As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, cozy nights filled with good food and company are sounding more and more appealing. If you’re feeling the same, then you’re in luck—the Seattle area is bustling with new and delicious restaurants to try!

To start, Thompson Seattle launched a dinner menu at its acclaimed signature restaurant, Conversation Kitchen & Bar, located in the heart of downtown. Conversation will stay true to what Executive Chef Kaleena Bliss does best, offering an approachable selection of dishes focused on fresh local produce, farm-raised proteins, and the best ingredients the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

A Pacific Northwest native with a passion for creating food that is connected to the region, Chef Bliss’ love for locally foraged mushrooms is reflected in a variety of dishes on the menu. Chanterelles, lobster mushrooms, and maitakes will highlight the wild mushroom flatbread and the house made Campanelle pasta. The menu will feature additional items such as Kabocha Squash Soup, Shaved Kohlrabi Salad, Ling Cod with Sweet Potato-Miso Cream, Kalbi braised beef short rib, and Kurobuata Pork Collar.

Next up is Fireside, a new restaurant located in downtown Burien that offers a Midwest 70’s vibe alongside handcrafted comfort food and a creative selection of drinks. Fireside is the first joint venture by co-owners Jose Betancourt, Matthew Pontious, and Executive Chef Tyler Rebman, and the menu has something for everyone.

Fireside’s menu features starters such as Swedish meatballs, a smoked salmon tray, and pretzel, kielbasa, and beer cheese. In the “Baskets” section you’ll find the classic smash burger, an Oklahoma onion burger, a fried Walleye sandwich, and more. Main courses include Midwest darlings such as Salisbury steak, Tater tot casserole, Walleye Supper club fish fry, and Cincinnati chili. Diners will also find loaded baked potatoes, French onion soup, and a dessert menu that includes Puddin’ cake and Key Lime pie.

An extensive bar program features throwback signature cocktails such as the Brandy Alexander and frozen Harvey Walbangers, next to Milwaukee Old Fashions and a Minnesota Martini (translation: shot of Old Crow and a High Life). For true Chicagoans, Fireside has created a few specialty Malort based cocktails.

“We’re so excited to be opening a space in Burien, we’ve been fans of the neighborhood for a while and are looking forward to serving the community here,” said Pontious. “Our goal was to create a place we’d like to hang out that provides quality approachable food, good drinks, and great service.”

Last but not least, Dwn Undr restaurant and bar has officially opened inside downtown Bellevue’s Hotel 116. The 5,000 square foot space offers hand crafted food, drinks, and indoor and outdoor games of all kinds.

Open to all ages, Dwn Undr provides ping pong, darts, cornhole, bocci ball, pop a shot, and more. They also have all the classics on hand, including chess, Jenga, Connect Four, and backgammon. The menu includes items such as smoked salmon potato skins, chicken piccata, and a roasted turkey plate complete with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and gravy. Desserts include tiramisu and warm apple crisp.  

“We’re excited to be bringing a fun new option for happy hour, group events, birthdays, and evenings out,” said Tim Larson, Director of Operations & Marketing. “We look forward to providing locals and visitors alike excellent food and drink options, alongside great service, and a unique gaming experience.”

Cheers to the holiday season, and a whole lot of delicious food!