The Victor Tavern on Main Street in Edmonds has been operational for several months, and I felt it was the ideal moment to provide an official review. I attended a media event in June 2024 where I appreciated the ambiance along with the food and drink that were showcased.
In a previous column, I noted that the food and drink served that night were delightful, and I was eager to return for a complete dining experience. I am also aware of the discussions surrounding the Victor Tavern’s mandatory service charge, which I will address later in this review.
It’s advisable to make reservations, as I found the place quite packed during my visit on a Friday evening. This establishment functions as a tavern/pub/sports bar set within a beautifully restored mid-century modern grocery store (formerly a pet food store), leading to a lively atmosphere. While it was quite loud, I was still able to converse with my companion, but it’s important to note the energetic vibe, particularly when patrons are engaged with the games being broadcast at the bar.
The numerous televisions at the bar are tuned into various sports events, and there’s a sizable private event space in the loft above the dining area, featuring a bowling alley and shuffleboard tables, contributing to the overall noise. However, there are quieter spots in the restaurant, including some comfortable booths, so consider asking for those when you make your reservation. Just keep in mind that this is not the venue for a tranquil evening out.
We began our evening with a Caesar Salad priced at $18, which was more than enough for both of us. The rich dressing, infused with anchovies, was delightful, and the serving size was quite generous. It was a delicious way to kick off our dinner.
The tavern is famous for its burgers, offering at least seven different options. However, we decided to share the steak frites, which cost $38. The 12-ounce flatiron steak came adorned with an herb compound butter and accompanied by parmesan fries. The presentation made it easy for us to share, and we ended up with some leftovers. Although the steak was a bit undercooked (I had requested it medium, but it arrived rare), the fries were irresistibly crispy. It tasted even better the next day when I transformed it into a slider bun at home.
To indulge in more menu offerings, we also tried the signature S’mores Brownie Sundae for $13. It was indulgent and utterly delicious—a creative twist on the campfire favorite. The toasted marshmallow fluff on top was a delightful touch.
Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience, complemented by two glasses of wine and a 20% service charge, bringing our total to $127. Yes, even at a local tavern in Edmonds, dining out can be pricey. However, I believe the quality of the food justifies the price, especially since we had no complaints at all. It would have been a nice touch to receive a complimentary piece of bread with butter alongside our salad, but that seems to be a rarity in most restaurants these days.
The Victor Tavern menu features a variety of options including snacks, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and six entrees: Fish ‘n chips, mac and cheese, roasted half chicken, king salmon, steak frites, and slow roasted prime rib, alongside delectable desserts. The cocktail, beer, and wine selections are extensive. This spacious and inviting restaurant is ideal for accommodating large groups. Their happy-hour deals add to its appeal, and on Tuesdays, kids can enjoy free meals with each adult purchase.
Seattle Restaurant Week is set to take place from October 27 to November 9, with The Victor Tavern in Edmonds taking part. Priced at $35 for a multi-course meal, it presents an excellent opportunity to explore the restaurant’s offerings without breaking the bank. Check out the lineup for restaurant week:
Appetizers (Choose One Per Guest)
Fried Castelvetrano Olives: panko breaded and served pitted
Polenta Fries: parmigiano reggiano, anchovy aioli
Spicy Calamari: Mama Lil’s, basil, chili aioli, lemon
Smoky Tavern Wings: hot sauce, carrot, celery, blue cheese dip
Smoked Salmon Bruschetta: remoulade, shallots, crostini
Fried Brussels Sprouts: sriracha & honey glaze
Burgers & Salads (Choose One Per Guest)
– Victory Burger: beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, onion, sweet pickles, secret sauce, brioche bun, house fries
– Veg Head: Beyond Burger patty, aged white cheddar, lettuce, onion, avocado, secret sauce, brioche bun, house fries
– The Phoenix: crispy fried chicken thigh, pepper jack cheese, fresh lettuce, pickles, jalapeno aioli, served on a brioche bun with house fries
Southwest Salad: romaine lettuce, Victor ranch dressing, corn, sun-dried tomatoes, cannellini beans, avocado, red bell pepper, onion, cilantro, tortilla strips, topped with grilled chicken breast
Caesar Salad: romaine, croutons, parmesan cheese, and anchovy dressing. Choice of pulled chicken or grilled chicken breast
Tavern Chop: romaine lettuce, applewood bacon, cherry tomatoes, soft-boiled egg, blue cheese, avocado, Taggiasca olives, chickpeas, croutons, dressed with Victor ranch. Choice of pulled chicken or grilled chicken breast
Entree Upgrade (+$15)
– Prime Rib: 8 oz slowly roasted Prime Rib served with whipped Yukon gold potatoes, grilled broccolini, au jus, and horseradish cream.
– Roasted Half Chicken: served with red potatoes, broccolini, and picatta sauce.
– Fish & Chips: panko-breaded true cod accompanied by remoulade, house fries, and lemon.
– Mac & Cheese: Featuring campanelle pasta, a creamy blend, parmesan cheese, Beecher’s flagship cheese, crunchy pangrattato, and fresh chives. Options available for vegetarians, as well as with bacon or pulled chicken.
Dessert
– Seasonal Sorbet: Served with a delicious shortbread cookie.
– Mini Smore Brownie: A delightful combination of marshmallow fluff, vanilla ice cream, and graham crumble.
Here’s an in-depth look at the mandatory service charge implemented at The Victor Tavern. Their transparency regarding this policy deserves recognition, allowing diners to make informed decisions based on restaurant practices.
The first thing our server informed us about after we were seated was the service charge policy. The restaurant states: “In light of the ever-evolving business landscape, Ethan Stowell Restaurants (ESR) has opted to revamp our compensation model in 2024 to streamline operations for our staff and customers.”
“After exploring various options, we settled on a service charge model that offers our hourly employees a competitive hourly wage. We are confident that this new strategy enables us to fairly and equitably compensate our team, attract top talent, deliver outstanding guest experiences, and future-proof ESR.”
For more insights into the reasoning and specifics behind the service charge, you can visit the Victor Tavern website. Here are some key points:
– A service charge is applied to each guest’s bill and is fully retained by the company.
– ESR compensates hourly staff with a rate that varies based on factors such as location, position, experience, and how long they have been with the company.
– The pay rate for our hourly staff is intended to replace the expectation of tips from guests. While gratuities are not obligatory, they are welcomed. Some guests have expressed a desire to provide optional tips, and thus guests have the chance to leave gratuities. Any tips collected will be distributed among the hourly staff.
The service charge contributes to the general funds and assists in covering various costs and expenses, similar to revenue from food and beverage sales. The goal of this system is not to financially benefit the company from the service charge revenue. In accordance with Washington State law, sales tax is applied on top of the service charge, as employers are mandated to pay retail sales tax on it.
As more restaurants embrace this service charge model, it becomes essential for consumers to comprehend the reasoning behind this approach. While agreeing with the model is not necessary, it’s evident that it is a trend likely to persist.
Location: 550 Main St., Ste. 100, Edmonds
Phone: 425-599-4110
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Happy Hour: Daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Weekend Brunch: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Weekly Specials
9 after 9: Indulge in $9 a la carte burgers, sandwiches, desserts, and select drink specials every night after 9 p.m.
Join us for the game on Sundays and Mondays. Enjoy our fantastic Happy Hour from 3 PM until close.
On Tuesdays, kids can eat for free with the purchase of every adult meal.
— By Deborah Binder
Deborah Binder resides in Edmonds with her family. She has a passion for cooking from scratch using fresh produce from the gardens she cultivates with her husband. After attending culinary school on the East Coast, she specialized in desserts, pastries, and bread. Deborah has experience working in both front and back-of-house roles at various restaurants and catering services across the coasts. Currently, her focus is on healthy and wellness-oriented eating while still savoring the joys of the table. Deborah enjoys experimenting with and creating new recipes. As Julia Child famously said, “Everything in moderation including butter.” You can reach Deborah at jaideborah@yahoo.com.