At Eldr, come for the steak, but stay for the burger - Review - Seattle - The Infatuation
"This sexy open-fire cooking restaurant is an injection of excitement that Ballard needs. And while the enchanting glow of the small dining room is enough to make us pull over along 32nd Ave, the food is the main draw—particularly anything with red meat. We love the burger, which has a yeasty and sweet brioche bun that works well with the thick patty. And the excellent New York strip steak (portioned perfectly for two) has got as much deep char as volcanic rock. You can’t go wrong with the addition of seasonal vegetables, though less exciting are seafood dishes like the mushy crab gnocchi. photo credit: Nate Watters photo credit: Nate Watters photo credit: Nate Watters photo credit: Nate Watters Grab a reservation at the counter, where you’re in close proximity to the kitchen action (a.k.a live flames) and chefs with Lionel Messi-level footwork. The whole experience is entertaining, intimate, and a great place for a date or special occasion. Plus, they have top-notch air circulation, so you won't leave smelling like you just stood over a campfire for six hours. Food Rundown photo credit: Nate Watters Steak For Two These 20-ish ounces of ribeye are intended to be shared (but, off the record, we’d prefer not to). The meat is exceptional, though we wish the chimichurri it comes with had a little more oomph. photo credit: Nate Watters Hamburger The burgers may just be the best thing they have going. It’s a mix of coarsely ground chuck and brisket, topped with a punchy housemade american cheese and lots of special sauce-dressed iceberg lettuce. Get it. photo credit: Nate Watters Charred Cabbage This is almost as exciting and sexy as the steak, with a similar charred treatment and a salsa macha that is all things nutty, salty, and delicious. photo credit: Nate Watters Gnocchi The gnocchi is sticky, mushy, and overshadowed by lumps of crab meat that you end up fishing around for to scoop up with the tangy sofrito sauce. Eggnog Cheesecake Love eggnog or hate it, there’s no denying this little puck with a crackly magic shell of chocolate floating in a creamy (but light) splash of the stuff is amazing." - Kayla Sager-Riley
