the old Bleu Bistro location up on Broadway. The food is just as good as ever, and the drinks are inventive and very tasty (if pricey), but the ambiance of the old place just isn't here. Gone is the cozy, opium-den feel of the old place. In it's place is a pretty generic yuppy-bar feel that seems more appropriate for Kirkland than Capitol Hill. Farewell old Bleu Bistro, you are missed.
(3)Reese C.
Soo delicious! A friend and I sat in one of their cozy booths on a crisp Autumn day and it was so perfect! :) We had hot cocoas, celery soup and wonderful vegetarian sandwiches, made to perfection. The waitress was so friendly and attentive and she let us sit there for a long time, shooting the sh** and enjoying the afternoon. :)
(4)Kent K.
I like the new joint. Some interesting changes to the food and drinks menu and a definite big change in ambience from the original Bleu. Intend to write more later. One loss of a star for a reduced single-malt menu. :(
(4)Jun W.
this is such a wonderful place to chill at on a summer night or any night! we were seated immediately but didn't order 'til centuries later; reason not being poor service but the Very descriptive menu. Every item had its own blurb. cocktails are strong &&& delicious :) ordered the pesto chicken on focaccia and it was a sandwich done right! definitely coming again and with the right date... i'll probably nab one of the special booths with the curtains ;)
(4)Joe S.
I recently went on sunday during Happy Hour and ended up ordering most of the appetizers that they had on the menu. Everything that we ordered was very good and especially for the price. The place is small and not too noisy, you can definitely have a conversation in there. I would like to try one of the curtain booths next time I visit, I will definitely be going back.
(4)Robert B.
My wife and I learned about this place through an email from Bloomspot, where we received a 3-dourse meal for 2 for just $30. After reading the reviews on Yelp, I feared that we made a big mistake. We are both foodies, and we are both vegetarians. We love restaurants that range from neighborhood Thai to the Dahlia Lounge and Tilth. Wow, were we pleasantly surprised by Bleu Bistro's Grotto. First of all, we sat in a booth with curtains, one of several that apparently do not exist according to other reviews. Our server was young and of the alternative type, but was very pleasant and efficient. The food was much better than we expected, after having read the reviews. We started with a bruschetta that was wonderfully crisp, very tasty, and not greasy at all. We then had pastas that were definitely comfort food. They were creamy, rich, very tasty, and full of wonderful touches throughout. There was no subtlety there, but boy were they satisfying. The prices are high, but we couldn't even begin to finish them and they included a very nice salad. We realized that with out appetites we could eat there and spend as little as $30 for the two of us and feel very full and satisfied. The atmosphere is irreverent slightly punky and very funky, the music that was almost too loud was of the alternative rock variety (I loved it myself), and the vibe is very casual and funky, and my wife and I were very pleased with the meal.
(5)Tony B.
Fell in love with the place from the moment I walked in, hands down one of the best places to go to for Happy Hour or for Dinner. Food and drinks are amazing and service was fast and had stiff drinks. Staff there seems really friendly and makes you feel very welcome, I highly suggest going on dates here, they have curtain booths and large windows for hot Summer days.
(5)veronica a.
it's no original bleu but it's good and the price is right! and hey, they have THREE (yes, 3) happy hours! my favorite part about the bistro is the ambiance so it's no surprise that this location directly beside a busy bus stop with windows wide open isn't my cup of tea. however! they still have the novella of a menu and it's good eats. we sat at the bar and had Diane. she was super sweet and like the grotto, more loud than the hushed servers at the bistro. totally took care of us though so no complaints here! lack of stars only because of the echo-y place and I just kinda miss a quizno's sandwich every once in a while :) (get the tasso crostini! holy hell that's good)
(3)Jack W.
Amazing place, stopped in for one glass of wine and ended up staying for two hours. Great time, great staff altogether a wonderful experience. Loved it!
(5)Amalia P.
The service was very disappointing. After having one fun drink I asked for the menu again to try another and nobody returned to our table for a half hour!! By the time they finally came back, we had been done eating for awhile and just asked for the check. To be fair, the food tasted pretty good.
(2)Marc S.
My girlfriend and I had lunch at the Bleu Bistro last Thursday afternoon. We didn't have much time for lunch so we called ahead and ordered two portobello mushroom sandwiches in the hopes they would be ready by the time we arrived. Ross, the owner, took our order. When we arrived, Ross directed us to one of the cozy booths in the back and when we pulled the curtain aside our food was already waiting for us. The portobello sandwiches were simply delicious and the side salads were large and packed with lots of goodies. Ross was our server as well as our host. He was very generous and gave us two complimentary "French 75s"; a delicious cocktail with gin and champagne. He purposely made the drinks on the weaker side because he wasn't sure if we had to return to work. That was very thoughtful and insightful because my girlfriend did have to go back to work. Ross was incredibly friendly and kept checking on us to see if we needed anything. The service was excellent. The food was absolutely delicious and his choice of music was great; oldies from the 40's and 50's which I really enjoy and was so pleasant to listen to while having lunch. Our experience at the Bleu Bistro was fantastic and I can't say enough about the owner, Ross. This was our third time dining at the Bleu Bistro and we have had a great experience every time. We will definitely be returning.
(5)Vladimir B.
The new place is nice, the service was good, but the food was boring and overpriced. The "starter salad" comes with a piece of toast and hummus, which was nice. The salad itself featured no dressing whatsoever. Is salad sans dressing the cool new thing? Their sandwiches are called trenchers, and we, being suckers, ordered the chicken one. It was really quite pathetic - a petite chicken sandwich (think english muffin-sized bun) with no sides for $12. We also had the andouille sausage pomodoro, which was fine and actually quite plentiful, but nothing memorable. I want to say that I'll come back here to try the happy hour plates by the big open window, but really, I'm in no hurry to return.
(2)Michelle B.
i was sad when bleu moved and resisted the new one for a while. so glad i got over it. i love the new bleu, it's still my favorite restaurant on the hill, for so many reasons. it's perfect for a date, or for meeting with a friend when you want to hide away from the world, cause of the booths with curtains that shut you in, while music pours from the speakers, it feels magical. the vege blt, if you have it once, be prepared....cause you will crave it regularly after that, and you will also crave the little salad that comes with it too. why? it's their perfectly buttered and toasted bread, the little dollop of hummus over the freshest darkest greens, it's the fake bacon which is salty and rich and perfectly cooked, piled high, with dipping sauces that comes with. i keep trying to order other things. sometimes i get the wasabi grilled cheese, which never fails to satiate, and i have had other dishes, all prepared with love with quality ingredients...but it's the vege blt that i love the most. also bottles of wine are 16 bucks, and they have a really good malbec. service is super friendly and kind, no pretention, or aloofness, it's easy to feel like you've made a friend with the staff right away. bleu is a succulent cozy escape from reality.
(5)Sasha W.
This was my second time to this place. The first time was with two friends almost a year ago so it was a small group. The second time there were six of us, and the server nor the menu didn't bother to note they charge a mandatory 22%!!! gratuity for "such a large group." I don't mind paying for good service, only if we actually had "good service." We went on a week night and were one of few tables. We ordered drinks and a while later asked to order another round and the server said she would be back in a few minutes, but spent 25 minutes speaking to her two friends at the bar. At the end of the meal we received our bills with the 22% gratuity and when I inquired about it she tried to belittle me in front of everyone and said "if you want I can just go grab my wallet and give you a few dollars if it makes that big of a difference to you." I was not rude, I was calm, when I asked about the mandatory gratuity. The food is not bad and they have a great drink selection (with great names, I might add), but in the end it's customer service that wins me over, and she apparently had none.
(1)