Today’s Business: Grinders Hot Sands

Jeff the general manager is taking orders at the counter
during a Saturday night music event

Grinders Hot Sands

Text and Photography by Marc Weinberg

Wow, talking with Mitch Gilbert, owner and originator of “Grinders Hot Sands” here in Shoreline is as exciting as the burst of flavor you get sinking your teeth into any of the dishes in his restaurant.  And I mean he’s is in the kitchen all the time working and supervising his crew. Mitch is no absentee owner and “Grinders Hot Sands ” exists nowhere else, but right here in Shoreline.

If this is ‘news to you’…. like you never heard of this spot, then it’s about time you make room for a meal you are guaranteed to be talking about with your friends the next time you whip out your smart phone.

Just so you don't miss it....here's what Grinders looks like at night,

We have this extraordinary resource right here at home … a major presence in flavors and pizzazz, one block from Costco and you’re probably driving north on Aurora on your way to Edmonds looking for a place to eat. Well, turn around and find Grinders just south of 199th St on the west side of Aurora between Discount Tires and Bucky’s automotive. If there’s no parking right in front, park on the side streets or Bucky’s (if it’s after hours and they are closed — but don’t block the bay doors).

It's an open kitchen, so watch the show here too as a 'flambee' is in the pan

If you’re tracking with me now in my enthusiasm for Mitch and his commitment for his home cooking brought out to the public, then listen to this. Nothing is artificial and nothing is cooked somewhere else and delivered.

A personal note of 'thanks for coming' delivered by Mitch

It’s all made by Mitch, his mom and the “oh so fun staff.”  Here’s an example. Stromboli is a small island off the north coast of Sicily with one of Italy’s three active volcanos. Given what I’ve said so far it shouldn’t surprise you that Mitch has a sandwich named “Stromboli” that explodes with flavors like that volcano! It’s got grilled pepperoni, salami, caramelized onions and sweet-spicy peppers and mozzarella and a little gorgonzola piled on an Italian roll. Can’t eat it all … box it up and take it home or just get an ‘order to go’.

Don’t care to eat a volcano … well how about homemade marinated roast beef or pulled pork which is slow cooked on site for 12 hours. Even salad dressing is made from scratch, not from the bottle.

In May 2013 Grinders will celebrate their 9th anniversary and you owe it to yourself to at least say hello to Mitch, the crew and to Mom. They have created one of the hidden secrets of Shoreline with their award winning recipes and the acknowledgment of “Best in Western Washington” status.

Mark Dufresne entertained on Saturday night to a full house

And yet there’s one more secret. Mitch loves music and during the week there’s a recorded selection playing in the background. But on Saturday night you need a RESERVATION for the LIVE music of some of the greatest local performers. What’s happening that night depends on who is on stage. Choices might be Blues, R&B, Rock, Soul, Contemporary, Jazz, Folk, you name it.  

Plan on it or check the web page. Note there is a cover charge of $10 on live music nights. The place will be full, not noisy and raucous, but respectful of great taste in ‘food and music.’ Beer and wine, soft drinks … bread pudding, cheesecake and everybody’s favorite Italian treat, Tiramisu.

Zero in on Grinders. 19811 Aurora Ave N. 206-542-0627,

Be sure to tell Mitch and company you read about him in the Shoreline Area News!

Today's Business is a featured column by local writer and photographer Marc Weinberg.

More of Marc’s photography here.