John Howie Steak House - The Bravern in Bellevue, Washington

If you've been putting off a visit to John Howie Steak House in Bellevue, WA due to the rumored cost, a trip there for lunch might be just what you need. With portion sizes that fill up any linebacker you can easily split a lunch and truly enjoy the experience for next to nothing. As a Microsoft employee working at The Bravern I have become a John Howie regular and absolutely love the food there. The service is attentive but not in your face and for lunch I strongly suggest eating in the bar for a more casual dining experience. The salt tower they bring out with the bread before your meal (make sure to ask for it at lunch) is spectacular. My favorite is the pink salt from Australia and the black salt from Hawaii is perfect on steaks. You've never experienced salt as a ritual until you are introduced to this little treat at John Howie.

If you aren't sure what to order always ask to hear the special. The Prime Rib Dip they often offer is one of my favorites and you won't be disappointed. The meat is moist and tender and melts in your mouth and the au jus is homemade and super tasty! A few other must haves are the Steak House Salad (my husband's favorite), Grilled Cheese with Onions (includes a miniature bowl of tomato soup for dipping), and the Cheeseburger (beyond any burger you've ever tried). You can't beat John Howie's service, atmosphere, big view windows, and their Bananas Foster dessert made at your table. The dessert itself is a reason for a visit even if that's all you're there for.

John Howie is located on the second floor of The Bravern I and is just a hop, skip, and jump from Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton. If you don't have time for dessert at John Howie you can get your dessert to go at Trophy Cupcakes which is also in The Bravern shopping area on the second floor of the outside mall. For ambiance there is an outdoor fireplace just outside the door of John Howie that is a perfect meeting spot for friends or co-workers. If you show up for lunch around 11:30 there will be no wait and you'll have plenty of time for unwinding and having a stress free lunch. Gift certificates are the perfect idea for birthdays or the holidays and after a great lunch you can head over to the Red Door Spa for facials to end the perfect day out.