At 7:30 on a Tuesday morning, the lights are on at 116 Lake Street. This used to be a Starbucks. Now it's Le Croissant Bar, with a case of croissants filled with fresh fruit and creams, espresso drinks on the menu board, and champagne on hand for anyone who wants it. Down on the water at Carillon Point, Le Grand Bistro Américain served its last dinner in October.
The one long-running closure this fall was a dinner restaurant. The spots that have opened or reopened around downtown keep daytime and casual hours. And the openings already announced for 2027 are mostly cafes, too.
A French Bistro Announced in December 2010
The Seattle Times reported in December 2010 that restaurateur Ted Furst was opening Le Grand Bistro Américain at Carillon Point, with its public debut set for December 28 of that year. If it opened on schedule, that comes to close to 16 years on the waterfront.
Seattle Met's October food-news roundup called it a "Kirkland staple French bistro" that "raised its final glass last week." Nobody has announced plans for the space yet. For anyone who used it for anniversaries or a waterfront dinner after a long week, there's now a gap at the south end of the shoreline.
Most of the rest of the season's news has happened on Lake Street, and most of it is casual.
Croissants and Champagne in the Old Starbucks
Le Croissant Bar comes from owner Monica Kuchman. In April 2026, WhatNow Seattle reported her plans for the former Starbucks at 116 Lake Street, though no opening date had been set at that point. The shop is open now. Kuchman's own words on the Le Croissant Bar website describe where things stand:
"Now, after 90 days into our soft opening, I'm learning, refining, and growing. Made some mistakes and I've had to pivot - brought in a new quarterback (our baker), and together we're creating fresh, exciting items for the shop."
She calls herself a self-taught baker whose customers kept asking where her storefront was. The menu leans playful. There are croissants like the Classic Almond and the Miss Figgy Piggy, plus tiramisu, espresso affogatos, mango-pineapple cheesecake and banana pudding. Wine and champagne sit on the menu next to espresso and hot chocolate.
Because the shop is still in its soft opening, the menu will probably keep changing. If you tried it in late summer, the case may look different now that the new baker has started.
The Slip Came Back on Shorter, Earlier Hours
The Slip's last operator closed in September 2025. In April 2026, WhatNow Seattle reported that Ricky and Maria Eng, the owners of BeachHouse Bar + Grill, were taking it over and planned to reopen in spring. By August 31, The Slip's website said it was open under chef-restaurateur Ricky Eng.
The hours are what most regulars will want to know. Here's how they compare with Le Croissant Bar's posted hours:
| Day | Le Croissant Bar | The Slip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Noon to 8 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Noon to 8 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Noon to 8 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Friday | 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Noon to 8 p.m. |
Even on weekends, The Slip closes at 9. The current menu is casual and pub-style, with burgers, salads, hot dogs, bao and shareable snacks. The menu page says longtime favorites are coming back and weekend brunch is on the way. Once brunch starts, The Slip's day will begin even earlier.
Between the two spots, you can get a pastry at 7:30 and a burger by the water at noon. You can't stay out late at either one.
Bamboo Sushi Takes the Dinner Reservation
Bamboo Sushi, the Portland-based chain, has opened at 128 Lake St S. Seattle Met notes that it's the second Seattle-area location, after University Village. The Infatuation's October 14 review calls out the king salmon topped with olive oil, the celiac-safe tempura and the Green Machine roll.
The celiac-safe tempura is the most useful detail on that list. If you've been looking for a downtown dinner that works for a gluten-free friend, this is a new option. Bamboo Sushi is also the clearest fit on Lake Street for the sit-down evening that Le Grand used to cover at the other end of the shoreline. The difference is that it's a regional chain with a sushi menu, not a single French bistro.
The Most Distinctive Opening Is Up the Hill
You'll find the most unusual new menu in Kirkland away from the lake. Kankana, a Bengali restaurant, has opened at 9749 NE 119th Way. Seattle Met counts it as the region's third Bengali restaurant to open in a year. The Infatuation's review points to the mutton biryani, the tangra chilli chicken and the bhapa ilish.
For anyone who lives on the north side of town, that means a new place for a weeknight dinner that doesn't involve finding parking downtown.
The 2027 Announcements Are Cafes, Too
Two announced Kirkland openings follow the same daytime format:
- Hako San Café & Bar is planned for 177 Central Way. WhatNow Seattle reported on October 9 that owner Alen Fikic is targeting mid-to-late summer 2027.
- Farine Bakery & Cafe announced a location at Modera Bridle Trails. As of a March 2026 WhatNow Seattle report, construction was expected to start in late 2026, with the opening set for the following year.
Both have "cafe" in the name. Taken together with Le Croissant Bar and The Slip's planned brunch, Kirkland's newest food businesses are aiming at mornings and afternoons. Of the changes announced so far, none is an evening-only dining room to replace the one at Carillon Point.
November Brings Evening Plans Back Downtown
Late November is when downtown Kirkland gets an evening crowd again, at least for one night. These are the dates on the calendar:
- Saturday, November 21, Santa's Arrival Party at The Village at Totem Lake. It starts at 10:30 a.m. on the Village Green near Cinemark, and the center's event page lists photos with Santa starting at 11 a.m.
- Saturday, November 28, WinterFest at Kirkland Urban. This free event runs from 3 to 7 p.m. at 425 Urban Plaza, with Santa, activities, performances and seasonal treats, according to Kirkland Urban.
- Saturday, November 28 at 6:15 p.m., the Kirkland Downtown Association tree lighting at Peter Kirk Park. It's part of the same WinterFest celebration.
On November 28, Le Croissant Bar's posted Saturday hours end at 6 p.m. and The Slip's end at 9. If you're planning dinner around the 6:15 lighting, The Slip or Bamboo Sushi fit the timing better than a pastry stop. An early afternoon croissant before WinterFest opens at 3 lines up neatly with Le Croissant Bar's hours.
Seeing new storefronts go up along Lake Street usually leads to questions about what nearby homes are worth. If you live near downtown or Totem Lake and you've wondered, The Erickson Group can tell you how today's Kirkland market sees your home, with no obligation. Get your free home valuation whenever you're curious.
