The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) has announced a toll increase for commuters taking the State Route 520 Bridge between Seattle and the Eastside. Beginning July 1, vehicles with two axles will pay between 20 cents and $1.10 more each trip.
If you're looking to avoid the WA 520 toll now, we don't suggest anything illegal. You can avoid the new 520 toll legally by either finding a new route such as the free Interstate 90 (I-90) or simply staying on your respective side of the lake (more on that below).

Luckily for Seattle and Eastside residents, if you were going to take the 520 bridge for dinner, you have plenty of amazing restaurants on your respective side of the lake and can skip the bridge altogether. We've rounded up a collection of six restaurants to enjoy, with three on either side of the lake.
Restaurants on the Seattle Side of the 520 Bridge:
Little Water Cantina: Sip on a margarita and snack on chips, salsa, tacos, and more from the patio of this Eastlake restaurant overlooking Lake Union. This is one of our favorite places to host visitors in town. On a clear day the sunsets from Little Water Cantina's restaurant are among the best in the city, just be prepared for a crowd. The restaurant does not accept reservations and patio space is available on a first come, first served basis. Website | Menu | Reservations
Agua Verde Cafe: This waterfront restaurant is just a short drive from 520 in Seattle, located on the Portage Bag waterfront. You'll find great views of the water and plenty of boating activity, and you can even rent a kayak from the dock below the restaurant. Website | Menu
Cafe Lago: When Cafe Lago opened in 1990 in Seattle's Montlake neighborhood, the founding team was on a mission to share Tuscan-inspired foods that make diners feel at home. Today, this beloved neighborhood restaurant carries out this same mission with a warm and inviting dining room filled with the aroma of pastas, bread, and wine. If you go on a Monday night, the restaurant hosts a weekly $10 pizza night each Monday from 5-9pm. Reservations are highly encouraged. Website | Menu | Reservations
Restaurants on the Eastside of the 520 Bridge:
Mox Boarding House: With more than 2,000 board games in inventory, Mox Boarding House is a unique restaurant where you can play games as you dine. Games are organized by genre, so you can easily find the perfect game for your family or group. Website | Menu
Cantina Monarca: This new Bellevue restaurant opened to much fanfare earlier this year, and although it has gotten somewhat easier to find a table, we still highly recommend that you make a Cantina Monarca reservation. The restaurant serves "a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine" and features a long list of over 100 tequilas. Website | Menu | Reservations
Sushi In Joy: Less of a drive from SR520 than the two other restaurants listed above, Sushi In Joy is a highly-rated sushi restaurant. For the price-conscience (you've read this story about a twenty cent toll increase this far, so we have to assume), Sushi In Joy's prices are quite reasonable by Bellevue and Seattle standards. Website | Menu | Reservations