Korochka Tavern

I was here for a quick dinner and out of sheer curiosity, since Eastern European cuisine is pretty much absent from the dining scene here (with very few exceptions).Keep in mind that it is much more a bar than a restaurant but offers a limited menu of Eastern European staples: savory dumplings with meat (pelmeni) and non-meat options (vareniki), some traditional pickled appetizers and savory pastries (piroshki). Now, don't expect an extensive menu - there are no soups, desserts and such. I got the impression that the drinks list was heavily outweighing the food one... The food though was quite good taste-wise and had that authentic, home-cooked quality to it. This place is quirky and a tiny bit kitsch to my taste, and the music was a wild concoction of anything from Emir Kusturica to a variety of Balkan and slavic bands and themes but I guess geographically it was "close enough" :D (?). But at least they did not turn it into a stereotypical nesting-dolls-samovars-folk-songs nightmare.I could see how this place is quite alright if you want something with a different vibe to what most bars here offer or are in the mood for some seriously delicious dumplings.

I would drink a tub full of the Lenin Drop if I could. Beet vodka is amazing. Super sweet staff, this will become a regular spot of mine for sure.

wow, seriously good vegan dumplings! I'm of Polish descent, and grew up eating my mom's and grandmother's (non-vegan) pierogi. Since going vegan a number of years ago, it's one food I haven't been able to find in the Seattle dining scene in veganized form. Now, these are technically not pierogi, but vareniki. Which are basically mini pierogi in my eyes. And they're just so good. Literally like mom used to make, but vegan. And vegan sour cream to boot! My regret was that we had a show to go to afterwards, and couldn't take a bag of a dozen frozen ones to eat the next day at breakfast (pro tip-- dumplings cold straight out of the fridge are yummy). Vibe is old school dive bar. Great service. the bartender was our waitress, and my better half said she made the perfect martini. I'm a beer guy, and can see the refills were attentively given. The pickled plate is good, too. Definitely worth doing your first time. Our preference was the pickles, and next time we're going to try the pickled mushrooms, which are the only things not included as part of the plate. Rye bread is like my mom used to buy from the local Polish bakery, too... this place is 100% authentic I tell you. The food comes out in these adorable wooden hand painted bowls. I commented on how I'm amazed they last through the dishwasher ... turns out that they are non dishwasher safe, and have to be hand-washed! when was the last time you've seen a restaurant-- let alone a dive bar -- use handwash-only plates?!?Seriously good food. Particularly if you are vegan, just go.

A small tavern that serves the best beet vodka and Eastern European specialties. We took a booth along the wall and service was warm and casual. Highly recommend: pelmini meat dumplings, pickle plate, chicken piroshki and borscht!The pickle plate was a delightful assortment of fermented beets, cucumbers, carrots and cabbage complimented perfectly with light feta and dark rye slices. Everything was so flavorful but the carrots were our favorite. Their borscht was cold which was perfect for the hot day! The chicken piroshki was fluffy and the chicken filling was mashed and soft.My favorite? It's a competition between the borscht which was so refreshingly tangy yet sweet and rich, and the dumplings + sour cream (it was so light and melt in the mouth) + dill which was such a unique and hearty combination.We had the best time dining here. Such a lovely hidden gem tucked away in Wallingford - please keep it homey and intimate.

This place is cozy with unique food and drinks. I came across this place randomly and added it to my to do list knowing that it would make for a perfect night out someday. I knew I had to try the beet and horseradish vodka, but was happy to find they had vegan food options as well. This is perfect for a stop off when walking up and down the Wallingford area, but also makes for a fine stand alone destination. My Lenin drop was delicious. I enjoyed sampling the horseradish vodka. I tried 3 of the pickled veggies. I feel like I do need more pickled beets in my life. I really enjoyed the carrot salad as well. I plan to try the pickled cucumbers on my next visit. I wish there was another vegan vareniki option, but for mushroom lovers there is one, vegan sour cream too. I'll be back.

Oh yes. Food and service must be improved. Pay attention for the restroom. I really hope that everyone who reads this review, will find my review really useful.

Not a real Russian restaurant, matter of fact it's a bar run by Americans! They would not let us in at 3pm on Friday to eat lunch with our sleeping, 3 month old baby (like she is trying to sneak a drink?). Also, very rude encounter about not being able to order lunch, the large woman who spoke with us could have been much more friendly about it. A real food establishment might have offered a to-go option at least to satisfy their customers. Would not recommend if you're looking for an authentic Russian food experience.

I was really impressed by Korochka Tavern. They had a good selection of Soviet comfort foods spanning several countries. We tried a few different things but definitely liked the meat dumplings best. All our cocktails were great, and service was good as well. Prices are very reasonable for Seattle.I'll definitely be back.

Immediately upon entering the quaint space, decorated with rustic patterned wallpaper and bulbous chandeliers, we were transported to a dark cozy bar, safe from the blustery Eastern European winds outside. The Dinner for 2, offered during Seattle Restaurant Week, let us sample the menu. The pickle plate was playful, its feta a standout. The Pelmeni were juicy and the Lenin Drop cocktail reminded us of a refreshing pressed juice. The honey cake was the only neutral plate of the course. Overall, an intimate, charming place for an evening of conversations, drinks, and food.

Enjoyed a simple menu and a unique experience. The meat dumplings were a standout, far tastier than the vegan option, which unfortunately lacked flavor. Highlight was the honey cake, although I forgot to take pictures.