Route 522 Taproom "The 522" — Restaurant in Woodinville

Before coming here, I saw weekly posts from neighbors in the Facebook group talking about their wonderful meals. I was slightly confused about how great food in a ‘taproom’ could be. I decided I follow the page on FB for awhile and see for myself . I talked to o my husband about visiting but we never got the chance before the second covid shutdown. Recently I saw the chef was doing vegan Monday’s, I was excited about this- besides Thai food, there aren’t many options in woodinville. My husband and I went tonight and were pleasantly surprised. The chef greeted us upon entering and showed us to our table, explained the menu and gave us some time to review it on our own. I order the vegan dinner, tonight consisted of lentil soup, falafel and stuffed pepper. It was delicious! My husband ordered the chef salad, both were huge portions! The atmosphere here is moody and romantic- red light and candles on the table, definitely not what you would expect from a tap room. The chef came and visited us multiple times during our meal to check in, I felt like I was in a fine dining establishment. He is friendly and welcoming. There are taps along the back wall, it sounds like they are transition the space- don’t let the name steer you away. Food and service are wonderful! I hope we can make this one of our regular spots. As for covid- staff are wearing masks, tables are spaced out nicely, felt clean and safe inside! This place will be packed once all...

We we're meeting good friends for dinner. We wanted someplace different and this place looked good online. We made a reservation because we assumed it would be busy on a Friday evening. When we arrived at the time of our reservation we had to ask for a table to be cleaned for us. Once seated we waited like 20 minutes before a server even approached us. We had to ask for water. We ended up waiting about 25 minutes for Luke warm water! Then we asked to taste a wine we weren't sure about and it even to so long for that! It wasn't even busy! It wasn't like there was a big dinner rush and they were short staffed or anything. They were just super slow and wandering around like they didn't really know what they were doing or supposed to be doing. We were going to order dinner but we witnessed a heated exchange between the cook and one of the servers. He looked so angry and we didn't think it was a good idea to order any food at this point. We decided after waiting now about 45 minutes for my husband to receive a flat beer and our friend his drink that we did not want to wait another 45 minutes or more for our dinner. My girlfriend and I did order drinks. She ordered a Cosmo and I ordered a lemon drop. Two of the most common and simplest drinks at any bar! Her Cosmo tested like just fruit punch, while my lemon drop tasted like lemon flavored battery acid! It was just a very terrible and disappointing experience all around! Will...

522 Taproom. That’s all you need to know on January 1, 2024. 522 Taproom. What makes this establishment exceptional and one of a kind?

The owners work there! Imagine that! The chef, his wife, his adult kids - they got skin in the game. They care. It shows everywhere.

I’m so tired of being served but mostly forgotten. A chef and owner visiting your table? Asking questions? Having a conversation?

It doesn’t get any better.

Unless his life partner is your server!

New Year’s Eve we went for a 8 mile walk and wanted something special before an evening party. The tomahawk with lobster and veggies. Out of this world.

Then the chef came by to check on us. Found us very happy. Explained the difference between this massive steak and others. And we asked more questions. To a chef!

The vibe here is so different. Tables spread out. People saying hello to the family. Everybody feeling very special, engaged, and well-served.

Remember the days when owners cared about their business and their customers? I worked as a server for Bellagio with Chef Genaro opening day and he literally asked his servers and his guests how their meal was. Then he opened a 5-star restaurant in LA because he brought that level of intimacy with his guests.

And 522 Taproom is the same. Totally differentiated. Totally excellent meal, service and atmosphere.

Happy New Year, to all and to the wonderful family of...