the district lounge for lunch

I was at an all-day training class yesterday. For lunch, a couple of people I've taken classes with before and I decided to eat at the District Lounge. This was my first time eating there and I loved the atmosphere immediately upon entering this underground restaurant at the artfully restored University Tower Hotel. It's like entering a modern day version of Jeannie's bottle home in "I Dream of Jeannie" only way cooler with a splash of Alice in Wonderland only more sophisticated. An elegant dining experience in an casually intimate neighborhood restaurant describes the District Lounge. From 45th street, you might pass up this restaurant, if not for the sidewalk sign. You enter the lounge through an otherwise conspicious black door descending a flight of stairs which empties you at the black piano used for jazz performances and a brilliant blue sign announcing your arrival at the district lounge (all lowercase by their design). Turning right you enter the bar and seating section. The seating is a mixture of regular tables and oversized plush bench seats with very high backs accompanied by smaller more intimate tables along with the usual bar seating. Modern drop lighting consisting of blue globes and wired into an 'S' shape, highlight the bar. We chose a comfortable table for our meal and were promptly served by waitresses dressed in black and white. From the lunch menu I ordered a District burger with cheddar, applewood smoked bacon and aioli for $8.00 and chose water with lemon for my drink, which was served in a tall highball glass. The burgers are huge and meaty, well worth the $8.00 price. My burger was served with seasoned fries and a pickle spear. If you get a chance, I recommend a visit to the District Lounge on the lower level of the University Tower Hotel for a relaxing lunch or happy hour in the evening. They are located at 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, Washington and can be reached via phone at 206-547-4134.