An Edwardian Home Is Now One Of Washington's Best Seasonal Restaurants
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published July 10, 2024
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
If you love history and dining out, you’ll adore this historic restaurant in Seattle. Located in a stunning Jazz Age mansion, Georgetown’s Corson Building delivers an atmosphere like nowhere else. From the verdant gardens to the warmly lit interiors, it honors local history and creates memories that last diners a lifetime.
Though it's mainly known for its industrial roots, long before shipyards and warehouses came to dominate Georgetown's streets, it was a thriving residential community. Only when the public airport opened and the freeway severed the neighborhood's east-west connections did Seattleites begin moving away, driven out by the city's worst air and noise pollution.
Still, remnants of this period are speckled among Georgetown's impressive brick factories. The Corson Building, located beside the Georgetown Playfield, is one of these reminders. Built in 1926, this Jazz Age mansion was a family residence that sat unoccupied for some time before being reimagined into a restaurant.
The Spanish-style home could've fallen into disrepair if it wasn't for the trained eye of star chef Matt Dillon, who saw the structure's potential and transformed it into a one-of-a-kind dining experience in 2008.
Since its debut, The Corson Building has earned a reputation as one of the city's best restaurants, finding its way into publications like Goop. It's achieved this acclaim without sacrificing its underground appeal. Unlike Seattle's other famous fine dining spots, destinations like Canlis, this Georgetown gem still feels like a place you could stumble upon while exploring the neighborhood.
That said, you can't just stumble onto a table here. Reservations are generally booked weeks in advance. It goes without saying that The Corson Building is an upscale outing, charging around $100 per person for a full-course meal and $50 per person if they'd like a wine pairing. Still, you're guaranteed an unparalleled experience for your investment, making the restaurant a great option for marking special occasions.
The menu emphasizes fresh and local ingredients — some sourced from the restaurant's garden! While you can order a la carte, I recommend opting for one of the fixed menus, where the kitchen talent really gets to shine.
But, in summer, nab a table outdoors, where the walls and lush greenery make you feel like you're in a secret garden, far from the neighborhood traffic and occasional low-flying plane.
