Henry’s Tavern

Written by mojdeh on October 2, 2014 in I Eat Seattle, I Eat...Out with 0 Comments

(henrystavern.com) – SoDo neighborhood, Seattle, Washington

How I heard of this place: When setting out on a journey to the stadiums in South Seattle, one cannot help but take notice of the large outdoor seating area (or Beer Garden as it seems to become on game nights) of Henry’s Tavern. It wasn’t until I read an article about the best burgers in Seattle – bacon mac ‘n cheese, hello? – that we ventured down.

Type of cuisine: “Whet your appetite with more than 100 local and regional beers on our custom frost top drink rail. Then enjoy innovative tavern fare including urban burgers, crafted sausage, wok dishes, fresh salads, pizza, sushi and artisanal sandwiches.

We take a great deal of pride of presenting a menu that has everything made fresh from scratch.”

Ambiance: Dark and rustic, with brick walls and hardwood floors, the clean expanse that is Henry’s seems quite the spot for pre- or post-game hunger, or a spot to watch the game on one of many flat-screens dispersed throughout the establishment.

With exposed pipes and beams overhead, darkened booths and a large bar, no one is without seating at this place.

The kitchen open to view, televisions and mirrors throughout, it’s no wonder the menu is so creative – one has to keep the patrons coming back!

What I ordered: For my husband there was no choice: the All American Burger ($13.95) with mac & cheese, applewood smoked bacon, garlic mayo, and a cheddar ale sauce, he was set! However, he did have his pick of fries, so he opted for the substituted Gorgonzola waffle fries ($1.50 additional) to supplement the meal.

For one dining companion, the Purist’s Burger ($10.95): Tillamook Sharp Cheddar, porter mustard, garlic mayo, ripe tomato, onions, green leaf, and French fries. For the other, the 3 Napkin Haystack BBQ Burger ($12.95) with applewood smoked bacon, Henry’s BBQ sauce, Tillamook Sharp Cheddar and crispy fried onions, along with a side of Gorgonzola fries.

For me, the Southwest Chicken Chopped salad ($14.95) with BBQ basted chicken, corn, black beans, avocado, tomato, green onions, tortilla strips, jack & cheddar cheeses all tossed in a chipotle ranch dressing.

Dessert could not be passed up when we heard the seasonal special: a flakey thin-crusted apple strudel, complete with tart apples and sweet golden raisins, accompanied by a scoop of decadent maple ice cream!

What I loved: The salad was a glorious addition to the full-fat, fried pairings at our table.

Fresh and full of protein, packed with fiber and roughage, satisfying three of us! The Mac & Cheese burger yummy, despite the fact that it fell apart more than it stayed together, and ended up being a burger with a side of Mac & Cheese.

Though the Gorgonzola sauce was a winner and our dessert a show-stopper!

Why I loved it: On a calm night, the space is very open, quiet and perfectly casual for a night out with friends. Good food. Huge portions. A compelling walk to the bus/light rail afterwards…