I visited Alistair on a Sunday evening and happened to catch one of those quieter nights, with only a few other guests dining on the patio. Honestly, it was perfect for me. I settled onto the patio to enjoy the atmosphere, and the relaxed setting made for a wonderful solo dinner. My server was fantastic, especially helpful with portion sizes and recommendations since I was dining alone. They even offered to customize a salad so I could enjoy it as a single serving and wisely steered me away from the Buddha Plate, which is more of a charcuterie-style salad meant for sharing. I appreciated that kind of thoughtful guidance rather than simply encouraging me to order more. I started with a Classic Lemon Drop, and it was perfection. My bartender/server mentioned it was one of their favorite drinks to make, and I could absolutely taste the care that went into it. Refreshing, balanced, and the perfect pairing for my salad. Then came the beef rigatoni and WOW! So flavorful that I nearly finished the entire dish. I'll definitely be back for it, although I have a feeling the chef is going to keep that recipe under lock and key just to make sure I have to come back again. I know my timing was fortunate because the restaurant was quiet that night, and the team shared that Sundays can be hit or miss, as some are extremely busy while others are slower. But regardless of the crowd, I walked away feeling well taken care of and thoroughly impressed. Allistter has definitely gained a new customer. I'm already looking forward to my next visit--and that rigatoni. read more

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We had the most amazing lunch at Allister, and I can honestly say it was one of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. From the moment our meals arrived, it was clear that Chef Joel pours his heart and soul into every dish. His attention to detail is extraordinary, and you can see the care, passion, and craftsmanship reflected in every plate that leaves the kitchen. What truly sets Allister apart is Chef Joel's incredible creativity. The way he blends flavors, textures, and ingredients is nothing short of impressive. Every bite offered a perfect balance of familiar comfort and unexpected culinary twists, creating a dining experience that was both exciting and memorable. The ingredients were fresh, the presentations were beautiful, and each dish felt thoughtfully curated to showcase the best possible flavors. Beyond the food itself, there is a genuine sense of hospitality and pride that makes the experience even more special. It's evident that the team is dedicated to creating something unique for every guest, and that level of commitment shines through in every aspect of the meal. If you haven't had the chance to visit Allister yet, I highly recommend making a reservation. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an outstanding meal, it's a place that deserves a spot on your must-visit list. As an added bonus, they have a beautiful outdoor patio that is dog-friendly, making it the perfect place to relax, enjoy an exceptional meal, and spend time with your furry companion. We can't wait to go back and see what Chef Joel creates next! read more

Five stars, if only because my brother's impossible standards were finally defeated. A group of us stopped by after pickleball for brunch, and everything from the service to the food was fantastic. My brother is, without question, the pickiest diner I know. He's spent the better part of fifty years conducting what appears to be an unofficial cheeseburger audit of the West Coast. He orders a burger almost everywhere we go, critiques every one of them, and has been known to send food back without a second thought. So when he took one bite of the cheeseburger, quietly kept eating, refused to share a single truffle fry, and eventually announced, "This is the best burger I've ever had," the rest of us nearly fell out of our chairs. There wasn't a single complaint, which may be a first in recorded family history. Even more impressive, he's already been back twice on his own. I went in a completely different direction and finished brunch with the date and molasses cake. It immediately reminded me of the English toffee dessert that Citizen Cake in San Francisco used to make years ago. Rich, buttery, and not overly sweet, with house-made ice cream providing the perfect balance, it was one of those desserts that makes you slow down because you don't want the last bite to be the last bite. Great food, warm service, and a relaxed atmosphere. If Yelp allowed six stars, I'd award the extra one for the burger's remarkable ability to temporarily stop my brother from whining. read more

I've been to Allister several times since my first visit and each time it has been a delight. Allister is a favorite of mine! The staff here are so nice. I love sitting at the bar and watching the bartenders work. The cocktails here are incredible! It may actually be the reason I don't visit Allister more because I want to drink all their cocktails since they are so good. I am a huge fan of the Emerald City Sour and the Mr. Bluesky because I have a weak spot for delicious gin cocktails with egg whites. The food has always been delicious. The burger is big and juicy, and the steak frites are a perfect size and cooked to perfection. The French fries could feed a small army. The fish and chips may have been my favorite because suddenly I felt like I was back in London with that big breaded filet. It was crispy on the outside, tender on the in, and nicely savory. I have gone here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lunch may be my favorite time because it typically is a bit more chill than either brunch or dinner. Allister can get very busy and when it is busy it can become quite loud. The restaurant is very bright and inviting. I love the wood tones and they have an amazing bar. Very comfortable! I highly recommend Allister! read more

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Fantastic brunch...eggs Benedict and steak and eggs...have to try dinner next ! Mimosa was awesome too!

Best burger on the island hands down. The fries were also delicious, tasted fresh with a little skin on them just how I like it. The burger is a little pricey but so worth it. If you're craving a good quality burger, this one hits the spot. read more

I was very sad when Bennett's was gone, so I didn't give Allister a try until my friend highly recommended it. Finally I am here for lunch with a good friend. To my surprise, the food was delicious, and the staff was very friendly and kind. My friend and I sat at a table near the bar area where the sun somehow came in. The servant noticed right away and put down the window shade for us before we could even tell him. We appreciated very much his detail orientation. After lunch, we also tried their dessert, which was also amazing! Now I am a fan of Allister, and I will come again! read more

Allister - Bar area - New American Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

I've had two great meals here, can't wait to come for dinner service soon. Food: My vegan friend had the Buddha bowl and it looked delicious. Definitely want to try it again with a protein and she loved it. I had their quiche "of the moment" which was Havarti cheese. Came with a perfectly dressed side salad which I would've loved a little more of but otherwise the quiche was a good size with a flaky crust. We love dessert so I tried the date and molasses cake which was decadent and moist. My friend had both sorbets (mango and raspberry) and was very satisfied. I love restaurants that we can both eat at with no issues and there are options that make us both very happy. Service: Our server was lovely, I would come back just to hang out with her again. Ambiance: This restaurant is so pretty! It's like dining in someone's perfectly decorated living room. And the rounded bar is so chic. I have to give the restroom huge props as well - clean, tastefully decorated and smelled awesome. read more

I'll give 4 stars because being understaffed is not the fault of the servers, or the bartender, or the kitchen. It's a management issue. 30 MINUTES from ordering to getting two drinks on a regular not crowded Tuesday evening. Yeah, half hour for a martini and a gimlet. Oh well, we sat outside on a lovely July evening and enjoyed the ambience. The drinks came out....at the same time as the entrees. Oh well again. The Proper fish & chips was a generous portion. Good crispy breading, not heavy and hot flaky fish. Very good fries. The Scallops risotto was really good and again, a generous portion. I shudder to think what the wait might be for a party of four or more. Will be back for sure, but please. Staff up. read more

Allister - Scallop Risotto (There were three good-sized scallops and a healthy portion of nice al dente risotto) - New American Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

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Wonderful lunch experience in Mercer Island. This is a cute place to meet for brunch, lunch and dinner. I do believe they have happy hour too. My co-worker and I each ordered the lunch special with a cup of tomato soup, focaccia sandwich with prosciutto, salami and havarti and a mixed green salad. We finished with the Banoffee Tart. Everything was great from start to finish! Cody was our amazing server. He kept us well hydrated and made great recommendations, especially the dessert. read more

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Okay, I'm officially updating my review after returning several times for dinner! Their dinner menu is phenomenal, and everything we've ordered has been perfectly seasoned and cooked, with generous portions. We still haven't made it back for brunch, but if they've improved that as much as they have dinner, we'll happily become repeat brunch customers too. Very impressed with how much our experience has changed! read more

I love Allister. I just had a surprise cocktail party there for my husband and the food and service were wonderful. We try to have date night there every couple of weeks. If you haven't been there yet or in a while I highly recommend dining there. Great Happy Hour too! read more

Empty inside sitting but let's put everyone in the direct same row of tables. Plenty of tables so why sit everyone together? Sevice is barely adequate because had to wait for coffee and water refills. One server for the entire restaurant, indoor and outdoors. At least staff a buser to assist the server. Menu is boring and lacks wow. Had the basic breakfast. Scrambled eggs was slightly dry potatoes were possible reheated cuz they were darker than normal. Table next to me had the same and his potatoes did not appear over cooked. Million door question, will I come back? No. read more

First time here for a quick bite. The vegetarian eggs Benedict is so yummy. The eggs and pancakes were yummy. Pancakes were nice and fluffy (I was never a fan of pancakes ) and I ate them all . Even better my bacon came out nice and CRISPY as requested.... thank you chef! Our waitress was amazing and very professional. Perfect day for patio seating since the indoor seatings were all reserved. Only one note, management, should look into having more staff there was only one waitress and a host causing slow service. I must say the hostess and waitress were amazing and great team supporting each other for dining service read more

What a gem on Mercer Island! Most restaurants on the island are probably not worth traveling to, but this would be an exception. The Beef Bourguignon was excellent - tender pieces of beef in a savory sauce. The Banoffee Tart, as suggested by our server, must not be missed! Edible art for the eyes and the palate. The dulce de lèche oozed out on first bite. I would come just for this alone! Beautiful modern setting. Elevated dining at reasonable prices. read more

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I came here to meet some friends before going to a concert in Seattle and just stopped for a quick bite but was really blown away! The inside was top notch, swanky and upscale, but not stuffy. We sat at the bar, the bartender was super nice and and great wine bottle recommendations! I got the burger and my wife got the braised short ribs. Both were fantastic and I only with I got to spend more time savoring the experience. Definitely worth coming back and making and evening of the experience. Prices seemed reasonable to me considering the ambience, food, and wine. I thought the markups on the wine bottles were reasonable enough that I would rather order a bottle than pay a corkage fee here! read more

Allister - The burger! - New American Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

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New menu rocks! So delicious, Chef Joel is really raising the bar. Congratulations on the new menu! read more

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My dog daughter Cardi B insisted we try Allister. Their outdoor patio was spacious and beautiful. Some of our favorites were the Bourguignon and Coq au Vin. For drinks, Bobby Burns is legendary. Staff was amazing and look forward to coming back in the future. read more

Allister - Outdoor space - New American Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

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First and last time here. Inviting atmosphere utterly betrayed by stunningly miserable service and overpriced, mediocre food. If not for the lovely decor and cozy location, this would be the trifecta of gastronomic misery. Front of house seemed rather blasé, taking 17 minutes in a half-empty dining room to even approach our table, let alone offer cocktails or appetizers. Which would have been somewhat assuaged by culinary achievements appropriate to their $40+ prices. Alas, this was not the case. Overpromise and underdeliver seems to be the operative ethos. If that's your vibe, by all means, give Allister a try. You won't be disappointed. read more

TL;DR: AVOID. MISERABLE SERVICE from front to the table puts a shadow on the entire experience. Food is very average. The main reason to go here is if you're not wanting to leave the island for a nice-ish new American cuisine meal. This place is a huge letdown. We were very excited for a new modern American cuisine restaurant to open up in Mercer Island. However, from the moment we entered, we had a subpar experience. The service is the biggest failure. Rude, sassy staff do not offer prompt service. There was no line and we had a reservation, yet the hostess took about 5 minutes to acknowledge us and another couple minutes to seat us. No mention of "thanks for waiting." When we were seated, it took another 10 minutes to get menus and water. Again, it wasn't busy and we saw staff meandering around the floor. Just not our server. We had to wave down our server to place our order as well. The food itself is nothing special for brunch. We got the sandwich and soup combo and the wagyu burger, as well as the miso Caesar salad. The burger and sandwich were OK. The salad seemed interesting but the miso flavor was non existent, and the dressing was very light so that you could only taste the bitterness of the salad leaves (which were dry). The worst part was the tomato soup. Salty and oily. In fact, we could see a layer of oil at the top. We couldn't eat this soup, and the server couldn't have cared less. read more

Allister - Salad, Sandwich, and the disgusting tomato soup - New American Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

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Went to Allister with a group just for nibbles and a drink or two. Ended up sharing a burger and Caesar with my wife. The service was attentive without being overbearing and the food was good. The star of the evening, though, was the cocktail list. I'd only seen duck fat-infused spirits once before. The fat creates a creamy texture you just don't expect. Mine was an infused Japanese whiskey drink - it was magical. read more

Came for dinner on a Friday, party of four. We were seated right away. Overall, our waiter was attentive and excellent. The appetizers were beef tartare and like a tuna dish. The tartare was excellent, one of the better ones I've had outside France -- would definitely get it again. Had a couple cocktails. The Man About the Island was the better one, would get it again. The other was interesting but didn't mesh for me, not worth it. The wait for the main course was exceedingly long. We were seated at 715, and the main didn't come out until around 840. Tables who were seated after us were served before us. I think our parties' dishes were chicken, lamb, salad with steak, and pasta -- nothing crazy that should've held up the service. We shared our dissatisfaction with the manager but they were indifferent to our wait. The food was very good. I had the lamb three ways; it was a good dish but didn't knock me out, probably wouldn't have it again. My wife had the salad with steak, it was crisp, well balanced, like it sounds like it might be "boring" but it was incredible. Another had one of the pasta dishes, gluten free, it was also very good. (I didn't try the chicken, but also got a rave). Overall, the outdoor seating was great, the food was great, but like another review said the wait for the main course runs long. It would be better if they could speed that up, or mask it with something else during service, or at minimum serve tables approximately in the order they arrive. read more

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Darn - I really wanted to like this place but no such luck. My friend and I both ordered the avocado toast and it was mushy, sweet(?), and SO mediocre. I mean - cmon how hard is it to make avo toast?! read more

Allister has improved a great deal since our last visit in October 2024. In the interim, they've hired a new chef and revamped the menu. We were glad that we finally gave it another try. The ambiance hasn't changed, still aesthetically pleasing with a nice moderate level of energy. We ordered the House Made Focaccia, Fried Cauliflower Bites, and Honey Garlic & Jalapeño Shrimp for appetizers. All terrific. For the main course, we chose the Beef Wellington, Trio of Lamb, and two of the Allister Wagyu Burger. The beef and lamb dishes were wonderful. The burgers were great, and they did a good job accommodating customization on one of them. The fries were good albeit a bit too salty. We topped it all off with the Date & Molasses Cake. Wow! The service was overall very good, the only hiccup being the lack of a serving utensil for the appetizers until we asked for one. We still hope to come back for brunch sometime soon :-) read more

Love this place! As you can see in the photos... this restaurant has delicious dishes, great portion sizes, and fresh ingredients. Nice interior and staff. Definitely go check it out. read more

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This was a really nice newish restaurant on Mercer Island that has appeared to have a great start. We went on a Tuesday night and it was hopping. The vibe is really lively and feels warm and inviting. The service was kind, helpful and efficient. The food was genealogy good. My mushroom gnocchi was a little too salty for me but it wasn't anything that would prevent me from eating it. The cocktail I had was excellent!! read more

Allister - Mushroom ravioli - New American Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

Absolutely a five star establishment. From the phenomenal service to the shockingly good food, this place is a MUST visit if you're anywhere in the Seattle area. Chef Joel has taken his food to the next level! And his ability to pair foods that provide a kaleidoscope of flavors makes dining at Allister's, not just a meal, not just an experience, but a memory. I don't have room in this review to give credit to every dish that my coworkers and I tried over two days. But our experiences ranged from the Fried Honey Garlic & Jalapeño Shrimp, Crab Cakes, and Beef Tenderloin Skewer appetizers which were nothing short of amazing, to literally almost every entree on the menu. The entrées included Grilled Duck Breast, Wagyu Cheeseburger, Grilled Halibut, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, the Fish and Chips, and even a few I've forgotten but are in the photos. Every plate was perfectly paired with amazing, creative vegetable choices, and sauce preparations that truly left all of us saying "wow" after every bite. After trying the majority of meals on the menu, I can say that there are no bad choices to be had. And let me not forget about the pièce de résistance of the entire meal was "the apple that's not an apple" dessert. O M G is all I can say about it. You have to try it to understand how good it truly is. So again, if you are within driving distance, walking distance, uber distance or even in the State of Washington, Allister is a must!! Chef Joel and Daniel the Bartender/Somm will treat you like family and you will not be disappointed. read more

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Cute space but very slow service. We came for lunch and after 30 mins only saw food coming out for another party... and there were only 5 parties (including us). Not sure why midweek lunch takes so long. read more

A fun place for lunch on Mercer island. We were greeted promptly and also snatched the last available during lunch. I had the lunch specials and my coworker had the burger. It looked super good and he said it was amazing! I loved the onion soup in the combo but the sandwich was tiny but with quality ingredients. It's like a quarter of a normal sandwich. read more

Allister - Burger - New American Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

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Great food and attentive service. We sat at the bar, no reservation on a Saturday night so expected. We had the barrata pea salad, grilled octopus, and seafood pasta. The octopus was a bit on the mushy side but the other two dishes were amazing. Drinks, wine, beer were great. Will definitely come back. read more

Sub-par breakfast Nothing fresh. Frozen potatoes, small portions. Nice service, which is why I'm not giving it 1 star.

I have been to Allister many times and I look forward to my next visit! Now for my review. The friendly service, beautiful room and horseshoe bar are enough to keep me coming back. However, the flavors and presentation of the food are amazing! Chef Joel is creative and a great addition to the team. My only critique is the preparation can be inconsistent at times. An example is a dish with sauce will have a generous amount on one serving and a trace on the other. Not a deal breaker but worth a notation for your expectations. read more

Gave this place another try for dinner. We had: 1) crab bucatini - 3/5. Flavor was ok, but the pasta was way overcooked. 2) chicken - 2/5. I've had chicken in their salads and this chicken kept with the dry-ness of their poultry overall. 3) gnocchi - 2/5. Not a fan of this dry version and the ragout was also dry. 4) flourless cake - 2/5. We got fair warning that it'd be rich and dense, but none of the other desserts sounded good so we went for this one. Just don't get dessert. The drinks were the only good part of this dining experience. Nice to have a late hangout place, but please work on the food. read more

We went mid-week around 6 and didn't have a problem getting a table, but it was busy and as others noted it's quite loud inside. Staff were friendly and unlike some we had timely service, drinks (cocktail, wine) arrived relatively quickly despite there being 1 bartender and a nearly full bar area. Overall service was great. For food we started with the soup (carrot, pretty good) and crab cakes (just ok--slightly rubbery texture). We shared the Allister nicoise (good, but a little heavy) and the pappardelle & beef ragout (i liked it, but my partner wasn't a fan). We will come back to try some other items on the menu. read more

I ordered breakfast, and my wife ordered the Wagyu hamburger rare with no lettuce or tomato. Her burger arrived with lettuce and tomato and when she bit into it there was no pink at all. We had to ask the hostess to track down our server so she could tell him that she wanted a rare burger. She showed the server the inside and he agreed that it wasn't rare. I also asked for salt and pepper since there was none on the table. He left with her overcooked burger, and I started my breakfast. My wife remarked that my bacon looked uncooked, and I said it wasn't cooked, and it was cold. When the server came back without salt and pepper, I asked for cooked bacon and salt and pepper. The server came back with no salt and pepper, but he did bring my wife her fries to eat while they redid her burger. I went to the bar to get salt and pepper as I was tired of waiting. The server brought my wife's burger back and it was still overcooked, so she sent it back again. By this point, I was done with my breakfast and she had filled up on fries. We picked up a menu and noted the price of my breakfast and my wife's cocktail ($20 each). We left $40 on the table and left. The server had told us that there was no manager there and the chef had to adjust our bill. We didn't want to wait for the chef to get around to it as between the time he said this, four more burgers exited the kitchen. The server tried to tell us they were really busy, but there were 5 occupied tables inside and one outside - hardly busy. No email address on their website to send a note to the manager (which apparently wasn't there today anyways (July 20)). Needless to say, we're never going back. We eat out a lot and this was the worst experience we've had in a long time. read more

The space is inviting, with a relaxed vibe and a great outdoor patio. Most of the food was fine, however the chicken on the salad was overcooked and dry. Service was slow making it better suited for a casual weekend outing with friends rather than a time-sensitive business lunch. read more

Allister Checks All the Boxes! 1. Food - impeccable quality 2. Ambiance - causes me to long for the perfect date 3. Customer Service - always treated like a valued customer Allister cares what you think! It shows in every aspect that matters: food, ambience + customer service. As their guest, you matter. They want to get it right. And goodness, it is RIGHT! The food is fresh, flavorful and thoughtful. The customer service is unparalleled. The interior is welcoming and cozy, including the amphitheater bar design. There is even consideration for the noise level and acoustics (I would like to believe). When it comes to restaurants, people vote with their feet. Meaning, often times customers just do not return if they are dissatisfied . They vote by not returning. Allister has my vote...And, they should have yours, too! read more

What a beautiful combination of flavor and art! Bravo! A hidden gem for the true foodies! read more

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So was looking forward to trying this place but unfortunately it is not up to the high prices they are setting. I got an heirloom tomato salad and there was barely anything. Presentation was sloppy. For 17 dollar entree this did not serve me or give me enough to call it an entree at all. Others at my table commented on how they didn't feel like food was seasoned at all. Cocktails across table took over 20 min. Granted they were training which is fine but when they came they were not balanced. Didn't say anything at the table since I didn't want to make a scene but not worth what I paid. Hope this is growing pains and they can improve. read more

Allister - New American Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

The ambiance was perfect both warm and inviting. My burger was cooked just right, and the carbonara was nothing short of amazing. The shrimp cakes were crispy and flavorful, and the sesame seeds were the perfect touch. Our drinks, a Paper Plane and a Shirley Temple, were both spot on. The crème brûlée for dessert was delicious. And the service, like everything else, exceeded my standards with the food coming out at the perfect time and the kind staff and owner. Allister truly raises the bar for restaurants on Mercer Island. read more

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