Stir Crazy Café was forced to adopt a new name in June when a corporate chain with the same handle moved into town. Operating partner Jerry Bistline might be a little wistful about it, but the new moniker — MacArthur Café — probably won't change the feelings of patrons who have faithfully supported the cozy Bellevue joint for the past five years. On a recent visit with a girlfriend, a wrap of baked provolone, Swiss, cheddar and American cheeses with tomato and roasted red peppers was ooey, gooey and delicious, with a piquant tricolored pasta salad on the side that was surprisingly tasty. My grilled panini with thinly sliced sweet ham, Swiss cheese, tomato-and-onion spread and a side of crispy bagel chips hit the spot. MacArthur Café is open all day, offering baked goods, smoothies, more than 20 sandwiches and even a limited dinner menu available after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. With walls painted lime and orange, a pressed-tin ceiling and delightfully mismatched furniture, there is a casual and quirky sensibility to this friendly spot. Snuggled next to the ordering counter is a kids' corner, creating the perfect meeting place for coffee-loving moms with wee ones. (Silent partner Tammy Rostov — of Rostov's Coffee & Tea fame — ensures that the java is primo and fresh.) Local coffee shops tend to reveal the general vibe of a neighborhood, and MacArthur Café is one of those places you could forget the time in.
4015 MacArthur Ave., 864-0264
Prices
Lunch: Salads $3.75 to $8.70. Sandwiches, panini and wraps $5.89 to $6.99.
Dinner: Appetizers $5 to $12. Salads $3.75 to $8.70. Sandwiches, panini and wraps $5.89 to $8.
Hours
Monday and Tuesday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
