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Tortilla Sam’s is a unique Mexican restaurant specializing in black bean dishes. This place kept me fed while attending college at nearby WPI, and really made me a fan of black beans. The carry-out area provides quick fast-food style service with restaurant quality food, and is typically how I ordered. If you have time, however, it’s worth dining in the Cantina. It has a much larger menu, with many of the same dishes you find at other Mexican restaurants, cooked Sam’s style.

Other then the black beans, a few things separate Tortilla Sam’s from the average Mexican restaurant in my mind. Flour tortillas are pressed and grilled fresh in the take out area, while you watch. I assume most restaurants buy their tortillas in bulk, because you just can’t beat the taste and texture of the ones from Sam’s. If you’re planning to consume alcohol, be aware that Sam’s has a BYOB policy, and doesn’t serve any of their own alcoholic beverages. There is a liquor store nearby if you need to stock up before dinner. Finally, if you like spicy food, try the “napalm” salsa. Despite the gimmicky name, it’s actually a very flavorful addition to your meal.

P.S. They had a cream-based pumpkin soup as the soup of the day once. If they happen to have this while you’re there, order it. It tastes like hot, liquid pumpkin pie!

This is an excellent restaurant hidden away in a strip mall in downtown Bellevue (I’ve never tried the one in Seattle). The food is delicious and very inexpensive for the quality. They could charge twice as much for these entrées and I’d still consider it money well spent. I make a point of bringing friends and family when they are visiting Puget Sound. The dining area is rather small and intimate, lit by candlelight during dinner.

Two warnings: First, the portions are huge. My wife and I normally share a meal and we still have enough left over for at least one more meal the next day. The $5 split-plate cost is a good investment. Second, you have to really like garlic, and so does everyone you plan to come in contact with for the next 24 hours. The food is tasty enough that it’s worth being shunned by your friends for a day.

My favorite menu item is the schawarma: lamb is best, but chicken and beef are pretty good too. But before you order, ask about the specials. They always have something interesting to try; usually as good or better then what you find on the menu.

Easily the best restaurant in Issaquah. Noodle Boat has a large menu so I’ve only scratched the surface of what they have to offer, but I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve tried so far. Fresh ingredients really make the difference over other Thai restaurants. The decor is a little nontraditional, but I’ll let you figure out what that means.