Bistro Shirlee

Cute little french bistro beside BGT trail. Me and my husband walked in one afternoon for brunch and enjoyed brunch menu served. My hubby loved his duck confit, and I got veggie version of eggs benedict for myself with a radicchio salad. For us the ambience and freshness of the food elevated the experience .

The menu isn't extensive but the quality of the dishes means that whatever you choose will be great. The space is bright and airy with Renee Erickson's classic, tasteful style. This is a great bunch spot, but it's popular (for good reason), so if you're in a hurry or with a big group, you might want to call ahead. There isn't a lot of parking right in front of the restaurant, but if you're willing to walk a block or two, you should have plenty of options.

Bistro Shirlee is a great addition to the Sea Creatures group of restaurants by Renee Erickson. I visited on Mother’s Day Sunday and while the tables were all reserved, most of the bar was open. The restaurant is up a flight of stairs from the front door of the building. The restaurant includes much of the same interior design characteristics found at Erickson’s other restaurants – marble countertops, brass or other metals, and white/light blue walls. It’s inviting and classy. The waitstaff was busy but friendly. My partner and I ordered the quiche and the Shirlee burger. The quiche was very tasty – the filling was eggy, cheesy, and soft. The crust had the proper amount of butter as well. It was tough and crusty to begin with but as the liquid from the filling soaked the crust it was easier to cut. The vinegar dressing on the accompanying salad did well to cut the richness of the quiche. Overall, my favorite dish was the Shirlee burger. I had the burger at Bateau and think it was one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten. The Shirlee burger is almost basically as good. There are some slight differences. The burger bun had poppy seeds and the onions weren’t as dark brown as they were at Bateau. The patty was meaty and the cheese was nicely melted and mellow. The fries that came with the burger were excellent as well. While an $18 burger isn’t cheap, I believe it is definitely worth it. I hope to visit Renee Erickson’s other restaurants soon.

Staff: extremely professional and customer service oriented. Food: Great presentation, delicious but just be aware that portions are european sized so much smaller than typical American restaurants Drinks: A+++ Ambiance: we were seated in the upper outdoor deck which is beautiful. Not to mention the cozy fireplace to add to the views.

Bistro Shirlee is a great new location from Renee Erickson. French bistro atmosphere with comforting favorites deliciously executed to perfection. Whether you'd like burger or a beautifully prepared salmon filet, the simple menu is unpretentious but exciting. Brunch is fantastic too, you should check the menu as it changes seasonally. The outdoor seating area along the Burke Gilman is perfect for summer happy hour, with a fire pit to keep you warm. The wait staff are friendly, personable, and very professional. This a fantastic neighborhood gem, and a delightful improvement over the previous tenant. I always feel so comfortable and at home when visiting Renee's restaurants, and this place does it better than any other. I can't wait to go back!

What a perfect find! We wandered into Bistro Shirlee with our two dogs - they were so hospitable in seating us on the patio and serving us the BEST meal we have had in Seattle this year. Do not miss the gazpacho! We will be coming back (many times) and bringing our loved ones. Thank you to the team at Bistro Shirlee!