520 has become his home away from home.

Did you know?

Bram enjoys the outdoors, sports, music and trying new things.

His favorite dish at 520 is the lamb burger with feta cheese.

Loves everything about 520.

Did you know?

She loves cooking, painting, and just being crafty!

Sherri is going to Bellevue college for marketing and advertising.

Her favorite dish at 520 is the Cajun Chicken Sandwich..EXTRA spicy!

Loves the people at 520.

Did you know?

Jason works upstairs with the Brazens as an 8-year veteran Real Estate Broker.

He lives blocks away from 520 and says he will “never leave this amazing city”.

Jason’s favorite 520 dish is the Seared Ahi.

Loves the feeling he gets walking in the door of 520 and seeing the smiling faces.

Did you know?

Andrew grew up in Woodinville.

In his spare time he likes to snowboard, eat, read, draw and listen to music.

His favorite thing to eat at 520 are the hot wings.

Loves the 520 team, it just feels like home!

Did you know?

Nima moved to the US a few years ago from Canada and is currently a Junior at UW.

He loves to talk and socialize with friends and try to get the most out of life!

Nima’s favorite dish is the 520 Nachos.

Loves the sense of community between the servers and customers.

Did you know?

Natalie is a junior at Bellevue High and loves being involved in every activity possible.

She has a big family and love spending time with them and her new dog Jack.

Natalie’s favorite thing from the menu is by far the 520 burger!!

Loves the Hustle & Bustle at 520.

Did you know?

Meagan recently moved from Montana, and is eager to explore Seattle.

She loves to snowboard and enjoys the change from the country to the big city.

Her favorite dish is Craisin Walnut salad!

When longtime patrons of the 520 Bar and Grill enter its newly-renovated space, it’s an immediate look of pleasant surprise that then turns into an awed facial expression of, “Wait…what just happened? The place has been redone, but I can’t tell where the old ends and the new begins.” Maybe for some who have experienced major building renovations, it would be disappointing to hear no one can tell what the updates were, but for owners Joseph and Randi Brazen, it’s the nicest compliment they can get over their beloved restaurant’s uniquely new/old look.

Mention the word “renovation” to a restaurant owner and it’s usually one of the fastest ways to see the color drain from their faces. They can be costly, drawn-out processes, fraught with delays that ultimately hurt the team as well as its patrons, since the restaurant needs to be closed during the construction. But not for the 520 Bar and Grill – the Brazens took to the expansion plans with SWAT-team precision and careful planning. Speaking with Randi Brazen, she explained how the second they broke through the next-door wall that would open up the space, the restaurant and bar was only closed for fifteen days. In half a month’s time, they were able to double the size of the space, lay down new hardwood floors, install a massive u-shaped hardwood bar that spans both the old and new space, redo their entire audio and video system, and still get the halls decked with holiday lights, garland and poinsettias. The staff wasn’t waiting long before returning to work and out of town patrons who returned after a long spell were shocked the place was redone right under their noses. It was through meticulous planning and preparation three months prior to the construction that made the process so seamless. The Brazens carefully picked their contractors, going with people they’ve known for years, having a hands-on approach themselves – the new bar was constructed right in their own garage. 520 Bar and Grill was able to become twice its original size without sacrificing its signature well-worn comfortable feel. The big changes are perfectly married to the original bar’s look, with its weathered wood and chairs you can sink into and sit for a spell. Losing its original cozy charm was never an option – 520 Bar and Grill is intended to feel like you’re visiting a friend, it’s meant to feel like home.

“We want to be the third place people go,” Randi says about the heart and soul of the 520 Bar and Grill. “You’re home, you go to work, and then you come here.” It’s a true neighborhood bar, with regulars coming in with such frequency you can set your watch to them. For the last five years it’s been in the Old Bellevue neighborhood of Main Street, being known as a cozy hangout, serving bar favorites like burgers and hearty sandwiches, with every space filled during their lunch rush and the hours after work. That was one of the main reasons for the expansion – their popularity made it the place to gather, but also created the challenge of whether or not one could find a seat. With the new space, they can handle large groups of 40-50 people. The new sound system allows for the restaurant to control the volume in areas of the space, customizing it for patrons wanting a more intimate atmosphere. They’re planning a big New Year’s Eve party, full of dancing and music. The possibilities for larger group events are making the 520 Bar and Grill a new contender for family brunches and gatherings where groups need space for a dozen or so people, and with these events, their kitchen offers customizable menus to a party’s needs.

For all the big changes and high-tech upgrades, they’re invisible to the people sitting at tables for lunch or gathered at the bar, catching a bite and a glimpse at the latest game before going back to work. Amid the sounds of a busy afternoon, you overhear people say what really matters, that this is a true neighborhood bar and restaurant. It’s a place people return to because it’s welcoming and they know the people there. 520 Bar and Grill’s expansion wasn’t about changing who they were, just adding a few more seats to invite more of Bellevue to come and sit for a spell.

At 520 Bar and Grill, also in Old Main, people wanted an escape from their cabin fever, said owner Randi Brazen. While the weather meant selling out of a few menu items and customers having to be patient because of a leaner staff, she was pleased with the snow.

“It was really good for business,” Brazen said. “People were walking in for lunch or dinner after building snowmen.”

Read the full article to find out how others fared.

The 520 Bar & Grill is Sidewalk Café in the summer, private gathering facility when requested, and local pub every day of the week. For any occasion or setting we offer the finest food and highest quality beverages, all served by friendly, professional staff.

Next time you venture out come home to the 520 Bar & Grill.  Contact us today to book your special event at 425-450-0520.

At the 520 Bar and Grill in Bellevue, owner Joseph Brazen says “People are realizing they can just socialize and be here and they don’t need to go to Seattle for entertainment.”  He believes more and more Bellevue residents are staying on this side of the lake.

“It doesn’t make a big difference to us, right now Bellevue is becoming it’s own little city, it has everything it needs,” says Brazen.

Enjoy everything Bellevue has to offer during these closures, you might be surprised what you’ve been missing!

Jeff Cirillo played Major League Baseball for 14 seasons, making stops in Colorado, Seattle, San Diego, Minnesota and Arizona after being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers out of the University of Southern California in 1994. Cirillo led the American League in fielding percentage among third basemen in 2002 with a mark of .973 and committed the fewest errors at his position in 1996. Now a resident of Medina, Cirillo took some time to chat with the Bellevue Reporter during a round of golf about life in the Big Leagues, coaching Little League and why he chooses to call Bellevue home.

And here’s what Jeff had to say…

REPORTER: What is the stupidest question a sports writer ever asked you when you were a pro?
JEFF CIRILLO: A guy asked me once “What did it feel like to get that lucky hit there in the ninth?”

REPORTER: How did you respond to that one?
JC: I told him there is no such thing as a lucky hit.

REPORTER: Who was the best teammate you ever had in the pros?
JC: Mike Matheny, we were roommates together in the minor leagues. He was from Michigan and I was out of USC, we were both low round picks. He was the best.

REPORTER: You have obviously been around the game for a long time in a variety of capacities. Give me the most useful lesson you have taken from the diamond into other areas of your life.
JC: I think the mantra of “finish what you start” and being accountable, never giving up or making excuses.

REPORTER: What do you remember from the two All-Star teams you made?
JC: I remember the first time, I was scared of my own shadow and didn’t want to talk to anyone. Roger Clemens was there and Cal Ripken Jr. was there and I probably spent more time with the Comedy Central crew that was walking around because I didn’t want to talk to anybody.

REPORTER: Describe your golf game.
JC: About a 15 to 16 handicap. I’m so inconsistent, I just work at it enough to play in golf tournaments.

REPORTER: The Mariners just set an unfortunate franchise record for consecutive losses. What would you tell your teammates if you were on a team with a 17-game losing streak?
JC: Put a piece of gum in, put some eyeblack on, and pinch yourself, because you’re wearing a big league uniform.

REPORTER: Better time: leading the AL in fielding percentage at your position, or coaching your son in an All-Star game?
JC: Coaching my son, hands down.

REPORTER: Where are a few of your favorite places to go in Bellevue?
JC: I like 520 Bar and Grill. We have a softball team called “The Lobs” and we go in there after our games. We love Sushi Maru and Chipotle, it seems like we end up there a lot.

REPORTER: Your from California originally and you played in handful of MLB cities, why do you make your home here?
JC: I just love it, it’s a good place to raise your family.

Thanks Jeff and his Lobs for being part of the 520 family, we’ll see you soon!

We received a letter from OpenTable congratulated us on this accomplishment, based on diner ratings collected on the OpenTable website.

Dear Valued Restaurant Partner

OpenTable diners have voted and the results are in – you’ve been voted onto the OpenTable Diners’ Choice lists for July 2011. Congratulations!

Calculated based on OpenTable diner ratings, the OpenTable Diners’ Choice lists are designed to give your restaurant additional visibility on OpenTable.com and to inspire new diners to visit your restaurant. The lists are prominently featured on the OpenTable website and are regularly profiled in our Insider email newsletters to local diners.

As a reminder, our Diners’ Choice lists are generated by the feedback we receive from diners who book through OpenTable and are marked as seated at your restaurant. OpenTable emails these diners asking them to complete a Dining Feedback Form about the different aspects of their dining experience.

Congratulations on your accomplishment. We look forward to seeing your restaurant on more Diners’ Choice lists in the future!

Come by 520 for your next meal out and see why! Click here to make your reservation online now.

What I like about 520 is all the people who come in, whether it be the customers or my coworkers.

Did you know?

Her favorite dish is the Flank Steak Salad. “Yum!”

I like 520’s friendly atmosphere, sense of family & delicious food!

Did you know?

Gabby is in her second year at the university of Montana studying nursing. Her favorite dish is the BBQ Chicken Salad.

These days, it seems, everyone has been losing their patience with the faithful floating bridge. “Plans” for a more efficient thoroughfare are more than a year behind and here we wait, Eastsiders, ready for the City to satisfy their word. But there is salvation yet! The next time you are sitting in your car, pointing westward with the diving sun in your eyes, cursing to yourself about the state of the bridge, remember to not wait in ineptitude any longer! Assuming you haven’t passed the 92nd ave. point-of-no-return exit, turn around and find a much more hospitable 520 at 520 Bar and Grill.

The restaurant, winner of the Talk of the Town Award for the second year in a row (and dozens of others), can give you a much needed break from traffic, or anything else. Centrally located just south of Bellevue Square, the bar can serve your party needs, your game-watching needs or your bored-after-work needs. The restaurant serves anything from finger food, such as hand-breaded coconut prawns with mango papaya sauce, to grilled salmon filets and the 520 “Best in Bellevue” Burger. Who would pass on such a claim? Even to try to disprove it.

Read the full story at downtownvue.com.

Loves everything about 520.

Did you know?

Jordan recently moved from Montana, and can hardly wait for summers on the water.

She is absolutely loving the city life.

Her favorite dish is the Hummus Plate.

To make his life better 520 has set up Calib Fox College Fund Trust at Wells Fargo. To donate just tell your teller next time you are in your local branch or you can visit our local branch at:

225 108th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
c/o Calib Fox College Trust

Together we can make a difference in Calib’s future.

BELLEVUE, Wash. – The Bellevue Downtown Association today launched the online ballot for the 2011 Haute Picks at hautepicks.org. Celebrating its 10th year, this popular “best of” contest invites fans of Downtown Bellevue to select their favorites across 20 categories.

“Downtown Bellevue restaurants and retailers are recognized time and again for providing
extraordinary experiences and stellar service” said Jennifer Fischer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Bellevue Downtown Association. “The Haute Picks contest is a fun and engaging way for customers to vote in and award their favorites.”

Online ballots must be completed by Friday, April 1, 2011, and only one ballot per person will be counted. Winners will be announced in the summer issue of Bellevue Downtown magazine and at the Bellevue Downtown Association’s Breakfast Meeting on Tuesday, April 26. To register for the meeting, visit bellevuedowntown.org.

Vote online at hautepicks.org

2010 Haute Picks Winners

Best Casual Business Meeting Spot
520 Bar & Grill

Best Place for Sushi
Blue C Sushi

Best Cocktail (Drink and Place)
Shiso Wild Drop at Pearl Bar & Dining

Best Power Lunch
El Gaucho

Best Coffee House
Starbucks Coffee Company

Best Retail Boutique
Gotta Have Shoes!

Best Happy Hour
Palomino

Best Romantic Dinner
Daniel’s Broiler

Best Lunch Under $10
Chipotle

Best Seafood Restaurant
Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar

Best Place for a First Date
The Parlor Collection

Best Steakhouse
John Howie Steak

Best Place for a Haircut
Bach’s Barbershop

Best Sweet Tooth Fix
Trophy Cupcakes

Best Place for a Mani/Pedi
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas

Best Uniquely Downtown Bellevue Experience
Snowflake Lane

Best Place for a Massage
Matheny Chiropractic Center

Best Wine List
Purple Café and Wine Bar

Best Place to See and Be Seen
Lucky Strike Lanes

Best Workout Spot
Elite Fitness

Established in 1974, the Bellevue Downtown Association is a nonprofit, membership organization charged with leading the continuing evolution of Downtown Bellevue as the economic and cultural heart of the Eastside. The BDA and its 240 organizational members advocate for a shared vision of Downtown Bellevue, cultivate economic vitality, foster a dynamic civic and cultural community and create an open forum for all downtown constituents.

I love 520 because of the people who work here.

Did you know?

Taylor recently graduated Bellevue High School and will be attending the University of Washington in the fall.

She enjoys hanging with her family and friends.

Her favorite dish is the BBQ Chicken Salad.

Tamara

How could you NOT love 520?!

Did you know?

Tamara competitively rides Hunter/Jumper in  Washington show circuits and spends time training her Spanish Arabian horse.

She works with her mother staging homes, and enjoys cooking and living a healthy lifestyle.

Her favorite dish at the 520 are the amazing Steamed Clams!

I like working at 520 because I see my best bud Traci every day, and love the regulars.

Did you know?

When Mandy is not at 520 she can be found at the golf course with her husband.

She has a big family and enjoys spending time with all eight of her nieces and nephews.

Mandy’s favorite dish is Steak Gorgonzola.

I love 520 because I work with my best friend
Mandy of 18 years, and I love the regulars.

Did you know?

Traci is a marathon runner and is returning to run Boston in 2009.

She loves hiking and activities that makes her ‘sweat buckets’.

Mandy’s favorite 520 dishes are Coconut Prawns and medium-rare steak tossed with Gorgonzola dressing!

The thing I like most about working at 520 is when you step inside your always surrounded by people that love one another.

Did you know?

Diana’s a full time student and loves to be active.

She can always make something good out of any situation.

Diana’s favorite 520 dish is the Lamb Burger with bacon and gorgonzola crumbles.

We are proud to have been chosen the BEST CASUAL BUSINESS MEETING SPOT!!! Thank you Bellevue!

Voters recognize 520 Bar and Grill as the premier outdoor dining venue with its cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

Exquisite patio dinning opens up this popular neighborhood gathering place to the beautiful Northwest. Runners up: Bin Vivant, 1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland and The Slip, 80 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland.

View all Reader’s Picks

I get a smile on my face when I get in my car and head for work.

Did you know?

Sarah makes jewelry for Veridis Boutique in Seattle.

She loves acting, dancing and reading adventure novels with her amazing daughter Arya.

Sarah can’t decide on a favorite dish, she loves EVERYTHING!