Local 360 Cafe & Bar

 Based on the concept that 90% of their raw ingredients come from within 360 miles of Seattle, Local 360 is a great place to visit if you want an authentic taste of the Pacific Northwest. It is easy to locate on the corner of 1st Ave & Bell St. in Belltown, which is the starting point for the quieter section of the neighborhood. Local 360 features a small outdoor seating area, perfect for sunny days and has 2 floors of seating on the interior. The decor has a rustic vibe accented by dark wood, low lighting, and simple table settings.

In my opinion, this is one of the most popular brunch places in Belltown. If you are planning on visiting during the weekend make sure to call ahead for reservations. I would also note, even if you have a reservation you may still wait a bit for a table. This has happened to me several times, so you may want to munch on a granola bar if you’re already feeling the hangry pains. I will say, though, the wait has always been worth it. The service, while laid back is attentive and the food has always been solid.

Last weekend, my friends and I headed into Local 360 to enjoy a lovely Easter brunch.

We selected a few items from the regular menu and also a couple off their daily specials. Since everything is locally sourced, check out their specials board for a rotating list seasonal dishes.

I ordered the Southern Ham Benedict – thick cut ham, collard greens, and two poached eggs served on a fresh baked biscuit and then covered with a creamy pepper gravy, (I forgot to write down the price but I think it was $13 or $14).  This was from the specials board. I really enjoyed this dish! The pepper in the gravy was bold, the ham was juicy and the collard greens had the perfect amount of acidity to tie it all together.

 My gal pal ordered from the specials menu as well. She had the Smoked Leg of Lamb – Smoked lamb, rhubarb glaze, Ozette potatoes, green garbanzos, and carrot hummus, $19. The smoked flavor in the lamb was quite robust. You definitely have to love a nice hit of smokiness to enjoy this dish. The meat was nicely cooked and the vegetables were well seasoned.

From the regular brunch menu, my husband ordered the Buttermilk Biscuits & Gravy – housemade biscuits smothered in sausage gravy; plus an addition of fried chicken, $15. This dish never disappoints. Their fried chicken was nice and crispy. The biscuits were light, fluffy and perfectly absorbed the gravy without getting soggy. Local 360 definitely knows how to do delicious comfort food.

 Our other dining companion ordered the Chicken Fried Steak – mushroom gravy, eggs, and biscuit, $14. He cleaned his plate, so I can only assume he enjoyed his meal. I didn’t taste it myself.