After parking the car several times to go to our usual desired restaurant in Bellevue, Grille 565, we had walked right past this little unassuming spot every time. It never looked occupied. And BBQ places in da burgh can be very hit or miss, and usually come and go before I ever think of stepping inside.
Then one day this week, a guerilla marketer slipped a menu into my mailbox and for the first time I was able to really see their full menu, and it was actually intriguing enough to decide to give it a try.
So on an unexpected Friday evening, after dropping my car off for inspection, we decided to give it a try...and I will thank whoever that guerilla marketer was.
It is very small, and totally unassuming. But the smoky aroma should be enough to draw in a passerby or two. They only have five or six tables, and by my tongue's estimation, this place should be full all the time, especially considering the other options currently available in the little hamlet of Bellevue. But for this late afternoon/early evening, we were the only two diners on site. And after having our meal, we found that just a little disappointing.
We scoped out the handwritten menu at the counter, and decided on sandwiches for the evening. I ordered the brisket Reuben (I've got to try everyone's Reuben at least once...I keep hoping to find that perfect New York Reuben in this burgh, and have yet to find it), and my better half ordered the Cuban. He ordered a side of asparagus, and I the slaw. We each grabbed a can of Coke product (thank goodness) and waited for the food. It took a little while, but this actually, in a place like this, tells me it's not being whipped out of a warmer pan, but is being made to order.
At first, for the price point, my eyes thought they were a little small when they arrived. A $10 Reuben and a $9 Cuban. However, upon biting into them, these 'little' sandwiches were VERY nicely stuffed, and with some pretty awesome flavor. I did not try a bite of the Cuban, so I can only go by my better half's opinion, which was that it was very good. But neither can he comment on my Reuben, because I didn't think to share a bite either.
As a NY Reuben, like all others in the burgh, it fails. BUT...this is not corned beef. It is a beautifully made beef brisket. However, I have to say, though I won't officially call it a 'Reuben', this was an absolutely delicious sandwich. When I chatted with the owner/chef, even he said he'd not had a real good Reuben since NY.
But if you're looking for a good facsimile with a twist, this would be the best one I've had in da burgh to date. And again, what looked 'small' was totally fulfilling. The slaw was unusual, but in a rather good way. It was not a knock off of every other slaw, but instead was unique. We couldn't pinpoint exactly what made up the sauce. It was creamy, a little mayo-ish, a tad dijon-ish, nice chunky cabbage...a tasty mystery. I'd choose it again as a side, absolutely.
After living in Miami, I was more than familiar with the 'Cuban', but didn't taste this one. However, in coordination with the 'small but stuffed' comment I made earlier, my better half commented on how 'stuffed' his was. It certainly looked good, and I might try it next time.
They have many other options to choose from, from racks of ribs, chicken, brisket, wings, and a variety of sauces and sides. Halushki, fries, asparagus. That's rather eclectic in itself. And the smokey aroma that fills the air on the small place really does entice.
I chatted a bit with the young chef (owner?), and asked about delivery and such, and I'm really looking forward to maybe ordering a pan of wings for delivery. I asked if I could try a couple of the sauces, and he was very kind to oblige. The 'Jorge' (which was highlighted with 'HOT'), had a pretty amazing tongue full of flavors going on. As one who loves TRUE 'hot'...though it had a small kick, it wasn't especially 'hot'...but the flavors that came out of one little taste were pretty amazing...my tongue first detected something slightly chocolatey, and the guy said it was actually hazelnut (a little Nutella action?). Then I tried the Garlic Chipotle, and was sold...this would be an awesome wing sauce. Next time I'm in a budget position, and lazy enough to not cook, wings with the garlic chipotle it will be! He told us that Wednesdays were their special 'wing night'. ...so maybe.
All in all...a very pleasant and delicious choice for the evening. I truly hope they get more business than they had while we were there. They certainly deserve it.
I know that Bellevue is hardly a 'destination' for diners, but this place, regardless of the other low rated reviews, just might be worth traveling to check out. These sandwiches were really damned good. The owner was very nice. The atmosphere was comfortable enough. I think there was a TV on, and gratefully, it wasn't blaring news or sports.
For a rare occasion...I actually tried a new place...and can say...'GO'!