(geraldinescounter.com) – Columbia City
How I heard of this place: I first read about Geraldine’s Counter in the Seattle Magazine’s “Best Breakfasts” issue (seattlemag.com/0p135a1886/seattle-magazines-best-breakfasts/). When I found out they have the best French toast, I had to make a trip out there. On that date, I did enjoy the French toast thoroughly and knew I had to return at some point for another meal.
Type of cuisine: Southern soul-style American diner, comfort food described by the Stranger as “a friendly, unfussy, upscale diner”.
Ambiance: Open space with booth seating and chairs and tables lined up against the windows facing the street. Bar seating is also available for solo diners. Colorful interior adds light and brightness to grey days, enhances sunny ones, and feels like childhood.
What I ordered: On this trip, I was intrigued by Geraldine’s Casserole ($9.25) and the grilled three-cheese sandwich ($6.50). After a quick consultation with our server, I went with the casserole: hash browns, sausage, pepperjack and cheddar cheeses, eggs and cream layered and baked, topped with pico de gallo and served with toast (I elected for English muffins). My dining companion ordered the Columbia City corned beef ($9.95), geared towards Reuben-loving foodies. The brisket, plucked from its steaming brine is sliced and piled on Columbia City Bakery’s Jewish rye bread and topped with coleslaw, gruyere and thousand island (prepared specifically for this dish) and served with a side of fries. A diet Coke supplemented his meal.
What I loved: On this trip, I loved the fresh pico de gallo atop my casserole and the warm, buttered English muffin the best. The casserole could have used more hash browns (I could hardly see any potato in it) and was somewhat dry and bland about a third of the way through, so I added green Tabasco and requested a side of sour cream.
Why I loved it: I love the brightly colored space, the open feel and the bustling nature of this neighborhood establishment.
Cost: Average ($7-$10 for breakfast and lunch entrees)