Immersed in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood is Flintcreek Cattle Co., a charming steak- and game-inspired restaurant. Founder and Executive Chef Eric Donnelly prides himself on providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience encompassing locally sourced meats and produce into each carefully crafted dish. This two-story space has a modern warehouse feel with tall ceilings, large windows and ample indoor dining space.
Upon taking a look at the menu, you may notice that many of the proteins have been sourced from small local farmers, providing top-notch grass-fed meat free of hormones and antibiotics. Begin your experience with the grilled red kuri squash, paired with fresh burrata, pistachio oil, saba and sage. This light bite is a fantastic dish to share with the table and goes great with an order of the warm Sea Wolf Bakery sourdough, which also comes with sea salt and whipped Plugrá butter.
Although the focus is on steak and game meats, there are a number of signature dishes that are both vegetarian- and vegan-friendly while still packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Try an order of the grilled baby eggplant as a starter or entree, accompanied with tomatoes, herbs, fermented black bean vinaigrette and sesame. All of Flintcreek’s vegetable-based dishes are a great selection for those who prefer a vegetarian option.
Once you have reached the main course, you may feel overwhelmed by all the delicious items listed on the Chops menu; rest assured, you cannot go wrong with any of them! The diverse landscapes of the state allow for Flintcreek to source its products from ranchers all over the region. From New York steaks to a classic filet, there is something for every meat-loving guest to enjoy. If you have a lighter appetite and are looking for a steak, we suggest the 8-oz. prime filet mignon. This delicious entree is aged 21 days from Ephrata, Wash., and topped with Maitre d’Hotel butter. Upon your first bite, you may notice the hint of smokiness and that is because all steaks are prepared on a wood-fired grill and finished off in a wood-fired oven. Yes, you read that right: wood-fired ovens aren’t just for pizza.
If you are dining with others or are up for a challenge, order the 3-lb. pure country 21-day aged Tomahawk from Moses Lake, Wash. Pair this with the creamy McEwen & Sons heirloom grits loaded with maitake mushrooms, sherry jus and shaved Grana Padano. This unique take on a classic Southern-style dish will leave you wanting to lick your fork.
If you are in search of trying some of the game offerings, the tender fennel-braised wild boar shoulder and parmesan potato gnocchi is absolutely wonderful and filled with garlic, sage and roasted tomato fennel sugo. The bold richness of these flavors combined is truly a masterpiece and a must-try menu item. Although the New Zealand elk rack is not locally farmed, it is an excellent entree selection plated with grilled lacinato kale, cauliflower olive tapenade, olive oil and sea salt. There is a simplistic elegance to this dish that is unparalleled.
While it’s rare to find a wood-fired oven in a steak restaurant, this secret weapon is also used to cook up the delicious molten chocolate cake topped with warm ganache, peanut ice cream and candied pecans. For a tasty tipple, check out the list of craft cocktails, like the savory Desert Rose consisting of Corazon blanco tequila, Americano Bianco, Lustau Rosé Vermouth, Salers Gentiane and Peychaud’s. This drink is a tequila lover’s dream, poured over a single whiskey rock and is so refreshing that you will leave wanting to learn how to make the drink yourself (however, it’s probably best to leave it up to Flintcreek’s expert mixologists!)
Flintcreek is now open seven days a week, Monday through Sunday, from 4 to 10 p.m. Flintcreek also offers also offer a fabulous happy hour daily from 4 to 5:30 p.m., dishing up light bites like Totten Kamilche mussels served with a jalapeno-charred lime butter, coriander and a grilled baguette, and the signature blue cheese butcher burger.
For more information, visit flintcreekseattle.com.
Review Washington State indoor dining guidelines prior to your visit.