“Hungry?” A neon sign seems to ask as we approach Palace Kitchen. This Seattle restaurant has a story as rich as its goat cheese lavender fondue. Palace Kitchen is located at 2030 5th Avenue.
Palace Kitchen is a Pacific Northwest restaurant. It serves rustic cuisine. You will find it in Seattle’s Belltown/Denny Triangle neighborhood. Tom Douglas owns Palace Kitchen. He opened it in 1996. It was his third restaurant.
Imagine Seattle in the late 90s. Palace Kitchen quickly became a Belltown centerpiece. It was a late-night spot for industry folks. Cooks and bartenders would gather after their shifts. They enjoyed the tavern’s good food.
Step inside Palace Kitchen. Notice the U-shaped bar. The dim lighting creates an intimate atmosphere. The open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs at work. The apple wood grill adds a smoky flavor to many dishes.
Palace Kitchen’s menu has featured many popular items. Burgers and chicken wings are favorites. The goat cheese lavender fondue is a must-try. Its savory and floral notes complement each other perfectly.
In 2016, Tom Douglas made a change. He replaced tipping with a 20 percent service charge. This affected Palace Kitchen and two other restaurants. It aimed to provide more equitable wages.
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Palace Kitchen closed its doors. It remained closed for three long years. Downtown Seattle suffered. The city’s social fabric wore thin.
But there was good news. Palace Kitchen reopened in April 2023. Its loyal customers rejoiced. The reopening symbolized downtown Seattle’s revitalization. It signaled better times ahead.
The Seattle Times noted the grand reopening. It wrote that Palace Kitchen was a jolt this business quarter needed. Visit Seattle’s president celebrated this great step towards Seattle’s downtown.
The space retains its charm. Huge windows overlook the Monorail. Merlot-colored ceilings are supported by concrete pillars. Gilt paint adds a luxe touch. Bronze chandeliers illuminate the space. Velvet drapes are tied with gold tassels. The horseshoe-shaped bar remains capacious.
Originally opening in 1996, Palace Kitchen debuted its noteworthy formats. The huge open kitchen is abuzz with activity. The flames of the wood-fired grill are still glowing.
Some critics have noted inconsistencies since the reopening. However, the Palace Burger Royale remains a reliable choice. It is made with Washington state Royal Ranch chuck. Beecher’s Flagship cheese and a not-too-bready bun complete it.
Palace Kitchen reflects Tom Douglas’s high standards. It has impacted the region’s cuisine. He has helped build up Pacific Northwest farmers and ranchers.
Palace Kitchen has a legacy. It was once a place for important dates. It was a spot to show off to visitors. It was a late-night hangout.
Today, Palace Kitchen continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing times. It remains a dining destination in Seattle. It offers fresh seasonal food late into the night. Its loyal subjects still rejoice.