Hip tavern with international fare coming to Bellevue

Starting in February, the trendy restaurant and tavern already a hit in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood, Black Bottle, is coming to Bellevue.

By Gabrielle Nomura • January 22, 2011 4:54 pm

Starting in February, the trendy restaurant and tavern already a hit in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, Black Bottle, is coming to Bellevue.

Black Bottle Postern, the Eastside location, will be located at Avalon Towers on Bellevue Way, offering the same modern atmosphere with meat, seafood and veggie dishes made from predominantly sustainable ingredients. The establishment places an equal emphasis on the menu and full bar and wine list, making it a “gastrotavern” said managing partner Chris Linker, as opposed to the popular gastropubs, which are similar but originated offering British fare. Just like the Seattle location, Black Bottle Postern will also have a full bar, as well as keg wine.

“We were probably some of the first ones in our area to do a gastro anything,” Linker said. “But unlike a gastropub, our food draws from all over the globe. We saw that as being American, essentially.”

India, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Italy and Greece – these countries’ cuisines are all represented on the restaurant’s Seattle menu, which will be similar to Bellevue’s. Examples include the masala chicken drums ($8), prosciutto and bechamel ($9) and natural hanger steak and daikon/shiso ($12).

Another distinctive characteristic of a gastro-type establishment is the high quality menu. For example, a burger and fries would be more like a free-range bison burger with shoe-string fries and truffle salt.

While Black Bottle still aims for that high-caliber of plates, the goal, first and foremost, is to create a setting that’s non-pretentious, comfortably casual and affordable, Linker said.

“There’s not going to be a lot of visual noise. No adds or T.V.,” Linker said. “We want it to be a relaxing place to go.”

The gastrotavern has yet to announce an exact opening date. But Linker said people can expect zero tricks and gimmicks when they step inside.

“We even hesitate to do happy hour because we think you should get the same experience and same price no matter when you come in,” Linker said. “If you just want a few drinks, great. If you want a four-course meal, that’s fine too.”