About
A substantial, vibrant bar captivates your arrival, inviting you into a bustling restaurant serving northwest favorites and small plates inspired by regional offerings.
UNIQUELY BELLEVUE
Central Bar + Restaurant — or simply Central, as our regulars call us — is a lively, open restaurant designed for gathering, entertaining and celebrating. Located in the heart of Downtown Bellevue, Central strikes the balance between elevated and approachable: a place that feels special enough for a celebration, but comfortable enough to become your regular spot.
Our 4,000-square-foot space sits in the center of The Bellevue Collection along the beautifully landscaped BAM Alley. Large NanaWall windows open the restaurant to the outdoors, creating an energetic indoor-outdoor atmosphere in the warmer months. Just outside, twinkle lights line the alley alongside Swipe, the iconic eight-foot-tall cat sculpture by artist George Rodrigue.
With the W Bellevue to the south, The Westin Bellevue to the north and the residences of Two Lincoln Tower directly above, Central truly sits at the center of it all.
Central is family-owned and operated by Bellevue restaurateurs Joseph, Randi and Cody Brazen, who have spent years creating restaurants centered around warm hospitality, great food and an atmosphere people want to come back to. The same philosophy has helped make their first restaurant, 520 Bar & Grill in Old Bellevue, a longtime neighborhood favorite.
Inside Central, warm lighting, custom furnishings and an open, social layout make every guest feel like part of what’s happening. Behind the scenes, a full catering kitchen and expansive bar allow our team to host everything from everyday lunches and happy hours to large celebrations and full restaurant buyouts.
Since opening, Central has become a gathering place for Bellevue locals, visitors, businesses and families alike, and was honored as 425 Magazine’s 2018 Best New Restaurant.
Our “C Team” is here to make every visit memorable. Whether you’re joining us for a first date, family dinner, business lunch, happy hour with twenty friends or a 250+ person private event, we’re here to make it feel special.
Whatever brings you to Central, we look forward to welcoming you.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team of experienced professionals are hand-selected to insure our guests have a fun and memorable dining experience. At Central it is all about hospitality.
At Central Bar + Restaurant we have hand-picked a team of passionate individuals who are experts in their craft. Whether in the back of the house or front of the house we aim to create a conducive environment where everyone works simultaneously to create a positive and inviting experience for each of our guests.
Our team members are the best in the hospitality industry. When it comes to our guests, our goal is to exceed their expectations and transform their dining experience into a memorable moment. We cultivate regular guests by creating a family atmosphere and getting to know each of our patrons. Family owned, the Central team reflects the culture and personality of our ownership – we are one big family. Welcome to the C team!
THE BRAZEN FAMILY
CODY, JOSEPH, RANDI, TAYLOR, & JOEY
The Owners
The Brazen family has aspired to create another fun place for people to enjoy life with friends and family with the opening of their second family-owned restaurant in Downtown Bellevue. For the Brazens, it is about creating a place where it's all about the people, the food and the atmosphere.
JOSEPH BRAZEN
Co-Owner
Joseph Brazen is inspired by creating a place for Bellevue to celebrate food, fun, and cocktails in a world-class environment. Central is his vision to bring a large, world-class bar to the vibrant and growing Downtown Bellevue.
RANDI BRAZEN
Co-Owner
Randi provides a true passion for guest experience by focusing on the key elements of hospitality. As co-owner, she instills her knack for design and taste to make Central a fun and elegant option for Bellevue.
CODY BRAZEN BENTZ
General Manager
Cody has been an integral part of opening Central since its first construction meeting on day one and is now the GM and leader of all operations at Central. Carrying on her parents’ commitment to excellence and execution of Central’s vision, Cody is the heart and pulse of Central.