(deluxebarandgrill.com) – Capital Hill

How I heard of this place: My friend David suggested it as a late-night spot for good burgers and happy hour after an Ayyam-i-Ha celebration in South Seattle. A venue that serves burgers until one o’clock in the morning already deserves at least one thumbs up!

Type of cuisine: “The menu also features a great compliment of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, entrees and daily specials. Prices are moderate, everything is fresh, and the staff genuinely cares about our guests’ experience. The bar has over 19 taps with both European and local brews rotating in seasonally. Our wine list is not pretentious and emphasizes value and big flavors. Cocktails range from old school to modern and the back bar spirits selection is well rounded.”

Ambiance: A pub when you enter, the large space opens up onto a bar, as well as booth seating around the establishment. Small nooks allow for for intimate dining spaces, where patrons enjoy music from the 1980s and pub grub. Young professionals fill the space, enjoying happy hour food and drinks, some singing along to the music, and others engaging in more subdued conversation. “The DeLuxe started life as a tavern at the close of Prohibition. In the late 1950’s a small grill was added in the back, which became famous for pumping out mammoth baked potatoes (think size 11 men’s shoes) and cheap steak dinners to go along with an ever expanding beer selection. In the early 60’s, Joe Rogel and Bernie Minsk bought the place and embarked on a course of gradual change which included expanding the restaurant and the menu, and adding hard liquor (remember the kamikazi craze?). Then in 1999, Joe’s son, Barry, bought the place and expanded it and the food and bar menus yet again. Through all these changes, the DeLuxe has remained true to its history and is the quintessential neighborhood bar and grill.”

What I ordered: Having 27 of us at DeLuxe, I had to find a way to limit the items of food I had to memorize in order to write this note. I have chosen to highlight only those orders placed by the five of us at our small table. My friend and I opted to share the happy hour Black Bean Nachos ($4.75) with crisp tri-color tortilla chips, spicy black beans, cheddar and pepper jack cheese, tomato, green onion, sour cream & guacamole with salsa on the side. We thought we would need more food, and also shared the Papperdum Chicken Strips ($4), chicken breast tenders breaded with crispy Indian lentil crackers, served with “Buffalo” style with Bleu Cheese dressing. The dining companion seated to my right ordered the BOA burger ($9.50; subtract $2 for a weekend late-night burger), peppered bacon, red onion, avocado, Swiss cheese, green leaf & sliced tomato. Seated in front of us, we had one vegetarian, who ordered the Gardenburger ($8.95), vegan patty, fresh spinach, Swiss cheese, sliced tomato, grilled onion, chipotle mayo. The fifth at our table ordered a non-alcoholic Clausthaler Golden Amber ($4) to start, followed by a happy hour order of crunchy onion rings ($4.50) served with a chipotle dipping sauce. For his main entree, he selected the Kobe Stuffed Burger ($11.25), hand formed half-pound of American raised Kobe beef, stuffed with caramelized onions and sharp white cheddar cheese, served with pepper bacon remoulade, green leaf, and tomato.

What I loved: I sampled the nachos, onion rings, fries (which accompanied each burger) and chicken strips. I loved the Indian lentil cracker coating on the chicken strips (though the meat was slightly dry). The onion rings were crispy and light and the dipping sauce spicy and smoky. I loved the nachos, topped with an abundance of cheese and other toppings, the fresh, chunky guacamole adding the perfect creamy texture to the crunchy chips and pico de gallo.

Why I loved it: It is always nice to find a place that has a late-night food menu, especially when you can add in happy hour prices. The location is convenient (on the north end of Capital Hill), where parking is more readily available. The staff very friendly and accommodating. The food hit the spot and the friends added to the experience!

Cost: Low to average ($1.75-$4.75 per happy hour menu item; $8.95-$11.50 per burger)