Seemor
McMenamins Anderson SchoolBWorth Trying
18607 Bothell Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011
· Bar, Brewery, Event venue
· 4.5/5 Google (3561 reviews)
Destination-style brewpub hotel with standout ambiance, lively amenities, and decent food; value and service consistency vary, especially at peak times.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
McMenamins Anderson School delivers a distinctive experience anchored by exceptional setting appeal—a restored historic campus with gardens, pool, and art throughout that justifies its destination draw. However, inconsistent food execution and variable service during peak events prevent a higher grade; pub fare ranges from satisfying to disappointing, and staff attentiveness fluctuates with crowd levels. Best suited for casual gatherings and families seeking the campus experience rather than culinary precision.
Restaurant Summary
The setting feels like a whimsical campus adventure: a restored school with lush gardens, a tiki bar above a shimmering pool, and art tucked into every corridor. One guest summed it up as "a place where you park once and explore all night" with fun and funky vibes, a lively social scene, and plenty of cozy corners by the fire. Service swings from warm and swift to stretched thin during events, but the visual charm and amenities leave strong impressions. Cooking leans classic brewpub—burgers, fish and chips, hearty plates—backed by house beers and tiki cocktails rather than culinary theatrics. When the kitchen hits, it is satisfying and comforting; when it misses, diners mention temperature issues or ho-hum flavors. Expect dependable pub staples, strong drinks, and campus-wide convenience over fine-dining precision; it suits relaxed gatherings, movie-and-dinner dates, and casual groups. Families do well here. There is a kids menu, a big warm pool that steals the show, and a movie theater on-site. Most children will find friendly options like simple pub fare and ice cream from the creamery. Parents should note resort-like pricing and occasional waits at peak times, but the variety of activities helps keep everyone happy.
At a Glance
- Unique historic campus with pool, theater, and multiple bars
- Strong house beer program and tiki cocktails
- Inconsistent service and food execution at peak times
- Limited in-room amenities (no fridge/coffee maker in many rooms)
- Expect resort pricing across venues
What Sets It Apart
- historic_school_campus
- on_site_movie_theater
- tiki_bar_over_pool
- house_brewery_program
What People Love
- Playful, artsy design throughout the property
- Warm pool and tiki bar views
- House beers and creative cocktails
- Walkable campus with firepits and theater
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely high across rooms and venues; some feel value is borderline
- Service lapses reported during holidays or late-night (slow, unhelpful hosts)
- Food can arrive lukewarm or underwhelming on busy nights
- Review patterns show polarized event-night feedback; weigh regular nights more heavily
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-$65 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Lean into house beers and tiki cocktails for distinctive value
- Choose pub staples (fish and chips, burgers) during busy periods
- Finish with creamery ice cream to please mixed-age groups
Perfect For
- One-car weekend where you eat, swim, and see a movie on-site
- Casual date night with tiki cocktails and a film
- Family staycations with pool time and easy dining
- Group hangouts needing semi-private spaces
Location Insights
Area: Quaint suburban center appealing to families and weekenders; historic campus repurposed as lifestyle venue.
Safety: Perceived safe with good upkeep and foot traffic; occasional navigation confusion due to lush landscaping.
Nearby: Near Bothell Main St, parks, and residential areas; draws locals and visitors from greater Seattle.
Downtown BothellDowntown Bothell is a vibrant and walkable area with a mix of historic charm and modern development. The dining scene includes casual eateries, coffee shops, and a growing number of upscale restaurants, attracting locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is community-oriented, safe, and accessible, making it popular for both everyday dining and social gatherings.
Bothell Way CorridorThe Bothell Way Corridor is a busy stretch along Bothell Way NE featuring a variety of dining options ranging from fast casual to sit-down restaurants. It serves as a commercial spine connecting residential areas with downtown, frequented by people looking for convenient dining and shopping options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
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