Guidebook for Seattle
Essentials
Closest 24-hour grocery store with a wide selection of reasonably priced groceries, including a vast array local and/or organic produce.
165 locals recommend
QFC
11100 Roosevelt Way NEClosest 24-hour grocery store with a wide selection of reasonably priced groceries, including a vast array local and/or organic produce.
Trader Joe's
1700 E Madison StClosest TJ's--enough said.
Woori Market
4744 University Way NEKorean grocer good for certain ethnic foods.
Sutra
1605 North 45th StreetClosest farmers' market--Saturdays from 9 AM-2 PM year-round.
This big Asian food market sells produce at great prices (other items seem reasonably-priced as well). It also has an attached food court and a bookstore--both worth checking out.
181 locals recommend
Uwajimaya
600 5th Ave SThis big Asian food market sells produce at great prices (other items seem reasonably-priced as well). It also has an attached food court and a bookstore--both worth checking out.
Operating since 1912, this Seattle treasure serves an extensive selection of fresh-baked breads and sweets (such as their cookies that look and taste as if somebody's grandmother had made them).
6 locals recommend
Three Girls Bakery
1514 Pike PlOperating since 1912, this Seattle treasure serves an extensive selection of fresh-baked breads and sweets (such as their cookies that look and taste as if somebody's grandmother had made them).
Everything Else
There's a closer USPO. However, the Wallingford branch typically tops in terms of customer service.
45 locals recommend
United States Postal Service
8306 Greenwood Ave NThere's a closer USPO. However, the Wallingford branch typically tops in terms of customer service.
Gorgeous lake encircled by an excellent 3-mile path; recreation equipment rental available (bike, boat, kayak, canoe, and paddleboard to name a few).
624 locals recommend
Green Lake
Gorgeous lake encircled by an excellent 3-mile path; recreation equipment rental available (bike, boat, kayak, canoe, and paddleboard to name a few).
Closest park, very quiet (a few steps in, and the city seems to have disappeared altogether), and an excellent location for bird-watching.
86 locals recommend
Ravenna Park
5520 Ravenna Avenue NortheastClosest park, very quiet (a few steps in, and the city seems to have disappeared altogether), and an excellent location for bird-watching.
Very popular paved trail, great for biking, running, and rollerblading.
Silver Cloud Hotel - University District
5036 25th Ave NEVery popular paved trail, great for biking, running, and rollerblading.
Interesting crafts of all kinds--be sure to visit the bazaar by PCC as well.
134 locals recommend
Fremont Sunday Street Market
3401 Evanston Ave NInteresting crafts of all kinds--be sure to visit the bazaar by PCC as well.
Nearby farmers' market open May 30-September 30 from 3:30 PM-7PM.
9 locals recommend
Wallingford Center Farmers Market
4800 Meridian Ave NNearby farmers' market open May 30-September 30 from 3:30 PM-7PM.
Kerry Park
211 W Highland DrOne of the best free views of the Seattle skyline (read: photo op!).
Food Scene
Revel
401 North 36th StreetIncredibly creative modern Asian fusion cuisine.
Portage Bay Cafe - Roosevelt
4130 Roosevelt Way NEOne of Seattle's best brunch places (boat-themed!).
Absolutely the best sushi in Seattle. Possibly in all of America. A bit on the spendy side, but the Chef's Choice option's (only available at the bar) worth every penny.
(See Jiro Dreams of Sushi.)
167 locals recommend
Shiro's Sushi
2401 2nd AveAbsolutely the best sushi in Seattle. Possibly in all of America. A bit on the spendy side, but the Chef's Choice option's (only available at the bar) worth every penny.
(See Jiro Dreams of Sushi.)
Truly incredible sandwiches. Expect a wait, but the line tends to move quickly (and it's worth it!).
200 locals recommend
Paseo Fremont
4225 Fremont Ave NTruly incredible sandwiches. Expect a wait, but the line tends to move quickly (and it's worth it!).
Possibly the best Thai food in all of Seattle, but be warned: it's a busy, bustling (read: crowded) hole-in-the-wall.
55 locals recommend
Thai Tom
4543 University Way NEPossibly the best Thai food in all of Seattle, but be warned: it's a busy, bustling (read: crowded) hole-in-the-wall.
el camion
5314 15th Avenue NorthwestThe best fish tacos I've ever had (in my humble opinion, of course).
Serious Pie
2001 4th AveA must for anyone who loves pizza and beer (local brews aplenty!).
Cozy cafe plus grocery within a 5-minute walk! One of those beautiful places that has drip coffee for $1.
20 locals recommend
Seven Coffee Roasters Market & Cafe
2007 NE Ravenna BlvdCozy cafe plus grocery within a 5-minute walk! One of those beautiful places that has drip coffee for $1.
Milstead & Co.
754 N 34th StGreat coffee nestled in a neighborhood fun to wander around in.
Ray's Cafe
6049 Seaview Ave NWGorgeous view plus good food (classic Northwest fare).
Be sure to talk with Jaclyn (the owner), who's as generous as her incredible sandwiches (try the Bagel Dawg) and as sweet as her delightful desserts (like the rugelach, made with hand-rolled dough!).
Fat Ducks Deli & Bakery
5509 University Way NEBe sure to talk with Jaclyn (the owner), who's as generous as her incredible sandwiches (try the Bagel Dawg) and as sweet as her delightful desserts (like the rugelach, made with hand-rolled dough!).
Dangerously delicious burgers (e.g., truffle-salted mushroom burger), sides (try the poutine!), shakes--all with locally sourced ingredients. Plus beer and wine to round out this retro-chic spot!
128 locals recommend
Uneeda Burger
4302 Fremont Ave NDangerously delicious burgers (e.g., truffle-salted mushroom burger), sides (try the poutine!), shakes--all with locally sourced ingredients. Plus beer and wine to round out this retro-chic spot!
Bask in the farm-to-table charm, located in the quaint Melrose Market, by enjoying Chef Matt Dillon's simple yet spectacular creations that showcase Northwest ingredients. Will not disappoint!
77 locals recommend
Sitka and Spruce
1531 Melrose AveBask in the farm-to-table charm, located in the quaint Melrose Market, by enjoying Chef Matt Dillon's simple yet spectacular creations that showcase Northwest ingredients. Will not disappoint!
Pho Viet nam
4235 The AveA hole-in-the-wall kind of place, but it's the best pho in Seattle (IMHO).
Can't beat the price--$4 for an excellent Vietnamese sandwich that's both filling and flavorful.
Thanh Vi
4226 University Way NECan't beat the price--$4 for an excellent Vietnamese sandwich that's both filling and flavorful.
Offers an extensive menu of authentic Turkish dishes (with many vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/Halal-meat options); try the Rainbow Hummus plate and the baklava, while surrounded by Turkish hospitality.
52 locals recommend
Cafe Turko
750 N 34th StOffers an extensive menu of authentic Turkish dishes (with many vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/Halal-meat options); try the Rainbow Hummus plate and the baklava, while surrounded by Turkish hospitality.
Offering what's often characterized as "Japanese tapas," Yoroshiku puts modern twist on traditional izakaya while still making classic, damn good ramen (perhaps the best ramen in all of Seattle).
19 locals recommend
Yoroshiku
1913 N 45th StOffering what's often characterized as "Japanese tapas," Yoroshiku puts modern twist on traditional izakaya while still making classic, damn good ramen (perhaps the best ramen in all of Seattle).
Located in adorable Wallingford, this family business serves handcrafted gelato--all made with high-quality ingredients (non-dairy options available). Great place to people-watch while eating gelato.
32 locals recommend
Fainting Goat Gelato - Wallingford
2210 N 45th StLocated in adorable Wallingford, this family business serves handcrafted gelato--all made with high-quality ingredients (non-dairy options available). Great place to people-watch while eating gelato.
One of the best ice cream shops in town (with multiple locations, including one in University Village), boasting a dedication to local, family-owned Northwest farms. Try "Molly's Favorite Sundae"!
468 locals recommend
Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream
917 E Pine StOne of the best ice cream shops in town (with multiple locations, including one in University Village), boasting a dedication to local, family-owned Northwest farms. Try "Molly's Favorite Sundae"!
Nestled in Ballard, this small family bakery serves some of the best croissants (in all of America, some say). Warning: a pastry (or quiche) paired with a cup of coffee results in utter bliss.
155 locals recommend
Cafe Besalu
5909 24th Ave NWNestled in Ballard, this small family bakery serves some of the best croissants (in all of America, some say). Warning: a pastry (or quiche) paired with a cup of coffee results in utter bliss.
Within spitting-distance of Pike Place Market, this cozy shop serves fresh, whimsically-named crumpets (both savory and sweet) and scones; pair with a cup of coffee or tea (try the in-house chai).
24 locals recommend
The Crumpet Shop
1503 1st AveWithin spitting-distance of Pike Place Market, this cozy shop serves fresh, whimsically-named crumpets (both savory and sweet) and scones; pair with a cup of coffee or tea (try the in-house chai).
Pike Place Market
1531 Western AveAward-winning chowder, but be prepared to stand in line!
Radiating rustic 'Euro' charm, this intimate restaurant serves brunch-y menu items all day (kitchen stays open until 1 AM). Great stop for a coffee or a cocktail.
188 locals recommend
Cafe Presse
1117 12th AveRadiating rustic 'Euro' charm, this intimate restaurant serves brunch-y menu items all day (kitchen stays open until 1 AM). Great stop for a coffee or a cocktail.
Influenced by the model of the traditional old-world village bakery, Macrina serves rustic European breads and baked goods, using top-notch ingredients, as well as spectacular brunch on the weekends.
283 locals recommend
Macrina Bakery & Cafe
2408 1st AveInfluenced by the model of the traditional old-world village bakery, Macrina serves rustic European breads and baked goods, using top-notch ingredients, as well as spectacular brunch on the weekends.
Living up to its motto ("Always fresh goodness"), this rustic-cute restaurant serves breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner (prices can get somewhat steep, but the quality tends to be very high).
179 locals recommend
Volunteer Park Cafe & Marketplace
1501 17th Ave ELiving up to its motto ("Always fresh goodness"), this rustic-cute restaurant serves breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner (prices can get somewhat steep, but the quality tends to be very high).
A solid all-day, all-night neighborhood cafe, Oddfellows in Capitol Hill (across from Cal Anderson Park) emits a fun, hipster-chic vibe with its high ceilings and milk-bottles-as-water-pitchers.
184 locals recommend
Oddfellows Café + Bar
1525 10th AveA solid all-day, all-night neighborhood cafe, Oddfellows in Capitol Hill (across from Cal Anderson Park) emits a fun, hipster-chic vibe with its high ceilings and milk-bottles-as-water-pitchers.
Generously portioned, American-inspired comfort food (a popular spot for brunch, so make reservations ahead of time!). Be sure to try Skillet's signature Bacon Jam!
23 locals recommend
Skillet - Ballard
Generously portioned, American-inspired comfort food (a popular spot for brunch, so make reservations ahead of time!). Be sure to try Skillet's signature Bacon Jam!
On the waterfront, the Crab Pot offers a very unique dining experience: a seafood medley is poured directly onto the table; then, donning bibs, diners use their hands and provided mallets to dive in.
65 locals recommend
The Crab Pot
1305 Alaskan WayOn the waterfront, the Crab Pot offers a very unique dining experience: a seafood medley is poured directly onto the table; then, donning bibs, diners use their hands and provided mallets to dive in.
Nestled in Madison Valley, this all-ages, all-day neighborhood joint serves meat-free cuisine ("New American"), with a local/organic/sustainable focus.
150 locals recommend
Cafe Flora
2901 E Madison StNestled in Madison Valley, this all-ages, all-day neighborhood joint serves meat-free cuisine ("New American"), with a local/organic/sustainable focus.
A favorite neighborhood spot for Phinney Ridge locals, Stumbling Goat Bistro provides consistently excellent food and service.
14 locals recommend
Goat on Greenwood
6722 Greenwood Avenue NorthA favorite neighborhood spot for Phinney Ridge locals, Stumbling Goat Bistro provides consistently excellent food and service.
No visit to Pike Place Market is complete without a stop at Beecher's Handmade Cheese shop. Try the "World's Best" Macaroni and Cheese while watching the cheese-making process through the glass wall.
47 locals recommend
Beecher's Handmade Cheese
1600 Pike PlNo visit to Pike Place Market is complete without a stop at Beecher's Handmade Cheese shop. Try the "World's Best" Macaroni and Cheese while watching the cheese-making process through the glass wall.
Don't judge a book by its cover--even though this restaurant resides in a strip mall in Bellevue, it serves tasty, authentic Taiwanese fare at ridiculously reasonable prices.
27 locals recommend
Facing East Restaurant
12736 Bel-Red RoadDon't judge a book by its cover--even though this restaurant resides in a strip mall in Bellevue, it serves tasty, authentic Taiwanese fare at ridiculously reasonable prices.
The original Starbucks, boasting its original sign and mermaid logo--you can listen to the busker(s) of the day while waiting in line (there's almost always a line).
550 locals recommend
Starbucks
1912 Pike PlThe original Starbucks, boasting its original sign and mermaid logo--you can listen to the busker(s) of the day while waiting in line (there's almost always a line).
Reasonably-priced sandwiches sure to impress (just an example: Downtown Duck with Five Flavor roasted duck, Asian Slaw with mango ginger vinaigrette, sirracha aioli, on toasted brioche).
Pear Delicatessen & Shoppe
1926 Pike PlReasonably-priced sandwiches sure to impress (just an example: Downtown Duck with Five Flavor roasted duck, Asian Slaw with mango ginger vinaigrette, sirracha aioli, on toasted brioche).
This super popular lunch spot offers a menu of three pasta dishes (all handmade), changing daily. Open only for lunch, and only on weekdays. To avoid crowds, go right at 11 AM or after 1 PM.
58 locals recommend
Il Corvo
217 James StThis super popular lunch spot offers a menu of three pasta dishes (all handmade), changing daily. Open only for lunch, and only on weekdays. To avoid crowds, go right at 11 AM or after 1 PM.
Freshly baked Russian hand-held pies with a variety of fillings (savory as well as sweet); a must-eat that also happens to be cheap!
106 locals recommend
Piroshky Piroshky
1908 Pike PlFreshly baked Russian hand-held pies with a variety of fillings (savory as well as sweet); a must-eat that also happens to be cheap!
Small local spot in Shoreline serving outstanding sandwiches--big taste. Worth the trip up north, and the sheer size of the sandwich also justifies the slightly higher-than-expected price.
Grinders Hot Sands Restaurant
19811 Aurora Ave NSmall local spot in Shoreline serving outstanding sandwiches--big taste. Worth the trip up north, and the sheer size of the sandwich also justifies the slightly higher-than-expected price.
Pros: clean vegan eats, including sandwiches, grain bowls, various raw entrees (breakfast, served all day and weekend brunch), soups, salads, mind-blowing smoothies, juices, and elixirs; cons: spendy!
22 locals recommend
Broadfork Cafe - Uptown
111 Queen Anne Ave NPros: clean vegan eats, including sandwiches, grain bowls, various raw entrees (breakfast, served all day and weekend brunch), soups, salads, mind-blowing smoothies, juices, and elixirs; cons: spendy!
Affordable, dependably relish American specials and unique Greek options live up to the hype of their 2007 Food Network appearance--basically, a great greasy spoon with the friendliest service.
23 locals recommend
Voula's Offshore Cafe
658 NE Northlake WayAffordable, dependably relish American specials and unique Greek options live up to the hype of their 2007 Food Network appearance--basically, a great greasy spoon with the friendliest service.
Wild Ginger offers Asian fusion dishes (reliably good and creative), infused with housemade sauces; and the attentive staff ably handles business lunches (delivering warm washcloths at meal's end).
38 locals recommend
Wild Ginger
1401 3rd AveWild Ginger offers Asian fusion dishes (reliably good and creative), infused with housemade sauces; and the attentive staff ably handles business lunches (delivering warm washcloths at meal's end).
Sightseeing
Pike Place Market
1531 Western AveThe only must-see tourist attraction in Seattle, IMHO.
Red Square
4063 Spokane LnTake a tour of University of Washington's beautiful campus, starting with Red Square.
At 350 acres, Seattle's second largest park--a truly magnificent urban park, which includes pieces of Seattle’s military past and eco-friendly future.
159 locals recommend
Warren G. Magnuson Park
7400 Sand Point Way NEAt 350 acres, Seattle's second largest park--a truly magnificent urban park, which includes pieces of Seattle’s military past and eco-friendly future.
Gas Works Park has a great play area with a large play barn, and big hill popular for flying kites. Special park features include a sundial and a breath-taking view of Seattle.
860 locals recommend
Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake WayGas Works Park has a great play area with a large play barn, and big hill popular for flying kites. Special park features include a sundial and a breath-taking view of Seattle.
Cheap, fun tour in a cute neighborhood. Expect an inordinate amount of free chocolate samples.
201 locals recommend
Theo Chocolate
3400 Phinney Ave NCheap, fun tour in a cute neighborhood. Expect an inordinate amount of free chocolate samples.
An immense library (sprawling to over 362,987 square feet) as well as interesting architectural puzzle, this library ranks as one of my favorite places in all of Seattle.
Seattle Public Utilities
700 5th AveAn immense library (sprawling to over 362,987 square feet) as well as interesting architectural puzzle, this library ranks as one of my favorite places in all of Seattle.
Fremont Troll
Troll Avenue NorthNeat public sculpture in Fremont under the Aurora Bridge.
Shopping
The Apple Store, the Windows Store, J. Crew, Crate & Barrel, Starbucks, Bartell Drugs, QFC, GAP, and the list goes on and on.
For a full list, visit: http://www.uvillage.com/welcome/
403 locals recommend
University Village
2623 NE University Village StThe Apple Store, the Windows Store, J. Crew, Crate & Barrel, Starbucks, Bartell Drugs, QFC, GAP, and the list goes on and on.
For a full list, visit: http://www.uvillage.com/welcome/
A hidden gem of a bookstore (selling new and used copies)--be sure to grab a bite at Vios Cafe (inside the store), or at least a drink at The Pub downstairs, whether alone or with friends.
46 locals recommend
Third Place Books Ravenna
6504 20th Ave NEA hidden gem of a bookstore (selling new and used copies)--be sure to grab a bite at Vios Cafe (inside the store), or at least a drink at The Pub downstairs, whether alone or with friends.
In the heart of Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood business district, this beautiful bookstore boasts a large selection and fills its schedule with a myriad of author reading and events.
243 locals recommend
The Elliott Bay Book Company
1521 10th AveIn the heart of Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood business district, this beautiful bookstore boasts a large selection and fills its schedule with a myriad of author reading and events.
Arts & Culture
Neat music and sound museum with lots of awesome interactive exhibits.
674 locals recommend
Museum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave NNeat music and sound museum with lots of awesome interactive exhibits.
Bruce Lee attended the University of Washington, and he spent a considerable part of his life in Seattle. You can visit his final resting place as well as that of his son.
74 locals recommend
Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee Grave Sites
1554 15th Ave EBruce Lee attended the University of Washington, and he spent a considerable part of his life in Seattle. You can visit his final resting place as well as that of his son.
Seattle Selfie Museum
92 Union StFree on the first Thursday of the month.
Home of the Seattle Symphony, Benaroya Hall offers free tours to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays at noon and 1 p.m.
100 locals recommend
Benaroya Hall
200 University StHome of the Seattle Symphony, Benaroya Hall offers free tours to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays at noon and 1 p.m.
Asian Art Museum (temporarily closed)
1400 E Prospect StFree on the first Thursday of the month.
The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience is located in Seattle's Chinatown-International District.
Free on the first Thursday of the month.
97 locals recommend
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
719 S King StThe Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience is located in Seattle's Chinatown-International District.
Free on the first Thursday of the month.
Drinks & Nightlife
Another smash hit (Greek) by restauranteur Tom Douglas, offering phenomenal food (try the kebabs--my personal favorite: Halloumi cheese and kalamata figs with a balsamic glaze) and a warm ambience.
142 locals recommend
Lola
2000 B 4th AveAnother smash hit (Greek) by restauranteur Tom Douglas, offering phenomenal food (try the kebabs--my personal favorite: Halloumi cheese and kalamata figs with a balsamic glaze) and a warm ambience.
Perhaps the best Mexican restaurant in Seattle--serving perhaps the best margaritas too. (Coincidence? I think not...)
100 locals recommend
La Carta De Oaxaca
5431 Ballard Ave NWPerhaps the best Mexican restaurant in Seattle--serving perhaps the best margaritas too. (Coincidence? I think not...)
This rustic, tucked-away oyster bar lives up to its aim to blend the elegance of France with the casual comfort of a local fishing pub. Oyster-lovers rejoice!
246 locals recommend
The Walrus and the Carpenter
4743 Ballard Ave NWThis rustic, tucked-away oyster bar lives up to its aim to blend the elegance of France with the casual comfort of a local fishing pub. Oyster-lovers rejoice!
This cheery, light-filled neighborhood restaurant brings the best out of its ingredient-focused work--whether ripe, seasonal vegetables, wood oven-fired meats and fish, pickled treats, or cocktails.
107 locals recommend
The Whale Wins
3506 Stone Way NThis cheery, light-filled neighborhood restaurant brings the best out of its ingredient-focused work--whether ripe, seasonal vegetables, wood oven-fired meats and fish, pickled treats, or cocktails.
Selected as one of the top 10 restaurants in the world by the NYTimes, this world-renowned dumpling house enjoys an international reputation, especially for its small, delicate steamed dumplings.
205 locals recommend
Din Tai Fung
2621 NE 46th StSelected as one of the top 10 restaurants in the world by the NYTimes, this world-renowned dumpling house enjoys an international reputation, especially for its small, delicate steamed dumplings.
Located in Queene Anne's "party district," this French/Creole restaurant offers fantastic, mid-priced New Orleans-style fare. Savor a great meal, or simply enjoy the soft ambience during happy hour.
177 locals recommend
Toulouse Petit
601 Queen Anne Ave NLocated in Queene Anne's "party district," this French/Creole restaurant offers fantastic, mid-priced New Orleans-style fare. Savor a great meal, or simply enjoy the soft ambience during happy hour.
RGB uses simple ingredients in their handcrafted ginger brews. The original recipe remains a steadfast favorite, but there are plenty of seasonal varietals to sample (such as the Strawberry Rhubarb).
79 locals recommend
Rachel’s Ginger Beer
1610 12th AveRGB uses simple ingredients in their handcrafted ginger brews. The original recipe remains a steadfast favorite, but there are plenty of seasonal varietals to sample (such as the Strawberry Rhubarb).
Home of the "take-and-bake chocolate cake in a mason jar." Indulge in a decadent molten cake (maybe with a boozy shake), or purchase a take-and-bake jar for later. Take a friend--these are rich!
98 locals recommend
Hot Cakes - Molten Chocolate Cakery
5427 Ballard Ave NWHome of the "take-and-bake chocolate cake in a mason jar." Indulge in a decadent molten cake (maybe with a boozy shake), or purchase a take-and-bake jar for later. Take a friend--these are rich!
Another Tom Douglas establishment, but of the gastropub-variety with shuffleboard tables!
28 locals recommend
Brave Horse Tavern
310 Terry Ave NAnother Tom Douglas establishment, but of the gastropub-variety with shuffleboard tables!