The Adults-Only Restaurant In Washington Where You Can Enjoy A Peaceful Meal
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published December 27, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
Whether planning a date night away from your kiddos or simply seeking an adults-only experience, few outings feel more indulgent than sharing a delicious meal with someone special at a child-free restaurant. Tucked in the hip enclave of Greenwood, the French gastro-pub Gainsbourg is a Seattle sanctuary for dizzy late nights and a much-needed foxhole from family. Enjoy a delicious cocktail with an entrée that stacks up against the Emerald City’s best. Just don’t be shy about tucking your napkin into your shirt collar; French cuisine isn’t shy with its butter.
Endowed with scant curb appeal, this North Seattle gem epitomizes the old adage "Don't judge a book by its cover." Here, modest exteriors belie a transportive atmosphere within.
Escape the bustle of Greenwood Ave through a portal of heavy air curtains. Crafted from a velveteen material, these fabric drapes serve a dual purpose: protecting diners from cold drafts and separating them from the outside world so they can bask in the ambiance of one of Seattle's best interiors.
When it comes to beautiful restaurants, Washingtonians are spoiled for choice. Yet few can match this pub's play on casual decadence, an intoxicating mix of dim candlelight, aged wood, and, yes, the slightest hint of dust. Putting aside their tempting food and cocktail menus, Gainsbourg proves that atmosphere itself is an art.
They've crafted an environment that's simultaneously welcoming and exclusive— like a local hole-in-the-wall you discovered in a quiet Parisian neighborhood that becomes the subject of your future gastronomic cravings.
Test your palate with adventurous French classics like buttery escargot or opt for crowd-pleasing fare like bœuf bourguignon and onion soup. Will you conspire to sneak a bite from your companion's plate? Mais oui!
Some believe that breaking a wishbone brings good luck, but I far prefer breaking the carmelized surface of sumptuous crème brulée. Nurse your second drink and digest dinner while an old movie plays silently on the wall. Call ahead to coordinate your visit with the performance of a local musician.
Since its 2008 debut, Gainsbourg has become a favorite foxhole for adults seeking casual European elegance close to home. If you’re visiting from out of town, I hope I’ve made a case for this child-free restaurant’s place on your itinerary.
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