REDMOND. Aptly named, this popular restaurant serves Mexican cuisine using only the freshest ingredients. The majority of dishes are handmade, and the restaurant features a stellar lineup of tacos, burritos, and taquitos. Plus, the salsa bar is legendary.

KIRKLAND. Anthony's HomePort enjoys immense popularity thanks largely to a mastery of fresh seafood, vegetables, and salads. Start with garlic herb mussels, and then try chargrilled halibut cheeks, fishermen's cioppino, fettuccine with fresh Dungeness crab, or even a NY steak. For dessert, consider homemade deep-dish apple crisp served with Olympia Mountain cinnamon ice cream. Enjoy great views of the water from inside the restaurant.

DOWNTOWN & BELLTOWN. Boasting great waterfront views and an expansive dining area with several distinct venues, this branch of the Anthony's chain is inviting and bright. It also offers outdoor dining when the weather cooperates. The menu features a cornucopia of fresh, well-prepared Northwestern seafood. Among the dishes you'll find are lobster, salmon, Dungeness crab cakes, coconut prawns, and Alaskan halibut. The restaurant also has a good selection of desserts, and cheesecake rates especially high on the list.

TACOMA. Anthony's has a small chain of excellent seafood restaurants in Seattle and the surrounding area, all of which offer great views and outdoor seating. This branch is located near the zoo ­ when you're done there, this restaurant is a great place to bring the whole family. The menu features fresh Northwest seafood, in dishes like cioppino, Dungeness crab cakes, coconut prawns, and blackened halibut tacos. Save room for dessert ­ the blackberry cobbler is wonderful. If the weather cooperates, the best seats are on the outdoor deck, where you and the kids will enjoy watching the activity in the harbor. Great views of Vashon Island and Mount Rainier, too! Complimentary parking. Moorage is available.

DOWNTOWN. This classic Seattle steakhouse is a grand destination for diners looking to impress important clients. The saloon-meets-supper club decor features a copper counter with swivel stools and elegant tables dressed in white linens. While cooked-to order steaks, ribs, and chops are well prepared, fish and seafood really earn Brooklyn its many years of high praise ­ oysters, in particular, are a must-try. Dinner reservations are suggested.