Ray: After dropping off a stunning piece of Josh's artwork at a private Capital Hill art walk, Josh and I kicked around where we would eat dinner. We were thinking ramen or possibly Thai, but decided instead on the Sea Monster Lounge on 45th street in Wallingford (our haunting ground).
The Sea Monster Lounge has been open for 11 years and is primarily known for live music seven days a week. They hold open mics that attract a bevy of eclectic and talented musicians. Josh had been there on a few occasions for the music, but had never eaten there. Last night we were not looking for live music, we were there to test the kitchen.
We arrived just after 5:00 and they had just opened. The inside was surprisingly small with interesting murals on the walls of a giant squid and a mermaid. Being the only customers in the place, we sat at the bar and were greeted by David the bartender who is a six year veteran of the Sea Monster and a musician in his own right. David got our drinks queued right up and presented us the (rather disappointing) menus. I was hoping for, perhaps more substantial entrees, but the offerings were pretty much burgers, although there were salads and appetizers as well.
I ordered the Monster Burger (it seemed appropriate). It didn't take long to prepare. David brought us our surprisingly well plated burgers with fries. Since I always eat with my eyes first, I was pleasantly surprised. It looked fantastic, and smelled great. I started to think we were in for a treat. The burger was one of the best I have purchased for quite a while. A perfectly toasted bun dressed the ample patty and the house ketchup captured my imagination.
As we ate, the bartender David did what good bartenders do. Not just serve drinks and move on, but he became part of our evening and part of our conversation. I quite enjoyed his input and his company. This is where I learned that we were there WAY before they get busy. With live music starting at 10:30PM, they don't get real busy until after midnight. We were the proverbial "breakfast crowd".
We found out that the Sea Monster is expanding into the space next door. That would be great for them and provide a much roomier establishment for their regular music-heads. I hope they also expand their menu selections and give that cook of theirs a chance to put them on the culinary map. I think they have the talent to pull that off.
Even though the Sea Monster Lounge is a music joint more than a food joint, I award them four stars for such a great burger as well as a bright future and potential. I am sure I will come back some day and see how the new place is coming along.
Josh: This place has a bit of a "dive-bar" feel, but the light was low and the music was easy jazz, very comfortable place to dine. My first visit of this place was back in June during open mic night. I honestly thought it was a bit divey, they boasted live music 7 days a week, never a cover. The way it's set up I imagined a bunch of late-30-somethings (I'm a late-30-something) crammed onto what might have been the dance floor while bad pulsing house music thumped and everyone sweat and tried to hook up with one another. In my imaginings the floor would be swollen with a lot of popped collar polo shirts, flat-brimmed baseball caps and cleavage. But when I actually breezed in for some live music, it was extremely tasty jazz, good drinks and
an overall relaxing atmosphere. My girlfriend and I return regularly to see a band called Sound Dialogue every first Saturday. I've also performed for open-mic night once, and plan to again very soon. The place is a real asset to the neighborhood.
As far as our visit Thursday night goes, we got there right as it opened and were the only people in there (besides the bar tenter) for the duration of our stay. We were informed they normally have a late night crowd, which is understandable, the music doesn't start till 10. We sat at the bar, I had a BBQ bacon hamburger with fries and the house-made ketchup which was a nice slightly-spice touch. The food was
unexpectedly delicious, and after 2 gin and tonics the bill came to $12. Did I mention the fantastic happy hour deals? Thanks, Sea Monster.
Friendly conversation by the bar tender, great food, wonderful atmosphere, no complaints from me. I'm going 4 out of 5 stars. read more