The Pumphouse Bar & Grill came very highly recommended, and I was anxious to see what makes this pub so popular. A friend suggested the pub as a meeting place for lunch, but warned that it may be packed as it is in the heart of Bellevue's business center. From the outside, the building is white and plain looking, blending into the surrounding scenery with no indication of its true character. The building is comprised of two restaurants a pub, which is located on the west side, and a Chinese restaurant located on the east side. It appears tiny in size, as does the parking area. There is beautiful green ivy intertwined on white lattice leading up to the front of the building. This ivy wall conceals a small, enclosed outside seating area for when the weather is nice. I then round the corner and a big, bright red door is waiting to welcome all who enter. .
The atmosphere inside is a drastic contrast to the outside. The walls vibrate with life! There is a line waiting just inside the door and the place is completely packed. There is so much chatter. One cannot detect a single conversation from another as they all blend as one massive, noisy conversation. As I entered, a polite young woman explained it would be a moment before a table is ready. The interior is huge, which is very deceiving from the exterior. Lighting is moderate yet comfortable and bright enough to read a menu and to see others easily. The back wall is comprised of the kitchen and a massive, beautiful wood bar. Not one bar stool is empty as it seats roughly 15 patrons. The pub is famous for its great burgers and what a better accompaniment then one of the 18 different brews on tap. The walls are a beautiful dark, rich wood with only a few small windows. Scattered throughout on the walls are various sport memorabilia. .
As I am waiting for a table to clear, the kitchen just a few feet in front of me, I watch as three cooks busily rush around in the kitchen, filling the orders as soon as they appear.
