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# The Crawlspace Gastropub – A Unique Hawaiian-Korean Fusion Experience in Mercer Island
The Crawlspace Gastropub, located in Mercer Island, WA, offers a delightful blend of Hawaiian and Korean cuisines. This vibrant restaurant has quickly gained popularity since its opening, thanks to its innovative menu and welcoming atmosphere. The owner, Jason, brings his Hawaiian roots and culinary expertise to create a unique dining experience that has garnered rave reviews. With a focus on community and quality, The Crawlspace is not just a place to eat, but a hub for local gatherings and events, making it a must-visit spot in the Seattle area.

## History
### The story of The Crawlspace Gastropub
The Crawlspace Gastropub was founded with a vision to bring the flavors of Hawaii and Korea to the Pacific Northwest. Chef Jason, originally from O'ahu, aimed to create a space that reflects his culinary heritage while also embracing the local community's tastes. The restaurant's concept was born from a desire to offer something unique in the Mercer Island dining scene, combining traditional Hawaiian dishes with Korean influences.

### Milestones and growth
- **Opening**: The Crawlspace Gastropub opened its doors in Fall 2022, quickly becoming a local favorite.
- **Recognition**: It was voted as one of the Best New Restaurants in the Seattle Times Best of the PNW shortly after opening.
- **Community Engagement**: The restaurant hosts various events, including themed nights and karaoke, fostering a sense of community.

### Cultural and local influence
The Crawlspace Gastropub has made a significant impact on the local food scene by introducing Hawaiian cuisine to Mercer Island. The fusion of flavors has attracted a diverse clientele, from locals to visitors seeking a unique dining experience. The restaurant's emphasis on community involvement and cultural representation has helped it establish a loyal customer base.

### Continuing the tradition
Chef Jason continues to innovate the menu, drawing inspiration from his Hawaiian upbringing and Korean culinary techniques. The restaurant regularly updates its offerings to include seasonal ingredients and new dishes, ensuring that guests always have something exciting to try. This commitment to quality and creativity keeps the dining experience fresh and engaging.

## Community
### Community involvement
The Crawlspace Gastropub actively engages with the Mercer Island community by hosting events and participating in local gatherings. From Halloween celebrations to football season festivities, the restaurant creates a lively atmosphere that encourages community interaction. Additionally, the restaurant's staff often participates in local events, further solidifying its role as a community hub.

### Community notion about the place
The local community views The Crawlspace as a vibrant addition to the dining landscape. Many patrons appreciate the restaurant's commitment to quality and its unique fusion of flavors. The welcoming atmosphere and attentive service have made it a go-to spot for families, friends, and food enthusiasts alike. Positive word-of-mouth and social media presence have helped solidify its reputation as a must-visit destination.

### Events and gatherings
The Crawlspace hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including themed nights, karaoke, and seasonal celebrations. These gatherings not only provide entertainment but also foster a sense of belonging among patrons. The restaurant's ability to create a festive atmosphere encourages repeat visits and strengthens community ties.

## Offerings
### What The Crawlspace Gastropub offers
The Crawlspace Gastropub features a diverse menu that highlights the best of Hawaiian and Korean cuisines. Signature dishes include Huli Huli Chicken, Bulgogi Crawlburger, and various fusion tacos. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create flavorful and satisfying meals. The drink menu also complements the food offerings, featuring a selection of cocktails and local beers.

### Dining and food experience
Dining at The Crawlspace is an experience that emphasizes both flavor and comfort. The menu is designed to cater to a wide range of tastes, with options for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The ambiance is casual yet inviting, making it an ideal spot for both family dinners and casual outings with friends. Guests often rave about the attentive service and the restaurant's commitment to providing a memorable dining experience.

### Events and packages
The Crawlspace offers various events and packages to enhance the dining experience. From special holiday menus to group dining options, the restaurant caters to different occasions. Guests can also enjoy themed nights, which often feature unique dishes and drinks that align with the event's theme, making each visit a new adventure.

### Facilities and features
- Cozy indoor dining area
- Outdoor patio seating
- Full-service bar
- Private bathrooms
- Community event space

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of The Crawlspace Gastropub highlight both strengths and areas for improvement. Many guests praise the unique menu and the quality of the food, while some mention inconsistencies in service during busy times. Overall, the restaurant has received a positive reception from the community.

### Compliments and strengths
Patrons frequently compliment the flavorful dishes and the creative fusion of Hawaiian and Korean cuisines. The attentive staff and welcoming atmosphere are also noted as significant strengths. Many reviews highlight specific dishes, such as the Bulgogi Burger and Huli Huli Chicken, as standout items worth trying.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While the majority of reviews are positive, some guests have mentioned inconsistencies in portion sizes and service speed during peak hours. A few diners expressed disappointment with certain dishes, such as the Spam Musubi, which did not meet their expectations. However, the restaurant's willingness to address concerns has been appreciated by many.

### Summary evaluation
In summary, The Crawlspace Gastropub offers a unique dining experience that combines Hawaiian and Korean flavors in a welcoming environment. While there are occasional inconsistencies, the overall quality of food and service has earned the restaurant a loyal following. Its commitment to community engagement and innovative cuisine makes it a standout choice in Mercer Island.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
The Crawlspace Gastropub is located at 3041 78th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040. This charming neighborhood is known for its beautiful parks and waterfront views, making it an attractive destination for both locals and visitors. The restaurant's proximity to Seattle allows for easy access to a variety of cultural and recreational activities, including hiking trails, shopping, and local events. The welcoming atmosphere and community-oriented approach of The Crawlspace make it a perfect stop for those exploring the area.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does The Crawlspace Gastropub serve** The restaurant specializes in Hawaiian-Korean fusion cuisine.
**Are there vegetarian options available** Yes, The Crawlspace offers a variety of vegetarian dishes.
**Do they host events** Yes, the restaurant hosts themed nights and community events throughout the year.
**Is there outdoor seating available** Yes, The Crawlspace has a cozy outdoor patio for dining.
**What are the restaurant hours** The Crawlspace is open for lunch and dinner, with specific hours varying by day.

## Visit The Crawlspace Gastropub Today
Experience the vibrant flavors of The Crawlspace Gastropub in Mercer Island, WA. With its unique blend of Hawaiian and Korean cuisines, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience that is both welcoming and community-focused. Whether you're looking for a casual meal with friends or a special night out, The Crawlspace is the perfect destination. Enjoy the innovative menu, attentive service, and lively atmosphere that have made this restaurant a beloved spot in the Seattle area.

6a751549-1070-4966-863f-b7e70da42152

Back again, and again amazing! This time I had their Fried Chicken Sandwich. Absolutely wonderful. Fries- perfect, just like last time. Sauces were a delight, on the sandwich, and dipping sauce for my fries. Well done team! Last time I mentioned how comfy the chairs were, well I would like to add their private bathrooms were nice as well! Attention to detail and atmosphere is abundant. The host, server, and owner were all very attentive and helpful. Truly a wonderful place to dine.

e3c11bc7-6fe7-4bcc-9e3c-974e03b59c12

The Crawlspace Gastropub was on my radar prior to it being voted in the Seattle Times Best of the PNW for Korean and Best New Restaurant. As a former MI resident, I welcome any new restaurants, and more so that it has Hawaiian roots. The owner also owns the famous Lahaina Bakery and Rainbow Drive In on Oahu, so it already has a big reputation to live up to. Anyway we came at the end of October, on Halloween, in fact. It was quite festive with the Halloween decorations, the staff were decked out in Halloween costumes, as were some patrons. We sat in the bar area, as the main dining area was pretty full. Although I wanted to try the loco moco, as that's my gauge for good Hawaiian food, I ordered the Huli Huli Chicken plate and my hubby ordered the Bulgogi Crawlburger with fried egg added, of course. Portions were generous for both dishes! The Huli Huli chicken was practically half a bone-in chicken, and I could only finish the quarter leg portion. The chili-vinegar-fish sauce was a great accompaniment as it cut down on the smokiness of the chicken. The Bulgogi Burger was ginormous, he had to portion it out to tackle this bohemoth! All the flavors were on point. Enough that we're looking forward to when we'll visit again. Service was a bit slow at times, but the staff was great. We ended up chatting with the GM, Kyle. He's got some great ideas for some special menus, hinting towards linking the Oahu restaurants on MI! We'll be back!

a4adc6f1-e348-43aa-a2cf-6aa2fb8369f1

My husband came here with a couple of his coworkers and got me the Bulgogi Burger to go. He had the same burger. The burger is super flavorful but fyi also super messy. The fries are super good. His coworkers had the KBBQ chicken dinner and the Bulgogi Dinner. Everyone liked their food. My only complaint is my husband came home with my burger and fries and goes oh the sauce for the fries is soooo good. Well, there was no sauce in my to go box, so I feel like I missed out a smidge. But still enjoyed my food. I'd eat food from here again for sure.

a67730ab-9502-452e-a1fa-b9a53e42b081

Didn't expect much from it since I don't typically expect much from Asian fusion, but it was actually delicious! I ate here quite some time ago so I don't remember exactly what I ordered, but I remember being pleasantly surprised by how good it was. The butter mochi was also standout for sure, I would recommend getting it as it wasn't gimmicky at all. Service was quick and friendly, and it's a great place for a casual sit-down with friends!

99f0595d-52db-45d6-89e1-decc1a484975

I wanted to love this neighborhood place. I've been following them on Instgram since before they opened. On that site, it looks like a colorful, lively place. The drab, gray interior didn't match the expectations set on Instagram. The bulgogi dinner bowl was a generous portion and the meat had a nice flavor. The banchan served with it were mostly successful, the best being mac salad. The worst being the long, stringy pieces of spinach(?) that we couldn't chew. The ahi poke bowl [spicy] was a good portion as well, and the fish and sauce were tasty, if one-note. However, most of the banchan served with it did not go well with the poke. I would have appreciated different accompaniments. Most disappointing was the spam musubi. We ordered it to share as an appetizer. It came at the same time as the entrées. We had no time to enjoy it. Sadly, even if served as an appetizer as requested we wouldn't have enjoyed it. See the picture. There was a large piece of spam, that tasted like it came straight out of the can. If any heat was applied I couldn't tell. The thick sauce over it didn't help. Service was pleasant enough. And when I explained why we only tasted one piece of the musubi (it had been sliced for sharing), after a long pause, the waiter offered to remove it from the table and the bill. We appreciated that. However, when I gave $100 in cash to pay the $72 bill, the waiter asked me if I wanted any change back. I said yes. Then he asked me how much change I wanted back. So I told him to hang on a minute while I did the math. What an uncomfortable end to the meal. I suspect the waiter might have needed help, perhaps he was spread too thin and was trying to speed things along. I'm not sure.

22c79942-244d-4569-a08c-2c6ed5840077

Love this place! We have been in twice & both visits were amazing! Our first visit we sat inside at their cozy bar & the bartender took great care of us. We had a tequila flight & their amazing tacos with homemade tortillas- absolutely delicious! This last visit we sat outside on their cute patio & shared a bottle of wine & decided to try their shrimp & grits with a side of buffalo sauce- OMG- amazing! Creamy grits with so much flavor & a generous portion juicy prawns. We also got the musubi with Juli sauce- yum! The owner Jason was such a great host & greeted each table- he explained he is Korean & grew up in Hawaii but also loved Mexican food so his restaurant beautifully reflects that with the perfect infusions. We'll definitely be back to try more of his delicious creations on the menu. Food 5 Service 5 Atmosphere 5

feaddf72-0fd8-4e82-9a9a-f1aec727ebe0

Food is hit or miss. I usually order the moco loco. The first time I order it was amazing. Second time, not so much. Possibly because I ordered it to go. Don't get the pancakes. Not worth the money. Service is always amazing. Ambiance is solid.

52f2ebce-d62e-44c4-81c5-c828f5250d66

Crawlspace is a much needed addition to the MI food scene and they are churning out amazing hawaiian fusion dishes. I've dined here a few times now and have always had an enjoyable experience. Dishes here are solidly executed and the cocktails are also wonderful. The bulgogi tacos are always a hit, as are the wings. On our last visit, we also tried the kalua pork and bulgogi dinner plates, along with the indonesian fried rice, which was surprisingly flavorful. The bread pudding for dessert was a miss, as it was on the dry side, but the kids demolished their ice cream. Overall, the food and service are consistent and it's a great place to catch up with friends or have a family dinner. My only gripe is that the dinner plate portions are a bit on the small side. I get that they're trying to replicate the idea of a plate lunch with the rice, mac salad, kimchi, etc, but each scoop could be bigger given the price.

a153aa8d-3c41-4a93-afc6-193d899a22f3

Great restaurant and bar on Mercer Island! The owner/chef Jason is from Hawaii so the menu has many local favorites with Korean fusion to kick it up a notch, and he comes around to all the tables to "talk story". My wife and I shared two dishes. The Indonesian Fried rice was chock full of chicken and loaded with flavor, topped with an egg and peanuts. The banchan salad was perfectly seasoned with their sesame dressing and lots of Korean sides, and adding seared ahi to the top was perfect. We ended our meal with butter mochi topped with vanilla ice cream, which was amazing how the sea salt paired nicely with the sweetness. We really appreciated all the staff who were friendly and welcoming, patiently explained all their menu items, and regularly checked on us to make sure everything was to our liking. There are so many things on the menu I want to try, from their chicken wings to their tacos to their burgers. We will be back regularly to try everything!

e50b9bfb-71f2-40b9-90d0-852ab04c5d1c

Ever since they opened last Fall, I've been coming here to grab some ono island style food, which is deeply rooted in Hawai'i culinary cuisine. They host various events throughout the year, such as Halloween, football season, Mardi Gras, and many others! They even host Karaoke Nights every week! Chef Jason hails from O'ahu (my home island) and brought his love for island & Asian food to the Seattle community. Chef Jason, his wife, and his entire team create a welcoming and energetic environment that makes me feel at home. - *Loco Moco *Portuguese Sausage *Butter Mochi *Huli-Huli Chicken (NEWEST ITEM) *Kimchi Fried Rice *Kalbi Dinner *Spam Musubi

Discover The Crawlspace Gastropub in Mercer Island, Seattle—delight in unique craft beers and delicious bites in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Book your visit now!

The Crawlspace Gastropub in Mercer Island, Seattle - Craft Beers & Bites

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The Crawlspace Gastropub

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Explore the full menu at The Crawlspace Gastropub in Mercer Island. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 3041 78th Ave SE, Mercer Island.

The Crawlspace Gastropub Menu – Food & Drinks in Mercer Island

Learn about The Crawlspace Gastropub in Mercer Island. Discover our story, menu highlights, and what makes us a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Visit us at 3041 78th Ave SE.

About The Crawlspace Gastropub, Mercer Island

Opening hours for The Crawlspace Gastropub, Mercer Island. Find opening hours for The Crawlspace Gastropub, Mercer Island on 3041 78th Ave SE.

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