Specialty's sandwiches are satisfying for a filling lunch, and their soups are homemade daily. But the real reason to visit are their fantastic cookies. They are handmade around the clock, often hot... More

Specialty's sandwiches are satisfying for a filling lunch, and their soups are homemade daily. But the real reason to visit are their fantastic cookies. They are handmade around the clock, often hot and always soft and flavorful. Each one could be a meal, and is reminiscent of anything your momma made at home.
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We stopped by at Specialty's cafe in Bellevue Square the other day. The staff were friendly and helpful. They offer variety of sandwiches, muffins, scones and salads. Hot soup and beverages were... More

We stopped by at Specialty's cafe in Bellevue Square the other day. The staff were friendly and helpful. They offer variety of sandwiches, muffins, scones and salads. Hot soup and beverages were also served. The latte there was the best. It was smooth and aromatic. We loved it. I wish they would open more stores around the area and we can pick up our lunch from there.
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Specialty's has become a go-to option for lunch. The opening of a new location on 5th and Union has cemented their place as one of the top bakery-cafes in the downtown corridor. The sandwiches... More

Specialty's has become a go-to option for lunch. The opening of a new location on 5th and Union has cemented their place as one of the top bakery-cafes in the downtown corridor. The sandwiches are huge, made-to-order and loaded with goodness. Careful though...they aren't as healthy as you would imagine. Many are slathered with mayo or oil and their freshly baked bread (though delicious!) is loaded with calories. They also serve salads for the calorie-conscious, but make sure to get the dressing on the side. The soups are also a tasty and inexpensive way to go. They also offer many breakfast items, including oatmeal with fun toppings. The breakfast sandwiches will tide you over until at least 2pm. However, it is their pastry counter that really makes this chain stand out. They have several varieties of cookies that are truly amazing. They have one that includes oatmeal, chocolate chips and wheat germ that could qualify for the best thing I have ever tasted. Specialty's is almost always crowded, but you can get in and out faster if you use their online ordering system. Go to www.specialtysdirect.com, order and pay with your credit card. In 15 minutes or less you can show up and be in and out in 30 seconds. They also give you a free lunch after 12 orders, which seems like a lot, but most of their customers come back again and again.
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Specialty's Bakery and Cafe started in San Francisco with the idea that a good lunch starts with good bread and cookies fresh from the oven. Oatmeal raisin and almond tea cookies are my favorites,... More

Specialty's Bakery and Cafe started in San Francisco with the idea that a good lunch starts with good bread and cookies fresh from the oven. Oatmeal raisin and almond tea cookies are my favorites, but sometimes I ask for one of the cookies that just came out of the oven. Both the Fifth Avenue and Third Avenue locations are staffed by urban hipsters who are efficient and friendly (unless you're blocking the line waiting for one of the cashiers when the other cashier is available). As for sandwiches, try the turkey cranberry or the tuna salad. I prefer to sub out the regular bread and replace it with foccacia bread. Yum! This cafe is highly recommended for a quick lunch downtown.
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There's a Specialty's right below my office, and it's my favorite place to have lunch. Cookies are baked fresh throughout the day, and they are by far the best of any bakery chain. Try the wheat... More

There's a Specialty's right below my office, and it's my favorite place to have lunch. Cookies are baked fresh throughout the day, and they are by far the best of any bakery chain. Try the wheat germ chocolate chip oatmeal cookie. Lunch options are good too, especially the soups (lentil and spicy lentil are recommended) as well as sandwiches and salads. The salads are pretty simple so don't expect too much there. The sandwiches are good primary because of the freshly baked bread on premises.
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Specialty's Cafe and Bakery is fantastic. They have an extensive menu - tons of sandwiches to choose from and their descriptions are so thorough you can practically taste each one as you read the... More

Specialty's Cafe and Bakery is fantastic. They have an extensive menu - tons of sandwiches to choose from and their descriptions are so thorough you can practically taste each one as you read the menu. I have never been disappointed here, though the place is extremely crowded during the lunch hour. They have a nifty computer ordering system, and the service is great.
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The number of sandwiches that they offer is great. I salivate over the detailed descriptions in each section of the menu and want to try something new every time. I have yet to be disappointed with... More

The number of sandwiches that they offer is great. I salivate over the detailed descriptions in each section of the menu and want to try something new every time. I have yet to be disappointed with what I order. I like The Chairman because it has sprouts in it. (No one seems to make a sandwich with sprouts anymore!) The hunk of turkey, creamy avocado, and crunchy sprout combination are my favorite in a sandwich. I love that it's on their menu and I don't have to custom order that combination of ingredients. The Italian I had last time was also great, with thick slices of salami, bologna, and mortadella and gooey with melted swiss and provolone. They make their own bread. I love that you're not limited to a white, wheat, or sourdough roll like other chains. The Italian, for example, is on focaccia. My only complaint is that the sandwiches are so chock full of goodies, seriously overflowing, that they kind of fall apart a bit when you eat them. The paper wrapper for each sandwich is big and of high quality, though, so you've got a way to catch everything. Their cookies are to die for, although I haven't tried any of their other sweets. I've been craving the chocolate chip cookies for weeks. I also haven't had any of their salads or soups even though the soups seem popular.
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There's currently a Specialty's on 2nd or 3rd Ave in downtown (by the WaMu tower) as well as one in Bell Square Mall and I hope they open more! They have the BEST cookies (try the peanut butter... More

There's currently a Specialty's on 2nd or 3rd Ave in downtown (by the WaMu tower) as well as one in Bell Square Mall and I hope they open more! They have the BEST cookies (try the peanut butter chocolate chunk), great salads and good sandwiches. It's super crowded around lunch time, but worth the wait!
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