Let me start out by saying I have only been here once, but really, that one experience said enough. We went out for a friend's birthday and as birthdays go, crowds came and went. What with the... More

Let me start out by saying I have only been here once, but really, that one experience said enough. We went out for a friend's birthday and as birthdays go, crowds came and went. What with the seemingly spotty service and my impatience in waiting for the waitress to come around, I went and ordered from the bar. The bartender was fairly prompt (sometimes was very prompt, sometimes only somewhat) but was always friendly and funny. I was fortunate, I guess, as the people who waited for the designated server sometimes didn't get their drinks at all. So you can imagine my surprise when we reconciled our bills at the end of the night, placed the cash people had left behind into the appropriate tabs and attempted to leave when the waitress came up to ask for additional gratuity. "I never do this," she said, "but I waited on your table for five hours" and one of the many bills (which she had split without asking, and that was very nice) only had a 10 percent tip (so three bucks on a $30 tab). Someone in the group gave her a few more dollars despite the recognition that the other bills we each paid had more than 10 percent tips (I, for example, tipped 20 percent on my bar tab--but as the waitress pointed out, that only went to the bartender). You'd think this was enough. While we were waiting for some friends to return from cleaning up, I turned around to see the waitress talking to the birthday girl and the birthday girl opening up her wallet. I was furious. I came up and asked if there was more she needed, because if she did, the birthday girl was not the one to hit up. She said that she wasn't asking for more, that in fact she was thanking the other half of our party for our good graces (WHAT?!?). As I was of course not convinced, I let her know that I thought what we had provided was enough, that really, I was confused about why she was asking for more, as gratuity is gratuity, and that's it. She let me know she gets taxed on her income (oh, as if nobody else does?) and so she has to ensure she made enough, and that really 10 percent wasn't enough. My insistence that that was not the only tab left behind (that accounted for a few people out of the more than 15 people there), that the 10 percent was from one of the many bills paid, that the 10 percent was for a party that had already left and that the 10 percent was already made up for didn't matter as she felt she deserved more; it didn't even feel worth mentioning the number of drinks she failed to bring to the table. At that point, I'd said what I'd needed to and still left fuming, especially when the birthday girl ended up giving the bartender more money because the waitress wouldn't accept it at that point. I know people love this bar and haven't had problems; I also know, though, that was one ridiculously unnecessary experience, ridiculous enough that I will never go back, nor will I hold back in telling people this story.
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I am so surprised to see all of the positive reviews for this restaurant. A friend and I went this evening and I am not sure what has happened but I have never in my life sent food back to the... More

I am so surprised to see all of the positive reviews for this restaurant. A friend and I went this evening and I am not sure what has happened but I have never in my life sent food back to the kitchen. My entrée was raw in the center and that is ok for fish, or beef but not pork. The caesar salad was not dressed?? I have no idea what happened there, and my dinner guests soup had a hair in it. I paid 75.00 for our meal and was offered no discount; I think I was just glad to be done with the entire experience. Drink there to your hearts content, but do not ever eat here.
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Wow, I'm really surprised at what great reviews this place has gotten. I wasn't terribly impressed with their food - it's ok though. And yes, their drink menu has some cool things on it (albeit,... More

Wow, I'm really surprised at what great reviews this place has gotten. I wasn't terribly impressed with their food - it's ok though. And yes, their drink menu has some cool things on it (albeit, very expensive). But, I felt that the service was pretty bad and because of that, i will probably not go back. I live in Capitol Hill and really want to see businesses thrive here, but I was unimpressed with the staff. I gave it 4 chances, and i think that's about as many as I'll do. There are plenty of other good restaurants around.
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I ate at 22 Doors last night - overall it was a satisfactory experience. Here are a few observations my friends and I had: - Sitting in the first booth to the left of the door as you walk in is... More

I ate at 22 Doors last night - overall it was a satisfactory experience. Here are a few observations my friends and I had: - Sitting in the first booth to the left of the door as you walk in is a bad idea when it's cold out. Every time the door opened there was a powerful gust of cold air that was noticeable enough that it stopped whatever conversation we were having in favor of donning jackets or sweaters. Then, a few minutes after the door closed the industrial strength, uber heater warmed us up so much we had to take said jackets and sweaters off. If you do get stuck in that booth, pray that it's not cold out or there aren't many comings and goings. - Our server was friendly and knowledgable and did a fine job. However, our first order of drinks took 20-25 minutes to arrive and our second order nearly as long. We couldn't pinpoint the source of the delay (the bar or the server) but it's evident there's room for improvement there (or maybe it was just an off night). - The food was excellent. They recently changed their menu which the server explained they will do periodically to take advantage of seasonal ingredients. I had the Free Range Chicken and my friend had the Pork Loin. No complaints whatsoever - the presentation was stellar and the ingredients obviously fresh. - Larger groups will be hard to seat. Our group totaled 5 people and we had what I think was the largest booth in the restaurant and we were still a little cramped. Groups of 5 or larger will have a tough time finding room here. Overall, it was a satisfying experience and I'll have no problem recommending 22 Doors to anyone who asks. I would rate it higher if not the for the slow service and cold/hot weather conditions.
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The name comes from the 22 salvaged doors from the Camlin Hotel used to make the bar, liquor case behind it, and adorning the eclectic decor. The chandelier comes from an old Red Lion... More

The name comes from the 22 salvaged doors from the Camlin Hotel used to make the bar, liquor case behind it, and adorning the eclectic decor. The chandelier comes from an old Red Lion Hotel. Their drink menu boasts 22 specialty drinks too! Providing a fine dining flare, the place isn't as pretentious as most of its kind. With a starter menu serving shoe-string fries in a truffle oil, clams, their entrées provide 7 different dishes. From a game hen dish reminiscent of a Thanksgiving meal, to Pork chops, and Angus beef Burger, one can also opt for their house tomato soup and melted cheese sandwich. *I had the burger, and must say it was the BEST hamburger I've ever had. Moist, flavorful, not overloaded with sauces, and the bun didn't make up half the burger. It was mostly meat, greens and other garnishes.*
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I went with a group and we were all happy with our food--I tried the burger which was very good, others had the ravioli and the pork. The drinks were very tasty but on the pricey side and took a... More

I went with a group and we were all happy with our food--I tried the burger which was very good, others had the ravioli and the pork. The drinks were very tasty but on the pricey side and took a while to make. There was a pretty good wine-by-the-glass selection (typical $7 prices). The place had a relaxed atmosphere which was in keeping with the service, and a pretty cool decor (with the 22 doors). Definitely worth a try, if only for the food and the atmosphere.
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22 doors on Capital Hill is a great option for a casual night out where the atmosphere is cozy and the food is decent. A fire place and list of creative drinks help to quickly warm you up from the... More

22 doors on Capital Hill is a great option for a casual night out where the atmosphere is cozy and the food is decent. A fire place and list of creative drinks help to quickly warm you up from the Seattle November rain. Our favorites were the pork loin, pumpkin ravioli and burger. The Chocolate dessert and coffee drinks did not dissapoint either. Prices are very reasonable ($11-$20 entrees). A great new addition to 15th street.
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This place is relatively new (as of summer 2005), almost right across the street from QFC in Capitol Hill. I didn't have a main course, but have to give the appetizers and desserts a great thumbs... More

This place is relatively new (as of summer 2005), almost right across the street from QFC in Capitol Hill. I didn't have a main course, but have to give the appetizers and desserts a great thumbs up (artichoke dip, ahi salad rolls, warm chocolate cake)! I also heard from others in my party that the main courses and mixed drinks (some pretty interesting ones) were excellent. Entrees come at $11-16, appetizers at $8-9, and desserts at $4-5. Service was pretty fast too (though this was Thursday night, so who knows about weekends). There were two downsides to this place - that's why I only gave it 4 stars. First, its booth-style seating does not easily accommodate groups larger than 6 (we had to split our group). And second, while the decor/ambience is nice, it isn't anything all that interesting or original.
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Finally, a sophisticated yet comfortable dining spot in the 15th Avenue neighborhood of Capitol Hill. Move past the standard leather-seat booths and this fantastic modern crystal chandalier and... More

Finally, a sophisticated yet comfortable dining spot in the 15th Avenue neighborhood of Capitol Hill. Move past the standard leather-seat booths and this fantastic modern crystal chandalier and there is a groovy bar, some more cozy seating and wide doors out to the awesome outddor patio. The brick patio is covered with clear arching plastic (like what you see at university village) which means you hear the city and the ambient light comes it and yet it's dry. Two very cool propane heaters hang above diners and ambient groove music overflowed from the bar. I had a very nice plate of seared ahi with wild rice and a lovely balsamic vinegar glaze of some sort ($15) and the warm chocolate cake ($5) which was pretty good in a fluffy cake sort of way (not the dense fudge-like cake so many places are serving). i'm psyched to have this new joint in my neighborhood- Broadway is such a pain for parking and we've needed something like 22 Doors here on 15th. 7/29 just went again and had an excellent crab cake and a bite of a very delicious hamburger.
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