Bluwater Bistro

Needed a place to go for Thanksgiving dinner. Bluwater Bistro in Leschi is known for their Easter brunches so I thought it was a solid bet. Glad I called for a reservation even if it was only 30 minutes in advance because when we got there the line was outside the door and the restaurant was packed… we were seated immediately. We were offered a three-course dinner for $59. Prime rib, or turkey, with soup or salad to open the meal and pumpkin pie to wrap it up. There was a menu with other items, but it was Thanksgiving so we went with the prix fixe menu. I had the butternut squash soup and both of us agreed: it was amazing and flavor and really loved the rustic texture. The salad was fresh with the right combination of nuts and dried cranberries, and thankfully not oversaturated with dressing. I had the prime rib was nice and thick but found it was on the dry side. Thankfully, there was au jus and an amazing horseradish sauce. Friend had his turkey and pronounced it was good. Honestly, didn’t love the pumpkin pie. But the Pinot Noir we had was excellent. $15/glass. The best part was the service. Between Alexia, the legendary bartender, and Zach our server, we were set. In fact, one of the things we noticed was how swift and attentive the service was, despite the restaurant being packed — there is no shortage of servers who busily went around. Also, thankfully, they turned on the Seahawks game when it started at 5 o’clock.

What a great place for a good time out on the town. We love going here on a sunny summer afternoon. It’s been a great spot for date night or dinner with the family. Enjoy dining inside or sitting outside on the deck. They have 3 by the way. It just feels like summer there. After getting one of their signature cocktails you can delight in a northwest based menu of fresh seafood. Need something hardier then get the ribeye. If you’re in the Leschi neighborhood on lake Washington, then definitely stop in for at least a drink and take in the view.

Solid location, decent food, passable drinks, friendly but slow service. I appreciate the fully open windows and ample outdoor seating, some with water views. The ceviche makes for a delightful appetizer, especially on a warm day. The cocktails lean a bit too sweet for my taste. The restroom could use some improvement, but overall it's a middling experience. Update 8/13/2023: Visited for drinks and a snack today. The witty and delightful sense of humor from our server truly enhanced our evening. The food has improved, and the cocktails are enjoyable. I tried the Manny cocktail, and they were accommodating in adding an orange twist upon my request. Check them out if you are I'm the area.

The food was great. Service was on point. The atmosphere was great outside. The inside was not my favorite. It felt like a bar. But the outside and the garden is on another level compared to the indoors. The seating by the water is a bit crooked so you might be uncomfortable but other then that it’s great. If you are local it’s a great place to come by to enjoy. They don’t have espresso though ☕️:(