Two Doors Down is a cozy neighborhood burgers-and-beer hangout you and your family didn’t know you were missing. More 'Cheers' than Chuck E. Cheese, this Madison Valley favorite has already built up the loyal group of regulars that Erin Nestor’s establishments are known for.
It was opened in late August 2015 by Nestor and her wife Rebecca Denk; they also own The Bottleneck Lounge two doors up the street. After eight years of running their popular bar, Nestor recognized that as the neighborhood filled up with children, her regulars weren’t coming by as frequently due to their growing families. She encountered the same problem when she wanted to dine out with her 6-year-old niece, saying, “We had a hard time finding places that we like to go together that we all enjoy.” So when a space down the street presented an opportunity, Nestor jumped on it: “We decided to create that space for ourselves, hoping that others would come. And they have.”
Two Doors Down has plenty to offer the whole family, from a long communal table that comfortably seats large groups of family and friends, to a low-level kids counter by the front window where they can draw, read or play with Wikki Stix. A nearby nook offers a bounty of kids’ games, including the ever-popular Etch-A-Sketch and Connect Four, which Nestor says entices the kids and the adults.
The menu consists of upscale but accessible, high-quality burger fare, using locally sourced, antibiotic- and hormone-free beef — or an easily subbed veggie burger. Nestor says the house-favorite vote is split between the Green Chile Burger and the Firehouse Burger (a spicy flavor explosion of Sriracha-lime mayo and pickled jalapeños). For the vegetarian crowd, the deep-fried avocado sandwich is a knockout.
The kids’ menu offers the usual favorites, from a junior burger to grilled cheese to a gluten-free veggie corn dog. There’s a comprehensive beer menu for parents, including a gluten-free selection, and Sadie Mae’s Lemonade (named after Nestor’s beloved niece) never fails to delight the kids.
Two Doors Down recently started serving brunch on weekends from 10 am to 2 pm, so now the fun starts even earlier.
2332 E Madison St., Seattle, twodoorsseattle.com
