Rookie's Sports Bar & Grill

I'm long overdue to write about one of our absolute favorite restaurants in Seattle:  Rookies Sports Bar and Grill.

In the heart of Columbia City, Rookies has the TVs, beers, and bar food to please any die-hard sports fan.  Everything from NBA playoffs to Sounders games to beach volleyball to ice dancing during the Olympics can be on the screens, and they even did a special Super Bowl party this year with raffles and specials to raise money for the Rainier Valley Food Bank.

The decor even uses reclaimed sports gear in novel ways - from the basketball court flooring to the bleacher seating outside, to AstroTurf when you step inside.

But for Dan and I, who can take or leave sports, it's the excellent food, and exemplary service that have us going back at least once a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a drink.  It's definitely our Cheers - a place where we're greeted with smiles and hugs and always feel at home... Even when the place is packed with screaming Mariners fans.

Owners Heather and Sam have created something special for the community:  a neighborhood gathering place where you're equally likely to see construction workers grabbing a beer and burger, a young couple with kids catching a game and meal out, or a gaggle of gay brunchers.  It is genuinely a place anyone can feel comfortable.  

Today we went in for the Memorial Day brunch specials.  Dan tried out the Breakfast Burger, which he devoured.

 I tried out the Baked French Toast, which was all decked out for the holiday and the perfect mix of crunchy outside and soft inside.

Over the years we've tried just about everything on the menu, and we keep coming back for more.

Mac and Cheese


Penne with Chicken


Chicken Sandwich


Burgers


Turkey Melt


Philly Cheesesteak


Fried Mac and Cheese Balls


Blueberry Griddle cakes


Classic breakfast


Beer, wine and cocktails