Pub Food with a Twist

What happens when you take a childhood classic and deep-fry it? Magic. LTD in Fremont serves deep-fried mac-n-cheese wedges for $6?or $4, if you go during happy hour. If that's not enough, add beer-battered zucchini or mushrooms, because vegetables are healthy, right?

Any burger at Elliot Bay can be turned into a buffalo burger (meaning actually made of buffalo, not covered in wing sauce) for an extra punch of flavor and personality. And if you're tired of run-of-the-mill fries, try this twist: homemade sweet potato fries, worth the extra $1.50.

This restaurant and tequila bar (with another location in West Seattle) serves up scrumptious Tex-Mex fare and an impressive tequila and cocktail menu. For something different, try the Latin-Asian-fusion spring rolls: shredded corn, chicken and spices in spring roll wrappers, or the ancho-chipotle wings with house-made ranch dressing.

Tucked in the menu alongside traditional Irish pub fare is Old Pequliar's version of nachos, though not the kind you'd think. These Very Peculiar Irish Nachos take traditional toppings and serve them on a bed of crispy cross-cut fries. Have them as a starter, or all on their own.

Jolly Roger's German-inspired cuisine includes another inspired deep-fried dish: fried pickles (and better than you'll find them elsewhere). For $3.25, you'll get a lightly breaded and delightfully fried spicy dill pickle.

This hip Capitol Hill spot has a menu brimming with creative dishes that don't usually find their way into your average neighborhood pub or bar. Prepare your taste buds for wild boar sloppy joes, country-style rabbit pate, or a beef tongue Philly with gruyere cheese and goat horn peppers. But the best? Their version of Canadian poutine: fries topped with a veal demi-glace and fontina (foie gras optional, and recommended).