As Bellevue began to lay its roots in the mid 19th century, incorporating in the mid 20th century, the aptly named Main Street became a central hub. This part of the city is as charming as it gets, with a unique, small-town feel that still thrives amid the skyscrapers of urban Bellevue. Spend some time popping into local boutiques, exploring delectable restaurants, and simply soaking in the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
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Much of the appeal of Old Bellevue — both on Main Street and the surrounding blocks — are the many local boutiques, many of which are independently, family-, or woman-owned. A must-visit, glassybaby holds shelves lined with a rainbow of handblown glass vessels in nearly every color imaginable. No two votives are the same, guaranteeing a custom piece each time you shop. And the goodness doesn't stop there — part of the money from every sale goes to one of a number of non-profits, including those that support families of children battling cancer, food banks, and mentorship programs.
For great gifts — or, perhaps, for some lovely and delicious items for yourself — pay a visit to hedge & vine. It’s unlikely you’ll leave empty handed after you browse the shelves of fine wines, gourmet food items, and beautiful home goods curated from local artisans.
Next, turn your focus to wardrobe staples with a stop at La Ree Boutique, where the on-trend inventory is gathered from emerging designers and independently owned brands. This Old Main Street gem is filled with upscale women’s clothing and accessories, perfect for finding a new vacation outfit or two.
Complete your new stylish looks with the perfect accessories from Gin & The Banker. This local jeweler curates only the finest jewelry pieces, most of which are made by talented independent designers from all around the globe. Before you know it, you’ll have a new necklace, ring, or pair of earrings to show off. Check their website or sign up for their emails to be in-the-know on their regular special events and trunk shows.
Eat Well
Old Main’s caffeine scene is all the buzz, with local shops each bringing their own twist to a cup. The woman- and minority-owned Matcha Magic offers an abundance of matcha-based concoctions, as well as ceremonial matcha, traditionally prepared with water. Coffeeholic House is the region’s first Vietnamese coffee shop, and Third Coffee Culture offers single-origin coffees and teas from around the globe.
Brunch is a must when visiting Bellevue’s Old Main Street. For an elegant dining experience, look no further than Bis on Main. You’ll spend some time browsing the extensive list of wines and cocktails and a menu filled with seasonal, Pacific Northwest flavors as well as mid-morning classics. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as tables fill up quickly.
Veg-loving visitors will find heaven at Araya’s Place, the region’s first vegan Thai spot. Here, popular Thai dishes — think pad Thai, tom yum soup, and panang curry — are all made using the freshest, plant-based ingredients. The flavors are rich and authentic, with fragrant herbs, spicy chiles, and tangy citrus in the spotlight.
The popular Fern Thai on Main offers a different spin on Thai cuisine. This restaurant highlights lesser-known Thai dishes, like hung le, a Northern Thai beef short rib stew, and kua kling, a Southern Thai ground pork-based dry curry.
Every visit to Old Main Street should include a sweet treat from local chocolatier Fran’s Chocolates. The Gray & Smoked Salt Caramels are their signature item, but don’t worry, chocoholics, their chocolate bars and truffles are exquisitely crafted as well. Stop by for a sample and pick-up a few as souvenirs to share with your loved ones at home.
Sugar n Flakes Bakery & Cafe boasts a delightful array of pastries, cakes, and coffee, but the freshly baked cupcakes are definitely the stars of the show, coming in more than 30 flavors, from vanilla raspberry to lemon blueberry to chocolate caramel.
Take a peek into the pastry kitchen at Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream, where freshly baked brownies and farm-fresh produce are slowly churned into delicious ice creams. With 11 “always” flavors and four rotating seasonal flavors to pick from, you may find you need more than just one scoop.
Settle in for a glass at one of Main Street’s sophisticated wine bars or elegant cocktail lounges. Family-owned Browne Family Vineyards is celebrated for its world-class wines. Take your pick of their vintages in their inviting tasting room. Newer to the Bellevue scene, Valentinas Wine Bar promises incredible wines and savory bites that will leave you fully satisfied. For craft cocktails, Jocovine Bistro’s stunning bar is the perfect setting for an evening sip. Order the Old Bellevue, crafted with Old Forester bourbon, fresh lemon juice, crème de cassis, honey, and simple syrup, a perfect way to end your day in Bellevue.
Bellevue’s Old Main Street is full of wow-worthy shops and bites. After spending the day soaking up all it has to offer, end your visit surrounded by nature at nearby Bellevue Downtown Park or the lovely Meydenbauer Beach Park, both beautiful spots for a relaxing evening stroll.
