Senior Writer

Seattle native Kathryn Robinson, award-winning restaurant critic and senior writer at Seattle Met, has been anonymously reviewing restaurants for over 30 years—first as editor of the Best Places guidebook series, then as staff critic at Seattle Weekly and contributing critic at The Seattle Times and Seattle magazine.

Midcareer she spent a year-long sabbatical studying comparative religion as a Knight Fellow at Stanford University where she had been an undergrad 10 years earlier, gaining a knowledge base she now calls upon for her monthly “Back Fence” column on our collective urban existence and the meaning it holds for our personal lives. In her off hours she is a partner and a parent—which means she has no off hours.

Critic's Notebook

Should Magazines Run Negative Restaurant Reviews?

Should bad restaurants be dissed or ignored? My mixed review, some reader input—and a roaring debate.

02/18/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

20 Seattle Restaurants That Aren’t Stupid Loud

Because it’s hard to read lips that are chewing.

02/10/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Why Anonymity Matters

Restaurant critics are revealing their identities left and right. Why I’m not.

02/03/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Picks

Tables for Two

Romantic hideaways and cozy nooks for enchanted evenings.

02/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Neighborhood Hot Spot

Tangletown Welcomes Mkt.

Ethan Stowell opens a hopping New American eatery in Wallingford.

02/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Article

Woodinville Roadhouse

Skillet founder Josh Henderson opens the Hollywood Tavern, right in the middle of somewhere.

02/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Mamnoon—Afternoon to Junoon

Why just one happy hour when you can have three...and other sensible ideas from the Syrian stunner.

01/27/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Article

One of the Great Seattle Sandwiches has Returned

Remember the Georgia Gold at Roy’s Barbecue? It’s back. Kinda.

01/21/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

The Most Important Thing About Pioneer Square Dining

Check this out before you go anywhere near the place.

01/13/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Watering Hole

Witness Serves Up Spirits for the Soul

01/02/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Dining Out

Le Petit Cochon Gets Piggy in Fremont

Chef Derek Ronspies goes whole hog to deliver adventures in snout-to-tail dining.

01/02/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Back Fence

Gray Like Me

Apparently, it’s a big damn deal to let your hair go gray. Who knew.

01/02/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Picks

15 Restaurants To Help Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Resolved to eat more salads and veggies in 2014? Here's 15 places you need to try.

01/02/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Picks

12 Recently Reviewed Restaurants Not to Miss in 2014

Bring a fresh flavor to the new year.

01/02/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic’s Notebook

Best Dishes of 2013 Countdown #1: Mamnoon

Muhammara

01/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic’s Notebook

Best Dishes of 2013 Countdown #2: Joule

Spicy Rice Cake with Chorizo and Pickled Mustard Greens

12/31/2013 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic’s Notebook

Best Dishes of 2013 Countdown #3: Bar Sajor

Chuletón de Buey

12/30/2013 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic’s Notebook

Best Dishes of 2013 Countdown #4: RockCreek Seafood and Spirits

Wild Mexican Prawns with Anson Mills Heirloom Grits

12/27/2013 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic’s Notebook

Best Dishes of 2013 Countdown #5: Radiator Whiskey

Fried Pork Shank with Mama Lil’s Peppers

12/26/2013 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic’s Notebook

Best Dishes of 2013 Countdown #6: The Wandering Goose

Raspberry-Jam Buttermilk Biscuits

12/24/2013 By Kathryn Robinson