We've been going to St. Clouds for 4 years now, on a regular basis. It's not fancy or fluffy, or all that trendy, but it is dearly beloved by all who know it for its great food and even better... More

We've been going to St. Clouds for 4 years now, on a regular basis. It's not fancy or fluffy, or all that trendy, but it is dearly beloved by all who know it for its great food and even better atmosphere. We discovered it after we had our LAST far-too-kid-friendly meal at the Madrona Ale House across the street. We were looking for a good place to eat out with our daughter that didn't feel like Romper Room. The food and service at St. Clouds are both excellent. (Buckets of quiet toys for to play with.) While not the trendy Haute Cuisine of other Seattle hot spots, the food is more like what you'd get if you were lucky enough to have a fabulous and innovative cook in your family. And the service is the same way - attentive, but not fussy, friendly, but not overbearing. There is no place we would rather eat, ever. And as much as we love dinner there, breakfast is even better. But whenever you go, don't miss the ice-cream with homemade fudge sauce. (Yes, it's a perfectly suitable breakfast.) A tad pricey sometimes, but worth it. And although the basics stay the same, the menu changes often enough that you don't get bored. NOTE - the map here in JB is wrong! St. Clouds is in the main commercial strip of the Madrona neighborhood.
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While I wouldn't call it a destination place, St. Clouds is just a few blocks from my house and for the Madrona neighborhood place provides a great place to have everyday meals without cooking... More

While I wouldn't call it a destination place, St. Clouds is just a few blocks from my house and for the Madrona neighborhood place provides a great place to have everyday meals without cooking yourself. They have two sides of the menu "at home" and "out to dinner" that provide different styles of experience and enough variety for regular visits.
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Just walking into St. Cloud you feel like you're entered your Grannie's kitchen -albeit a very stylish Granny. The aroma of biscuits and sweet jam kiss you on the cheek while the very friendly staff... More

Just walking into St. Cloud you feel like you're entered your Grannie's kitchen -albeit a very stylish Granny. The aroma of biscuits and sweet jam kiss you on the cheek while the very friendly staff leads you to a table. Everything - and I do mean everything as I have sampled it - is delicious on the menu. It takes a little bit to get to your table, since this a larger restaurant and they make everything fresh. But, let me tell you, when the Huevos Rancheros (my personal favorite) arrive at your doorstep, you'll thank me for bringing you here. Yummmmm. It's not too overwhelming, not to skimpy, not too spicy....Just right. Just like Granny use to make. Biscuits and gravy is divine as well. Homemade flaky buttery biscuits that melt in your mouth and just soak up the sausage (or veggie soysauge) gravy. There are always fresh flowers adorning every nook and cranny and smiles abounding everyone in the place. Honestly, it's out a storybook. I can't imagine why I haven't gone here for other meals, but judging be breakfast, I'll bet dinner is homey and yummy too!!
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St. Clouds has terrific breakfasts, including my fave per subject line. The atmosphere is airy and comfortable. They are happy to accomodate a largish party (you can call ahead and arrange for... More

St. Clouds has terrific breakfasts, including my fave per subject line. The atmosphere is airy and comfortable. They are happy to accomodate a largish party (you can call ahead and arrange for your group to have space). I understand the lunch and dinner and later evening hours are all great here, and I keep meaning to try. The name may seem familiar to you fans of literary fiction-- it is named after the orphanage in John Irving's Ciderhouse Rules.
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Weekend Brunch around Capital Hill can be quite frustrating. So many times I have wanted, spur of the moment, to have a late morning brunch with friend. Nothing kills my lazy Sunday mood more than... More

Weekend Brunch around Capital Hill can be quite frustrating. So many times I have wanted, spur of the moment, to have a late morning brunch with friend. Nothing kills my lazy Sunday mood more than driving to Glo's and being told the wait is better than a half hour. Then to the Coastal Kitchen only to be told the same thing. Usually at this point its off to Pho So 1, but if I Just have to have a traditional breakfast I have not been let down by St. Clouds in Madronna. Yes, occasionally there is a wait, but not as long as others. They do good versions of all the breakfast standards:French Toast, Pancakes, Omelets, Corned Beef Hash, Country Fried Steak and Eggs. My personal favorite is the imperial scramble, which is basically fried rice with a bit of ginger, and a lot of scrambled eggs and sausage. It makes a surprisingly satisfying breakfast. The coffee cake can be a bit dry, but other than that I have liked everything I have eaten there.The service is good and the staff is very friendly. In the summer they have outdoor seating.
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