Sunday, February 8, 2015

The Melrose Grill...

Back in 1901 an Englishman, Ben Atkinson, after a successful run in the Alaska Yukon gold fields, came to Renton, Washington and built the Melrose Hotel. It was a three story, sixty room hotel complete with saloon, billiards room, and a cafe. The Melrose was a favorite watering hole for locals, mostly coal miners and brick factory workers back in the day.

The place caught fire in 1928 and destroyed the hotel rooms, the two top floors. The first floor was salvaged and restored, in fact the original bar is still there. According to the registry, it is officially the oldest historic building still in use in Renton.


Many familiar old Rentonites have owned this building over the years including Robert Dobson, Jimy Nattucici and Tim Bertozzi, I remember this place in the early 1970's when it was owned by local heavy weight boxing champion, Boone Kirkman.

In 1997 Armondo Pavone, Tim and Kimberly Searing, and Charles and Beverly Keeslar purchased the building and created the Melrose Grill in 2002.



This intimate little neighborhood steakhouse is still thriving and a jewel of Renton cuisine. Seating is limited (10 at the bar) so you’ll want to make reservations. I’ve eaten here many times and it is consistently a great experience and meal.

I love walking into this place! Like time travel, you’re immediately transported to an era of good old fashioned small town charm and graciousness. It’s one of a kind and they serve up the best steaks anywhere.

This is the place I tell my good friends about and anyone who’s visiting the area that asks me, “Where’s the best place to eat here if you want a really good steak and/or other over the top Pacific Northwest staples like seafood.”

The Melrose Grill, Renton, Washington.

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