Restaurant Reviews
From hometown hidden gems to must-try spots across the country, this is where I share my favorite food finds. Expect honest reviews, tasty recommendations, and plenty of delicious discoveries to inspire your next meal—whether you’re staying local or hitting the road.
- The Lighthouse Cocktail Bar & Restaurant Review | Arlington, WA
Location: 432 N. Olympic Ave., Arlington, WA 98223 Parking: Free parking along street Cost: $20-$30 per person Refreshing Cocktails, Creative Small Plates & a Cucumber Bruschetta Worth Coming Back For “Fresh, flavorful appetizers, fantastic cocktails, excellent service, and charming street-side dining made The Lighthouse a delightful downtown Arlington find. The cucumber bruschetta alone is worth coming back for! A crispier flatbread crust would have made the experience nearly perfect.” — The Salty Owl Co. | 4.5/5 Stars Sometimes the best restaurant visits are the ones where everything comes together — a charming outdoor table, excellent service, refreshing cocktails, and a dish you can’t stop thinking about. That was our experience at The Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant in downtown Arlington, Washington. We settled into the street-side outdoor dining area, where we enjoyed creative appetizers, delicious cocktails, and the relaxed atmosphere of downtown. And while one dish could have used a little improvement, the cucumber bruschetta was so good that I’m already dreaming up a version to make at home! A Fresh Twist on Bruschetta That Stole the Show Let’s talk about my favorite dish of the visit — the Cucumber Bruschetta. Forget the traditional tomato and basil version. This refreshing little appetizer takes bruschetta in a completely different direction, and I’m here for it! Slices of rustic baguette were layered with a creamy dill spread, fresh cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese. The combination was light, cool, creamy, and full of fresh flavor. The cucumber added a lovely crispness, while the tangy feta and herby dill brought everything together beautifully. This was easily one of my favorite appetizers I’ve had in a while. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I’m already thinking about recreating my own version at home. When a restaurant dish inspires me to head straight into my kitchen, you know it’s a winner! The Salty Owl Favorite: If you order just one appetizer, make it the Cucumber Bruschetta. Simple ingredients, wonderful flavors, and absolutely worth trying. Goat Cheese & Mushroom Flatbread — Big Flavor, One Small Miss Next up was the Goat Cheese and Mushroom Flatbread, featuring mozzarella, caramelized onions, sautéed portobello mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, a drizzle of hot honey, and fresh parsley. Now, this is my kind of flavor combination! The earthy mushrooms paired beautifully with the sweetness of the caramelized onions, while the goat cheese added that wonderful tangy richness. And let’s not forget the hot honey. That little sweet-and-spicy finish really brought the whole thing together. Flavor-wise, this flatbread was a winner. My only disappointment was the crust. I would have loved a crispier, more golden base to balance all those delicious toppings. A little extra crunch would have taken this dish from really good to something special. Still, the flavors were so enjoyable that I’d happily give it another try. Sometimes the difference between a good flatbread and a great one really does come down to the crust. Let’s Talk Cocktails — Because These Were Fantastic! One thing The Lighthouse definitely knows how to do is make a delicious cocktail. We sampled three very different drinks, each bringing something special to the table. Sunset Soda — A Strawberry Lover’s Dream The Sunset Soda with vodka was absolutely amazing! Bursting with flavor from a rich strawberry purée, this cocktail was fruity, refreshing, and incredibly enjoyable. The strawberry flavor really shined, making it one of those drinks that feels a little more special than your typical vodka cocktail. If you love a fruity, flavor-packed cocktail, this is one I’d recommend trying. Classic Lemon Drop — Sometimes Simple Is Best I’m always a fan of a well-made Lemon Drop, and The Lighthouse delivered a delicious version of this classic. There’s something about that bright lemon flavor that makes a Lemon Drop such a timeless favorite. This one was refreshing, citrusy, and thoroughly enjoyable. No complicated ingredients needed — just a delicious cocktail done right. Paloma’s Primo — Refreshing With a Rustic Touch The Paloma’s Primo was another fun choice, combining tequila, cucumber, agave, grapefruit soda, and lime. I loved the combination of cucumber and citrus, which gave this cocktail a fresh, lively character. The agave added a touch of sweetness, balancing the grapefruit and lime. And can we talk about the presentation? It arrived in the cutest rustic, pottery-style glass that gave the drink a little extra personality. I always appreciate those small touches that make a cocktail feel thoughtfully presented. Between the strawberry-forward Sunset Soda, the classic Lemon Drop, and the refreshing Paloma’s Primo, the cocktails were definitely a highlight of our visit. The Little Things That Make a Difference What I enjoyed most about this visit was the creativity behind the food and drinks. The menu isn’t simply relying on traditional bar favorites. There’s some thought going into the flavor combinations, whether it’s fresh cucumber and dill on bruschetta or earthy mushrooms and tangy goat cheese finished with hot honey. Those are the kinds of dishes I love discovering when we go out to eat. Of course, I’m also a big believer that texture matters just as much as flavor. The flatbread had all the right ingredients, but a crispier crust would have made a noticeable difference. Fortunately, the wonderful bruschetta and delicious cocktails gave us plenty to be excited about. Street-Side Dining & Service That Made the Visit As much as we enjoyed the food and cocktails, one of the best parts of our visit to The Lighthouse was the outdoor street-side dining. There’s something about sitting outside, watching the activity along the street, and enjoying a refreshing cocktail that makes an afternoon or evening out feel a little more special. The outdoor seating offered a relaxed, inviting setting to enjoy our appetizers, sip our cocktails, and simply take in the downtown Arlington atmosphere. It’s exactly the kind of casual dining experience I love, where you’re not in a hurry and can just enjoy the moment. And the service? Excellent! Friendly, attentive service can truly make or break a restaurant experience, and The Lighthouse delivered. We felt well taken care of, which made our time there even more enjoyable. Between the charming street-side seating, wonderful service, and delicious cocktails, The Lighthouse created the kind of experience that makes you want to linger a little longer. The Salty Owl’s Final Thoughts Would I return to The Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant? Absolutely — especially for that Cucumber Bruschetta and another round of cocktails! The Cucumber Bruschetta was the unexpected star of the visit, delivering fresh, creamy, tangy flavors that I haven’t stopped thinking about. The Goat Cheese and Mushroom Flatbread offered a wonderful combination of savory and sweet, even if the crust could have used a little more crispness. And the cocktails? All three were delicious, with the strawberry-filled Sunset Soda making a particularly memorable impression. If you’re exploring downtown Arlington and looking for somewhere to enjoy creative small plates and flavorful cocktails, The Lighthouse is worth adding to your list. The Salty Owl Highlights: Location: The Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant, 432 N. Olympic Avenue, Arlington, WA Good food. Good drinks. A little attitude. That’s how we savor coastal living at The Salty Owl Co. — The Salty Owl Co. Make It at Home – Salty Owl Style If you loved the fresh, creative flavors we discovered at The Lighthouse, I’ve got a few recipes from The Salty Owl kitchen that are right up your alley! My Creamy Goat Cheese and Leek Scape Bruschetta brings together tangy, creamy goat cheese and the delicate onion flavor of fresh leek scapes for a delicious twist on a classic appetizer. For something a little more earthy and sweet, try my Smoked Beet Toast with goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a balsamic hot honey drizzle — a beautiful combination of smoky, creamy, crunchy, and sweet with just a little kick. And if those savory mushrooms on The Lighthouse’s flatbread caught your attention, you’ll love my Mushroom Chive Pappardelle, featuring tender ribbons of pasta tossed with mushrooms and fresh chives in a light, flavorful pan sauce. Three delicious ways to bring a little restaurant-inspired creativity into your own kitchen! More Restaurant Reviews Hungry for more? Explore more of my favorite restaurant finds, from unexpected local gems to memorable dishes worth ordering again. These are the places, flavors, and dining experiences that stood out along the way. Please leave this field empty Get Salty with our NEWSLETTER Fresh, seasonal recipes delivered to your inbox We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. - Salt and Iron Restaurant Review | Edmonds, Washington
Location: 321 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020 Parking: Free parking along street Cost: $30-50+ per person “Salt & Iron earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars from The Salty Owl Co. Between the charming coastal atmosphere, excellent oysters, delicious cocktails, and an unforgettable dessert, there was plenty to love. Although the halibut missed the mark slightly and the bill was higher than anticipated, we’d happily return for another evening out.” Coastal Bistro Charm, Fresh Oysters & an Unforgettable Dessert Located in the heart of downtown Edmonds, Washington, Salt & Iron offers a light, airy atmosphere with the cozy charm of a coastal bistro. With its inviting interior and outdoor seating along the street, it’s the kind of place that feels perfect for a relaxed date night or an evening out enjoying the local dining scene. Street parking is available, although finding a spot during the busy dinner hours can be a bit of a challenge. Once we found parking and settled in, we were ready to see what Salt & Iron had to offer. Starting Things Off Right: Martinis & Fresh Oysters We kicked off our evening with dirty martinis, and they were absolutely perfect. Cold, balanced, and exactly how a good dirty martini should be. To start, we ordered a dozen Shigoku oysters on the half shell, served with a frozen mignonette. The oysters were fresh, delicate, and delicious, while the icy mignonette added a refreshing twist to the traditional accompaniment. An excellent start to our dinner and a combination I’d happily order again. Alaskan Halibut & the S&I Burger For my entrée, I chose the Alaskan halibut, a late-summer special featuring a rich, Mediterranean-inspired preparation with roasted tomatoes, capers, and savory fennel. The sauce was lovely, with layers of bright tomato flavor, briny capers, and the subtle sweetness of fennel complementing the delicate fish. Unfortunately, my halibut was slightly overcooked, leaving it a little drier than I would have liked. It was a shame because the flavors of the dish were wonderful, and perfectly cooked halibut would have made it exceptional. My husband went with the S&I Burger, topped with smoked provolone, bacon, Parmesan aioli, arugula, and pickled red onion, all tucked into a Macrina potato bun. Served alongside French fries, it was a seriously good burger. The combination of smoky, creamy, peppery, and tangy flavors worked beautifully, and the fries were just as enjoyable. Sometimes a great burger really does steal the show! The Dessert That Stole My Heart Despite being comfortably full, we decided to make room for dessert, and I’m so glad we did. Enter the Kahlúa Chocolate Affogato Martini. Imagine an espresso martini with Kahlúa and Mexican chocolate ice cream. Rich coffee flavors, smooth chocolate, a little boozy warmth, and cold, creamy ice cream all coming together in one ridiculously delicious dessert. This was hands down one of the best desserts I’ve had in quite some time. The balance of flavors was absolutely perfect, indulgent without being overwhelming. And I’m fairly certain this is where my espresso martini addiction officially began. I’d return for this dessert alone! The Final Bite: Is Salt & Iron Worth a Visit? Our dinner for two came to more than $200, which was a little higher than we anticipated. Between cocktails, fresh oysters, entrées, and dessert, the bill added up quickly. While the slightly overcooked halibut was disappointing, there was plenty to enjoy about our evening. The charming coastal bistro atmosphere, excellent oysters, perfectly made dirty martinis, and that unforgettable affogato martini made for a lovely night out. Would we return? Absolutely, although we’d be mindful of the price. Salt & Iron is a wonderful spot for a special date night, particularly if you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, a great cocktail, or a dessert worth saving room for. And seriously, don’t skip the Kahlúa Chocolate Affogato Martini. Good food. Good drinks. A little attitude. That’s how we savor coastal living at The Salty Owl Co. Make It at Home – Salty Owl Style Inspired by your visit to Salt & Iron? Bring a little coastal bistro flavor into your own kitchen with two Salty Owl favorites! If the Alaskan halibut caught your eye, try my One Pan Halibut with Lemon Chive Pistou, featuring tender, flaky fish and a bright, herbaceous sauce that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner. Craving a seriously good burger instead? My Roasted Jalapeño Burger brings bold, smoky heat and plenty of juicy, savory goodness to the table. Both recipes deliver restaurant-inspired flavor without the dinner tab. Good food, your own kitchen, and maybe a dirty martini on the side! More Restaurant Reviews Hungry for more? Explore more of my favorite restaurant finds, from unexpected local gems to memorable dishes worth ordering again. These are the places, flavors, and dining experiences that stood out along the way. Train Wreck Bar & Grill Burlington, WA Marina Azul Cocina & Cantina Everett, WA - Train Wreck Bar & Grill Review | Burlington, Washington
Location: 427 E. Fairhaven Avenue, Burlington, WA 98233 Parking: Free parking along street Cost: $30-40 per person “Train Wreck Bar & Grill was a pleasant surprise, offering fresh, creative dishes and some seriously good cocktails. The Smoked Salmon Cobb Salad, Fried Green Tomato Caprese, and unforgettable Chili Paloma were definite highlights. While the order mix-up kept the experience from being quite what we expected, the friendly service and elevated menu made it an enjoyable visit. We’d happily return, especially to finally try those fried oysters!” An Unexpected Foodie Find with Fresh Local Flavors & Seriously Good Cocktails Sometimes the best dining experiences come from the places you least expect, and Train Wreck Bar & Grill in Burlington, Washington, was one of those delightful surprises!At first glance, you might expect the usual burgers, wings, and typical bar-and-grill fare. But take a closer look at the menu, and you’ll discover something entirely different. Train Wreck offers an impressive selection of fresh, locally inspired dishes, creative flavor combinations, and quality ingredients that elevate this casual neighborhood spot well beyond your average pub. Fresh Local Flavors & a Happy Little Mix-Up I had my eye on the fried oysters, so naturally, that was my first choice, along with the smoked salmon Cobb salad. However, somewhere between ordering and the kitchen, things took an unexpected turn. Instead of fried oysters, our waitress brought out the Fried Green Tomato Caprese. Now, ordinarily, receiving the wrong dish might be disappointing, but this turned out to be one of those happy little accidents! The fried green tomatoes were excellent, and honestly, it was something I might not have thought to order otherwise. A creative twist on a classic Caprese, this dish was a wonderful example of how Train Wreck takes familiar ingredients and turns them into something a little more interesting. The Smoked Salmon Cobb Salad was another winner. Generously loaded with ingredients and perfectly balanced, it had just the right amount of everything. There’s nothing worse than ordering a beautiful Cobb salad only to find yourself searching for the good stuff. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case here! Fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, both dishes were a pleasant reminder that great food doesn’t always have to come from a fancy restaurant. Let’s Talk Cocktails: Espresso Martinis & the Best Chili Paloma! If there’s one thing that can turn a good dinner into a memorable evening, it’s a seriously good cocktail. And Train Wreck knows how to make one! First up was the Espresso Martini. Smooth, rich, and delicious, it was one of those drinks that makes you wonder why you haven’t been ordering them all along. Needless to say, I’m officially hooked! But the real standout of the evening was the Chili Paloma. (I sipped it up so quick I forgot to snap a photo!) I’ve enjoyed Palomas throughout my travels, and I can confidently say this might be the best one I’ve had yet. The secret? Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice! It makes all the difference. That bright, fresh citrus flavor takes a Paloma from ordinary to exceptional. Paired with a little chili heat, it creates a wonderfully refreshing cocktail with just the right amount of attitude. As someone who appreciates a well-crafted cocktail made with fresh ingredients, this one absolutely delivered. And yes, I’ve been thinking about recreating it in my own Salty Owl kitchen ever since! Friendly Service & an Unexpected Discovery One of the things I appreciate most when dining out is how a restaurant handles the little things that don’t go quite as planned. Our waitress was very kind and gracious, and even with the mix-up on our order, we genuinely enjoyed the experience. Sometimes mistakes happen, and for us, this one led to discovering a dish we probably wouldn’t have ordered in the first place. That’s a win in my book! The relaxed atmosphere, welcoming service, and unexpectedly creative menu made Train Wreck feel like the kind of place you could return to again and again, whether for a casual lunch, dinner with friends, or simply a great cocktail. The One Thing I Regret: Those Fried Oysters! If I have one complaint about our visit, it’s that I never got to try the fried oysters! Don’t get me wrong, the Fried Green Tomato Caprese was delicious, and I’m glad we discovered it. But I originally ordered those oysters for a reason, and now I’m craving them even more. So, while our dinner was wonderful, I have a little unfinished business with Train Wreck. And honestly, that’s a pretty good excuse for another visit. The Final Bite: Is Train Wreck Bar & Grill Worth a Visit? Absolutely! Train Wreck Bar & Grill was one of those unexpected dining experiences that reminds me why I love exploring local restaurants. What looks like a casual neighborhood bar turns out to offer an impressive menu filled with fresh ingredients, elevated comfort food, and creative dishes that go well beyond the ordinary. Between the excellent Fried Green Tomato Caprese, generously loaded Smoked Salmon Cobb Salad, perfectly crafted Espresso Martini, and that unforgettable Chili Paloma, there was plenty to love. The friendly service made the experience even better, and the little order mix-up certainly didn’t spoil our evening. Would we return? Without a doubt! There are still plenty of things on the menu I’d love to try, starting with those fried oysters! If you’re exploring Burlington or the Skagit Valley and looking for fresh, flavorful food with a creative twist, Train Wreck Bar & Grill is definitely worth adding to your list. And whatever you do, don’t overlook the cocktail menu. Good food. Good drinks. A little attitude. That’s how we savor coastal living at The Salty Owl Co. Make It at Home – Salty Owl Style If the Smoked Salmon Cobb Salad caught your eye, make my 15 Minute Salmon Salad, loaded with flaky salmon, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and vibrant flavors – all ready in just 15 minutes. If you loved the sound of Fried Green Tomato Caprese, try my Panzanella Salad – a fresh Italian-style salad filled with vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, olives, and rustic toasted bread. More Restaurant Reviews Hungry for more? Explore more of my favorite restaurant finds, from unexpected local gems to memorable dishes worth ordering again. These are the places, flavors, and dining experiences that stood out along the way. Marina Azul Cocina and Cantina Everett, WA Salt and Iron Edmonds, WA - Marina Azul Cocina and Cantina
Location: 1500 Seiner Dr., Suite 102, Everett, WA 98201 Parking: Free parking lot Cost: $30-40 per person Marina Azul Cocina and Cantina in Everett, WA serves Mexican classics and fusion dishes at the Everett Marina. Went for lunch at Marina Azul Cocina and Cantina on a Thursday afternoon and got right in at a patio table overlooking the marina. The menu had many excellent choices and specialty drinks. Think of this as an upscale Mexican restaurant with creative twists t the traditional Mexican dishes. The Prime Steak Fajitas came sizzling hot with your choice of corn or flour tortillas, black beans, Spanish rice and guacamole. The tortillas were very fresh. Large enough to share with leftovers too! The Baja Fish Tacos were excellent and you can choose tempura or grilled cod. You can also choose from beer braised black beans, refried pinto beans, Spanish rice, cilantro jicama slaw, or chili dusted fries as a side. We got a side of shrimp and they were very flavorful and good size. The black beans exceeded my expectations and the cilantro jicama slaw was light, fresh and flavorful. CONS: Our service was not so great. We had the bartender as our server and she just wasn’t available to order in a timely manner or order additional drinks. They also do not serve complimentary tortilla chips and salsa. Craving something similar? Make it at home! Craving those fresh Mexican flavors at home? My Grilled Pacific Rockfish Tacos are a delicious take on Baja-style fish tacos, while the Cilantro Chimichurri Flank Steak brings tender grilled beef and vibrant cilantro flavor to the table. For something fresh and colorful, try my Mexican Grilled Shrimp Bowls layered with rice, grilled corn, tomato-avocado salsa, and cilantro-lime crema. More Restaurant Reviews Hungry for more? Explore more of my favorite restaurant finds, from unexpected local gems to memorable dishes worth ordering again. These are the places, flavors, and dining experiences that stood out along the way. Train Wreck Bar & Grill, Burlington, WA