Lynnwood holds many important distinctions. Its Alderwood Mall is one of Washington’s largest, it boasts a thriving tech corridor, and importantly, it’s home to many friendly neighborhoods. But what you really need to know about Lynnwood is that it’s best-known for being home to countless American eateries, from classic diners serving perfect patty melts to modern gastropubs.
But that’s not all, you’ll also find a steakhouse with a truly winning ribeye, a family-ready barbecue joint, plus the state’s best burgers and best mac ‘n’ cheese on its main drags.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (425) 672-2626 | WEBSITE
Walk past this American grill at the busier end of Lynnwood any evening of the week and you’ll catch a glimpse of booths filled with chicken and shrimp dishes being passed around midway through a story being told. Applebee’s Grill + Bar feels like a classic neighborhood gathering spot, and is as much for a lively night out with friends as it is a practical solo meal after work. In both cases, the comforting American classics are consistently decent and the drinks among the strongest in town.
Just Left Pub & Grill
$ | (425) 776-7379 | WEBSITE
Unsurprisingly, Just Left Pub & Grill serves some really amazing wings. Crispy, saucy, perfectly cooked wings, all generously coated with your choice of sauce, this hefty portion arrives with celery and blue cheese on the side. Know you can choose the spice level. Come with a group and take one of the high-top tables near the pool table, or head in for a quick solo meal—we suggest the breakfast special while watching sports on the TVs. Just make sure you get the affordable drinks too.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (425) 771-6492 | WEBSITE
Lynnwood has plenty of casual American spots, but Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews is one of our go-tos. This spacious burger joint is a bit over-the-top, with the Whiskey River Burger arriving stacked high with toppings, and milkshakes presented in frosty glasses. But indulgence aside, the food is really solid. Our usual order is the Southern Charm Burger and those fresh, perfectly toasted gluten-free buns.
While the strip mall location is big enough to handle crowds, the lively staff and quick seating scream family dinner. There’s a ‘special occasion’ energy to this place, where you’re just as likely to bring the kids for a birthday free burger as you are to grab a casual take-out meal after work.
Red Lobster
$$ | (425) 672-1137 | WEBSITE
Red Lobster is a proper seafood destination. The restaurant, with its welcoming atmosphere and helpful servers, is a place for relaxed evenings with families settling into the spacious booths and clattering lobster crackers, and a mix of business casual and weekend casual attire mingling in the accessible dining room.
When dinnertime rolls around, get the shrimp and lobster dish made to your liking; generous fish and chips from the classic seafood selection; and comforting lobster noodle dish from the specialty menu. We’re also into the crab legs with their tasty dipping butter and the delicious scallops with bacon.
The Cheesecake Factory
$$ | (425) 412-1376 | WEBSITE
The Cheesecake Factory is the embodiment of indulgence. It’s there in the friendly service, the fresh bread already on your table when you sit down, and the change you can get from a twenty. Most of all, it’s from the satisfying American dishes. A generous slice of red velvet cheesecake with whipped cream is an ideal solo afternoon treat, as is the Evelyn’s favorite pasta with chicken and vegetables. Or come in the evening, like most Lynnwood locals do, to tackle the extensive menu en masse.
Make sure to arrive early at dinner because the cheery spot—all warm lighting, and booth and table seating—isn’t quiet.
Dave & Buster’s
$$ | (425) 412-9250 | WEBSITE
Right in the heart of Lynnwood, Dave & Buster’s is another sprawling indoor space that’s a whirlwind of good times, blaring sports commentary, frosty beers, and countless families tucked into booths. Whether you go for the standout BBQ Chicken Flatbread or the recommended Busters bacon smash burger, the prices here tend to be very wallet-friendly no matter which high-top you claim for the evening.
It’s an excellent shout for a night out with kids who need constant entertainment, or as a last-minute option for those of us who genuinely thought that quiet dinner was happening somewhere else.
Indigo Kitchen and Alehouse
$$ | (425) 741-8770 | WEBSITE
Indigo Kitchen and Alehouse is the reliable late-night spot we all need in our lives. This place will serve you some of the best fried chicken in the whole of Lynnwood and a decent happy hour to boot. The unassuming, busy strip mall location works for mates, dates, and just to satisfy that general urge we all sometimes get to eat a load of their winning Cajun pasta solo. Once you try this smoky-meets-creamy pasta situation, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.
Bazille
$$ | (425) 329-2108 | WEBSITE
Bazille is an always reliable, never disappointing American spot, which has been popular for various occasions. You can depend on it for excellent spinach artichoke dip with GF flatbread, being a place to bring friends when one of them has a new-found obsession with BANANA SPLIT ICE CREAM with creme brulee banana, and for family meals where plates of well-prepared dishes are passed around and hamburgers with straw fries are fought over.
As for what’s good on the varied menu of American classics, the clue is in the consistent quality of the restaurant. The dishes, from the excellent hamburger with amazing aioli to the best-ever salade nicoise, are very good.
Moonshine BBQ
$$ | (425) 672-9592 | WEBSITE
We’ve heard there’s an ongoing rivalry between Northside locals who think Moonshine BBQ is the best barbecue joint in the area, and ones who back the other spot all the way. We’re undecided which takes the number one spot for us, but once we tried the brisket sliders with fries, we understood why there were family divides over this place.
It’s a casual, buzzing spot with groups tucking into a BBQ family meal, and friends fighting over the last fried rib whether it’s the weekend or a Tuesday night.
Denny’s
$ | (425) 774-3834 | WEBSITE
Denny’s is steadily humming, serving, greeting, cleaning, and satisfying. Plump, golden senior burgers and fries being prepared in the kitchen soundtrack the room, enormous plates of comfort food float past like edible happiness, and warm, well-presented meals are constantly delivered and enjoyed. It’s a reliable spot any time of day (so expect a wait during peak hours), but no visit is quite as pleasant as settling into one of the worn but cozy booths.
With some careful timing, you and a companion can find yourselves lingering for hours over affordable, satisfying classics.
13th Ave Pub & Eatery
$ | (425) 742-7871 | WEBSITE
The best thing about being in Lynnwood is knowing you can always catch the game somewhere with good company. The second best thing is grabbing a juicy, flavorful burger at a local spot. The place to do that is 13th Ave Pub & Eatery, a laid-back pub with a friendly atmosphere, cold beer, and a jalapeño burger that makes you want to ghost fast-food chains forever.
Throughout the rest of the week, you’ll find delicious cheeseburger sliders, tasty chicken quesadillas, and tarted-up versions of bar classics like fried Mac n cheese bites. Plus plenty of sports viewing and karaoke you can enjoy in their space, complete with pool tables, darts, and plenty of screens.
IHOP
$ | (425) 776-2838 | WEBSITE
IHOP is one of those breakfast spots that makes everyone feel really, really comfortable. Maybe it’s the surprisingly good huevos rancheros, or maybe it’s the ever-reliable friendly service, but everyone here always looks like they’re enjoying a morning called ‘FamilyBreakfastVibes’. The smiles are genuine, the coffee is hot, and the atmosphere is welcoming without teetering into fancy.
Outside of the basics, this neighborhood pancake house also has adequate parking and a manager who actually listens to feedback.