Gilbert's on Main — Restaurant in Bellevue

I'll tell you a short story before I tell you about the exceptional food and convivial vibe at Gilbert's. I walked into Gilbert's on a Friday noon and as usual it was bustling. I was ahead of a friend I planned to meet there, so I stepped outside and leaned against the doorway. Soon a man and his wheelchair-bound wife strolled up. What I witnessed next was an exceptional act of kindness.

The husband peered inside and saw the same busy scene I had and he talked with his wife about whether they wanted to wait or even try and get inside given the potential complication of a wheelchair in a popular, close-quarters sandwich shop. Before either could form an opinion a man walked out the door and without introducing himself or asking any questions, he graciously assured the pair that he would make room for both of them at a table promptly.

That guy wasn't a manager, wasn't a server, it was Steve Gilbert. That was the guy who owns Gilbert's and he handles himself with all the nonchalance and authenticity of a person who loves what he does. True to his intention he moved tables himself and shepherded the two lunch-goers into a comfortable, spacious corner of the restaurant.

Having seen this and putting in my order to split a reuben with my friend (the #7, you should try it), I passed the owner as he was walking back to the kitchen. I gently gripped his arm and said "You make the best sandwiches in Bellevue here, maybe Seattle." I expected him to politely demure since a lot'a people say that to a lot'a restaurant owners but instead he paused, squared up to me and exhaled with humility. He was both surprised and genuinely appreciative I'd mentioned it and thanked me heartily. He encouraged me to write a review since as a small business owner it can be challenging to find enthusiastic patrons. So I'm writing that review.

Now, the food: Gilbert's on Main in Old Bellevue boasts the absolute best sandwiches in Bellevue – maybe Seattle. Each order comes heaping with meat and splitting a sandwich with a friend is a great way to do lunch there. Everything is fresh, savory, and succulent. Steve Gilbert can be seen pitching in around the shop and as I told above, he revels in hearing if you enjoy yourself. The walls are painted in a Mediterranean pattern that shows flower boxes and touches that confer a great year-round aesthetic. The line is usually long around noon but it moves briskly. I recommend being prepared to choose takeout at the counter if you don't want to jockey for a table, and in summer that's fine because it's a block from the park and benches on Main. There are even some outside tables when it's warm.

If you want to try your favorite sandwich made better than you've ever tasted it before, go to Gilbert's. Often. And say...

This is my second review of Gilbert’s on Main. My wife and I have visited 1-2x a month from 2015 to 2022, doing pick up orders during COVID. In the last year, we’ve visited once a month or once every couple months.

Food quality, taste, and portions are great. No change there from my last review.

Unfortunately I am only leaving 3 stars because the service has significantly declined. Last weekend was the third time in a row where they messed up the order or only brought out half the order. After waiting 18 minutes, I went to the counter and asked. I discovered my wife’s sandwich was just sitting there for over 20 minutes after they served my omelette. The employees were just relaxing in the two white chairs next to the entrance.

Given the prices continue going up (the $18 omelette breakfast in 2015 is now $28), and given that I have to stand in line and order myself, take my own drink, take my own napkins and silver, I don’t think I will visit again and if my wife forces me to, I will not leave a tip. We’ve had the same lady take our order the last four times. Three of those four times, she messed up the same order we’ve been giving for the past 8 years. The visit prior to our one this weekend, she messed up 3-4 orders in a row. Each person went to the counter to complain. This person is either intentionally screwing the business, just does not care, or doing it to steal from the owners (free food?).

I think the owners (God bless them) are getting older and relying on employees to do the right thing. These people are letting them down and letting loyal...

While out touring old Bellevue with some friends from out of town, we stopped out front of Gilbert’s to admire all of the beautiful primroses they had just planted. As we were taking pictures of the flowers the owner of Gilbert’s came out to say hello and then he did the coolest thing ever! He offered to buy all three of us lunch!! We had just spent the morning walking in the rain and were cold and wet and he not only welcomed us in with open arms he insisted on treating us to a delicious lunch. The food was so good!!! We dined on homemade soups and salads and sandwiches. Everything was fresh and full of flavor and even though we were not even that hungry we managed to devour everything that was put in front of us. Even though I am now a local in Bellevue I had not been into Gilbert’s yet and I was beyond pleased with the whole experience and definitely plan to go back for brunch and live jazz on a weekend. The place is cozy and clean and the staff was fabulous! I would recommend them to anyone and everyone and kudos to the owner for believing in the power of paying it forward! We truly appreciated the hospitality and left feeling full and happy and with plans to continue passing along his kindness and generosity. In short, EAT AT GILBERT’S!!! I promise you won’t...