This Thursday the Wintergrass Music Festival will be coming to the Hyatt Regency. While primarily a bluegrass festival there will be an eclectic mix of bands from many musical genres including Gypsy jazz, Celtic music, Old-Timey, Swedish polskas and many more types of acoustic string music. Having previously been held at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma this will be the festival's first year at its new digs in Bellevue. This is one of the best indoor festivals in the country and draws a very dedicated following of bluegrass fanatics, many of whom bring their instruments with them and participate in informal jam sessions throughout the festival space.
If you have never been, this weekend is a great opportunity to get to know this festival as it expands into its new home. For those who have been to Wintergrass when it was in Tacoma, it may be a bit intimidating to get your bearings, especially if you have not spent much time in Bellevue. This guide is here to assist you make the most of your time. Whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat in between bands, a more relaxing dinner, to whet your whistle or perhaps just want to get out and stretch your legs this guide is here to help you get around town. Not knowing what the Hyatt's music venues will be like until this weekend, it is clear that the sheer number of dining and entertainment options in such close proximity to the festival makes Bellevue a much better choice than Tacoma.
Casa D's Taqueria – Cheap, Fast and Big Portions
102 Bellevue Way NE – less than 5 minutes walk less than 2 blocks south of Hyatt
Blue C Sushi – Conveyor Belt Sushi, Pretty Affordable, Quick and Lots of Selection
503 Bellevue Square - 3 minute walk right down Bellevue Way
Boom Noodle - Pretty Quick, Affordable and Satisfying on a chilly, NW day.
504 Bellevue Square – 4 minute walk down Bellevue Way, just past Blue C
M.O.D Superfast Pizza – Fast, Thin Crust Personal Pizzas, $6 unlimited toppings
317 Bellevue Way NE – 5 minute walk, just south of Bellevue Square Mall
More Relaxing Dinner:
Daniel's Broiler – Great steaks, Killer Happy Hours (4-6:30pm & 9pm-12am), Great Views
10500 NE 8th St, 21st Floor – In same complex (Bellevue Place as Hyatt), in Bank of America Tower
Maggiano's – Good Food, Great Service, Exclusive Wintergrass dinner show Friday night only 5-8pm for Wintergrass attendees only.
10455 NE 8th St – right across the street from the Hyatt at Lincoln Square
Pearl Bar & Dining – Beautiful Restaurant, Awesome Cocktails, Excellent Happy Hours (3-6pm, 9pm-12am)
700 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 50 – 5 minutes walk, on the south side of Lincoln Square, across from the Westin.
Monsoon East – Excellent Food, Elegant Restaurant, Weekend Dim Sum Brunch
10245 Main St. - A nice 12 minute, 3 block walk south of the Hyatt in Old Bellevue
Places to Whet Your Whistle:
Twisted Cork Wine Bar – Lounge will be an official venue Friday and Saturday but you don't need a wrtistband to get in here, great way to experience the festival without the expense of a ticket, great wine-by-the-glass selection.
Lobby of the Hyatt (going to be busy, might want to make a reservation if you have your heart set on eating here)
Stir Martini & Raw Bar– Will also be a festival venue on Friday and Saturday nights but the dining room will still be open, Great Cocktails, Exciting Seafood based menu.
Lobby of the Hyatt (going to be busy, might want to make a reservation if you have your heart set on eating here)
Tap House Grill – Best Beer Selection on Eastside, Over 150 Taps, Decent Happy Hour
550 106th Ave NE – 6 minute walk about 2 blocks south of Hyatt
Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub – Decent Pub Grub (Good Fish & Chips!!!), Guinness on Tap
700 Bellevue Way NE – Right across the street from the Hyatt, next to Maggiano's
Stretch Your Legs:
Lucky Strike – Swanky Bowling Alley with big video screens, decent happy hour from 4-7pm
700 Bellevue Way NE – right across the street in Lincoln Square, up the escalators one level
The Parlor – Upscale Billiards Parlor, Happy Hour all day on Sundays, $12/hr tables during the days.
700 Bellevue Way NE – 3rd Floor of Lincoln Square, up one level from Lucky Strike
Downtown Bellevue Park – City Oasis, ½ mile loop trail, Cool Water Fountains
10201 NE 4th Street – About 5 minutes from Hyatt, just south of Bellevue Square Mall
Bellevue Botanical Gardens – Beautiful Escape from the city,
12001 Main Street – 5 minute drive away, on the east side of 405
