BYOW: Restaurants in Seattle with Free Corkage
Take your wine out to play at one of these eateries (plus two shops!) where the corkage is free
By Brandon Taylor September 25, 2014
This handy list goes out to those individuals who are eternally waiting for the perfect moment to uncork that bottle in the basement; to those curious about how their at-home wine selection might pair with restaurant cuisine; to those who’d rather not depend on wine lists to choose the ideal vintage; and to those who simply believe in a world of vino libre. There are places for you, friends! Good places, with good people and great food. The following is a compilation of Seattle eateries that offer free corkage.
Tanglewood Supreme
An intimate (make a reservation!) fisherman-to-table seafood bistro with delicate selections fit for a true foodie. Tucked into a quiet Magnolia alleyway, this relatively young restaurant (opened October 2012) has impressed us, as well as countless others, with its eclectic eats. Read our former food editor Alison Austin Scheff’s take on the resto here.
Andrea Coan
Free Corkage:
Every Tues-Thurs – limit one 750ml bottle per two guests
Bonus:
When the eatery says fisherman-to-table, it really means it: Chef Jeffrey Kessenich handpicks the fish, oysters and other shellfish he serves – and knows the guy who catches Tanglewood’s salmon personally. Tues-Sat, 4pm-close; 3216 W Wheeler St; 206.708.6235; tanglewoodsupreme.com
Chan
Chef Heong Soon Park’s Korean homeland inspires the deliciously consistent and approachable dishes–made with local and sustainable ingredients–that have made this Pike Place joint so popular. Chan boasts a robust following and prime location (reservations highly recommended).
Free Corkage:
Every day – limit one 750ml bottle per two guests
Bonus:
Stop in for Happy Hour, 5-6:30 p.m. Tues-Thurs (Chan made Eater’s 2013 list of best happy hour spots in Seattle) Tues-Sat, 5-10pm; 86 Pine Street; 206.443.5443; chanseattle.com
Lot no. 3
Unassuming and delicious, the gastropub-influenced menu at Lot no. 3 rises to meet its sleek but informal atmosphere. Enjoy the selection of gourmet comfort foods at this Bellevue hotspot alongside a beer or–you guessed it–a bottle of red from your personal stash.
Free Corkage:
Every day – limit one 750ml bottle per two guests
Bonus:
This place is known for its tantalizing brunch menu, available Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Open daily (11 a.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. Sat-Sun) until midnight; 460 106th Ave NE; 425.440.0025; lotno3.com
Le Zinc
Authentic French cuisine in a chic new Capitol Hill bistro and bar? That’s Le Zinc. The owners of Pike Place’s Maximilien dispatched their gifted chef to fondly serve roasted chicken breasts, Penn Cove mussels and poutine, etc. amidst gleaming modular décor. In other news: It serves absinthe.
Meryl Alcabes
Free Corkage:
Mondays – limit one 750ml bottle per two guests
Bonus:
Free mussels every Wednesday! “No joke,” reads Le Zinc’s website–any purchase made on a Wednesday nets a free serving of Moules. Open daily from 4 p.m., 10:30 a.m. on Sun; 1449 E Pine St.; 206.257.4151; le-zn.com
Purple Café and Wine Bar
Purple’s downtown location features an interior that’s a meeting of richly stained wood, rustic brick walls and tasteful mood lighting. The pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, soups, salads and startling array of starters almost, almost, compete with the breadth of its exhaustive wine list, the selection of which lines a giant column circled by a steel spiral staircase. The Bellevue, Kirkland and Woodinville locations are similar, if not quite so elaborately elegant.
Free Corkage:
Every day – limit one 750ml bottle that is not found on its wine list. Open daily from 11 a.m., 12 p.m. Sat-Sun; 1225 Fourth Ave; 206.829.2280; thepurplecafe.com
Two Shops that Deserve a Mention:
Portalis Wine Shop and Bar
The knowledgeable (and very friendly) staff, regularly updated menu and admirable selection of wine at Portalis make it a perfect place to learn about, shop for and drink wine. Enjoy a cheese plate, chocolate pot or prosciutto tart while soaking in the good vibrations of this cozy and well-established Ballard wine hub.
Free Corkage:
Wednesdays – for bottles purchased at the shop
Bonus:
Wine tastings Saturdays from 2-6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (during the Ballard Sunday Market). Open daily; 5205 Ballard Ave NW; 206.783.2007; portaliswines.com
Greenlake Wines and Wine Bar
Greenlake Wines’ owner and chief purveyor Richard Kinssies can be counted on to greet you with a smile–and some seriously deep-seated wine wisdom behind it. He’s also the director of the Seattle Wine School, a wine journalist, a sommelier and the owner of Seattle Wine Outlet, where he handpicks an impressive selection of unique wines from around the world. His affable personality and wine lore go great with a glass of the stuff–step inside for a free lesson anytime.
Free Corkage:
Every day – for bottles valued over $20 purchased at the shop
Bonus:
Friendly and knowledgeable owner Richard (of Wine Outlet) offers pita bread, hummus and daily specials made in-house. Also, stop by for $5 wine tastings on Thursdays. Tues-Fri 3pm-9pm; 1400 N 80th St; 206.524.6909; greenlakewines.com