The Ruins
Seattle, WA 98109-4244
Phone: (206) 285-7846
06/02/2007 Posted by abledanger
Though I am not a member, I have had the pleasure of dining at The Ruins many times. Their dinner service has always been a highlight, especially later in the evening when the crowds have gone to the Opera House or the Rep, and a few of us have the place to ourselves. Catered events at the Ruins and locations elsewhere have been enjoyable. There have been some magical moments and a few missteps but they always seem to create such a fun atmosphere and so none of us seem to mind the wrinkles. The Ruins was nearly a decade old when they hosted my own wedding ceremony and reception. I thought it would be a little out of my price range, having always been a guest to parties and never the host, but they accommodated our budget. Their room rental fees were pittance compared to other places we looked and they are so beautiful that we didn't have to spend a fortune making it so. My spouse and I share a private smile every time we attend a wedding, a look that says "ours was so much better." Wedding aside, my favorite Ruins memories are sitting with friends in the elephant room, having a few drinks after dessert. It is my favorite room, one of my favorite places to be in the city, and if I could justify it, I would become a member just for that alone. Through friends, I have been able to dine in the Bistro on my own via their account and pay with my credit card (rather than put it on their bill.) I don't take advantage of it too much but save it for special occasions. The prices are comparable to other choice places (Crow, Union, Le Piche are my favorites) and the location is fantastic if you are on the way to the theater. I have also read articles (I think in the Seattle PI) that many of my favorite restaurants around town were opened by former Ruins staff. While none of those places disappoint, there is something about The Ruins that the other places just don't have.
Pros: Atmosphere, location. Dinner in the restaurant.
Cons: Need to be a member (or at least know one) to use restaurant.
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