The Third Place

Stepping into The Third Place in Redmond feels like finding a quietly spirited neighborhood refuge — a spot where the day slows just enough for good food and simple pleasures to take center stage. The atmosphere carries a comforting hum of steady activity, the kind that invites both quick takeout runs and unhurried lingering over a carefully crafted meal. Amid the clatter of plates and gentle chatter, there’s a warmth in the air, as if this is a corner of the city where folks come to reconnect with flavors that evoke home and heartfelt tradition.

What defines the experience here isn’t just the food on the table but the way each dish carries a subtle balance of care and familiarity. Whether it’s the irresistible crunch of Korean fried chicken—delivered with a satisfying double-fry crispness—or the nurturing warmth of a broth-based soup, every bite feels thoughtfully composed. The accompanying variety of banchan, small side dishes that punctuate the meal with textured layers and nuanced tastes, turn dining into a shared discovery rather than a simple routine.

The pace at The Third Place tends toward easygoing, with attentive hosts and an inviting cleanliness that keeps the focus right where you want it: on the moment and the meal. The space is unpretentious yet meticulous, a reflection of the genuine kindness extended by the staff. Here, takeout is embraced as a practical pleasure, but lingering diners find value in the calm and quietly convivial vibe that roots this restaurant as a genuine local gathering point.

In this setting, even familiar dishes like bulgogi or bibimbap feel refreshed — reimagined with lighter touches and clean flavors that make room for conversation and connection. The menu’s approachable variety, including options for vegetarian diners, hints at a thoughtful inclusivity embedded in the kitchen’s rhythm.

Ultimately, The Third Place stands as a steady hand in the neighborhood’s evolving dining scene. It’s a place where the charm isn’t flashy or loud but lives in the small human moments — the shared smiles over a crispy chicken wing, the pause to savor a steaming bowl of soup, and the return visits that feel a little like coming home.