Lot No. 3 – Big Game on the Big Screen
Lot No. 3 We will be featuring a special Super Bowl menu with many of their existing favorites, as well as a few new items including Chili-Cheese Nachos, Spicy Chicken Wings, Spice-Rubbed Spare Ribs, and 2 kinds of Potato Skins! Drink specials will include $2.50 Rainier Tall Boys and $1-off draft beer and well drinks. The Super Bowl Menu will be offered from 2 PM until close and can be viewed here.

Reservations for the big game can be made online.

520 Bar and Grill to Host Madonna Look-Alike Contest
520 Bar & Grill will celebrate in style during this Super Bowl. They have game day specials, including the largest nachos on the Eastside, Wings to-die-for, $5 Touchdowns, $4 Stella Big Gulps, and the new Bud Lite Platinum, which is a new 6% alcohol beer that is being introduced to the world during the game.

At halftime 520 will host a Madonna look-alike contest, where the 1st place winner will receive a $520 cash prize.

Super Bowling Party at Lucky Strike
Lucky Strike will be offering ½-price bowling on Super Bowl Sunday from 2 PM – close; just text “SUPER” to 59925. Table reservations are complimentary, and you can contact noah@velvetropevip.com for more information.

The recent expansion at 520 Bar & Grill has opened up the venue for events, such as live music. Performing on Tuesday, January 31st is the duo ‘Lucy & Luke;’ they will play from 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.

The 2 cousins, Lucy & Luke play both original songs, as well as covers.  To preview their music, go to their YouTube channel.

The Parlor Live – Comedy Show & Ultralounge
Enjoy comedy on December 31st for headliner’s Tom Segura & Christina Pazsitsky, for the 3rd Annual NYE Comedy Classic. The shows are at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM.
Cost: $50

You can also enjoy Parlor Collection’s New Year’s Eve 2012 Parlor Collection
Celebration. Doors open at 6 PM for the event. The night will be filled with a live DJ, sexy red-dress contest, party favors, and door prizes.
Cost: $25 (pre-sale)

Tap House Grill – Dinner & Dancing
Dinner reservations are available on New Year’s Eve until 8:30 PM. After dinner the restaurant will transform into a dance party with a DJ and drink specials.
Cost: Free

Pearl Bar & Dining – New Year’s Eve Ball
Pearl will be offering a 3-course pre-fixe dinner for $55 or $85, with wine pairings. Dinner reservations are available on New Year’s Eve from 6 PM to 8 PM. Following dinner, the restaurant will be turned into a nightclub with a DJ, dance floors, multiple bars, and a champagne toast to ring in the new year.
Cost: $30 pre-sale, $40 at the door (nightclub event)

Munchbar – Angels & Demons
Munchbar will be encouraging guests to dress as angels or demons at their New Year’s Eve party, with a $500 cash prize for the sexiest angel and demon. Doors open at 10 PM.
Cost: $30 pre-sale, $50 at the door

Piano Bash – Live Music
Piano Bash will be the place to go on New Year’s Eve to enjoy live music all night. The event includes pre-fixe dinner with tableside service and a live jazz band. After dinner will include dueling live pianos and a champagne toast. Formal attire is required.
Cost: $50

Lucky Strike – Special Guests
Lucky Strike will have 2 special guests on New Year’s Eve: Host UFC Octagon Girl & Artist Brittney Palmer. Brittney will be signing autographs and taking pictures with guests.
Cost: Tickets are $40 online or $55 for a PowerPlay Gamecard that includes unlimited video games all evening, plus 1,500 points to redeem.

Suite Lounge – Live DJ
The newest lounge in town will be counting down to the New Year with a Live DJ.
Cost: Tickets are $55 for general admission or $80, which gains you access to a private bar, champagne toast, party favors, and a light appetizer buffet from 7 PM – 10 PM.

520 Bar & Grill – Party on Main Street
520 will be throwing the best party on Main Street with their newly expanded restaurant. Be prepared to enjoy a live DJ and dance floor.
Cost: Free

The Spot Off Main – Friendly Service & Great Prices
The Spot Off Main will celebrate with party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and a DJ all night.  The event starts at 8 PM.
Cost: $10

Rock Bottom Bellevue
Drink specials, party favors, champagne toast at midnight and DJ Spin playing music for their dance floor. Event starts at 9:30 PM.
Cost: Free

John Howie – $60 Preset Piano Lounge Dinner
The Piano Lounge at John Howie will offer a three course meal on New Year’s Eve starting at 5 PM, which includes a soup or salad, entrée, dessert and a glass of glass of bubbly. First come, first serve — no reservations available.
Cost: $60

When longtime patrons of the 520 Bar and Grill enter its newly-renovated space, it’s an immediate look of pleasant surprise that then turns into an awed facial expression of, “Wait…what just happened? The place has been redone, but I can’t tell where the old ends and the new begins.” Maybe for some who have experienced major building renovations, it would be disappointing to hear no one can tell what the updates were, but for owners Joseph and Randi Brazen, it’s the nicest compliment they can get over their beloved restaurant’s uniquely new/old look.

Mention the word “renovation” to a restaurant owner and it’s usually one of the fastest ways to see the color drain from their faces. They can be costly, drawn-out processes, fraught with delays that ultimately hurt the team as well as its patrons, since the restaurant needs to be closed during the construction. But not for the 520 Bar and Grill – the Brazens took to the expansion plans with SWAT-team precision and careful planning. Speaking with Randi Brazen, she explained how the second they broke through the next-door wall that would open up the space, the restaurant and bar was only closed for fifteen days. In half a month’s time, they were able to double the size of the space, lay down new hardwood floors, install a massive u-shaped hardwood bar that spans both the old and new space, redo their entire audio and video system, and still get the halls decked with holiday lights, garland and poinsettias. The staff wasn’t waiting long before returning to work and out of town patrons who returned after a long spell were shocked the place was redone right under their noses. It was through meticulous planning and preparation three months prior to the construction that made the process so seamless. The Brazens carefully picked their contractors, going with people they’ve known for years, having a hands-on approach themselves – the new bar was constructed right in their own garage. 520 Bar and Grill was able to become twice its original size without sacrificing its signature well-worn comfortable feel. The big changes are perfectly married to the original bar’s look, with its weathered wood and chairs you can sink into and sit for a spell. Losing its original cozy charm was never an option – 520 Bar and Grill is intended to feel like you’re visiting a friend, it’s meant to feel like home.

“We want to be the third place people go,” Randi says about the heart and soul of the 520 Bar and Grill. “You’re home, you go to work, and then you come here.” It’s a true neighborhood bar, with regulars coming in with such frequency you can set your watch to them. For the last five years it’s been in the Old Bellevue neighborhood of Main Street, being known as a cozy hangout, serving bar favorites like burgers and hearty sandwiches, with every space filled during their lunch rush and the hours after work. That was one of the main reasons for the expansion – their popularity made it the place to gather, but also created the challenge of whether or not one could find a seat. With the new space, they can handle large groups of 40-50 people. The new sound system allows for the restaurant to control the volume in areas of the space, customizing it for patrons wanting a more intimate atmosphere. They’re planning a big New Year’s Eve party, full of dancing and music. The possibilities for larger group events are making the 520 Bar and Grill a new contender for family brunches and gatherings where groups need space for a dozen or so people, and with these events, their kitchen offers customizable menus to a party’s needs.

For all the big changes and high-tech upgrades, they’re invisible to the people sitting at tables for lunch or gathered at the bar, catching a bite and a glimpse at the latest game before going back to work. Amid the sounds of a busy afternoon, you overhear people say what really matters, that this is a true neighborhood bar and restaurant. It’s a place people return to because it’s welcoming and they know the people there. 520 Bar and Grill’s expansion wasn’t about changing who they were, just adding a few more seats to invite more of Bellevue to come and sit for a spell.

520 Bar and Grill
10146 Main Street
425-450-0520

[View with PicLens]

520 Bar & Grill
- The closest we have to a neighborhood ‘Cheers’ pub, 520 Bar & Grill is my favorite place to watch football. It’s an especially great place to go if you’re a Husky fan; you’ll find more purple at this place than crimson! Plus, if the weather holds out, they even have a flat-screen on their outdoor patio.
10146 Main Street
425-450-0520

Earls
- The TV’s may not be huge, but there are lots of them. The bar’s big, and you can pretty much see the game from anywhere you sit. The do turn the sound on and up for football games and will even be offering brunch.
700 Bellevue Way
425-452-3275

Joey Bellevue
- They have a giant screen that drops down over the bar, as well as multiple smaller TV’s on each side of the room. The crowd is usually enthusiastic, and it’s the only place in town to get an ‘Iceberg’ in your beer. I also hear the servers aren’t bad looking.  ;)
800 Bellevue Way NE # 118
425-637-1177

Lot No. 3
- The best place to cozy up in a leather chair for a casual, relaxing game day. They have a projector that drops down in the front of the restaurant, and you’ll have a good view of it, whether you’re sitting up above or down below. You also can’t beat their weekend brunch menu, complete with 4 different Bloody Marys!
460 106th Ave NE
425-440-0025

Lucky Strike
- A great place to catch all the action, especially if you want to squeeze in a game or 2 of bowling. There’re ample places to sit in the lounge or at the bar, and enough TV’s to have a good view. It’s a good place to go with a group, if you want a better chance of finding space to sit all together.
700 Bellevue Way NE
425-543-5137

Munchbar
- It’s the new kid on the block for football fanatics this season and has turned out to be the place for Seahawks fans. Not only do Seahawks players frequent this Downtown Bellevue hot spot, but Munchbar now hosts The Official Seahawks Aftergame Party on Sundays from 9 PM – 11 PM. With video screens throughout the restaurant, this is the place for football fans to see and be seen.
505 Bellevue Square
206-307-1475

The Parlor
- All weekend long, Thursday – Monday, The Parlor will have their 12 TV’s and 9-foot HD screen tuned to football! In addition, there will be drink specials all night. They will even be open for breakfast starting at 9:30 AM on Saturdays and Sundays all season long.
700 Bellevue Way NE
425-289-7000

Rock Bottom Brewery
- This place is an old fan favorite – it’s a traditional brewpub that hosts sports fans on a regular basis. There are TV’s in the bar and an 120″ HD  projector screen screen upstairs, so it’s another great place for large groups. They also have brunch and drink specials on Sundays for their NFL Sunday Ticket.
550 106th Avenue NE
425-462-9300

The Spot Off Main
- They open every Saturday and Sunday at 9:45 AM specially for football season and have an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet for only $10! They have 5 HDTV’s and 3 projector screens, so you won’t miss the game.
20 103rd Avenue NE
425-646-6434

Let us know if you have a favorite Downtown Bellevue spot to watch football, and leave a shout-out to your favorite team in the ‘comments’ section!

Local events include:

The Parlor
Second annual New Year’s Eve 2011 Comedy Classic with Alonzo Bodden & Friends at 7pm and 9:30pm, December 31, at the Parlor Collection in Bellevue. Tickets for this live comedy show are $45-$50. Buy tickets & see details online. (Use code DBN for $5 Off!)

New Year’s Eve 2011 Party at The Parlor Collection at 6pm, December 31. The night includes door prizes, dancing, and video DJs in the Parlor’s Ultralouge. Tickets cost $25 at 425-289-7000.

Monsoon East
New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu at Monsoon East on the evening of December 31. The menu includes a 5-course meal, dessert, and 2 glasses of sparkling wine with every dinner. The cost is $90 per couple. Call 425-635-1112 for reservations.

The Spot Off Main
New Year’s Eve Digit Switch Party at The Spot Off Main at 10pm, December 31, to 1:30am, January 1. A raffle offers a Vegas trip for 2 (3 Days & 2 Nights). No cover. Call 425-646-6434 for information.

Tap House Grill
New Year’s Eve at Tap House Grill on the evening of December 31. Dinner reservations seating until 8:30pm, followed by a DJ and dancing. No cover. Call 425-467-1730 for details.

520 Bar & Grill
New Year’s Eve Party at 520 Bar & Grill offers drinks, a DJ, and dancing from 9pm, December 31, to 1am, January 1. No cover. See flyer for details.

Lucky Strike
New Year’s Eve 2011 at Lucky Strike at 9pm, December 31, to 2am, January 1. Lucky Strike will transform into an indoor Rio De Janeiro Carnival Party featuring the Vamo La Brazilian Dancers, with live performances and a drum line throughout the night. Tickets cost $30-$40. Order online, or call 425-453-5137.

Trick-or-Treating in Old Bellevue
Family-friendly activities include Trick-or-Treating in Old Bellevue, where over a dozen shops and restaurants along the corridor, on 103rd Ave and Main Street, will be handing out sweet treats. It’s an opportunity for families to walk their children through the original streets of Downtown Bellevue and meet the local merchants in the neighborhood. This event goes from 2pm - 5pm on Sunday the 31st.

Family Funfest at Bellevue Square
Another family-friendly Halloween even is the annual Halloween Family Funfest at Bellevue Square, also on Sunday the 31st, going from 4pm - 7pm. Participating stores within the mall will be handing out candy; there will be balloon-tying clowns, face painting and hair decoration in the Bellevue Square Center Court, a “Mad Scientist” booth with kid-friendly experiments, and opportunities for Halloween-themed photos. There will also be live performances by Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies in the Center Court at 4pm and 5:30pm.

Masquerade Ball at El Gaucho
For the adults who still enjoy the make-believe fun of Halloween, there’s a formal Masquerade Ball at El Gaucho on Saturday, October 30th. A black-tie evening to benefit the International Ballet Theatre, costumed guests will be dazzled by live performances of the International Ballet Theatre and presented with a hauntingly elegant dinner. Tickets are $250 per person, and they are available for reservation on the event website: www.ibtmasqueradeball.org/ticketing

520 Bar & Grill 4th Annual Halloween Party
Enjoy  the 4th Annual Halloween party at 520 Bar & Grill Saturday, October 30.  Enjoy food, drinks, music, & dancing! Event begins at 9pm, and goes until midnight.

Get a Costume
Needing some costume inspiration or supplies for a Halloween event of your own? There are a couple of Downtown Bellevue stores available for your holiday needs:

Halloween City
127 106th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004

Spirit Halloween
Bellevue Way
424 Bellevue Way NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: 425-454-7604

If you’re not able to make it out to the live games, or if your favorite team is out of town, the next best option is to watch them with other football fans in Downtown Bellevue! Here are a few recommendations of venues to watch the big games at this season:

• Taphouse
• The Spot Off Main
• 520 Bar & Grill
• The Parlor
• Joey Bellevue
• John Howie Steak
• Earl’s
• Lucky Strike
• Rock Bottom Brewery

What is your favorite place to watch football in Downtown Bellevue?  Sound off in our comments section below!

This event, benefitting Children’s Response Center, is making its return to Old Main Street on August 21st. Like food? You’re gonna like this.

The Taste of Main offers a Passport ($30/adults, $10/kids) for samplings of restaurants, desserts, and wine – as well as special offers, giveaways, and activities for kids and adults. Passports will be sold at the event or can be purchased beforehand at 425-688-5130. And for an extra $20, the ‘Woodinville Wine Country Experience’ will provide you with local wine samplings in selected boutiques and shops. The Wine Experience can be purchased at the event.

Participating restaurants include Bis on Main, Monsoon East, 520 Bar & Grill, and Gilbert’s on Main; dessert purveyors include Amore Chocolates and Fran’s Chocolates.

If food isn’t enough to get you going, you can also enjoy complimentary pedicures from Julep Nails, live entertainment, a Silent Auction, and more. La Ree, Design 10301, Ottica, Intentional Images, Glassy Baby, and Newport House are some of the Main Street businesses that will be offering exclusive sales, giveaways, activities, and samples.

The Bellevue Downtown Association announced Tuesday the winners of its 2010 Haute Picks. The Haute Picks are in their 8th annual year and are awards are given to people, places, and experiences that community members vote on from February 27th to April 2nd, to recognize businesses that are the best of Downtown Bellevue.

2010 Bellevue Downtown Association Haute Picks Award Winners:

Best Casual Business Meeting Spot
520 Bar & Grill
Old Bellevue – 10146 Main Street
520barandgrill.com

Best Cocktail (Drink and Place)
Shiso Wild Drop at Pearl Bar & Dining
Lincoln Square – 700 Bellevue Way NE
pearlbellevue.com

Best Coffee House
Starbucks Coffee Company
10 Downtown Bellevue Locations
starbucks.com

Best Happy Hour
Palomino
Lincoln Square – 610 Bellevue Way NE
palomino.com

Best Place for Sushi
Blue C Sushi
The Lodge at Bellevue Square - 503 Bellevue Square
bluecsushi.com

Best Power Lunch
El Gaucho
City Center Plaza – 450 108th Avenue NE
elgaucho.com

Best Retail Boutique
Gotta Have Shoes!
Old Bellevue – 10047 Main Street
gottahaveshoes.com

Best Romantic Dinner
Daniel’s Broiler
Bellevue Place – 10500 NE 8th Street
schwartzbros.com

Best Lunch Under $10
Chipotle
10503 NE 4th Street
chipotle.com

Best Place for a First Date
The Parlor Collection
Lincoln Square – 700 Bellevue Way NE
parlorlive.com

Best Place for a Haircut
Bach’s Barbershop
10676 NE 8th Street

Best Place for a Mani/Pedi
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas
Bellevue Galleria – 550 106th Avenue NE
genejuarez.com

Best Place for a Massage
Matheny Chiropractic Center
555 108th Avenue NE
mathenychiropracticcenter.com

Best Place to See and Be Seen
Lucky Strike Lanes
Lincoln Square – 700 Bellevue Way NE
bowlluckystrike.com

Best Seafood Restaurant
Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar
Civica Office Commons - 205 108th Avenue NE
seastarrestaurant.com

Best Steakhouse
John Howie Steak
The Bravern – 11111 NE 8th Street
johnhowiesteak.com

Best Sweet Tooth Fix
Trophy Cupcakes
The Bravern - 700 110th Avenue NE
trophycupcakes.com

Best Uniquely Downtown Bellevue Experience
“Snowflake Lane”
The Bellevue Collection – Bellevue Way NE & NE 8th Street
bellevuecollection.com

Best Wine List
Purple Café and Wine Bar
Bellevue Towers – 430 106th Avenue NE
thepurplecafe.com

Best Workout Spot
Elite Fitness
Old Bellevue – 136 102nd Avenue SE
elitefitnessbellevue.com