Al Fresco Friday: Beat the Heat with Cool Cocktails

Al Fresco Friday:
Beat the Heat with Cool Cocktails

Hot weather in Downtown Bellevue has created a summer cocktail craze, perfect for withstanding the heat. Find cocktails that come in the form of a slushie, others that transport you to paradise. One thing we can agree on, nothing sounds better than sitting on a patio with a refreshing drink in hand, and delicious food to pair with it. Be bold and bask in the sun (or shade) at any of Downtown Bellevue's Al Fresco Locations! Here are some of our favorites.

Earls Bellevue

Happy hour: Everyday 2-5PM + 10PM-close

Come to Earls for the summer drinks and stay for the irresistible food and great hospitality! Earls has been built on the foundation of family since 1982 and continues to bring new innovative dishes to the menu. 

• Cocktail recommendation: Watermelon Slushie
  Cool down with this Watermelon Slushie frozen cocktail made with Smirnoff vodka, Dolin dry vermouth, watermelon, fresh lemon, and strawberries. A must-need drink on the hot days to come!
• Pairs great with: Street Chicken Tacos
  Wrapped with corn tortillas, these tacos are filled with white cheddar, cabbage, jalapeño crema, slow-roasted achiote chicken, cilantro, and fresh-cut salsa!

Bake's Place Bar & Bistro

Daily Drink Specials: Tuesday-Friday

If you’re looking for a fun drink menu, we recommend checking out Bake's Place for their weekday specials including Aperol Spritz Fridays and Tiki Thursdays! On Fridays, explore five different spritzes to keep you chilly! Here are our hand-picked favorites.

• Cocktail recommendations: Classic Spritz & Paradise City
  The Classic Spritz is crisp, light, and delicious! Filled to the brim with Aperol, prosecco and soda, this will help you fight the heat. The Paradise City cocktail is made with Aperol, tarragon gin, yuzu marmalade, Moscato, and soda. You'll be on a one-way trip to paradise! 

Central Bar + Restaurant

Happy hour: Everyday 3-5PM

Designed as a place to entertain, Central’s upscale atmosphere is uniquely Bellevue. By hiring such a talented and positive team, Central’s upscale atmosphere is comfortable, welcoming, and fun! Happy hour starts at 3 p.m. every day, so come early to get on the patio and enjoy $2 off signature cocktails.

• Cocktail recommendation: Hibiscus Lemon Fizz
  A classy and elegant drink made with Empress gin, lemon juice, and housemade hibiscus cordial, topped with tonic water. Your new summer go-to!
• Pairs great with: Nachos
  Pair your flirty summer drink with nachos smothered in cheddar-jack cheese, topped with Pico de Gallo, black beans, black olives, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream.

El Gaucho Bellevue

Happy hour: Tuesday-Friday 4-6PM

From greeting you at the door to serving you a fire-dancing dessert, El Gaucho continues the legacy of legendary services. Enjoy their happy hour for unique specialty cocktails and delectable dishes to pair.

• Cocktail recommendation: Gaucho Cosmo
  This is a cocktail for those who have a sweet tooth this summer! The cosmo has strawberry, raspberry-infused vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
• Pairs great with: Steak Frites
  Pair your sweet treat with a sizzling 6oz ranch flat iron steak, served with black truffle aioli and fries.

Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi

Happy hour: Tuesday-Sunday 3-6PM

Reverse happy hour: 9PM-close

On the 31st floor lies an Asian-influenced, contemporary steak and sushi restaurant that will elevate your dining experience. Experience one of Bellevue’s best views while sipping on a cocktail and feasting on top-quality dishes.

• Cocktail recommendation: Cloud Nine
  Cloud Nine is created using Absolut vodka, homemade vanilla syrup, and Japanese soda. A beautiful blue cocktail for the clear blue summer day!
• Pairs great with: Ascend Steakhouse Wagyu Burger
  This burger is calling your name. This Ascend burger is stacked with dry-aged & wagyu blend, white cheddar, over-medium egg, crispy shallot, arugula, frisee, and a brioche bun.

Peony Kitchen

Lunch specials hour: Monday-Friday 11AM-2:45PM

Peony Kitchen inspiration draws from 1930s Shanghai, which was considered the epicenter for any artistic avant-garde. Peony offers a fresh interpretation of Chinese cuisine in a vibrant and stylish atmosphere. Come out and enjoy summer seasonal cocktails during the lunch special!

• Cocktail recommendation: Dragon Fruit Sangria
  New cocktail alert! Dragon fruit sangria comes with dragon fruit, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, citrus, pear, peach, cinnamon, and sprite.
• Pairs great with: Garlic Crispy Chicken
  Mouthwatering garlic battered crispy chicken tossed in tangy chili sauce. A signature dish you must try!

 

This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.