North-end dining choices are abundant if you are game to haunt the strip malls and storefronts of Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Edmonds, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, Lynwood, and beyond. Here are a few neighborhood favorites for quick, tasty, affordable nourishment.
Lee’s Grill n Bento: This newcomer to the Ballinger Village complex delivers fast, consistent, and delicious results, served up with unflagging sweetness. Standouts include a mix and match selection of proteins over noodles, veggies, or fried rice, and the chicken teriyaki combo with gyoza—with all the crispy bits in the right places and the sweet sauce served on the side, just how we like it. 20030 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
Time Out Burgers: Neighborhood ambience and tasty Greek American diner fare rule supreme at this family-owned favorite north of the Cinnebarre cinema. Comfy tables and booths, friendly, homey service and big screens turned to the game of the moment, though not so loud as to be invasive give this sweet spot a living room vibe that can’t be denied. Try the chicken gyro “the Greek Way” and the homemade baklava. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at the gateway to Mountlake Terrace. 5807 244th St SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Chez Grand Pere: There is good reason for the daily run on the almond croissants at Chez Grand Pere Bakery, where the pastries are bigger than your head and instantly addictive. Owners Chris and Dennis Lee have nailed the perfect alchemy of almond paste, butter, flaky pastry and paper thin toasted nuts to create an unabashed house favorite, good enough to rouse weekend sleepyheads early before the pastry case is inevitably picked clean. 24007 56th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Mandarin Chili: Editor’s Note: This establishment has closed. Don’t be deceived by the spare decor at this longtime neighborhood Chinese spot, formerly Yi Cheng, now under new name and new ownership. On a recent visit we were the first to arrive for dinner and noted the empty room, the slightly worn furnishings and streaky windows and wondered if we would regret our decision to give this place a try, but we were reassured when the appetizer arrived. A plate of perfectly browned potstickers and dipping sauce that tasted even better than they looked and a generous plateful of kung pao chicken reinforced the reward of our adventure to new places in the neighborhood and earned the cafe a repeat visit sometime in the near future. 23202 57th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043