You know those places where the moment you walk in, it feels like coming home? Warm lighting, friendly hellos at the door, and the gentle hum of conversation threaded with laughter. That’s the kind of spot Redmond has long been waiting for. In 2007, a modest yet unassuming café began weaving itself into the fabric of the community. Back then, it was called Big O Country Nook Café, just a humble neighborhood haunt. Over the years, it grew with the town and became a familiar, comforting backdrop to gatherings, celebrations, and quiet meals alike.

Fast forward to 2022, and things started to shift in the best way possible. A talented chef named Jennifer Wilson stepped into the picture and brought with her a fresh vision and boundless passion. With a respectful nod to the café’s legacy and a bold step toward something livelier and more welcoming, she went all in. That’s when 5 Below Steakhouse and Breakfast Nook was born. It is a name that hints at both top‑notch quality and approachable warmth. From the moment you walk through its doors, there’s a sense that you’re in for something thoughtful, something more than just a meal. The décor is cozy without trying too hard, the lighting is soft, and the energy is relaxed.

1. The Art of a Thoughtful Arrival

Let’s begin at the beginning. Before you even take a seat, how you arrive matters. A reservation in hand can save time and keep things breezy, while choosing just the right timing sets the tone for your dining experience. Want to settle in during happy hour, watch the bar area fill up with regulars there for a few drinks or a quick game by the lottery machines? Or perhaps you’d prefer a lazy breakfast before Redmond wakes up? Early morning brings sunlit tables, gentle chatter, and that freshly‑brewed aroma drifting across the room.

Here are some friendly tips to set things up right:

Choose your timing thoughtfully.

  • Early breakfast? Tables near the windows are prime real estate.

  • Dinner on a Wednesday? Why not time it so you can ease into karaoke night afterward, soaking up the fun and camaraderie.

  • Weekend evenings bring a relaxed vibe. It is perfect for a no‑rush dinner with friends or family.

Reserve a table in advance.
Call ahead (541‑923‑2213) if you want to guarantee a spot in the snug lounge or near the bar. It’s about walking in and feeling seen, not shuffled to the last free seat.

Come with curiosity.
Speak with the host or bartender casually, and share what kind of mood you’re in. The staff really does listen, and they’ll often steer you to exactly the table that sets the right tone.

2. A Menu Designed to Delight

One of the absolute joys of dining at this place is the menu’s balance of reassuring classics and thoughtful riffs. It’s a delicious mix of familiarity and adventure, and everything feels like it was crafted by someone who genuinely cares.

Morning Comforts & Clever Twists

Start with their take on a classic egg-any-style breakfast. But don’t stop there, let the chef guide you to their signature twist:

  • The Hearty Harvest Hash: Crispy potatoes, rainbow peppers, onions, with eggs perched on top. And a drizzle of something unexpected, perhaps a herb‑butter pesto?

  • Sweet & Savory Crepes: A nod to elegance with seasonal fruits, a dash of cinnamon, and a lick of whipped cream.

  • Stacked Pancakes: Tender, airy, but the surprise comes from little embedded bits of apple, berry compote, or even a sliver of bacon.

Even if bacon and eggs are calling your name, pause for a moment. Something about the side of bronzed potatoes, or the fluffiest toast with house‑made jam, enhances the whole plate. It’s the sort of breakfast that stays with you, the kind of meal that sets a mood for the day.

Evening Elegance with a Cozy Feel

When evening rolls in, the real magic shows up. The steaks are sourced from winter‑harvested beef: richer, deeper in flavor, with an unmistakable sense of seasonality and care. You sense the difference even before the first bite.

Signature offerings include:

  • Winter‑Harvest Ribeye: Marble streaks glimmering, seared to just the right level, with a side of garlic‑butter smashed potatoes or creamed kale.

  • Tenderloin with Red‑Wine Reduction: Light and melt‑away tender, served alongside seasonal veggies and a silky sauce.

  • “Beyond” Surf & Turf: A playful surf‑and‑turf featuring a savory seafood twist, perhaps grilled shrimp perched atop a juicy steak.

Sides and starters deserve a round of applause. Crisply fried Brussels sprouts bouncing with crackles, cheesy polenta fries with smoky paprika salt, or a house‑made soup that changes with the day’s harvest.

For dessert, keep your eyes peeled. Occasional sweet riffs show up. Apple crisp with oats and cinnamon, small‑batch bread pudding, or even an ice‑cream sandwich made to order.

3. Atmosphere that Feels Like Home

More than flavor, the real draw here is atmosphere. Everything, from layout to lighting, from what hangs on the walls to the hum of activity, works to create a space in which you feel recognized.

Layout & Design

  • Communal and private: Standard dining tables mix happily with cozy two‑tops, nooks near the bar, and larger tables for families or groups.

  • Center bar & lottery area: A lively nucleus where people drift in—whether for a quick coffee, a draft, or a spin at one of the six lottery machines.

  • Entertainment zone: Wednesdays are karaoke nights with bright lights, booming tunes, and friendly encouragement. You can lie low in the corner or join the fun.

Emotion in the Details

  • Lighting: Dimmable, warm, just enough glow to feel relaxed but not sleepy.

  • Décor: A mix of country‑café comfort and sleek steakhouse flair, softened with patchwork pillows or local art.

  • Sounds: You’ll hear silverware, tash‑tash of conversation, mild music between karaoke sets. Not so loud it stops you from chatting, but full enough to signal life and warmth.

4. The Human Element

In many restaurants, template-level interactions can feel hollow. Not so here. The staff check in, remember, and at times, just laugh with you.

  • Warm greetings and real eye contact: You get the sense you’re not just another table, but a guest.

  • Service with sincerity: Ideal pacing won’t make you feel rushed, but you also won’t endure awkward social pauses waiting for plates to drop.

  • Memory of preferences: Maybe you like your coffee dark, or prefer steak medium‑rare style. The servers remember, and that makes all the difference.

It’s the little things: noticing there’s an empty glass and topping it up unprompted, asking about how your morning went, suggesting a best‑paired wine, all in a tone that’s welcoming, not pushy.

5. Tuning Into the Energy

Every visit has its rhythm. A quiet weekday breakfast is gentle and unhurried. Saturday evenings orbit around families, groups of friends, and the hum of fun. Wednesday night? It’s karaoke. The energy is never forced, ever, yet it always lands right.

These are the simple joys:

  • Happy‑stroll atmosphere: When you step in, you sense actors and regulars alike gathering organically.

  • Community pulses: We’re the couple celebrating a birthday quietly in the corner. That group across the way is mid‑conversation about a big upcoming game.

  • Built‑in entertainment: Those lottery machines are a small thrill. Pull up a chair and spin, to win or just to watch.

Wrapping It All Up

There’s a rare kind of restaurant that manages to feel both casual and meaningful. It doesn’t aim for flash, but something steadier. The kind of place you remember because people remembered you. When everything aligns with great food, really good service, atmosphere, family, and solo nights, that’s when magic happens.

That’s why, if you’re in Redmond and sitting down for a meal, you want to take the full measure of every second there. It’s more than food. It’s a moment among moments.

In short, when you walk into 5 Below Steakhouse and Breakfast Nook, you’re stepping into more than just a restaurant. You’re entering a living, breathing community hub, where each item on the menu feels handled with care, each interaction feels personal, and every visit offers something to savor.

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Last Update: August 1, 2025