Love the homey small feel of this place. The menu is small but ample and well executed. Excellent desserts made in house and amazing biscuits. Service is attentive and friendly. Drinks and food are reasonably priced. Ten minutes at the bar and you'll feel like the owner and often bartender, Joe is one of your best friends! You'll want to keep coming back again and again. read more

After a year of Russell's being on my radar, my boyfriend and I finally paid a visit for some Friday night drinks and apps! I knew I was going to like it, but I had no idea how much I was going to love it. I'll start with the amazing service, which was apparent as soon as we walked in the door. It was busy, but not a minute after we found a seat at the bar off to the side, we were greeted with water glasses, a bottle for refills and menus. Another two minutes later we were asked if we wanted a beverage. Food was then ordered and that came out only a few minutes after it was ordered. The server, who just so happened to be the only server working the entire restaurant with just the bartender, was always on top of our drink refills. I was seriously impressed. It set a new bar of restaurant service for me! Next, the beer selection was fantastic and they made a swift old fashioned. The happy hour food menu was petite but also full of some pretty interesting and hearty selections, like a pretzel with beer cheese and spicy mustard that we snacked on along with homemade potato chips and dip. Finally, the vibe of this place is what makes it my ideal picture of a neighborhood watering hole. It's modern and hip, yet not boojie. Because it's small and intimate, it's super approachable and inviting. I'm completely hooked on Russell's and can't wait to come back for a drink and a snack! read more

While they do drinks and some small plate food, I unintentionally made the owner quite mad, and due to the exchange, I can't see us going back. My girlfriend and I had friends visiting from out of town, and I referenced Russells as a great place to get a drink or some food. Our friends arrived well before me and had some drinks and a pie. I arrived after work, and grabbed a slice of pizza to-go from the Pagliacci down the street, on my walk there. I walked in, greeted them, and then turned to the bartender/owner and asked "I picked up a slice of pizza down the street, is it alright for me to eat it in here, or is that something you wouldn't prefer?" The owner then replied, "I can't think of really any restaurant where that would be allowed. I think it's pretty commonly understood you don't do that. So I would ask you eat it somewhere else and not here." I felt like an idiot (I probably am), and simply ordered a beer. Our friends remarked how I just got put in my place, and we then went having a drink and catching up. I did not eat the pizza. It wasn't my intention to frustrate the owner, and our friends said he seemed obviously frustrated by it, and they thought the response was quite rude. I don't use Yelp that often, and really avoid writing bad reviews (I don't have many), but treating someone that way, isn't really a business (or life) practice I really want to condone. I felt like the proper reply could have been 'Thanks for asking, but we do ask that no outside food is brought into our restaurant'. I now know to never bring a slice of pizza into a restaurant! read more

My wife really enjoyed the selection of mixed drinks as well as the presentation. We went for Happy Hour, the Hummus plate was a little too basic, but the meatball dish was much better. My wife ordered a dish composed of bread and mushrooms, which she enjoyed. To drink I ordered Hamm's and at $2.50 for a 16oz, you can't get much cheaper at a nice venue. Basically, it has a trendy, hip atmosphere, with expensive drinks, but also a few less expensive options so everyone can feel comfortable. We will most likely be back for another Happy Hour in the future. The bartender was friendly and attentive. read more

Russell's - Hamm's at $2.50 during Happy Hour is amazing in Seattle in 2016. This place has a great happy hour and amazing service! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I've been here twice and both times I've witnessed the bar owner has throwing people out for absolutely no reason. The first time was because of an unrelated incident to the point that he actually promised a refund to us and then completely reneged on it. The second time was because an unrelated dog , tied up outside, barked literally twice and the owner threw a fucking hussy fit. read more

Luckily stumbled across Russell's while in Seattle. The drinks and small plates are awesome, and staff is friendly. Was only in town for a few days and they made us feel like regulars. Hope to stop in again if I'm ever in the area. read more

Russell's - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

PLEASE bring back the hummus plate. It was my very favorite and the only thing vegetarians can eat.

Dark & chill. Sexy cocktails (rag top = 10/10), good music. Bring your Tinder date here. read more

Russell's - two cocktails on a wooden table - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place is great! Nice vibe, fun scene and they make amazing drinks. I was surprised that a place this small served really good food too!

You know those Yelp reviews that start with two paragraphs of asinine detail about someone's relationship in the guise of relevant context about the dining experience? "Me and the hubby went here hoping to have a nice relaxing time on our anniversary and he has irritable bowel syndrome and we told the waitress..." or "My ladyfriend was PMS'ing HARD and we just needed a quick drink to calm the nerves" blah blah blah. Well I'm NOT going to do that. BUT I COULD, because every time I'm here with Mrs. Bonesaw we have a perfect experience chumming it up with Joe and/or Ash, crushing modestly-priced house manhattans, eating naughty pretzels or making with the freak freak on that beet salad. And arriving at 11:59 on New Year's Eve, we had two flutes of champagne in our hands in time to cheer on an arbitrarily-designated unit of earth's aging. What I'm trying to say is: it's a great date spot, a homey space, a versatile food menu, and a badass happy hour. It's a relatively new husband-and-wife venture, so yes, you may not get your appletini within seconds of your order. But they're good people who want to do right by the neighborhood and really care about providing good food and a welcoming, enjoyable space. Go for brunch. Get the biscuit. Unless you have irritable bowel syndrome. read more

Went to Russell's with some friends on 4th of July, having been there a few times before. We ordered and sat down and everything was fine until we tried to close the bill. The bartender was out in the street watching the fireworks and became volatile when my friend asked him to close our tab. He quickly included the rest of us as he hurled insults. He even followed us out onto the street to call us c***s. Things escalated so quickly and for seemingly no reason...we were dumbfounded. The bartender said his name was Joe Russell and that he was the "owner". If he was in fact the owner and was so easily insulted by some standard customers, I can't imagine how he gets through his everyday life and, to anyone reading this, he definitely doesn't deserve your patronage. read more

I used to love this place and I hate giving a bad review to a local small buisiness but I will never come here again. I came in for a drink 10-15 minutes before last call. My friend and I ordered drinks and paid as soon as the drinks came out. We were a little tipsy so we chatted and didn't keep track of time and I bumped into the tea light on tbe counter, knocking it over. NBD, right? So the dude running the place comes over and says they're closed so we immediately leave and call Lyft from out front. While we're waiting, the waitress comes outside and yells "the next time you get wax everywhere, let me know". WTF? Is that really worth yelling at patrons over? While waiting for the car, I think about it and then go to the window and say " I love this bar and we're rooting for you but yelling at patrons for a spilled candle is weird" so the the dude (the owner?) comes out and yells at me "Oh, so you knock over candles and you're pissed you get called out? Thats it. We're done" and then he yells at the waitress "see, every time you let people stay past last call this shit happens". So he's a dick for yelling at her and we left as soon as we were told they were closed, it's not like we were trying to deliberately overstay our welcome. Also it was 10pm, so not crazy late. Overall it just made me feel like they're extremely temperamental and awkward and I don't need that negative energy in my life read more

Stopped in here for a cocktail on a Saturday night. The service was great....vibe was lively. Definitely more of a bar than a cocktail lounge, but the drinks were good. Would recommend if you are a local in Fremont...looking for a neighborhood bar, read more

I'm reviewing this as someone who only had two cocktails here. I arrived on a Friday night while waiting for a friend. I have never been at a bar with nicer employees. It was pretty crowded already, so I squeezed into a corner by the bar. Before I even attempted to flag down the bartender for a menu, he had already made his way out from behind the bar, around it, and exactly to where I was to hand me the menu and help me pick out a drink (old fashioned). He promptly brought the drink over along with a glass of water, and left another menu when I told him someone was joining me later. When my friend arrived, a waitress immediately took her order, noticed I was nearly done with my current drink so asked if I'd like another (answer is always YES), and refilled my water. In other words, even on a crowded, busy night, these people are on top of their game. You will be taken care of. If you can find a place to sit, at least. read more

Great neighborhood bar. Open & bright with a fresh innovative menu and craft cocktails. Fantastic staff. Joe & Ashley are welcoming, professional, friendly and just fun to have a drink with. I love this bar read more

This place is fine but nothing more. Since I live nearby, I really want to like this place. It's a small, neighborhoody type feel, but both times I've gone, I've had to fight to get a server's attention, even though I'm sitting at the bar. The owner pays attention to his friends and not so much everyone else. The food was fine, but the desert pie was terrific. In the future, I'm just going to walk a few more blocks to the PI or the Dock. read more

It's unfortunate - I live close to this place and wanted a go-to bar in Wallingford with good drinks and a simple menu. Russell's had a lot of potential for that: simple rustic decor (with an open window seating near the front door), sports game always on, decent drinks on tap, and very basic menu (no frills). The service was just painfully slow for how small of a place it was, and for it NOT being busy at all when I went in for a low-key evening with a friend. I had to flag down the server/bartender, and 45 minutes later, he finally made eye contact. During this wait, I observed him chatting with patrons sitting at the bar, who seemed to be regulars. He did not appear to be busy this whole time making drinks or waiting the kitchen. Again, there were only about 8 other people in the entire bar, so I was disappointed that it was difficult to receive decent service. I'm not asking for anything over the top, but it shouldn't take almost an hour to get my check for two drinks and a slice of pie, right? For a relatively new, small bar to provide pretty bad service (feels like an "ole boys club"), I don't think Russell's is worth my time or money. read more

I. Love. This. Place. Wallingford/Fremont has a plethora of bars down by the water or up on 45th. Russell's not only has a perfect location between the two areas but is also exactly what this area needed. Joe Russell, who is the owner, is typically working and makes this bar truly stand out. He has taken the time to ensure there is good food, good staff and a fantastic environment. The entire decor of the bar is based off of the retro red fridge that was like the second fridge in his family homes garage. He wanted the entire feel of the restaurant to be like his dads workshop and you can see this in the structure of the high wood beams, metal stools and other various knick-knacks that represent this throughout. One of my favorite items on the menu is their homemade pie, which changes daily. If you see Ashley around she is the creator of those pies and should thank her! Russell's is now open on Sundays for the games and has a small brunch menu, definitely try a breakfast sandwich, the biscuit they use are to die for! read more

Ray: It was slightly cooler, but yet a very nice evening last night, so Josh and I elected to walk to a near-by restaurant for our weekly foraging. We walked a few blocks from his apartment, down Stone Way to Russels, a smaller place, that offers just two menu items, so they must be good, right? Russells offers several appetizers, but the dinners are limited to a meatball dish or chicken pot pie. After seating ourselves in one of two booths, we were greeted by a quite beautiful waitress who was very cordial and had an up-beat attitude. We ordered a couple of rotating IPAs which were served up pronto. That's when be both ordered the chicken pot pie. After what seemed to be a way too long wait (I am sure it was at or over 20 minutes) our pies arrived. In fact we had finished the beers we started with and ordered a 2nd beer to have with the meal. The pies were beautifully plated in a white ramekin on a larger white plate, all sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley. The presentation was thoughtful and looked (and smelled) delicious. I dug right in. When I eat chicken pot pies (a comfort food for me) I always break up the crust and mix it in the filling. That's what I did with this pie and started the shoveling process. Then it hit me... SALT!! Oh my god!! So freaking salty!!! I was having trouble eating it all. Some bites were fantastic, some were too salty and one (I felt the coarse salt crunch) was so salty I almost spit it out. I am sure the chef must have salted the filling, then did a half assed job mixing it all in, leaving the lions share in my pie. It was way too much! After another visit from the attractive waitress (my favorite thing about Russells) we received our check. That's when we noticed that the "happy hour" beer price was $5.00! WHAT? That's regular price isn't it? Looking deeper we found that happy hour drafts were $1 off. Big whoop! Ok - time to wrap this up. Three stars for Russell. Hey chef! Taste the freaking food before you serve it! How's that for a novel idea? Not planning to go back there any time soon. Josh: This is the second week in a row that we have gone some place that doesn't require driving. I've been to Russell's a couple times before for happy hour cocktails. I've taken a look at their very limited menu and have wanted to swing back by to try the chicken pot pie. Last Thursday turned out to be the day for this. We walked down there from my apartment, a relatively short walk a few blocks down Stone Way. Russell's is a fairly hip spot, kinda small and personal, with a very positive vibe going on; like the employees actually like working there. Refreshing. We took a seat in a booth and had waters and menus brought over promptly. I knew what I was there to eat (The pot pie; there's really only about two entrees on the menu, the chicken pot pie and the meatballs). It took a few minutes longer then I might have guessed for the food to come out, but I guess I expected that because those pies have to bake. When they did arrive, they looked pretty good. Just a plate with a bowl that is covered with pie crust and filled with chicken pot pie filling, no sides. It was pretty good and creamy, with a flaky crust that was cooked about perfectly. I wouldn't mind seeing something that comes on the side of that pie. I mean fourteen dollars for a pot pie with no sides left me a little wanting. Overall though the experience was fairly positive, but I'm not overwhelmed. I'll probably go back for more happy hour libations, but probably not for food. 3 stars. read more

Russell's had been on my list of places to try since it opened as it is within walking distance to my house and I always thought that Wallingford in dire need of better bars. So finally, this Friday evening several friends and I stopped in for a bite and some vino and absolutely loved it! The staff was extremely welcoming and Joe (owner/bartender) is an excellent conversationalist. I always hate going into bars where you feel like you're doing them a disservice by taking up space and forcing them into servitude by bringing you drinks but that was absolutely not the case. I ordered the roasted beets with arugula and herbed chevre cream and it was excellent; it looked as good as it tasted! My roommate and I had been saying how we wanted a neighborhood bar "where everybody knows your name" and I think we may have found the one! read more

Russell's - Roasted beets, arugula, herbed chèvre cream. Delicious! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Visited last week on a Friday, and it was a packed house. Service was friendly and fast given the number of patrons. We only had a few cocktails, but they were on average good. One of the gin specials was phenomenal, but my manhattan was run-of-the-mill. Unfortunately, a single cocktail will set you back $9.50, so without some extra special flair, expect the cost-to-quality ratio to just break even. We didn't have food, but what I saw around me looked good for the price. I think that location, service, feel of the space, and the type of customers (post college to mid thirties cocktail crowd) makes this place great. Edit: I'm changing this up a bit. I've now been here 5 times or so, sampled the food, the clientele has solidified, and I've interacted with the staff. Overall, they've slipped in my opinion. The crowd has become worse, growing loud, flashy handbags, way too many "oh. my. gawd." valley girl impressions and "BRAH!" screaming to be my kind of speed anymore. Something about the place just shifted away from Stone Way cool to something more cliche and grating. One of the owners, Joe, (often behind the bar) certainly encourages the behavior, and I find the pretense of himself and his regulars extremely unwelcoming. As an aside, I once was walking home and stopped an extremely drunk girl from trying to sprint in high heels down the sidewalk. It turned out it was Joe's brother's girlfriend, wasted after overindulging at her boyfriend's bar, and stormed out after the had some petty fight. If her drunken rambling had any truth to it, she clearly appreciated the cachet of dating a bar owner, but not a "jerk". To ensure she was getting home safe, I escorted her back carefully to collect her things that she stated she left behind and called a cab for her. I was met with some pretty unhappy faces for doing a good deed, and was not particularly impressed with the attitude of the establishment owners given her condition. The fact is, the drama of this location is shocking considering how little I've visited. They probably don't even know who I am and I somehow got sucked into the fog of war. I thought it had great potential, but as other reviewers have suggested, Russel's has blown it on the celebrity of owning a bar, and it shows painfully clear. I won't ever be returning. read more

Such a gem! Wonderful biscuits and brunch on the weekends, plus fantastic service! Has a great local vibe :)

Nice little place that offers up a lot of the same type of fare you find in most modern Seattle Americana bars. The drinks were good, nothing exceptionally creative but definitely well poured. The cheese plate we split between four people seemed a little sparse for a $10 Happy Hour offering so I'd opt for a different dish next time (I've heard the pretzels are a big hit). There is nothing special or unique that makes this place stand out above any others but the food and drink was enjoyable. read more

LOVE THIS PLACE! Okay sorry for that but I only discovered this place because my friend moved in close by. Perfect small plates. Great drinks. Small venue. Great crowd. Best staff ever. So thrilled I found this place. read more

Amazing service, delicious drinks, inciting food options- how can it be THIS good for only a week old?!? I'm a regular already. Love it!! read more

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4.5 stars. I think this place has great atmosphere! It's really small - some window seating, a couple small high top tables further inside and then the bar seating. The cocktails are awesome (regularly made by the owner himself), the food is off a small menu but delicious (cheese plate - yummm), and you can get some great conversation (whether that is with the party you came with, other patrons at the bar, or with the bartenders). I'm really looking forward to checking out their brunch sometime soon also! read more

Great drinks, great small plates, cool place... Not good for groups as the whole place only holds about 10 people but otherwise very hip. read more

I LOVE THE LIQUOR SELECTION AT RUSSEL'S! I was impressed with this craft bar. If you are in the bar/ restaurant industry, you immediately know that Russel is an experienced and knowledgable bartender with great taste. I am definitely returning! read more

Loved it. It was like the ñeighborhood Cheers with the owners saying hello to the regulars bby first name, the food was great and folks seemed to enjoy just hanging out and chilling after a long day. Have dinner, bring a fri we nd or we atch a sports game. Nice! read more

Russell's - I loved the brussell sprouts and chicken pot pie and the apple pie. If you go in, say hi to Joe. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Came to watch the Superbowl. Best bar in Wallingford. The owner is great. the patrons are great, the food is great, the cocktails, they are great too. Give this place a try and you will be glad you did. read more

Definitely a cozy and comfortable vibe, and really nice bartenders. I had the hummus plate, which was beautiful and served with warm pita. It was a little pricey, but I'd go back. read more

I love everything about this little bar. The food is delicious. I would recommend the cheese board and pretzel. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is welcoming. It feels like a friendly neighborhood bar but with a cute modern decor. It's perfect for a date or getting drinks with a friend! It is a bit small and gets crowded quickly! read more

Went to Russell's for the first time last week with some girlfriends for a glass of wine (on tap!) and small bites. We ordered the arugula salad, a pretzel, and the meatballs. All was great and the staff was very friendly. When we arrived at about 4:30pm the place was almost empty, but soon filled up with the after work crowd (it was a Wednesday I think). The only gripe we had was that it was VERY warm inside, even before the place was packed. We were practically sweating within about 5 minutes of being there. However - Definitely a fan. Luckily it's near my office so I'm sure I'll be back. :) read more

One of the best bars in the neighborhood! The staff is always friendly and great drinks. The brunch on the weekends is one of the best around. read more

This place is great and well needed in Wallingford. Modern and simple looks with lots of light and air for a nice day. I love the beer selection and the staff is great. 1.) Their chicken pot pie which was delicious: creamy peas, carrots and chicken under a herb speckled crust. Just be careful, I've had it a few times and it can be insanely hot. To the point that the rest of your party is eating away and you are alternately burning your tongue, and waiting, and blowing, and waiting, and burning your tongue. 2.) Meatballs are great too would be a perfect thing to share with a salad or the brochetta which are all surprisingly large and tasty portions. read more

Killer food and cocktails in a modern style bar. The food is delicious (sometimes pricey but so well made I wouldn't consider it unreasonable). The staff know each ingredient of the drinks and are great at suggesting what drink or food might fit your night out best. read more

Russell's - two cocktails on a table - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

So dang fantastic. Staff is delightful and the food is super delicious. I really love this spot and so will you :)

Great positive vibe, casual and chill, amazing food and my favorite pies! Joe knows his bourbon and fab bartender. A gem of a bar!

This is the perfect place for my fiancé and I when there is a game on we want to watch. It's got a great setup for watching sports and a great beer selection, but isn't so loud you can't have a conversation. And we've never gotten bad service while here. read more

Solid neighborhood bar with awesome bar tenders. Came in for a beer and stayed to hang with the bar staff. Def would go again!