Gilbert's Main Street Bagel

05/02/2008 Posted by hoffffazio

Incredible pastrami sandwich - you receive a "piled high" ample portion and the pastrami is done to mouth watering perfection with the bread so fresh and the mustard so perfect that you will die and go to heaven. It is a little pricey but something I am glad to pay for since the quality is outstanding. The service is super and Steve Gilbert is a total hands on owner. You will freqeuntly see him coming to your table and making certain that everything is perfect with your dining experience. This is a place I return to at least once every one to two weeks. Another great item on his menu is the ice tea - he has a secret recipe done with a combination of several different ice teas and again - an ample serving in a great tall ice tea glass which is topped off with a slice of orange and a slice of lemon. This is the perfect taste treat to go with your paistrami sandwich.

04/27/2008 Posted by mholz

Gilbert's is a wonderful place to grab a bagel or a full breakfast. It has great atomsphere, ambionce and fun staff. The food is GREAT. Gilbert's uses very high quality, fresh ingredients. Simply a great place to meet a friend, have a coffee, or sit down for breakfast. I give it 2 thumbs up. Thanks Steve!

Pros: Great "Micro-Breakfasts" also inexpensive

Cons: Few things a little pricey - but worth it

04/18/2008 Posted by pmex

I love Gilberts on Main. When Steve Gilbert opened his deli at least 10 years ago, he woud stand out in the middle of the street and hand out free bagles to passing cars. He may have taken his life in his hand but in return he has a very loyal group of customers. Last week I was there 3 times just because it is the perfect place to meet someone for an early morning meeting and good food. One of the things I have noticed about Gilbert's is that they listen to their customers. Breakfast selections use to be huge- more than anyone could eat and I would always have to hope that my dining companion had the same taste so we could share a plate. A couple of years ago, Steve introduced the "micro-breakfast" the menu includes 6 omelets and 6 scrambles all made with one egg accompanied by one toasted bagel . This is a perfect size for me and now I can go ahead an order my favorite with fiery jalapenos and not have to worry about sharing!

Pros: Breakfast is great

Cons: Lunch portions continue to be huge so come with a big appetite

04/05/2008 Posted by gwendolynj

Gilbert's has been my favorite weekend brunch spot for as long as I can remember. The food is always delicious with hardy breads, fresh salads, homemade bagels (try the hot potato pepper) and, of course, more! The staff is warm and approachable and the owner always talks to you like an old friend. If you have little tikes, they'll feel comfortable in this family friendly environment and they can occupy themselves while they wait (not too long) with the books that line the window seat. My favorite time to go is on Sundays when they have live jazz (it'll be busy!) that thumps away the rainy blues. Or if it's summer, you can sit outside and tap your foot in the sun :D If you're looking for a deal, (and a quieter scene than weekends) the weekday morning "micro" menu is the best deal in town. A roma tomato, feta cheese, and basil scramble with a toasted made-that-morning hot potato pepper bagel for $5.95 is hard to beat! It's doubtful you'll find this much charm, this quality of food and staff, at this price, anywhere else.

Pros: Ambience, food

Cons: Street parking

03/30/2008 Posted by samdouglas

Fabulous sandwich and warm atmosphere. I had a great experience and would recommend it to any/all visitors to Bellvue, WA. I had the combination cornedbeef /pastrami sandwich and I could only eat half of it. It was just that good. I also had a bowl of matzaball soup that was just as good as it looked. I also met Gilbert and his assistant. We had a great conversation and to tell you the truth...it was like being at home. Do yourself a favor and stop by. Gilbert will treat you like family. Gilbert, I'm really looking forward to my next trip back to Bellvue and one of those combination sandwiches with an Arnold Palmer tea...just can't wait. SRDouglas sends

Pros: food/atmosphere

Cons: none

03/25/2008 Posted by Melbalarue

My favorite breakfast spot. Great omelettes and sandwiches, plus stellar service and a cozy atmosphere. Don't miss the marionberry and brandied walnut pancakes or the curry and feta microscramble. Delish.

Pros: Great weekday breakfast specials

03/23/2008 Posted by PaulHopkins

I've lived in Bellevue for 14 years and I love food. My first experience with Gilbert's was in 1997. I was jogging by Gilbert's one morning when a man dashed out of the door running with bagels in his hands towards me. I didn't know if I should run faster or simply take the bagel. Luckily I took the bagel. Over the years, I have eaten breakfast & lunch at Gilbert's. It's a place that reminds me of a European deli...busy and relaxing at the same time. When I first arrived I was greeted by a very outgoing and quirky man with a cool hairstyle. He would describe each dish with flailing hand-gestures. I remember thinking "this guy is passionate, humerous and eccentric....and i love it!". Little did I know, that guy chasing after me with bagels was the same man I have just described! Steve is truly a Bellevue legend and his food is also legendary. My favorite is the Reuben, piled high with corned beef. Try the famous matzo ball soup. It's all good at Gilbert's. Don't forget that the downtown park is just a block north, so you take a leisurely walk after your meal. Lots of nice shops in the area as well. Enjoy!

03/09/2008 Posted by reach33

We accidentally found this. Its in a quaint little area near the water in Seattle. You MUST go in and try the Reuben. It has a little twist to it (no sauerkraut) and some top quality meat. There are also some cool boutique shops around Gilbert's that are fun to walk around in. Great date place for a lunch or breakfast.

02/29/2008 Posted by spencert

Gilbert's makes it so easy to keep coming back. First, it's in Old Bellevue so for those of us that like the feel of how things used to be, its the last remaining such area around. Remember the roller coaster behind Nordstrom's? Parking is not ample, but I always seem to find a spot somewhere on Main St. The owner, Steve, is great, as is Christina. Steve always greets with a smile. I've seen him walk the floor and thank people for coming in. I have never been disappointed by the food. My favorite is the Reuben. Piled high enough that I usually split it with my wife. The french onion soup is killer as is the apple pear salad. I've brought clients there on numerous occasions and try to get in there once a week. A very refreshing stop compared to the hectic alternatives on the Eastside.

Pros: Clean and airy

Cons: could be bigger

02/28/2008 Posted by BBJ

Gilberts always has consistent quality, great food selection and is in a very user friendly area. Old Bellevue has old world charm and a nice variety of shops. Its so much easier to jump in and out of this great place since it is not in one of the malls.The French onion soup and pastrami sandwich are a couple of the favorites that keep me coming back.

Pros: good amount of food for price