Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Lai Rai Restaurant & Bar has emerged as a culinary sanctuary for food enthusiasts. Chefs Christopher Ritter and Jason Bothorpe have collaborated to bring a fusion of elevated South Asian cuisine with a modern twist to the Pacific Northwest. With innovative flavors in each dish and a warm, welcoming ambiance, Lai Rai has become a new staple in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle.
From the moment you step foot into Lai Rai Restaurant & Bar in Seattle, you’re greeted by contemporary decor, cozy booths throughout for a more intimate dining experience and open-air patio seating during the warm summer months. Lai Rai recently added an immersive brunch experience to its lineup (which already featured lunch and dinner), combining classic American dishes with a hint of Vietnamese favorites.
The new brunch menu is full of an array of signature delicacies that are guaranteed to ignite your taste buds. Among the standout dishes is Rusty’s Brunchwrap Supreme, filled with grilled chicken, scrambled eggs, house-made Beecher’s cheese whiz, cheddar, lime leaf creme fraiche, kimchi and the signature P.O.G. hot sauce (a blend of passion fruit, blood orange and guava). Another mouthwatering classic is the sweet and savory chicken and waffles, served on a roasted rice powder waffle then topped with crispy panko chicken tenders and a side of P.O.G. hot sauce and butter syrup.
Try one of the breakfast Bahn Mi sandwiches, a true Vietnamese classic with a creative spin. The soft brioche roll is loaded with an egg patty, pork belly, house-made Beecher’s cheese whiz, Lai Rai sauce and a crispy potato cake on the side. Pair this with a refreshing Glitter Bomb Paloma, poured over ice with D’Cortes Blanco, lime and sparkling grapefruit. This photo-worthy glitter-filled drink is perfect for those wanting a lighter cocktail with their brunch. The classic Lai Rai Bloody Mary is available with your choice of vodka or tequila mixed with its house-made Bloody Mary mix.
Lai Rai Restaurant & Bar has also curated an impressive selection of vegetarian dishes. The potato and avocado Bahn Mi combines avocado, hash browns, fermented tofu and herbs on a house-made brioche bun. This flavorful dish can also be prepared with a vegan modification upon request. Satisfy your sweet tooth with an order of Vietnamese cinnamon-brown sugar pull-apart monkey bread (this is also vegetarian), baked with smoked baby banana butterscotch, sweetened condensed milk and topped with whipped cream.
Lai Rai Restaurant & Bar dishes up brunch every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is open Wednesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., for lunch and dinner. Happy hour is also available Wednesday through Saturday, 3 to 6 p.m.
For more information, visit www.lairaibar.com.
2234 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121