Aalto Lounge

Aalto Lounge Restaurant Review:

The well-executed menu at this hip lounge is simple, casual and startlingly inexpensive: BLTs, mac ‘n’ cheese, vegetable pasta, artichoke dip, baked pretzels. You can't beat the value of a grilled cheese and tomato soup combo for $2. Drinks are first-rate as well, with 17 wines by the glass and creative cocktails such as the Belmont Jewel, a blend of bourbon, lemon, pomegranate juice, and orange blossom water. But Aalto Lounge's most defining feature is its Scandinavian-style design, for which its namesake, Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, was famous. Late at night, the place gets busier and louder with DJs providing music from 9 p.m. until closing. On dry Northwest days, the back garden is an enjoyable setting to dine and drink al fresco. Genial staff is always relaxed and glad to see you.