(skylarkcafe.com) – West Seattle
How I heard of this place: My friend Jenna first told me about Skylark after she started belly-dancing. The club hosts Alauda – a sort of open mic for belly dancers – once each month.
Type of cuisine: Pub grub. Everything from mac ‘n cheese and fish ‘n chips, to quesadillas and burgers, chicken tenders, tater tots and steak salad.
Ambiance: Named for the Buick Skylark, 8.5×11 inch wooden plaques with 1950s-esque pictures of the Skylark are found throughout the small, cramped space. The kitchen is separated from the bar by metal siding resembling a body shop or garage, as neon beer signs light the area. A pearl-colored shell ceiling hanging is found in the small space to the right as you enter the premises, perfect for patrons seeking slightly more solitude, away from the crowds. Eight to ten tables line the space near the bar, where dozens of belly dancers and their troops sat, dining, drinking and awaiting curtain call on the leopard print carpeted stage. Dark lighting, loud, but unobtrusive music and sultry women made for an interesting and entertaining evening.
What I ordered: Having eaten just a few hours before entering Skylark, I opted to sample the selections of my dining companions – bacon mac ‘n cheese ($8.95, plus $0.50 for bacon) and two orders of the chicken tenders ($8.95), one with tater tots substituted for the steak fries, and the other with the fries. I sampled the very garlicky mac ‘n cheese and the tots, served with ranch and BBQ sauces for dipping.
What I loved: Of the two items sampled, I have to go with the creamy, garlicky, bacon-fest mac ‘n cheese!
Why I loved it: While the space was cramped, the ability to see the performers dismal, the service slow and the staff scarce, the space had a certain je ne sais quoi; a friendly, laid back, easy feel that made customers feel at home in the space.
Cost: Low to average ($7.95 – $9.95 per entree)