The polished decor, vast windows and high ceilings at the Pour House make it hard to believe it's the former home of the tiki-licious Luau Polynesian Lounge. Now this Tangletown spot has the vibe of a sleek lounge crossed with a neighborhood bar, serving shared plates and an expansive drink menu.
The scene is dominated by locals from Upper Wallingford and Greenlake, which means a mix of empty nesters in their 50s on date night and recent UW grads meeting up to catch the game at the bar. The ample $5 happy hour menu is a good bet for early or late eating, though the shared plates are surprisingly substantial anytime. Top picks are the grilled cheese with manchego cheese and pancetta, served with spicy tomato soup for dipping, a well-executed 4-cheese mac, and a zingy red pepper and portabello salad with herb dressing.
The servers are as stunning as the setting - the majority are perky, shapely blondes clad in head-to-toe black. But they're welcoming and attentive, and the bustle on Friday nights suggests that the Pour House is already a neighborhood favorite.
Pros: Gorgeous space, attentive service, above-average food
Cons: The bill can add up if you order several "shared plates"
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