Worth Leaving Town For: LJ’s Bistro & Bar
While the main strip of Lake Stevens may not scream “must-see locale” there is at least one gem worth strapping on your seatbelt and braving the trestle for, LJ’s Bistro & Bar. Snug in its corner of an unassuming shopping center on bustling 91st Ave, LJ’s exudes warmth and comfort as soon as you push open the door.
Warmth and Comfort // Courtesy of LJ’s Bistro & Bar
Owned by brother-and-sister team Lindsay and Josh Herschlip, LJ’s comes by its obsession with all things local and Northwest honestly. The pair grew up in Mukilteo and classically trained Chef Lindsay spent time honing her skills at both Tilth and Golden Beetle, where she marinated in serious uber-local food love.
Lest you feel homesick from the journey across Highway 2, the menu at LJ’s is rife with favorites Everett locals will love, from bread baked by Choux Choux Bakery to meat and vegetables raised and grown on nearby farms.
Yes, please // Courtesy of LJ’s Bistro & Bar
The main challenge with the menu is that there’s so many things that look so good. If you’re a meat and potatoes person, they got ya. If you’re a vegan, believe it or not, there’s a complete not-so-secret menu (ask for it) just for you.
I hear tell that the Happy Hour brings joy. Although I can’t personally attest to that (we went on a Saturday night at prime time when the wait was out the door), the menu looks lush and I can say that LJ’s custom cocktails did indeed bring joy to everyone seated at my table.
Monkey Business Cocktail // Courtesy of Tammy Weisberger
Ready to book a table?
Reservations are available weeknights, but plan to wait a little if you arrive mid-dinner hour Friday or Saturday. Take your pick from the comfy waiting area or the 21-and-over bar. Don’t let the fact that LJ’s is packed deter you – it’s busy because it’s worth the wait. One thing is for sure, Lake Stevens locals know a good thing when they taste it. LJ’s is the perfect spot if you’re looking for Seattle-quality delicious, local food without having to brave the nightmare that is Seattle traffic and parking.
LJ’s Bistro & Bar
430 91st N.E. Suite 1
Lake Stevens, WA 982058
Tammy lives and works in Everett, WA with a disgraceful pitskunk named Samhain the Druid, three professional shrew killers, two strange children, and a lawyer to keep them all out of trouble.