My trip to Seattle was a rousing success. It would have been fabulous whether or not I had consumed a few burgers, but Two Bells Tavern added something special to my trip. Two Bells is, appropriately, in the Belltown area of Seattle. Eager to check out the Seattle burger scene, I popped by on my first night in town. Despite the rainy night, the place was pretty full. Then again, most nights are rainy nights in Seattle.
A large portion of the restaurant is monopolized by the bar, but it's obvious that people stop in for more than a couple brewskis. My uncle, girlfriend and I grabbed a table and perused the menu. Karen, my ex-Seattlite friend, had warned me that there would be no fries, but it was still odd to not even have them as option. In the end it didn't matter as they had some kick-ass baked beans. The oddities continued when I found out the burger was served on a baguette and the meat was a combination of brisket and round (similar to Shake Shack) mixed with garlic and olive oil. Not your typical burger, but it was certainly enticing.
The burger arrived and, as usual, I ripped off the top bun to see what's under the hood. The patty wasn't round, which makes sense as the baguette isn't either, and the cheddar cheese was melted perfectly over the meat. I assembled my burger with the lettuce and tomato on the side and took a bite. On first reaction, I was put off by the baguette. The quality was fine, but a bread this rigid isn't suitable for burger consumption; it's too difficult to focus on the real good. Once I overcame the bread situation, things took a very positive turn. The burger was succulent and overflowed with flavor. The brisket was prominent, but the garlic added a subtle kick that made the taste truly unique. Unsurprisingly, the burger's short life ended quickly that night.
Aside from the bun, my only regret was not ordering the baked beans. I went with the chili, which was good, but the beans were excellent. Make sure to grab those if you get a chance to make it to Two Bells. Also, make sure to stop by Top Pot Donuts when you're done for some darn-tasty treats.
The food at Two Bells was all very reasonably priced, possibly because Belltown used to be a somewhat seedy/artsy neighborhood, which you can tell by the current clientele (more artsy than seedy). In the end, this was a great recommendation by friends and readers alike. So far, AHT fans are 1 for 1.
Two Bells Tavern Location:2313 4th Ave. in Belltown Phone: 206-441-3050 Hours: 11am - 2am What's Cookin': The unorthodox but delicious meat mix and the baked beans
OK, I have to disagree with Matty on one very important thing -- I think hamburgers on baguette or other kind of hard french roll are AMAZING! In fact, it's been a long time favorite for me. Yes, it makes it harder (and messier) to eat, but for me, there's something about the crunch and then just the taste of a good sourdough tang that makes it all the better. (Maybe it's my San Francisco roots coming out there.) And, I'm not one who likes just eating condiments, but when the burger is all gone and you've got that little chunk of baguette leftover with ketchup on it ... super-yum!
Yes, I am definitely not a plain white or potato roll bun purist.
Disagree with me? BANISHED FROM THE COMMENTS! Okay, maybe not. To each their own, I suppose. I like a baguette, just not with my burger. If we were talkin' french dip, it would be a different story. No one can argue with au jus sauce.
Glad to hear Seattle did ya right, Matty. You're right about au jus but I agree with Aaron about Two Bells serving their burgers on a baguette even if they aren't for dipping. I've learned to love the crunchy roll and I suspect a lesser bun would disolve from the oozing juices before you could finish. I do wish they'd serve fries, tho. The beans are a good side and I like the potato chips (Tim's Cascade) which are the surrogate french fries, but real fries would be welcome.
You must go to Red Mill Burgers. Dick's is ok for fast action but anyone from Seattle knopws that Red Mill is one of the most sought after burgers in town. Prepare to wait outside (in line) just to order. http://www.redmillburgers.com/
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My trip to Seattle was a rousing success. It would have been fabulous whether or not I had consumed a few burgers, but Two Bells Tavern added something special to my trip. Two Bells is, appropriately, in the Belltown area of Seattle. Eager to check out the Seattle burger scene, I popped by on my first night in town. Despite the rainy night, the place was pretty full. Then again, most nights are rainy nights in Seattle.
The burger arrived and, as usual, I ripped off the top bun to see what's under the hood. The patty wasn't round, which makes sense as the baguette isn't either, and the cheddar cheese was melted perfectly over the meat. I assembled my burger with the lettuce and tomato on the side and took a bite. On first reaction, I was put off by the baguette. The quality was fine, but a bread this rigid isn't suitable for burger consumption; it's too difficult to focus on the real good. Once I overcame the bread situation, things took a very positive turn. The burger was succulent and overflowed with flavor. The brisket was prominent, but the garlic added a subtle kick that made the taste truly unique. Unsurprisingly, the burger's short life ended quickly that night.
4 Comments:
OK, I have to disagree with Matty on one very important thing -- I think hamburgers on baguette or other kind of hard french roll are AMAZING! In fact, it's been a long time favorite for me. Yes, it makes it harder (and messier) to eat, but for me, there's something about the crunch and then just the taste of a good sourdough tang that makes it all the better. (Maybe it's my San Francisco roots coming out there.) And, I'm not one who likes just eating condiments, but when the burger is all gone and you've got that little chunk of baguette leftover with ketchup on it ... super-yum!
Yes, I am definitely not a plain white or potato roll bun purist.
Hamburger Aaron at 1:37PM on 06/30/05
Disagree with me? BANISHED FROM THE COMMENTS! Okay, maybe not. To each their own, I suppose. I like a baguette, just not with my burger. If we were talkin' french dip, it would be a different story. No one can argue with au jus sauce.
capndesign at 2:44PM on 06/30/05
Glad to hear Seattle did ya right, Matty. You're right about au jus but I agree with Aaron about Two Bells serving their burgers on a baguette even if they aren't for dipping. I've learned to love the crunchy roll and I suspect a lesser bun would disolve from the oozing juices before you could finish. I do wish they'd serve fries, tho. The beans are a good side and I like the potato chips (Tim's Cascade) which are the surrogate french fries, but real fries would be welcome.
Hamburger DC at 3:07PM on 07/08/05
You must go to Red Mill Burgers. Dick's is ok for fast action but anyone from Seattle knopws that Red Mill is one of the most sought after burgers in town. Prepare to wait outside (in line) just to order. http://www.redmillburgers.com/
Hamburger Sea-Town Mike at 10:10PM on 06/27/07