Lenox

"Even though the weekend lunch at this stellar Belltown Afro-Latin spot involves egg plates and hashes alongside bubbles cut with juice, we’re here for the midday-exclusive sandwiches. Those include a cubano with citrusy mojo pork, tangy mustard BBQ sauce, and a pressed top crunchier than goat yoga at a farm. But the real draw is their bacalao-battered rockfish sandwich, with shatteringly crackly pieces that jut out of the Ben’s Bread Co. bun while giving way to a swoosh of sofrito tartar. Do it if only for said fishwich, as well as a side salad that actually tastes good. (Finally.)" - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente

"There are closer restaurants to the Space Needle, but none are like this Afro-Latin spot in Belltown that feels as electric as a night out at a luxe resort. Come with a big group and order a smattering of dishes, like braised beef wrapped in empanada pastry flakier than a third-tier friend, or the excellent fried fish sandwich on the brunch menu. Or just sit at the bar for a quick clarified piña colada. The palm-packed place is so much fun, you may not even need to ride in a tiny old elevator for thrills." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente

"Embarking upon a rowdy bar crawl is normally the only way to have a fun time in Belltown. But if you require a full meal (and an earlier bedtime), there’s Lenox. This Afro-Latin soul food spot feels as electric as a night out at a luxe resort. Majesty palms and lively chatter are abundant. Crystal-clear clarified piña coladas look like ice water and taste like vacation. And lest we forget the phenomenal food—like braised beef wrapped in empanada pastry flakier than a third-tier friend, grilled chicken thighs on a swipe of guava BBQ sauce, and crackly lechon with coconutty greens we’d like to protect at all costs. Let the rum flow and get cozy with the fact that you might not be able to hear your friends over the atmospheric buzz." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente

"A year after he closed his popular White Center Afro-Caribbean food truck, Jhonny Reyes has at last moved Lenox into its permanent Belltown digs this summer. The space is airy and tropical, with tall houseplants and wicker accents, and cut flowers adorn the bar. Many beloved items from Lenox’s Nuyorican truck menu, including the crispy lechon sandwich, the rum-cured rockfish ceviche, and the tres hermanas salad (roasted corn, haricots verts, summer squash, farmer’s cheese, and green goddess vinaigrette), are still on the roster, along with some new and delicious faces. Adobo mussels and bistec encebollado are fresh additions, along with a very rummy cocktail list." - Meg van Huygen, Harry Cheadle

"The empanada at this Afro-Latin spot in Belltown is nearly the size of a boomerang, and it’s the restaurant’s best starter by a landslide. Depending on the season, you might receive this flaky pastry filled with saucy, cumin-heavy chicken or braised beef that could put pot roast out of business. No matter what, make sure a cup of mayo-ketchup for drizzling hits the table." - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente, carlo mantuano