Purple Cafe and Wine Bar, Woodinville, WA
On numerous occasions I have visited Purple Cafe and Wine Bar in Woodinville, WA. They do have a couple of other locations in Bellevue and Seattle, but seeing how this is close to my home, I am usually here. Located in "Wine Row," an area filled with wineries like Chateau St. Michelle and Columbia to smaller outlets, Purple offers a great selection of food and wine choices.
Purple's interior is akin to a small industrial warehouse, but with exposed wood. It is dark, I've had to use my phone every time to read the menu. There is a small bar with about 10 seats and no TV. There is seating in the main area inside, a small selection of tables outside and an even smaller area upstairs (I don't envy the wait staff who have to traverse the stairs to deliver food).
Reservations should be made as it is a very popular location and has been filled each time I've eaten here. My go-to plate is the bacon wrapped meatloaf, for me it is delectable and when accompanied with the vegetables and parmesan potatoes, it is quite the comfort meal. I will have to say I did try the Kobe Eye of Ribeye last night and was hugely disappointed. The Ribeye, although cooked properly (medium rare) was surprisingly tough for Kobe (it really appeared to be a Sirloin) and the accompanying brussel sprouts were dry and only lightly topped with parmesan cheese. The fingerling potatoes were more like small potato pancakes with very little flavor and simply unwelcoming to eat. I was immediately upset that I didn't go with the meatloaf and at $42 for the Ribeye, it was truly upsetting. Nevertheless our other meals here have been great (Wagyu Sirloin, Scallops, Spicy Prawns and Frites).
If you like wine, they have a plethora of wines to choose from. They offer many wines by the glass from regions across the world with a small emphasis on Washington wines. The service is usually very attentive and professional. Click here for their website (hours, menu, etc.)
Overall: Purple is a great place for a night out depending upon your choice of entree, I usually recommend a steak from a true steakhouse so I would not risk ordering one here, I would stick with their other selections. Great wines for pairing make Purple a nice evening out.
Pros: great wine selection, attentive service, appealing appetizers and decent entrees.
Cons: parking is very difficult to find, especially on busy evenings as there are numerous other wineries and stores in this shopping center. Avoid ordering steak from here as they sear in a cast iron skillet as opposed to grilling or broiling.