Review: Alexa's Cafe, Bothell, WA

I had to write my first review on Alexa’s Café for several reasons. We’ve been going to Alexa’s for five years and they consistently have one of the best Eggs Bene in Seattle. I don’t care where you live in the Seattle area- this is worth the drive. Besides that, it’s just a great place to eat – they’re nice, it’s locally run and there’s always a sense of satisfaction at the end of the meal.


Alexa's Eggs Bene and Veggie Bene are just about perfect. I’ve eaten Eggs Bene across the Seattle area and most restaurants have at least one of two failings, either they skimp unforgivably on the Hollandaise or else – and commonly – pour some thick, pasty, yellowish sauce over the eggs that tastes like chicken gravy and clearly comes from a mix. Alexa’s is the exception.


Their eggs are perfectly poached and well drained. The Hollandaise sauce is made fresh, is nicely thick while still being very pourable and has a subtle lemony hint. The muffins are always toasted well – crunchy enough to give substance and lightly enough so the bread can absorb the yolks and sauce.


If you get the traditional Eggs Bene, the ham (two slices of Black Forest ham) is nicely warmed, but it’s not a show stopper. The Veggie Bene replaces the ham with tomato and avocado. Alexa’s usually has good produce but the Veggie Bene does suffer slightly with out of season orders.

Unfortunately, the glowing praise does have to end with the Crab Bene. Don’t get it. It qualifies in the barely edible camp for me. The crab is canned and looks, tastes and smells like it – and not in a passable kind of way. This is no ‘fancy’ canned crabmeat. I actually dissected my bene in order to at least enjoy the eggs.

Overlooking the Crab Bene, the only thing that I don’t like about Alexa’s Benes are the potatoes on the side. This is not to say that they’re not good, rather, they are inconsistent. Sometimes they are clearly fresh, in which case, they are very good country new potatoes, not overly seasoned, nicely browned and with good flavor. Other times, you can tell they’ve been sitting under a heat lamp. A nice feature of Alexa’s, however, is their flexibility. They happily substitute a fruit cup for the potatoes. (They will also add ham to your Veggie Bene which is a great addition!!)

And speaking of happily, the service at Alexa’s is enough to keep you coming back. A locally run café, the waitresses are eminently nice but never obsequious. The location, in downtown Bothell, is homey and mis-matched without being too kitschy. The presentation of all the dishes follows suit – it’s not messy, just there, very approachable.


One final word on Alexa’s: I’ve tried several things on both the breakfast and the lunch menu and everything is at or above average, usually the latter. They have daily specials that are amazing and the regular menu provides many options for just about any mood.


All of Alexa’s Benes come as half or full orders and price ranges from $10.95-$12.95 for full orders or $8.95-$10.95 for half orders.

Alexa’s is located at: 10115 Main Street, Bothell, WA 98011. (425) 402-1754. Check them out online at www.alexascafe.com.