Chef Charlie McManus— arguably Tacoma’s best chef— has recently expanded his restaurant holdings by opening a comfortable neighborhood bar located just across and up the street from his justly famed Primo Grill. He named the bar after supposedly the most beautiful bar in all of Belfast.
The interior space is cozy and intimate, all dark wood paneling which gives the room a rich masculine feeling, and there is a nice bar. But as if to say– we don’t want you to think this place is “too nice”–they have painted the river rock fireplace a garishly bright silver, and hung some fun art as if to say– we don’t take ourselves too seriously–let’s have some fun.
After about 15 minutes, and we still didn’t have any food, I asked the Bartender to make sure the Kitchen wasn’t waiting to send us all 4 items at once—that it was OK to send us whatever was ready. We were starving. But it was still another 10 minutes before any food arrived. I want to emphasize that this is the only time that I have had timing issues out of this kitchen.
Next came the Charmoula Beef with Pita bread, and Cous Cous. $9
I like that the beef has a good crusty char to it.
Every time I’ve eaten here I always make a point to order my favorite dish:
You have to try this, I say to Matt, the flavors are so good.
Yeah this is so good…
….ok ok…one little thing I am disappointed about on this dish:
Plus these crostini are much too thin to hold up to the rustic ruggedness of the brats. The grilled bread needs to be thick to saw through it with a steak knife, and then sop up this delicious ketchup–not shatter into brittle sharp shards to be scooped up with fork or spoon. I imagine the cook in the kitchen has pre-prepped these crostini to expedite things and make the dish easier to assemble, but in so doing– he has robbed the dish of some of its rustic charm. Still delicious. But I miss the original. Charlie? Please bring back that delicious thickly cut grilled bread!
The Falafel Sandwich with Greek Side Salad $8
When the falafel sandwich was served, the tahini sauce was forgotten. {see photo to left} I found it odd that the Bartender asked us whether or not we wanted it? Of course we wanted it. Although it is not listed in the menu description, therefore we did not know it missing, if Charlie wants the item on the plate and has designed those flavors to go together OF COURSE WE WANT TO EAT IT THAT WAY!
The falafel themselves were a bit under-seasoned. I wanted them to be a bit saltier. I am beginning to think this cook is a bit shy about seasoning. They were also a bit dry, and I surmised they had spent a little too much time bobbing in the deep-fryer. They had a nice crunch to them, but when I make falafel, I want the centers to be just the slightest bit liquid. Not runny certainly– but if you’ve ever made hush puppies it is kind of a similar thing—if you over-cook them, they are dry and unpleasant. Slightly under-done they are moist and wonderful. The Greek side salad had a citrusy dressing that was slightly sweet, with a little bit of cheese that we assumed must be feta being Greek. But there was so little of it, we could not tell.
Although this meal was perhaps the most inconsistent of the 4-5 I have eaten at Crown Bar due to some seasoning issues and so on, this is a great neighborhood bar, with wonderful ambiance, interesting food, and is usually consistently delicious. Every neighborhood should be so lucky. The prices are reasonable, and the portions generous.
On previous visits I have also enjoyed The grilled Romaine Salad with the spicy Caesar Dressing $8; Charlie also does a great version of the classic combination of Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese $6; my friend Shirley loved the Trout with Bacon Breadcrumbs (who wouldn’t? you can almost taste it just reading that description!) and campfire potatoes; and Lyle loved the Organic Buttermilk Fried Chicken $18.
Besides being a supremely talented Chef, Charlie is one of the nicest people around and if you go to Primo you know this already. Between orders he can be seen wandering away from the fiery grill stopping by tables in his dining room making sure his guests are happy. On occasion he can also be seen crossing 6th Ave on his way to do the same at Crown Bar.
I’ve run into him both places, once even on the same night, when we decided last minute that the Leonetti Kathy was bringing, would go better with the delicious pizza at Primo Grill—the one he makes with homemade pancetta.
Currywurst $6
Quesadilla $8
Crown Kebabs $8
Falafel $8
2 Drafts $9.50
SubTotal $39.50
Tax $3.48
Total $42.98
Tip $10.
TOTAL $52.982705 6th Ave
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