Best Food, Bars & Restaurants

36. Best new restaurant

Rick Dahms

Though it's said that it only takes two, you'll want to bring along a whole group to sample the tantalizing tapas at Tango (1100 Pike, 583-0382). Our readers anointed the newest jewel of the Pike/Pine corridor this year's Best New Restaurant, and we have to heartily agree. The now-beautified space formerly belonging to everybody's favorite movie house o' porn, the Apple Theater, offers a gustatory wow that will leave you panting for more. Fresh, delicate plates are loaded with flavor, and there are dozens of choices. Meat dishes and a stunning paella will satiate the pickiest eater, and the desserts—let's carry the metaphor one step further to say that they're nothing short of orgasmic. In hot pursuit of this title were the second-place and similarly named Fandango, Flying Fish chef Christine Keff's latest Belltown hot spot, and Tamara Murphy's Brasa, which won the category last year. Which means it's not actually new. People, read the question!

37. Best nonsmoking bar

Here's a rebellious idea for the '00s—dare to be the one who doesn't light up. For those tired of the stink, pretensions, and ersatz cosmopolitanism of the new-school smoker, the most popular spot for a nice drink is the Virginia Inn (1937 First, 728-1937). Whether enjoying an after-work merlot, dinner, or late-night beer, it's a relaxed, welcoming place that doesn't require you to take a shower to defumigate yourself the moment you get home. Inside usually features canvases by local artists; outside the seating's nice on a warm summer evening. Close behind in second was the Latona Pub, a mellow Green Lake joint known for its microbrews, burgers, and live music. In third was the Pike/Pine corridor's pleasant Rosebud Restaurant and Bar, where, again, there's no ciggie stench.

38. Best burger

Did you doubt it for a second? Yes, chalk up another round for those reliably fresh patties at Red Mill (312 N 67th, 783-6362; 1613 W Dravus, 284-6363). Despite adding a second location in Magnolia, the lines are still running out the door at the original Phinney Ridge location. Tell us, readers, is it the roasted Anaheim peppers or the hefty sides of onion rings that make this burger experience so fulfilling? (We're partial to their shakes, too.) But when that craving for ground beef hits, and hits hard, you'll find us in line behind you. Richard Spady's brainchild—a.k.a. Dick's—hung in there for second place in this contentious category. (The Specials deserve particular mention for their sauce-to-meat ratio.) Kidd Valley, awaiting its new poster babe, scrambled into third.

39. Best pot stickers

Rick Dahms

Some people call them dumplings, but you'd better stick to "pot stickers" if you're on Judy Fu's turf, otherwise known as the Snappy Dragon (8917 Roosevelt Wy NE, 528-5575). Readers rallied behind the Maple Leaf institution, whose pot stickers come hot, fresh, and ready for dousing in soy sauce. Order a few, or a slew, and you're gonna rub your belly like a contented Buddha. Even better, for those who'd rather not stick it out in the consistently long waits for a table in the restaurant's cozy domicile, they do a booming takeout and delivery business. Wild Ginger and House of Hong ended up in a tie for second, and third place was rounded out by none other than Safeway's China Express. (Would you like some Presto logs with your order?)

40. Best waitstaff

Nothing spells "service" like a thick, juicy steak. So say our readers, whose choice of the swanky Metropolitan Grill (820 Second, 624-3287) beat out the competition. We recently went to check out this pinnacle of professionalism for ourselves, and found not only well-dressed and attentive staff, but also—are all you other restaurants out there listening?—special shelves built to hold pepper grinders, should a nearby customer request a sprinkling on his or her chowder or filet mignon. Also noteworthy was a certain corporate concern for the dining experience, as highlighted in the Comment Card that accompanies the bill: "We are committed to providing the highest quality product and service to our guests. . . . Any complaints will be addressed immediately." Hear, hear, we say! Second place belongs to Serafina, whose staff dances through the live music and entangled daters in mere seconds, entr饳 intact. Third place, a tie, went to surf 'n' turf specialists Daniel's Broiler and the pan-Asian Wild Ginger.

41. Best restaurant table decorations

We know about the Icon Grill's (1933 Fifth, 441-6330) glassy, antique-filled, and arty d飯r, as installed by owner/interior designer Gary Detlef. But our readers insist that the tables themselves at this "aroused Americana" eatery are worthy of a Best; they must be referring to the glass centerpieces atop the larger tables and the funky handblown glass salt cellars on every table. Art meets kitsch meets globular glass ࠬa Chihuly—it's an appetizing concept, and landed firmly in first place. Ethnic fare took second- and third-place honors, with Cucina! Cucina! beating out the three-way tie of Buca di Beppo, Bimbo's Bitchin' Burrito Kitchen, and Cyclops. (Memo to this trio: gratuitous exclamation points would've moved you into second.) We at the Weekly give extra points to those restaurants providing white butcher paper and a few scattered crayons. You know who you are.

42. Best pizza

Rick Dahms