Going "Al Fresco" in the Heart of Bellevue: New Ways to Dine on Main Street

Going "Al Fresco" in the Heart of Bellevue: New Ways to Dine on Main Street

UPDATE: Now Extended! Dine in these pop-up patios through October 4

The days are longer, the breeze is warm and Downtown Bellevue is open! To support local restaurants, the Bellevue Downtown Association, Microsoft and the City of Bellevue partnered with business owners to expand outdoor dining options along Main Street. Together, a new program was created to utilize empty parking spots and sidewalk space as pop-up patios - complete with dining sets, safety barriers and fencing. Several popular eateries are participating, offering up more opportunities to dine out Downtown, al fresco style.

Bellevue’s dining scene offers expansive options for a variety of tastes, and now, more space to enjoy them outdoors. Restaurant owners are excited, too, with summer weather being the perfect way to welcome back guests.

"With all that's going on, it's a great opportunity for restaurants to get folks back out to enjoy some of these beautiful summer nights and some great food, in a safe and comfortable environment," Joe Vilardi, proprietor of Bis on Main, said.

From dinner to dessert, check out these dining destinations with expanded outdoor seating:
 

520 Bar & Grill

With a menu spanning many cuisines and a cocktail list to match, this popular Main Street destination has added to their famous patio for even more seating. Our recommendation? Sit out under the sun while sipping on their Cucumber Cooler – it’s the perfect seasonal cocktail.

10146 Main St
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 450-0520
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Bis on Main

A classic Bellevue dining experience with upscale charm, Bis on Main is the perfect choice for a chilled glass of rose and an appetizer (or two). Their wine list impreses as does the service at this longtime Old Bellevue favorite. And if your timing is right, don’t pass up the happy hour - it’s one of the best in town!

10213 Main St
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 455-2033
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Cantinetta

Tuscan traditions and homemade pasta, that’s the name of Cantinetta’s game. Perfect for an afternoon bite or a full dinner, their sunny outdoor tables right in the middle of Old Bellevue will have you staying for a while.

10038 Main St
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 233-6040
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Fern Thai

With a sun-soaked patio and a menu spanning classic to inventive Thai dishes, Fern Thai is an ideal lunch spot or perfect place for an evening date. Give their inventive lunch pairings a try for a sampling - they're like the Thai version of a bento box.

10134 Main St
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 326-1824
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Gilbert’s on Main

If we talk about dining legends, Gilbert’s will top the list.  This Bellevue institution’s breakfast and lunch menus feature more than 25 sandwiches, including their legendary "#9" Reuben. Start your day off right with breakfast, and you’ll be hard pressed not to stay for lunch too.  

10024 Main St
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 455-5650
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Molly Moon’s

If you love ice cream, Molly Moon’s is the place to be (and be at frequently). Featuring a rotating menu of creative homemade flavors, the sunny week ahead is the perfect time to grab a cone and take a walk around the Heart of Bellevue. Plus, they just opened a brand new flagship location on the corner of 102nd and Main!

70 102nd Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
(206) 557-7034
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Monsoon

Modern Vietnamese cuisine meets Northwest flair at Monsoon. Scan the menu for a few small plates (good luck trying to choose just one, they’re all delicious) and sip on a cocktail under the sun. With expanded sidewalk seating, you can snag a spot and watch the action unfold on Main Street.

10245 Main St
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 635-1112
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Whether you head Downtown for a sunny breakfast or dinner under the evening sky, the Heart of Bellevue has great places to eat, drink and safely socialize – and plenty of space to do so. Enjoy!
 

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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.