Scotty Browns in Bellingham WA – 3101 Newmarket Street Suite 201
Scotty Browns – a Review of Bellingham’s Newest Restaurant
| Scotty Browns Bellingham WA
3101 Newmarket St #201 Bellingham, WA 98229 |
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Updated: 4/28/09
Last Thursday we headed back to Scotty Brown’s for dinner and drinks. On our last visit we had burgers, so this time we decided to step it up a notch. As always, the ambiance of Scotty Brown’s was fun and lively. We arrived and 6:00pm to meet with some friends, and a table was ready for us immediately. We were seated at a table near a big window towards the back of the restaurant. I highly recommend sitting in this vicinity of the restaurant if you are looking visiting Scotty’s for a more personal/intimate occasion, as it is considerably quieter than the rest of the restaurant. Once we were settled in, we were greeted by our wonderful server, Tiffany, who was friendly and attentive.
Our group decided to start out with white wine and appetizers. Personally, I prefer red wine to white, but I am open to trying new things. We asked the house manager, Jason, for a white wine recommendation. Jason suggested that we try the MacMurray Ranch Pinot Gris from Sonoma Valley CA. The pinot gris was delightful; full bodied and an excellent flavor. I also appreciated that the white wine was kept in a chiller on our table after the initial pouring.
For appetizers we ordered the wok squid and spicy tuna rolls. The spicy tuna rolls were not yet on the printed menu, but Jason brought them to our attention while he was recommending our wine. The wok squid was just alright for me. I really liked the dipping sauce and the squid were properly cooked, but they were not out of sight, although, everyone else at the table seemed to really enjoy them. The spicy tuna rolls on the other hand were amazing. The ahi tuna was rare and perfect. For me the texture of the tuna roll is what made this sushi over the top. There was a crunchy fried onion in the middle that gave the roll the perfect crunch. If Scotty Brown’s doesn’t have the tuna rolls on the menu the next time you stop in, be sure to ask for them, they are well worth it.
As we were enjoying our appetizers Tiffany returned to take our entrée orders. My girlfriend ordered the potato crusted halibut with seasonal vegetables, which I have to admit that I did not have the opportunity to sample because I was too full from my own entrée. I selected the house special – filet mignon – medium rare with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a fantastic mushroom sauce. Jason made another excellent recommendation – a side of “wicked mushrooms.” The wicked mushrooms were a spicy complement to the rich filet. The steak was topped with the mushroom sauce and an amazing goat cheese, which had a texture more like butter than cheese. The flavors were absolutely wonderful. Everyone seemed to enjoy their entrees, as all of our plates were nearly liked clean, with no trace of the good food we had consumed.
For dessert, the four of us split a sampler of the three dessert options on the menu. This “dessert buffet” included a chocolate pecan pie, tiramisu, and key lime pie. The tiramisu topped with chocolate flakes was my favorite. The chocolate pecan pie and key lime pie were also good, but I have to admit that neither are my favorite. The key lime had a very strong fresh lime flavor and the chocolate pecan pie was very rich, which my girlfriend did not seem to mind – the pecan pie was her favorite. We also finished our meals and desserts with a bottle of Forbidden Red wine. The Forbidden Red is an excellent value at $27, especially considering the fact that they are currently serving a 2004 vintage.
Scotty Brown’s has definitely worked out their opening kinks since they opened in January, and I highly recommend that you “splurge” when you dine and try something on the “higher end” of the menu. The servers are extremely knowledgeable; our server Tiffany even said that they have been doing some wine tasting with the wait staff in order to become more familiar with what is on the menu, enabling them to make solid recommendations to their guests. You could also ask to speak with Jason, who knows his menu and his wine list very well. My only suggestion would be for Scotty Brown’s to offer a better happy hour – bigger and better appetizer and drink specials (i.e. discounts) would make it hard for people not to stop by for a “quickie” on their way home. Happy hours are really hot in Bellingham right now, and it could keep Scotty’s full from 4 – 7 every night.
Original Post
My girlfriend and I decided to give the new Scotty Browns Social House a try last Friday night. Scotty Browns just opened a week ago and we wanted to give them try.
We showed up at 5:15pm on a Friday night and the place was packed. There was nobody in the entry lobby when we arrived, but all of the seats were full. We ended up waiting about 15 minutes for a table to open up. By the time our table was ready the entire lobby was packed to the gills. Our first impressions from the lobby were “Wow”. There were enormous projection flat screen TV’s at both ends of the bar and the picture quality was outstanding. The house was over staffed, but I imagine that they were doing some training with the recent open.
Once we were seated, we were taken to a table in the back of the restaurant that was located well away from the bar. The two person booth that we were sat in was very comfortable and the coat hangers between booths came in very handy. Within a couple of minutes of being seated we ordered drinks which came right away. We were also able to order our food at that time.
Our server was very friendly, but a bit unsure of the menu. I realize that the restaurant just opened, but maybe Scotty Brown’s needs to spend a little more time feeding their staff the some of the menu items. It is really nice when the server has tried most of the food on the menu, especially if it is a new restaurant. As for our food, it came to our table within 10 minutes of ordering. This was a big plus because I expected slow service from a new restaurant that not only slammed, but just opened.
Things couldn’t have gone much better until the food arrived. This is when there was a little disappointment. My girlfriend and I both ordered the Hollywood burgers. I figured that burgers were a safe bet for fast service and a solid meal, however the burger was a big let down. I am not sure if I have ever eaten such a greasy hamburger. The patty itself was very greasy, but well portioned. I didn’t care for the bun. The bun was fairly small, light, and reminded me of Dairy Queen. The other problem was the order of burger toppings. The sauce was smothered over the cheese, then the patty and then the lettuce and tomato. The patty kept sliding out of the bun because the layer of grease between the lettuce and patty were causing some serious lubrication issues. Frankly, it was a big mess when I was done. It would have been a catastrophic mess, but the napkin miraculously was able to handle all the sauce and grease. I have to say that was one serious serviette. Never in my dining experiences have I been provided with such an outstanding paper napkin.
Moving on to the fries, I went with the standard shoe string French fries. I thought that the fries were mediocre. They were surprisingly a little cold considering how fast the food came out. My girlfriend ordered the yam fries. I am not a huge fan of sweet fries, but they actually weren’t too bad. I’m not sure if the yam fries were worth the extra $1.50 upgrade fee.
I also think that Scotty Browns needs to offer more competitive happy hours specials. They don’t offer any happy hour specials on Fridays or Saturdays. On the days they do offer happy hour specials, they are not very competitive. Poppies and the Jack Niemann’s Black Forest Steak House offer some really good deals during their happy hours, but Scotty Browns just offers a dollar or two of their selected drinks and appetizers.
All in all I think Scotty Browns has a great atmosphere and is probably a really fun place to sit in the bar to watch sports and drink beer. I can’t say that I will be coming back to restaurant side for a while though. I imagine that I will end up there again for a Birthday Party, or some other event, but personally the burgers across the street at Bob’s Burger and Brew are far superior to Scotty Browns.
Kim said,
January 13, 2009 @ 1:32 pm
Considering that they only have 2 hamburgers, you should go back and try something else!
Ryan Martin said,
January 13, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
While that is true, it is pretty hard to screw up hamburgers.
I would consider going back and trying a steak (7oz for $19 or the 10oz for $26), but that seems a bit steep for Bellingham considering that I can get a 12oz steak at Dirty Dan Harris for $26 that I know is going to be great.
I kind of see the entire menu in that regard. It looks okay, but I know of other places that serve the same thing (maybe better?) for a little less money.
Mike Bartosch said,
January 13, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
My wife and I were there on the same night, and roughly the same time. The atmosphere was pretty amazing. I felt like I had been transported from Bellingham into a bustling big city restaurant/pub. Of course, it was very crowded . . . and noisy. Lots of activity. I liked the looks of the place.
I had a blackened fish sandwich. I’d give it about a 7 out of 10. Pretty good. My wife had the tandoori quesadilla and was not very impressed with it. Frankly, I didn’t see that much on the menu in the $8-$15 range that was that exciting to me.
I’ll definitely go back for a beer and to try something else on the menu. And it is definitely a place for all to check out.
Ryan Martin said,
January 13, 2009 @ 3:02 pm
Mike,
I think that your assessment is very fair. I thought that the atmosphere and ambiance was great. The TV’s in the bar were amazing. It sounds like your wife’s opinion of the food was similar to mine. I do recommend that everyone go there and check it out, but maybe just for a beer or two.
I am curious if anyone has tried anything else on the menu? Maybe the staff?
Candice said,
January 14, 2009 @ 10:54 am
My hubby and I went for brunch. We sat in the bar and the atmosphere was very nice. My husband ordered the Pulled Pork Hash which was great. I ordered the Spicy Crispy Chicken Club that was more like shoe leather than chicken (also it was served on a plain white hamburger bun).
I also recommend that everyone go and check it out, but just for drinks until they tweak their menu. Oh, and check out your coffee cup before you drink (my hubby’s came with pink lipstick).
Ryan Martin said,
January 14, 2009 @ 11:39 am
Candice ~ Thanks for the heads up on the Spicy Crispy Chicken Club. I almost ordered that, but I was in the mood for more of a burger than a sandwich. When I asked my server what type of bread the club sandwich came on, she told me it was on sourdough. I really think that the staff needs to try the entire menu.
Eric Badgley said,
January 14, 2009 @ 11:27 pm
I don’t know, you got to a fancy restaurant and order a burger what do you expect. Its like ordering American in a Chinese restaurant. Why don’t you buck up some cash and order something else.
Me personally I think Scotty Browns is the new hot spot. Great food, great staff, great drinks. I do admit the staff maybe should read the menu. But no complaints to me.
Jillene said,
January 15, 2009 @ 8:55 am
I was SO excited when Scotty Brown’s opened because it is a Canadian chain, and Canadians know how to do it!!! The class in this restaurant/bar is far superior to any other in Bellingham… just what our city has been needing for a while. As Mike said, you feel as if you’re out of town, almost as if on vacation. A good business move; they hire very good looking people, as long as it doesn’t steer away the jealous types right? We’re all hoping they will try to improve their menu (and MORE!) as time goes on instead of ignoring the popular demands which most places around here seem to do. If you’re hesitant about this place.. live a little.. it has fantastic ambiance and you can dress up OR down and go on a date, hang with friends & watch sports, or even for lunch. As Nike says, Just Do It!
Ryan Martin said,
January 15, 2009 @ 11:29 am
Well said Jillene. Hopefully Scotty Browns improves the menu once they get into a groove. See you there…
Ryan Martin said,
January 17, 2009 @ 2:40 pm
@Eric ~ I would say that Scotty Browns is upscale, but I wouldn’t call an establishment that accommodates drunks like you as “fancy”.
Joe said,
January 23, 2009 @ 5:17 am
“…drunks like you…” eh? You’ve got a tough crowd here Ryan! lol Haven’t talked with you in a while and notices a comment you made on another blog and thought I would pop over. Your blog is looking great Ryan.
On a general restaurants note, Colleen and I love some of the restaurants on the west side. Unless we go further east, there are no great restaurants here in Tri Cities.
Meagan said,
January 23, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
I have been to Scotty Brown’s two times. Like everyone says the atmosphere is great, there is nowhere in town that comes even close. I too felt like I was in a big city. My first time there I had the chicken pad thai and thought it was ok. (it did not have enough flavor for me) Although that was the first weekend they opened and it was beyond busy. My 2nd time I ordered the Margarita pizza, my friend ordered the Spicy Chicken Club and we split. We thought the pizza was great and we both thought the sandwich and french fries were delicious. I have never had such a good chicken burger in my life. I do agree they could offer a better happy hour menu.
Also both times I have been, the staff was beyond great, in my opinion they have spent a lot of time training and it seems customer service is a top priority. I look forward to going again and trying a few more things on the menu. (oh and I also thought the napkin was pretty snazzy)
Magan Sager said,
January 28, 2009 @ 7:43 am
Mr. Martin.
You and I BOTH know that yam fries are always worth an extra $1.50. (I believe Arliss’ charges an extra $1 for theirs.) That extra $0.50 is for your superior paper napkin.
See you at the Lowry’s next week. Too bad your Seahawks bombed so completely this year. I’ll light a candle for them at church next time I go.
Mrs. Sager
Sheldon said,
February 23, 2009 @ 9:51 am
I went to scotty browns with some friends on feb. 13 and the food was very good. I had the Pad Thai with prawns. and the portions were perfect. I didn’t feel like they were skimping on the prawns but they didn’t over do the sauce. I would have been nice if i could have made it spicier but other wise we were all satisfied.
I went back the day for Valentines day with my date’s and we had a great time. Given the holiday we went early at about 5:30 and they were already getting busy. But regardless the food was still very good.
I’ll go to Scotty Browns before I ever go to The Olive Garden (which had a 30 min. wait at 5:30 on Valentines day). The waitress I had both nights was great, she new what she was doing and was alway’s there for any questions.
Ryan Martin said,
February 23, 2009 @ 11:59 am
@Sheldon ~ I have been back to Scotty Browns a couple of times since I initially wrote this, so I will update it later when I have more time. I actually had the Pad Thai last week and it was pretty good, although not as good as you would get in a “real” Thai restaurant.
I firmly believe that the atmosphere at Scotty Browns in incomparable to other restaurants in Bellingham. However, I also firmly believe that you could get anything on the menu at a a higher quality for less money somewhere else in Bellingham. I think that Scotty Browns is a great place to stop by and have a beer after work, but that is about it for me.
Chris C. said,
April 3, 2009 @ 10:52 am
It’s obvious the atmosphere is big city feel and wonderfully done. The food does lack. I tried most of the apps, so far, and was not really impressed. Some of there sauces were blatantly out of a bottle. They need to get out of same beer distributor as well and shake up the below average beer selection most of Bellingham has. Hopefully they will grow and take criticism constructively and to heart. In the mean time I think it fills a hole. There are plenty of amateur bars in Whatcom County.
Mateo said,
April 28, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
I believe that Scotty’s has made a wonderful entry into the Bellingham market with their new restaurant and menu selections. I have been on several occasions and do recommend it for those wanting a quality evening out.
If one is trying to have a laid back and exciting evening, then they can sit in the open bar area of the restaurant but if you want a quieter location, ask them to seat you near the rear of the restaurant where the sound level is a bit lower.
A great experience and with good friends its even greater.
Mark said,
June 2, 2009 @ 12:41 pm
So I have an inside track on this restaurant. The Ambience is Chic those white flower chandelers when you first come in the big one 13,000 the small one 9,000 the booths made out of fur the the girls oh my god! Yeah there all hot! A very easy way to spend an hour sipping a cold one after a hard day at work. This restaurant is an upscale fast food joint. I believe the Chef also was the Chef at the restaurant inside the hotel bellwether. I had the wok squid it was good. Those napkins really are cool, a lot of thought went into developing the look they have. The food I would say for a bar which is essentially what this place is 8 out of 10
Jani Barger said,
June 13, 2009 @ 7:57 am
I did enjoy my experience at Scotty Brown’s. The decor is upscale and the staff is obviously chosen for their looks, BUT our server did a good job. The food we chose was very good, (Thai steak salad, salmon salad and BBQ chicken pizza). They had happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers since it was just before 6 pm, so we also took advantage of these, and these were also good- but I would not order them at regular prices. My only complaint really is that the music- mostly blasting from the bar area, was very pounding- and made it hard to relax, even though we were sitting near the back of the restaurant. This makes me think that this restaurant is not thinking of couples or people who want to have conversations as much as the bar or party crowd. Still, I’d try it again.
Dale Kreiser said,
November 7, 2009 @ 8:01 am
Wow, great thread here Ryan and super comments by all. I have only eaten there once and ordered a salad…it was tasty. I have sampled the libations and ambiance on several occasions and enjoy the energy there.
For all these reasons I’ve chosen to host the IRL Virtual RE BarCamp http://rebarcamp.com/virtual/ afterbar party at Scotty’s #BhamAfterBar. The mixer will commence at 4:30 – 6pm on November 17th, 2009 and should prove to be a blast. RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/eXpRealty in the events tab.
Love to see you all there!