Best of Bellevue Bracket: Downtown's Spin on March Madness
March 24, 2026 - by Mackenzie Ault
With March Madness in full swing, we thought it was the perfect time to put a Downtown Bellevue twist on the bracket buzz. We asked, and you answered. On an Instagram poll, you voted on your favorite things to do in the Heart of Bellevue. From go-to eats to can't miss experiences. The results are in, and just like any good tournament, there were some strong contenders and a few surprises. Read on to discover crowd favorites, hidden gems, and maybe even your next go-to activity in Downtown Bellevue. What’s your favorite thing to do in the Heart of Bellevue?
Eat & Drink
Brunch vs. Happy Hour
A tough matchup to kick things off: brunch versus happy hour. In a nail-biter worthy of overtime, happy hour squeaked by with 52% of the vote. It seems slightly more of you prefer to start the evening with discounted cocktails and shareable appetizers, rather than easing into the day a bit later with bottomless mimosas. Brunch put up a strong fight, but in the end, the allure of a good deal and an early excuse for drinks proved too hard to beat.
Honorable Mentions:
Elevate your happy hour with $9 Moscow Mules, fried pickles, and their famous cracker-thin pizza. Enjoy these specials from 2–5 PM Sunday through Thursday, and from 3–7 PM in the back bar on Friday and Saturday.
Take advantage of their all-day breakfast favorites, including chicken & waffles, eggs benedict, and bananas foster French toast. Be sure to pair it with one (or more) of their peach mimosas or their signature secret-recipe bloody marys.
Coffee Date vs. Sweet Treat
Another close contest brewed up with coffee dates taking on sweet treats. In the end, coffee dates pulled ahead with 56% of the vote. It turns out more of you prefer the classic combo of caffeine and conversation over indulging your sweet tooth. While pastries, cookies, and other sugary contenders made a solid showing, the chance to sip, chat, and maybe pretend you’re being productive gave coffee dates the edge.
Honorable Mentions
At Cafe Hagen, coffee takes center stage with beans sourced globally and roasted in-house to highlight unique flavors in every cup. Their team works closely with growers and roasts more than 50 varietals each year, focusing on traceability, sustainability, and a true “seed-to-cup” experience.
Take a break and treat yourself to something sweet at Hello Robin in Old Bellevue. From beloved classics like chocolate chip and snickerdoodle to more adventurous flavors such as orange habanero chocolate chip, it’s the perfect stop when you’re craving a well-earned sweet treat.
Explore
Ride Bellhop vs. Ride the 2 Line
When it came to getting around, riding the 2 Line took the lead with 69% of the vote. Many of you are excited about the convenience and connectivity the light rail brings to Downtown Bellevue and beyond. While hopping on Bellhop remains a fun and easy way to travel short distances downtown, the speed and regional access of the 2 Line made it the preferred choice for exploring the area.
Walk Bellevue Downtown Park vs. Walk The Grand Connection
With 91% of the vote, a walk through Bellevue Downtown Park emerged as a clear favorite. Known for its scenic skyline views, open green space, and peaceful setting, it’s easy to see why it’s a go-to for a midday break or leisurely stroll. The Bellevue Grand Connection, a pedestrian corridor connecting key Downtown destinations with pathways, green spaces, and gathering areas, represents an exciting vision for the future as it continues to take shape.
Experiences
Live Music vs. Movie Night
In this matchup, movie night took the lead with 63% of the vote. Many of you enjoy settling in for a film, whether it’s catching the latest release or revisiting a favorite classic. While live music offers a lively and memorable experience, movie night’s relaxed atmosphere and easy entertainment made it the top pick for a cozy evening in Downtown Bellevue.
Honorable Mentions:
The Live at Lunch Concert Series returns to the heart of Downtown Bellevue July 7–September 11, bringing free live music to your midday routine. Enjoy talented local musicians, sunny afternoons, and a lively atmosphere as lunchtime becomes the perfect opportunity to experience great performances and connect with the community.
Plan your next movie night at Cinemark Lincoln Square Cinemas in Downtown Bellevue, where you can catch the latest releases in an immersive IMAX auditorium or upgrade your evening at Cinemark Reserve at Lincoln Square South. This adults-only, state-of-the-art theater features wall-to-wall screens, a full bar, terrace seating, and seat-side service—so you can order meals, drinks, and snacks from the comfort of a Luxury Lounger. With elevated comfort, enhanced sound and picture, and a date-night-ready atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a memorable night at the movies.
Pop-Up Market vs. Retail Therapy
Pop-up markets came out ahead with 62% of the vote. The appeal of discovering local vendors, unique finds, and limited-time offerings resonated with many of you. While traditional retail therapy remains a go-to for reliable favorites, the variety and community feel of pop-up markets made them a standout choice.
Honorable Mentions:
The Bellevue Farmers Market returns Thursdays, May 21 – October 1, 2026, bringing Washington-grown food and community together in the heart of Bellevue. Browse fresh produce, discover unique items from local farmers and artisans, and enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and the energy of a vibrant neighborhood gathering.
Downtown Bellevue Shopping Destinations
Downtown Bellevue offers a shopping experience for every style, from the charming boutique-lined streets of Old Bellevue to luxury finds at The Bravern. You’ll also discover a wide mix of popular brands and retail favorites at The Bellevue Collection, making it easy to spend the day browsing, exploring, and finding something new around every corner.
Wellness & Lifestyle
Group Fitness Class vs. Solo Spa Day
Solo spa day earned 62% of the vote, highlighting a strong appreciation for rest and relaxation. While group fitness offers energy and motivation, many of you favored the opportunity to recharge and unwind. Whether it’s a massage, sauna, or simply taking time to slow down, a solo spa day proved to be a popular way to practice self-care.
Honorable Mentions:
Mix up your fitness routine at TruFusion, where you can explore a variety of group classes from yoga and Pilates to strength and cycling, all under one roof. It’s a great place to try something new and find a workout that fits your pace.
Treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation at TRUCE Spa, offering a range of services designed to help you unwind and recharge. From massages to wellness treatments, it’s the perfect stop for a calming break in your day.
Outdoor Workout vs. Indoor Burn
This was a close contest, but outdoor workouts edged ahead with 52% of the vote. Fresh air, natural scenery, and the flexibility to move at your own pace helped outdoor exercise claim the top spot. Indoor workouts still have their appeal, especially for structure and consistency, but many of you enjoy taking advantage of the outdoor spaces Downtown Bellevue has to offer.
Honorable Mentions:
Enjoy fresh air and gentle movement with $5 Yoga in the Park, taught by the talented Laurie Sasser. Take advantage of an affordable way to stay active outdoors. All you have to do is bring a mat and gather with the community in the middle of Bellevue Downtown Park.
Feel the burn and improve flexibility at Bellevue Pilates with classes tailored for all experience levels. Whether you’re new to Pilates or a seasoned pro, it’s a welcoming space to focus on mindful movement.
