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Madrona Arms

Editor’s note: We welcome back Malcolm Harker who recently reviewed the Hi-Spot and we apologize for attempting to rename him Matthew…very sorry.

For those seeking to gain both elevation and calories, ascending from Leschi to Madrona can tick both boxes. A visit to the Madrona Arms at 34th & Union is well worth while even if you don’t have boxes to tick.

Peter the owner has Northern Irish roots, reflected in his choice of vegetables, including Roasted Veggie Pizza (anyone for carrots and sweet potatoes?) plus Irish Nachos and Ques O’Dilla for you Mexican-Irish Americans. Our favorite is the Flat Iron Steak with Chipotle Mashed Potatoes and more of those delicious Root Veggies, which also make an appearance in the Guinness Beef Stew. You can have Guinness without the stew too.

Or you can enjoy the weekly Taco Tuesday event, for as little as $2 (you’ll have to rustle up an extra buck if you need the beef). The $6 margaritas are unforgettable unless you order another.

The unsolved mystery is why Arms? The “coat of arms” is a heraldic device which features in British pub names. Madrona is a neighborhood and a tree. Whatever next:

The Western Red Cedar Arms?

The Sitka Spruce Arms?

Perhaps, you’ll ponder these and other mysteries while sipping your Guinness.

Madrona Arms

Mon–Fri: 11am–midnight; Sat–Sun: 9am–midnight

1138 34th Ave, 206-739-5104

~Malcolm Harker

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