Cuisine: American, Mexican, Breakfast
Restaurant Features: Bar, Patio Dining
Location: White Bear Lake
Address: 4736 Washington Square White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651.407.7162
Links: Washington Square Website Google Map
Atmosphere: There are pretty much two "halves" to the restaurant, both offering tables and seating at the bar. One side allows smoking, the other does not. One awesome feature of Washington Square that I was not able to take a picture of at the time of my visit is the gigantic patio area that accommodates a good hundred people or so.
Menu: Breakfast is served WED - FRI : 8:00AM - 11:00AM
SAT - SUN : 8:00AM - 1:00PM
Starters include mozzarella sticks, walleye strips, chicken wings, bruschetta, spinach artichoke dip, quesadillas or nachos, and sausage platter. Sandwich offerings include tuna or Philly melt, Reuben or Rachel, club, BBQ pulled pork, po' boy, portabella melt, walleye sandwich, Cajun shrimp BLT, turkey wrap and several grilled chicken specialty sandwiches and hamburgers. Also selection of premium salads. Dinner entrees are served with either steamed veggies or salad and choice of potato and include the walleye, salmon or catfish platters, BBQ pork ribs, Angus sirloin, spicy chipotle shrimp and pesto pasta. Mexican entrees include steak, chicken or shrimp fajitas, three tacos, two tostadas, burrito (choice of shredded chicken, beef, chorizo, or black bean), mole enchiladas or the spinach cream chicken enchiladas.
Price guide: Appetizers $6-9 Salads $7-10 Sandwiches $8-9 Mexican $10-13 Dinner entrees $16-19 Breakfast $3-12
What we ordered: My companions and I ordered a couple of appetizers before our entrees. This is the veggie quesadilla....it was loaded with perfectly sauteed peppers and onions.
I was in the mood for Mexican food and the waiter highly recommended the spinach cream chicken enchiladas, so I went with his suggestion and I wasn't disappointed. I wasn't sure what "spinach cream" meant, but discovered that it was a unique sauce that was a blend of both without tasting too creamy or of spinach.
One of my companions ordered the black bean tostadas. Rather than layering loose black beans across the tostada, Washington Square makes a flavorful black bean paste. There are actually two tostada shells with a layer of sour cream between them. This dish is wonderful! Best black bean tostadas I've ever tried:)
Another of my companions ordered the pecan-crusted walleye, with an extra fillet for an additional $4 (great deal!). The filet's were very long and heavily coated with the pecan crust, pan fried to a nice nutty crunch with great texture. It was served with a side of non-traditional tartar sauce that was unexpectedly sweet. Some people may enjoy this version of the tartar, but my companion preferred the fish without it.
Another companion ordered the southwest chicken salad ( topped with blackened chicken breast, corn, peppers, black beans, pico de gallo, shredded cheese and tortilla chips topped with salsa ranch dressing.) I did not have the pleasure of trying this salad, but it looked really good and my companion thought it was awesome!
Another companion ordered the club sandwich. Pretty standard for a club!
Service: It is almost always packed at Washington Square and it isn't always easy to have someone seat you immediately, but you'll usually be greeted by one of the friendly bartenders. Servers are knowledgeable of the menu and are willing to give suggestions.
Overall Impression: One of the more expensive places to eat in White Bear Lake, but the food is really good. Best place to go for patio seating!
Hey, thanks for the Washington Square review, I have been craving good Mexican food since moving to the Twin Cities.
Breakfast reminded me of a little place across from the city/hall jail in San Antonio we ate at a few times while vacationing. Ay que bueno.
Posted by: thegardenbuzz | October 18, 2009 at 02:32 PM