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Issaquah’s Hottest Seafood Restaurant Rediscovered

What’s on tap at Big Fish Grill? {Sponsored}

By Suzanne E Lee for Regency Centers August 11, 2016

Forget about fish fingers. When you want to treat yourself to a seafood feast, head to The Big Fish Grill. Add the signature Big Fish Martini to your order – or one of 11 beers on tap – and you’re on the way to a memorable night out. The restaurant, which is located next to Regal Cinemas, is currently celebrating its third anniversary. We caught up with manager Mike Anderson to ask what’s new.

Big Fish Grill built its reputation on seafood. What are some of the hidden gems on the menu?

You might be surprised that two of our most popular menu items are the Filet Mignon and New York Steak. In fact, our steaks rival grilled salmon as a favorite of many regulars. We also have an approachable kids menu, including Fish & Chips and Grilled Wild Salmon. Kids eat free on Mondays, too.

You’ve got 11 beers on tap. What pairs best with seafood?

Our beers on tap include Georgetown Brewery’s Lucille India Pale Ale (IPA) and Manny’s Pale Ale, both brewed in Seattle, and Mac & Jack’s African Amber, which is brewed in Redmond. All three pair well with seafood. One of my favorite pairings is Dynamite Shrimp and the Lucille IPA, which holds up to the heat of the dish. If you’re here for Happy Hour, an order of Dynamite Shrimp is $4.

What makes Big Fish Grill’s happy hour one of the best in the area?

It’s a combination of the menu, timing and specials. What you may not know is that food specials are available seven days a week. We serve Happy Hour in the bar and on the outdoor patio, so anyone under 21 can enjoy food specials on the patio. Two of the most popular specials are Cod Fish & Chips or Shrimp Truffle Orzo Pasta for $6. Happy Hour is from 3 pm to 6 pm and again from 9 pm to close.

What’s your most popular weeknight special?

Ladies Night, which is Thursday. All specials are available in the bar and dining room. From 3 pm to close, Ladies enjoy $5 Lemon Drops, Big Fish Martinis and Cosmos, as well as $2 off wine by the glass.

How do Chef Derek Stewart and the team create monthly menu specials?

A lot depends on the season. We introduce dishes when new fish are running and when the harvest changes. The feedback we hear from guests is also important. If guests love a dish, we’ll keep it on the menu as long as possible. Some monthly specials get nominated for the regular menu. Both the Ahi Salad and Parmesan Crusted Halibut are great examples of guest favorites that we hope to offer on the regular menu.

Can guests request substitutions?

Everything is made-to-order (house-made) so it’s easy to substitute or omit ingredients. Say, for example, you don’t like cilantro. Just say the word and we’ll hold it from your dish.

What’s the best part about working at Big Fish Grill?

Apart from the great people and delicious food, I can walk to work every day because I live in the Issaquah Highlands. I’ve lived in Issaquah since 1998 and couldn’t be happier.

The Big Fish Grill is located at 984 NE Park Drive in Issaquah Highlands at Grand Ridge Plaza. For reservations, call (425)-369-4334 or visit www.thebigfishgrill.com. You can make reservations on OpenTable, too. Free parking is available in the adjacent parking garage. Street parking is also available.

Directions and Parking at Grand Ridge Plaza: From I-90, take Exit 18 and follow E Sunset Way/Highlands Drive toward Issaquah Highlands. Continue on Highlands Drive for about half a mile to arrive at Grand Ridge Plaza. The shopping center offers plenty of free parking. 

photos by Shubha Tirumale Photography LLC