When my wife first suggested we relocate to Burien, my first thought was, “Burien? Taquerias, pawn shops and car dealerships, right?” And when we moved here, it WAS those things, along with a great number of affordable homes dating from the 50s and 60s.

As of this year, all that’s changed. Old Burien has attracted a number of great restaurants, bars and shops all along SW 152nd.

THE TIN ROOM is an old tin shop turned into a very cool bar/restaurant. All the drinks are made from scratch, and the burgers are truly remarkable. Ask for a special order, and you’ll get it.

MICK KELLY’S IRISH PUB is a great new addition. Mick is evidently an Irish emigrant and not only is the food really good, the drinks are, too. Also some very good burgers. There’s a steady crowd here and lots of women, which is usually a good sign for a bar’s health.

THE MARK is a new restaurant that can seat quite a crowd. I’m seeing more and more folks hanging out there as news of the restaurant spreads.

More on this transformation from downtrodden to cool can be found at http://www.nwsource.com/shopping/columns/stylefile/kathy_102705.html