Aurora Borealis — Restaurant in Shoreline

My family and I have been eating at the Aurora Borealis since it opened. We love supporting local businesses. We brought our parents, kids, and even co-workers to your restaurant. During the height of the pandemic last year, we ordered take out and 3 out of the 4 meals were not as ordered. I called the restaurant, and they stated that when we were ready to order again they would compensate us for the 3 meals. They took my name and number down. On January 30th, I wanted to treat my family to breakfast, so called last week and talked to Robin who talked to Lyndsey. Lyndsey called me back later that afternoon, she said that she would compensate us for our meals that were done incorrectly. I called the restaurant today (2/06), and spoke with Maddie and Robin and they couldn't find the note Lyndsey had left, so they would reach out to her. When I didn't hear back, I called a second time because lunch time was slipping away, and they said Lyndsey would need to call me. I asked them if they could just talk to Lyndsey, but they hung up on me instead. I called back and it went to voice messaging. So, I went to speak with the manager. It was apparent from the start of the conversation, when she stated that only she had the authority to offer compensation for meals and not Lyndsey. I told her my story, and she says where's your receipt, did you bring the food back...any person could come in here and claim this. She indirectly called me a liar and then she told me she didn't like me harassing her staff on the phone. She was not deescalating the situation she was inflaming it. Her voice was raised and her body language and demeanor was very aggressive. She was like a bully trying to assert her dominance. I told her I would be writing a review or talking to someone, and that's when she told me to get out of her restaurant. She would do well with sensitivity training and anger management classes. It was one of the most terrible interactions with a restaurant staff member I have ever encountered. Lyndsey did call me to apologize, and offered me a gift card. I told her that this experience with her manager has left me disheartened in supporting her business. I also told her it is a great loss that goes far beyond one disgruntled person. I grew up and own a business in the Shoreline area, but after this interaction, my family, friends and co-workers will not be supporting this...

I can't recall having such a strong reaction to a restaurant before. There seems to be an invisible line that runs down 145th, where once you pass north, there are only ethnic food choices and one, maybe two quality restaurants (Hills is one). The fact that Lena's cafe and LFP Bar & Grill are so popular either speak to our lower standards or desperation.

The reaction started the moment I stepped into the joint. Frankly, I was so aghast at the neon assault, if it wasn't for the Pappy Van Winkle, I would have turned on my heals and walked back out. Think bad Vegas restaurant in an off-strip casino where the goal is to keep people gambling at 3:00 AM.

As for the back bar -- wow! They get full marks. As for their pricing. BOO. This is still Shoreline. Not Ballard. The mid-priced bottles of Pappy were priced well enough, compared to other places here in Seattle and Portland. The 23 year was... HAHAHAHA. And the Blanton's was a full FIVE times more than a restaurant in Edmonds is charging right now. $14 for Woodfords fercryinoutloud...

The staff is FABULOUS. They hired well. As for the food, we had the dates, which were fine. But after 90 minutes, we simply couldn't take the lighting any longer. So we left. We will not return. Which is a darned shame. I know they're new. And have a ton of potential. But the first line of order should be to warm the place up by turning those damn lights down. Especially in the evening. Also, let's be a little more realistic with your booze prices. Do some comparative research before tossing top-line spirits on...

Went there on a Saturday mid afternoon after wanting to try it out for a long time. To be honest, I was a bit reluctant due to it's location but we were glad we gave them a try. The place was empty when we arrived but it was clean, spacious, and well lit. We were promptly seated. It was during happy hour so I ordered a drink and their parmesan truffle fries to start. They were running a special on Saturday where you get a free starter salad and dessert if you order an entree so I got their pot roast. My husband ordered from their Grand Marnier french toast from their all day breakfast menu.

Their portions are good. Their fries are awesome. The garlic aioli wasn't what I was expecting but was ok, it's almost like mashed garlic with oil. The pot roast was good too. The meat was tender and flavorful. Grilled veggies were not too soft or burnt. Both the fries and pot roast were a bit more salty than I'd like, I think I'll order the pot roast with gravy on the side next time. The creme brulee is twice as big as I was expecting, and it was delicious.

Overall, food was good, service was friendly and attentive, and happy hour drinks were cheap. They even have a few discounted food items on their HH menu that could pass for a meal. Will definitely go back again.

P.S. Their restaurant is upstairs with the event center downstairs. They are connected with stairs but have separate entrances. Dinner service is available till around 8 (depends on how busy they are) even if they...