Von's RoastHouse Blog

Von's patio is located directly on Pine Street and is a favorite Seattle place for drinks and dining.

We were at Von’s a few nights ago when it was drizzly but still warm and the outside eating area was full! It was fun to see that a little rain doesn’t keep people away from outside dining at a fun restaurant.

We come here often because we like the atmosphere as well as the food. If you like to people watch, this it the place.

My biggest complaint used to be too much food but now they have what they call small plates, so we are both happy. I love the sliders (2 choices) and the petite sirloin. My husband always goes for the ribs.

– Maureen Young

A classic Martini.

I’m all for edible adventures and beverage explorations, but sometimes the original is the best.

This is definitely the case with Von’s classic martini.

I like mine with gin, mixed a little wet (that vermouth tinge just appeals to my palate, no matter what James Bond says).

And you just can’t beat the price. The little individual metal shakers the bartenders use to shake the cocktails is a classy touch.

And as they say … olives are a meal.

– Jack Lincoln

Fruit wood smoking chips.

I think it’s great that you give people the little paper bags of fruit wood chips to take home with the recipe for two day herb chicken.

When I get back from my Seattle vacation, I’ll be sure to test this out.

But am sure what I cook won’t be quite as smokey delicious as the chicken that I had there on Pine Street!

Thanks again.

– Judy Pascone

The Roaster Trio.

I admit it!

I was trumped by the Roaster Trio.

Now I thought I could pack it away, but this mondo plate of smoked turkey, roasted pork and and the funnily-named “Flav’r Gusto Chicken” was a mountain of food. And that’s not even counting the mashed potatoes, broccoli and slaw on the side.

But I enjoyed every single big bite of it. It’s all so good.

I’ll have to try my very own Man vs. Roaster Trio showdown again.

– Greg Klein

Small plate sirloin.

I read one of your blog entries and decided to try one of the small plates. It did not disappoint.

I had an appetizer salad and the petite sirloin small plate and it was perfect for me. My sirloin was fork tender and very tasty.

Unlike happy hours (though Von’s has that too) elsewhere, these plates are always available and their prices are too good to pass up. This combo or maybe two small plates makes a good lunch or dinner for the smaller appetite.

My partner had a regularly priced item. He said the hamburger was big and juicy so ask for extra napkins ahead of time for this one.

Add a beer and this was a great meal!

– Sara Peterson

Prime rib dinner at Von's

You can watch meaty standing rib roasts slowly cook and baste in their own juices through the glass window of Von’s classic roaster until the cows come home … but there’s no substitute for fork-and-knifing into a full prime rib dinner.

The slow roasting results in the most tender of flesh and flavor with depth.

Beyond the cut itself, I like the rustic touch of shredded horseradish Von’s serves on the side — it’s a great change from the old saw of ramekins filled goopy sour cream/horseradish so commonly seen in the prime rib world.

I also am a big fan of the substantial broccoli served on the side of my most recent prime rib dinner. The big cruciferous branches had a vivid green color, some snap and plenty of vegetable flavor (with a bump from hints of savory sauce on top).

– Greg Thilmont

The Wheel of Drink Specials

I met five girlfriends at Von’s Friday night. We arrived just in time for the wheel spin. It came up “Gray Goose lemon drop $4″. We couldn’t believe our luck and happily ordered six!

We were not planning to eat but when we saw the ’small plates’ on the menu we were too tempted. I had the small sirloin sandwich and it was excellent. The meat was rare, as requested, and very tender. It was just the right size. My friends liked theirs too and at $2.50 to $5 it was a real deal.

The bar was hopping and had a good atmosphere.

– Grace Jones

The Bucket o' BBQ Fire Candy

One of the great little touches I like when eating at Von’s actually comes after dinner or lunch.

It’s the fiery BBQ Fire Candy you’ll find in a bright red metal bucket to the left of the main entrance. Look for the big lettering.

These little spherical packets of hotness keep your taste buds working as you head out into Downtown Seattle for a post-meal stroll.

– Michael Highes

"I Spy" with the hundreds of beer pulls at Von's for family fun.

My family found something for everyone here at Von’s. Ribs for my husband, great salad choices for me and a children’s menu that pleased my picky kids.

They loved the beer pulls and were entertained for a long time playing “I spy” with the hundreds of different pulls that decorated all the walls.

– Irene Mulroy

Von's BBQ pork.

One of my favorite lunch and after-work early dinner spots is Von’s. On this particular day I tried their tasty BBQ Pork dish. I loved their peppery BBQ sauce smothering the pork. A great dish and tons of food.

Every half hour a different drink was available at a specially reduced price. It was my lucky day to have my favorite martini chosen.

You really should check it out. Huge bar with a great atmosphere. What a fun place!

- Lynn Huttenlocher