Swingside Cafe, Seattle, Washington Restaurant Details

Food:

I ate here once. The bread they brought out to start was absolutely terrible. It was dry and dense. It wasn't something I ordered, so I can't really judge too harshly based on that. I got the Aglio Olio which is what they're supposed to be famous for. It was good enough, but kind of tasted like crunchy peanut butter pasta. Given the price ($18 for a meatless pasta entree), I expected something a little more delicious. All in all, I wouldn't go back of my own volition, but if my friends wanted to go, I'd be willing to give them a second chance (after trying to talk my friends out of it first).

Food:

I recently went to Brad's Swingside Café after passing by for a few years. Boy, am I glad I was able to finally get there! It's a sleepy little place with things near and dear to Brad surrounding he and his patrons. You can be comfortable, but still bring a romantic date.

The prices won't break you, and the servers are attentive but not overly so. The wine selection is awesome, not pricey, just good.

Our party had the following: a white Clam linguine Sicilian Style White Clam Sauce made with fresh, local, whole and chopped clams, clam juice, white wine, olive oil, scallions, garlic, and fresh herbs. (Garnished with fresh clams!)

Personally, I had Aglio Olio, the dish I understand that made the Swingside famous! Bruised garlic cloves, smoked chili peppers, in extra virgin olive oil, strained into a mixture of capers, sun-dried tomatoes, anchovies, herbs, spices, lemon juice and dry Marsala. Top that off with fresh herbs, roasted ground hazelnuts (that's the bom!), Pecorino Romano and Italian Parsley! Heaven!

The Rissoto was also fab, with a great topping of chicken. So, if you have never been, go, if you have not been for a while, go back! It's literally the best Italian food in the area!

Food:

We have been coming to the Swingside for 20 years. It is a tremendously special place, the food is amazing, and Brad is one of the best chefs in this city. The food is remarkable. This is Brad's dream come true and when we go there, we see the love that goes into the food he creates. Brad makes the place what it is: one of the best and most creative Italian/Sicilian restaurants in Seattle. You will always have a fine meal, great atmosphere, and a memorable evening. We are about to have a party there for our anniversary. We know it will be a memorable occasion, as always.

Food:

First of all, I will say that they food was very good. I enjoy family style, but further, I appreciate the style of cooking that says, "if we have it, and it's going to make the dish better, the'll it goes in the dish." Probably because it is how I cook, but I like that approach to cooking. The dishes we ate were what the menu described, but the sauces included things not on the menu. Good things. Things that made the dish better. I like this. The person I went with, however, doesn't prefer this. She liked the restaurant, though. We both did.
The service was very good, personable, and attentive. The approach to service was similar to the approach to the cooking, however. Though this didn't bother me in the slightest, our server mispronounced a few things on the menu. And at one point, he had to clarify something with the kitchen. None of this is bad, in my opinion, mostly because he was very open and unabashed about it. But it isn't what some people are looking for, sometimes.
If you're looking for good food, in a cozy, homey environment, where the emphasis is on good taste of the food, this is the place to go. I will definitely be returning.
My only two reservations are these: The prices seemed a little above what I expected. And the dessert was only good, rather than great. I am hopeful that the latter point is not a recurring issue. At one point it because clear that there are often special desserts that are available, and not on the menu, simply because Brad has made something off hand and is serving it that night. I hope to try one of these some day.

Food:

Very expensive