Adam’s Seattle Guidebook

Adam
Adam’s Seattle Guidebook

Capitol Hill and Central Area Food Scene

These are some of my favorite places on Capitol Hill and the Central Area. Most are not overly expensive. For the latest restaurant recommendations go to seattle dot eater dot com. (I spelled out the name of the website.) There you can find ideas in every category of restaurant. If they recommend it, it's good.
Highly acclaimed chef run soul food restaurant just 3 blocks away. Great outdoor seating options and excellent food.
27 locals recommend
COMMUNION Restaurant & Bar
2350 East Union Street
27 locals recommend
Highly acclaimed chef run soul food restaurant just 3 blocks away. Great outdoor seating options and excellent food.
Amazing French style pastries and sandwiches. Great to eat there or bring home or to the park for a special dessert.
489 locals recommend
Bakery Nouveau
4737 California Ave SW
489 locals recommend
Amazing French style pastries and sandwiches. Great to eat there or bring home or to the park for a special dessert.
Oddfellows is both casual and cool. They have a solid brunch, lunch and dinner following and a very relaxed atmosphere. The food is simple, affordable and healthy.
184 locals recommend
Oddfellows Café + Bar
1525 10th Ave
184 locals recommend
Oddfellows is both casual and cool. They have a solid brunch, lunch and dinner following and a very relaxed atmosphere. The food is simple, affordable and healthy.
Cheap, tasty tacos and an easy walk from the apartment with their 23rd and Union location. Open every day until 9pm.
228 locals recommend
Tacos Chukis
219 Broadway E
228 locals recommend
Cheap, tasty tacos and an easy walk from the apartment with their 23rd and Union location. Open every day until 9pm.
Foodie restaurant, specializing in meat dishes.
49 locals recommend
Lark Restaurant
952 E Seneca St
49 locals recommend
Foodie restaurant, specializing in meat dishes.
I like all of the Ethan Stowell restaurants. This Italian pasta and pizza restaurant has a generous happy hour that goes from 5-7Pm and then again from 10PM to close.
18 locals recommend
Tavolàta Capitol Hill
501 E Pike St
18 locals recommend
I like all of the Ethan Stowell restaurants. This Italian pasta and pizza restaurant has a generous happy hour that goes from 5-7Pm and then again from 10PM to close.
Lively and casual restaurant with an excellent burger (order it medium), salads and other crowd pleasing dishes.
137 locals recommend
Smith
332 15th Ave E
137 locals recommend
Lively and casual restaurant with an excellent burger (order it medium), salads and other crowd pleasing dishes.
Momiji is expensive, but it is the most popular sushi on Capitol hill in a beautiful setting.
170 locals recommend
Momiji
1522 12th Ave
170 locals recommend
Momiji is expensive, but it is the most popular sushi on Capitol hill in a beautiful setting.
Creative Vietnamese inspired food and my favorite place for brunch. Roof top patio is great for summer.
115 locals recommend
Monsoon Seattle
615 19th Ave E
115 locals recommend
Creative Vietnamese inspired food and my favorite place for brunch. Roof top patio is great for summer.
Unique and interesting world food menu in a very inviting space. Go here for a food adventure.
41 locals recommend
Nue
1519 14th Ave
41 locals recommend
Unique and interesting world food menu in a very inviting space. Go here for a food adventure.
Vegans rejoice at the creative and eclectic food at this 100% vegan restaurant in Chophouse Row.
101 locals recommend
Plum Bistro
1429 12th Ave
101 locals recommend
Vegans rejoice at the creative and eclectic food at this 100% vegan restaurant in Chophouse Row.
A little pricey, but wonderful middle eastern food.
116 locals recommend
Mamnoon
1508 Melrose Ave
116 locals recommend
A little pricey, but wonderful middle eastern food.
The pacific northwest is known for it's seafood, so if you want ample shellfish at a reasonable price this is the place to go.
150 locals recommend
Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar
1521 Melrose Ave
150 locals recommend
The pacific northwest is known for it's seafood, so if you want ample shellfish at a reasonable price this is the place to go.
Hole in the wall place, with great homemade style pie and excellent cocktails. Great for getting off the beaten path and enjoying the old school Seattle scene.
49 locals recommend
Pie Bar
1361 E Olive Way
49 locals recommend
Hole in the wall place, with great homemade style pie and excellent cocktails. Great for getting off the beaten path and enjoying the old school Seattle scene.
Vegan ice cream that is creative and tastes great. The line is proof that this place is really special.
57 locals recommend
Frankie & Jo's Capitol Hill
1010 E Union St
57 locals recommend
Vegan ice cream that is creative and tastes great. The line is proof that this place is really special.
This is the latest ice cream offering on Capitol Hill that has quite the following and scene.
95 locals recommend
Salt & Straw
714 East Pike Street
95 locals recommend
This is the latest ice cream offering on Capitol Hill that has quite the following and scene.
Chocolate themed cocktails, molten chocolate cake and other delicious desserts. Open til 11pm weekdays, midnight Fri-Sat.
48 locals recommend
Hot Cakes
1650 E Olive Way
48 locals recommend
Chocolate themed cocktails, molten chocolate cake and other delicious desserts. Open til 11pm weekdays, midnight Fri-Sat.
When you need a 24 hour restaurant, this is the place to go. It has an old school diner feel, but it's relatively new. Conveniently located near the biggest bar scene.
96 locals recommend
Lost Lake Cafe & Lounge
1505 10th Ave
96 locals recommend
When you need a 24 hour restaurant, this is the place to go. It has an old school diner feel, but it's relatively new. Conveniently located near the biggest bar scene.
Divey walk up burger joint open til 1am and always an interesting scene. Recently renovated but now open again!
337 locals recommend
Dick's Drive-In
115 Broadway E
337 locals recommend
Divey walk up burger joint open til 1am and always an interesting scene. Recently renovated but now open again!
Acclaimed Seattle chef Renee Erickson’s elegant steak centered Capitol Hill restaurant is both creative and sustainable. Right inside is their Boat Bar that focuses on seafood.
23 locals recommend
Bateau
1040 E Union St
23 locals recommend
Acclaimed Seattle chef Renee Erickson’s elegant steak centered Capitol Hill restaurant is both creative and sustainable. Right inside is their Boat Bar that focuses on seafood.
This place is only 3 blocks away and the donuts are unbelievably good. Recommend getting there early as they sell out fast (unless you place an order the day before!).
18 locals recommend
Raised Doughnuts
2301 23rd Ave
18 locals recommend
This place is only 3 blocks away and the donuts are unbelievably good. Recommend getting there early as they sell out fast (unless you place an order the day before!).
The food and drinks here are creative and delicious. Italian with a very northwest flair. I highly recommend the mussels with chamomile broth…with an order of bread!
6 locals recommend
Carrello
622 Broadway E
6 locals recommend
The food and drinks here are creative and delicious. Italian with a very northwest flair. I highly recommend the mussels with chamomile broth…with an order of bread!
Wood fired pizzas, pastas and seasonal veggies, the place also has a generous happy hour from 4-6. Highly recommend the fried artichokes, bucatini amatriciana and happy hour Old Fashioned.
51 locals recommend
Rione XIII
401 15th Ave E
51 locals recommend
Wood fired pizzas, pastas and seasonal veggies, the place also has a generous happy hour from 4-6. Highly recommend the fried artichokes, bucatini amatriciana and happy hour Old Fashioned.

Things to Do in Seattle

Pike Place Market is the #1 attraction in Seattle and it's worth it. I have a whole guidebook section on visiting the Market. To make your Seattle trip extra memorable, I recommend heading towards the water. Get onto the water, by ferry, water taxi, canoe or kayak and see the city from that perspective and you will have a very memorable impression. Seattle has a lot of museums you can visit, especially good on a rainy day. I only mention a few of them below. There are also lots of restaurants and attractions that have great water views. (See Restaurants in Other Neighborhoods)
Rent a quality 1 or 2 person kayak from here and paddle around Portage Bay, under the University Bridge and over towards Gasworks. Grab fish and chips at Ivars during or after.
168 locals recommend
Agua Verde Paddle Club
1307 NE Boat St
168 locals recommend
Rent a quality 1 or 2 person kayak from here and paddle around Portage Bay, under the University Bridge and over towards Gasworks. Grab fish and chips at Ivars during or after.
This is the best way to get on the water on a budget. You can take Light Rail to the UW station and rent a canoe or sit on top kayak. Head across the Montlake cut, go under the freeway and explore the calmer waters and water fowl around the arboretum.
44 locals recommend
University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center (WAC)
3710 Montlake Blvd NE
44 locals recommend
This is the best way to get on the water on a budget. You can take Light Rail to the UW station and rent a canoe or sit on top kayak. Head across the Montlake cut, go under the freeway and explore the calmer waters and water fowl around the arboretum.
For those interested in architecture and plants, this is an amazing place. They are only open the 1st and 3rd Saturdays per month. Reservations open up 15 days prior and will be gone in minutes. You must try to reserve as soon as you read this. Worth walking by, even if you can't get in. You may be able to visit the Understory or Deep Dive cocktail bar.
212 locals recommend
Amazon Spheres
2111 7th Ave
212 locals recommend
For those interested in architecture and plants, this is an amazing place. They are only open the 1st and 3rd Saturdays per month. Reservations open up 15 days prior and will be gone in minutes. You must try to reserve as soon as you read this. Worth walking by, even if you can't get in. You may be able to visit the Understory or Deep Dive cocktail bar.
Walk around this marvel of historic preservation and placemaking. Sweet Alchemy ice cream, Meetea Cafe, Plum Bistro Vegan restaurant, Light Sleeper wine bar, pop up shops, art installations and more. Pair this with more exploration of the Pike/Pine Neighborhood. Walkable from the apartment.
22 locals recommend
Chophouse Row
1424 11th Ave
22 locals recommend
Walk around this marvel of historic preservation and placemaking. Sweet Alchemy ice cream, Meetea Cafe, Plum Bistro Vegan restaurant, Light Sleeper wine bar, pop up shops, art installations and more. Pair this with more exploration of the Pike/Pine Neighborhood. Walkable from the apartment.
This is the most interesting area to walk and explore on Capitol Hill. It's Pike and Pine streets running East/West, from Melrose (Melrose Market) up to 14th (Chophouse Row). The liveliest part is east of Broadway with the highest concentration of restaurants, clubs, coffee shops, bars and people watching.
18 locals recommend
Pike/Pine
18 locals recommend
This is the most interesting area to walk and explore on Capitol Hill. It's Pike and Pine streets running East/West, from Melrose (Melrose Market) up to 14th (Chophouse Row). The liveliest part is east of Broadway with the highest concentration of restaurants, clubs, coffee shops, bars and people watching.
I have an entire section in my guidebook on visiting the Pike Place Market. It's a must see, so check it out!
2310 locals recommend
Pike Place Market
1531 Western Ave
2310 locals recommend
I have an entire section in my guidebook on visiting the Pike Place Market. It's a must see, so check it out!
In Ballard, see the boats come from fresh water to salt water via the locks. Walk across the locks to the fish ladder and see the salmon migrating.
774 locals recommend
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
3015 NW 54th St
774 locals recommend
In Ballard, see the boats come from fresh water to salt water via the locks. Walk across the locks to the fish ladder and see the salmon migrating.
This is the hub of Capitol Hill. People are hanging out in this park all evening, especially in summer and the people watching is great. And Molly Moon Ice Cream is right across the street!
191 locals recommend
Cal Anderson Park
1635 11th Avenue
191 locals recommend
This is the hub of Capitol Hill. People are hanging out in this park all evening, especially in summer and the people watching is great. And Molly Moon Ice Cream is right across the street!
There are loads of attractions at the Seattle Center. Run through the International Fountain, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Glass Museum (go at night), The Armory Food Court, The Space Needle and more. Take the Monorail from Westlake in Downtown Seattle and try to get the seat in the very front!
362 locals recommend
Seattle Center
305 Harrison St
362 locals recommend
There are loads of attractions at the Seattle Center. Run through the International Fountain, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Glass Museum (go at night), The Armory Food Court, The Space Needle and more. Take the Monorail from Westlake in Downtown Seattle and try to get the seat in the very front!
This is an amazing Frank Gehry designed building at Seattle Center that has great pop culture and music exhibits. If there's a show you are interested in, go see it!
674 locals recommend
Museum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave N
674 locals recommend
This is an amazing Frank Gehry designed building at Seattle Center that has great pop culture and music exhibits. If there's a show you are interested in, go see it!
The Ballard Farmer's market is the best one in Seattle. It's every Sunday all year round from 10am-3pm. Ballard avenue is a fun stroll even if there isn't a market, for boutique shops, coffee and restaurants.
220 locals recommend
Ballard Sunday Farmers Market
5345 Ballard Ave NW
220 locals recommend
The Ballard Farmer's market is the best one in Seattle. It's every Sunday all year round from 10am-3pm. Ballard avenue is a fun stroll even if there isn't a market, for boutique shops, coffee and restaurants.
A little off the beaten path, this bar/observatory formerly known as the Chinese Room has a great happy hour and water/city view. Admission includes a chatty history lesson as you make your way to a gorgeous vintage elevator and your first drink.
58 locals recommend
Smith Tower Observatory Bar
506 2nd Ave
58 locals recommend
A little off the beaten path, this bar/observatory formerly known as the Chinese Room has a great happy hour and water/city view. Admission includes a chatty history lesson as you make your way to a gorgeous vintage elevator and your first drink.
Make this park the starting point for walking along the waterfront (in either direction). Stunning views and kitschy waterfront activities (The Great Wheel, Ye Old Curiosity Shop). Fish and chips at Ivars is great for lunch (sit outside). For sit down touristy restaurant I recommend Anthony's Bell Street Diner. It's cheaper than the other tourist spots and more relaxed.
653 locals recommend
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Ave
653 locals recommend
Make this park the starting point for walking along the waterfront (in either direction). Stunning views and kitschy waterfront activities (The Great Wheel, Ye Old Curiosity Shop). Fish and chips at Ivars is great for lunch (sit outside). For sit down touristy restaurant I recommend Anthony's Bell Street Diner. It's cheaper than the other tourist spots and more relaxed.
Take a ferry from downtown across the Sound to Winslow on Bainbridge Island. You'll see spectacular views of the Seattle skyline and can walk into this quaint town. Check out Hitchcock Deli for lunch or make reservations at Hitchcock for a special Northwest dining experience. Or go for Mora Ice Cream, gift shops and wine tastings.
28 locals recommend
Winslow
28 locals recommend
Take a ferry from downtown across the Sound to Winslow on Bainbridge Island. You'll see spectacular views of the Seattle skyline and can walk into this quaint town. Check out Hitchcock Deli for lunch or make reservations at Hitchcock for a special Northwest dining experience. Or go for Mora Ice Cream, gift shops and wine tastings.
This is the first Starbucks Reserve store and they spared no expense to take coffee to another level. Even Starbucks skeptics, and there are lot of those in Seattle, are impressed.
425 locals recommend
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
1124 Pike St
425 locals recommend
This is the first Starbucks Reserve store and they spared no expense to take coffee to another level. Even Starbucks skeptics, and there are lot of those in Seattle, are impressed.
If you are interested in Architecture and books, take a look at the Central Library in Downtown Seattle. Theres a conveyer belt for returning books and perches to see different views.
220 locals recommend
Seattle Public Library
1000 4th Ave
220 locals recommend
If you are interested in Architecture and books, take a look at the Central Library in Downtown Seattle. Theres a conveyer belt for returning books and perches to see different views.
Ballard is a formerly sleepy Scandinavian neighborhood now known for a multitude of craft breweries, restaurants, shops and the Sunday Market. Great place to spend the evening at a restaurant (Walrus and Carpenter, for example) and get dessert at Hot Cakes.
261 locals recommend
Ballard
261 locals recommend
Ballard is a formerly sleepy Scandinavian neighborhood now known for a multitude of craft breweries, restaurants, shops and the Sunday Market. Great place to spend the evening at a restaurant (Walrus and Carpenter, for example) and get dessert at Hot Cakes.
I recommend Dim Sum at Jade Garden (Dive on the outside, nice on the inside). Check out Kinokuniya Book Store, Uwajimaya Grocery Store, Oasis Tea Zone (classic fruity style) or TP Tea (Taiwanese style) for boba drinks. Can be a gritty place, especially at night, but still worth visiting.
200 locals recommend
Seattle Chinatown-International District
200 locals recommend
I recommend Dim Sum at Jade Garden (Dive on the outside, nice on the inside). Check out Kinokuniya Book Store, Uwajimaya Grocery Store, Oasis Tea Zone (classic fruity style) or TP Tea (Taiwanese style) for boba drinks. Can be a gritty place, especially at night, but still worth visiting.
This is my favorite museum in Seattle because of the local history and the location on Lake Union. It may not be for everyone, but if you want to know more about Seattle and Pacific Northwest history, this is the place.
17 locals recommend
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
860 Terry Avenue North
17 locals recommend
This is my favorite museum in Seattle because of the local history and the location on Lake Union. It may not be for everyone, but if you want to know more about Seattle and Pacific Northwest history, this is the place.
If you are interested in aviation history, this place is amazing. You can do a flight simulation, walk through legendary aircraft including Air Force One and the Concorde, see Sputnik and the birthplace of Boeing.
433 locals recommend
The Museum of Flight
9404 E Marginal Way S
433 locals recommend
If you are interested in aviation history, this place is amazing. You can do a flight simulation, walk through legendary aircraft including Air Force One and the Concorde, see Sputnik and the birthplace of Boeing.
For the adventurous, this neighborhood is a bit like the old wild west. Divey bars, vintage collectibles, excellent brunch at La Fonda de Caterina are some of the highlights.
112 locals recommend
Georgetown
112 locals recommend
For the adventurous, this neighborhood is a bit like the old wild west. Divey bars, vintage collectibles, excellent brunch at La Fonda de Caterina are some of the highlights.
In Fremont, you can find the Fremont Troll (under the Aurora Ave/Washington Bridge), see a statue of Lenin, walk along the scenic ship canal, get free samples or do a tour of Theo Chocolates and visit the Indoor Sun Shop for interesting plants. It used to be “the center of the universe,” but nearby Ballard has stolen a lot of its thunder.
Fremont
In Fremont, you can find the Fremont Troll (under the Aurora Ave/Washington Bridge), see a statue of Lenin, walk along the scenic ship canal, get free samples or do a tour of Theo Chocolates and visit the Indoor Sun Shop for interesting plants. It used to be “the center of the universe,” but nearby Ballard has stolen a lot of its thunder.
It’s a bit touristy, but on a sunny day it’s a great stroll. You can start in Pioneer Square, get some fish and chips at Ivar’s, take a ride on the Great Wheel and walk all the way up to Myrtle Edwards Park and the Olympic Sculpture Garden. There used to be a noisy double decker freeway along the waterfront and now it’s all open and rapidly changing for the better.
Waterfront
It’s a bit touristy, but on a sunny day it’s a great stroll. You can start in Pioneer Square, get some fish and chips at Ivar’s, take a ride on the Great Wheel and walk all the way up to Myrtle Edwards Park and the Olympic Sculpture Garden. There used to be a noisy double decker freeway along the waterfront and now it’s all open and rapidly changing for the better.
In Ballard, see boats going through the locks to go from salt water to fresh water. You can also walk across the locks to the fish ladder to see migrating salmon. There are usually fish in the ladder from June to November, with July and August the busiest months.
774 locals recommend
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
3015 NW 54th St
774 locals recommend
In Ballard, see boats going through the locks to go from salt water to fresh water. You can also walk across the locks to the fish ladder to see migrating salmon. There are usually fish in the ladder from June to November, with July and August the busiest months.

Bars and Nightclubs

There are a lot of amazing craft cocktail bars on Capitol Hill. If you want to know more places go to eater dot seattle dot com (I spelled it out) to find out the latest hot spot. You can get good beer all over the hill too, but the best craft breweries are in Ballard. For nightlife, of course it depends what you are in to! For music go to the stranger dot com and check out what is playing. The best live music venues on Capitol Hill are Neumo's and Barboza. For Indie/Alternative Folk Music, Ballard is your best bet with shows at the Sunset Tavern and Tractor Tavern. For dinner and show, The Triple Door in downtown Seattle is a very special venue.
This is the most creative and highly acclaimed bar on Capitol Hill right now. It's next to Stateside Restaurant which is also excellent.
27 locals recommend
Foreign National
300 E Pike St
27 locals recommend
This is the most creative and highly acclaimed bar on Capitol Hill right now. It's next to Stateside Restaurant which is also excellent.
This is a big brew pub on Capitol Hill . Really big. For a memorable beer adventure head to Ballard where there are a lot of choices such as Maritime, Stoup or Urban Family. Check out the brewery list on Seattle dot Eater dot com for more beery choices.
92 locals recommend
Optimism Brewing Company
1158 Broadway
92 locals recommend
This is a big brew pub on Capitol Hill . Really big. For a memorable beer adventure head to Ballard where there are a lot of choices such as Maritime, Stoup or Urban Family. Check out the brewery list on Seattle dot Eater dot com for more beery choices.
It's hard to describe this divey, diverse, hip and unpredictable gay bar with a great outdoor patio. Some folks say the bartenders are rude and the guys dancing on the bar are odd, but if you want something out of the ordinary, this is the place.
39 locals recommend
Pony
1221 E Madison St
39 locals recommend
It's hard to describe this divey, diverse, hip and unpredictable gay bar with a great outdoor patio. Some folks say the bartenders are rude and the guys dancing on the bar are odd, but if you want something out of the ordinary, this is the place.
Biggest live music venue on the hill is the heartbeat of Pike Pine area at night. A lot of up and coming bands come through here. There is a second venue in the basement Barboza that is cool too.
168 locals recommend
Neumos
925 E Pike St
168 locals recommend
Biggest live music venue on the hill is the heartbeat of Pike Pine area at night. A lot of up and coming bands come through here. There is a second venue in the basement Barboza that is cool too.
Divey basement music venue below Neumo's with diverse and eclectic bands.
15 locals recommend
Barboza
925 E Pike St
15 locals recommend
Divey basement music venue below Neumo's with diverse and eclectic bands.
The shows in the posh main theater include full table service dinner menu from Wild Ginger restaurant upstairs. Quite a special experience and a great way to hang out in Downtown Seattle. There is free live music in the bar most nights too.
95 locals recommend
The Triple Door
216 Union St
95 locals recommend
The shows in the posh main theater include full table service dinner menu from Wild Ginger restaurant upstairs. Quite a special experience and a great way to hang out in Downtown Seattle. There is free live music in the bar most nights too.
Seattle is really into rooftop bars right now. Mbar was the first one do to it well and they have great, but pricey, food too. People tend to dress up a little when going here. It has that New York scene vibe. But casual works in Seattle anywhere too. Great views of the Space needle and sunset.
63 locals recommend
MBar
400 Fairview Ave N
63 locals recommend
Seattle is really into rooftop bars right now. Mbar was the first one do to it well and they have great, but pricey, food too. People tend to dress up a little when going here. It has that New York scene vibe. But casual works in Seattle anywhere too. Great views of the Space needle and sunset.
Tiki bars are really popular right now. At Rumba, you get massive drinks served in Polynesian style glasses, some on fire and some not!
56 locals recommend
Rumba
1112 Pike St
56 locals recommend
Tiki bars are really popular right now. At Rumba, you get massive drinks served in Polynesian style glasses, some on fire and some not!

Restaurants in Other Neighborhoods

Seattle restaurant scene changes every day. For the latest info go to the website eater dot Seattle dot com (I spelled it out). They have a list of 38 Essential Restaurants, a Heat Map and tons of other categories of restaurants to explore. Here are some of my favorites (NOT on Capitol Hill):
In Georgetown, this a great place to getting off the beaten path. They have outdoor seating, a great brunch and just a fun scene.
100 locals recommend
Fonda La Catrina
5905 Airport Way S
100 locals recommend
In Georgetown, this a great place to getting off the beaten path. They have outdoor seating, a great brunch and just a fun scene.
Foodie seafood experience in Seattle, complete with moustaches. (Ballard)
246 locals recommend
The Walrus and the Carpenter
4743 Ballard Ave NW
246 locals recommend
Foodie seafood experience in Seattle, complete with moustaches. (Ballard)
This is my favorite sushi restaurant in Seattle. Quirky staff, all sustainable (no eel!), inventive sushi rolls (Temptation Island). It's the opposite of traditional. Reservations are easy to get, but if you show up without one, expect to wait a long time. (West Seattle)
93 locals recommend
Mashiko
4725 California Ave SW
93 locals recommend
This is my favorite sushi restaurant in Seattle. Quirky staff, all sustainable (no eel!), inventive sushi rolls (Temptation Island). It's the opposite of traditional. Reservations are easy to get, but if you show up without one, expect to wait a long time. (West Seattle)
For foodies, take a ferry ride from Downtown to Winslow, Bainbridge Island for seasonal, local cuisine extremely well done. Make reservations well in advance.
48 locals recommend
Hitchcock
129 Winslow Way E
48 locals recommend
For foodies, take a ferry ride from Downtown to Winslow, Bainbridge Island for seasonal, local cuisine extremely well done. Make reservations well in advance.
Highly acclaimed Chef Eduardo Jordan’s Junebaby with its southern flair really stands out. (Ravenna)
44 locals recommend
JuneBaby
2122 NE 65th St
44 locals recommend
Highly acclaimed Chef Eduardo Jordan’s Junebaby with its southern flair really stands out. (Ravenna)
Acclaimed Italian pasta restaurant in a historic building in West Seattle, by Mike Easton. Make reservations well in advance or get there by 5:00pm or after 9:00pm for a spot in the bar.
19 locals recommend
Il Nido
2717 61st Ave SW
19 locals recommend
Acclaimed Italian pasta restaurant in a historic building in West Seattle, by Mike Easton. Make reservations well in advance or get there by 5:00pm or after 9:00pm for a spot in the bar.
Korean street food beautifully prepared. Their brunch is excellent too. Same owners also have Joule restaurant near Fremont.
113 locals recommend
Revel
401 North 36th Street
113 locals recommend
Korean street food beautifully prepared. Their brunch is excellent too. Same owners also have Joule restaurant near Fremont.
Mostly breads but also a few amazing pastries, their bread is very high quality and served at a lot of restaurants here. Check out Evo across the street too for outdoorsy clothes or Brooks Trailhead for running shoes at their flagship store (Fremont)
49 locals recommend
Sea Wolf Bakers
3617 Stone Way N
49 locals recommend
Mostly breads but also a few amazing pastries, their bread is very high quality and served at a lot of restaurants here. Check out Evo across the street too for outdoorsy clothes or Brooks Trailhead for running shoes at their flagship store (Fremont)
Take the West Seattle Watertaxi from Downtown and you are there! Inexpensive small Korean and Hawaiian bites. From here you can walk to Alki Beach in around 20 minutes. (West Seattle)
232 locals recommend
Marination Ma Kai
1660 Harbor Ave SW
232 locals recommend
Take the West Seattle Watertaxi from Downtown and you are there! Inexpensive small Korean and Hawaiian bites. From here you can walk to Alki Beach in around 20 minutes. (West Seattle)
Good Bar has a bustling happy hour from 4-7 with excellent drinks and bites. Located in historic Pioneer Square, It's a locals favorite with nearly no tourists. Also consider Damn the Weather on 1st Avenue. (Pioneer Square)
24 locals recommend
Good Bar
240 2nd Ave S
24 locals recommend
Good Bar has a bustling happy hour from 4-7 with excellent drinks and bites. Located in historic Pioneer Square, It's a locals favorite with nearly no tourists. Also consider Damn the Weather on 1st Avenue. (Pioneer Square)
Need a steak? Go to Red Cow. The burger is amazing too. It's in Madrona which is not far from the apartment and it's another Ethan Stowell restaurant. I'm a big fan of all of his places. They have a later Happy Hour from 5-7PM on weekdays, 5-6 pm on Friday/Saturday. (Madrona)
71 locals recommend
Red Cow
1423 34th Ave
71 locals recommend
Need a steak? Go to Red Cow. The burger is amazing too. It's in Madrona which is not far from the apartment and it's another Ethan Stowell restaurant. I'm a big fan of all of his places. They have a later Happy Hour from 5-7PM on weekdays, 5-6 pm on Friday/Saturday. (Madrona)
65 locals recommend
Homer
3013 Beacon Ave S
65 locals recommend

Coffee!

Seattle is hugely into coffee. If you are coffee tourist, like some of my friends, you plan your day around where you are getting your next cup. I will start with close in recommendations (Central Area, Capitol Hill) and then work my way further out. For even more recommendations go to eater dot seattle dot com ( I spelled it out) and look at their Coffee Heat Map.
Just a couple blocks from the apartment, this place is cool and good. They also cut hair, so you can look good too.
26 locals recommend
Squirrel Chops
2201 E Union St
26 locals recommend
Just a couple blocks from the apartment, this place is cool and good. They also cut hair, so you can look good too.
Great neighborhood coffee shop that really knows what they are doing.
78 locals recommend
Victrola Coffee Roasters
310 E Pike St
78 locals recommend
Great neighborhood coffee shop that really knows what they are doing.
In Pioneer Square, this Italian style coffee shop has soccer on the television and a European style brick paved outdoor cafe with no cars.
89 locals recommend
Caffe Umbria
1201 Westlake Ave N
89 locals recommend
In Pioneer Square, this Italian style coffee shop has soccer on the television and a European style brick paved outdoor cafe with no cars.
The coffee is great and the donuts are even better. This flagship location on 5th Avenue is in an old auto dealership and has beautiful shiny floors. But there is another location on Capitol Hill and others around town.
257 locals recommend
Top Pot Doughnuts
609 Summit Ave E
257 locals recommend
The coffee is great and the donuts are even better. This flagship location on 5th Avenue is in an old auto dealership and has beautiful shiny floors. But there is another location on Capitol Hill and others around town.
There are plenty of great coffee shops in Ballard, but this one stands out for it's all organic coffees and great location near the Ballard Farmer's Market.
47 locals recommend
Caffe Fiore
224 W Galer St
47 locals recommend
There are plenty of great coffee shops in Ballard, but this one stands out for it's all organic coffees and great location near the Ballard Farmer's Market.
This is the original Starbucks Reserve is on Capitol Hill and definitely worth a visit. Even locals are impressed. There is another Starbucks Reserve in their corporate headquarters on Utah Street and one near the Pike Place Market too.
425 locals recommend
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
1124 Pike St
425 locals recommend
This is the original Starbucks Reserve is on Capitol Hill and definitely worth a visit. Even locals are impressed. There is another Starbucks Reserve in their corporate headquarters on Utah Street and one near the Pike Place Market too.
They were one of the first and still the best. Why? Because they teach classes on how to pull coffee Italian style. Theres a sit down location and a street cafe location, both on Broadway (Capitol Hill).
6 locals recommend
Espresso Vivace
532 Broadway East
6 locals recommend
They were one of the first and still the best. Why? Because they teach classes on how to pull coffee Italian style. Theres a sit down location and a street cafe location, both on Broadway (Capitol Hill).
A beautiful space and carefully curated and crafted coffee in Pioneer Square.
29 locals recommend
Elm Coffee Roasters
240 2nd Ave S
29 locals recommend
A beautiful space and carefully curated and crafted coffee in Pioneer Square.

Shopping

Seattle is home to some very interesting Flagship stores that are definitely worth visiting. Be sure to check out Chophouse Row for a great selection of local shops in an amazingly renovated historic building.
Just 3 blocks from the apartment is a brand new PCC Community Market. Open to everyone, they have organic produce, plant based milks, deli and everything else you need.
23 locals recommend
PCC Community Markets - Central District
2230 E Union St
23 locals recommend
Just 3 blocks from the apartment is a brand new PCC Community Market. Open to everyone, they have organic produce, plant based milks, deli and everything else you need.
Yes! We have a Trader Joe's nearby and they have everything you need.
722 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1700 E Madison St
722 locals recommend
Yes! We have a Trader Joe's nearby and they have everything you need.
It's a converted historical building with amazingly curated shops, restaurants and coffee shops. The businesses have changed a lot recently, but still worth checking out.
22 locals recommend
Chophouse Row
1424 11th Ave
22 locals recommend
It's a converted historical building with amazingly curated shops, restaurants and coffee shops. The businesses have changed a lot recently, but still worth checking out.
Uncle Ike's Pot Shop at 23rd and Union is within walking distance and is Seattle's most iconic pot shop. Be sure to bring ID and cash! We don't allow any smoking in the apartment or the back yard, but vaping and edibles are fine. You are welcome to smoke on the sidewalk in front of the house.
79 locals recommend
Uncle Ike's Central District Marijuana Dispensary
2310 E Union St
79 locals recommend
Uncle Ike's Pot Shop at 23rd and Union is within walking distance and is Seattle's most iconic pot shop. Be sure to bring ID and cash! We don't allow any smoking in the apartment or the back yard, but vaping and edibles are fine. You are welcome to smoke on the sidewalk in front of the house.
Seattle's largest and best bookstore. They have book readings almost every day, great recommendations and a cafe. It's right next to a lot of other great Capitol Hill shops and restaurants too.
243 locals recommend
The Elliott Bay Book Company
1521 10th Ave
243 locals recommend
Seattle's largest and best bookstore. They have book readings almost every day, great recommendations and a cafe. It's right next to a lot of other great Capitol Hill shops and restaurants too.
Awesomely fun Japanese book store in Chinatown/International District with lots of kitchy Japanese things to buy. In same building as Uwajimaya Asian Grocery.
6 locals recommend
Kinokuniya Seattle
525 S Weller St
6 locals recommend
Awesomely fun Japanese book store in Chinatown/International District with lots of kitchy Japanese things to buy. In same building as Uwajimaya Asian Grocery.
REI's flagship store is really impressive, with a huge climbing wall for kids and outdoors areas to try on gear. Stop here before heading out for your hike or camping trip.
90 locals recommend
REI
222 Yale Ave N
90 locals recommend
REI's flagship store is really impressive, with a huge climbing wall for kids and outdoors areas to try on gear. Stop here before heading out for your hike or camping trip.
Off the beaten path in West Seattle, this is Seattle's most special music store, plus they serve a great diner like breakfast.
155 locals recommend
Easy Street Records & Cafe
4559 California Ave SW
155 locals recommend
Off the beaten path in West Seattle, this is Seattle's most special music store, plus they serve a great diner like breakfast.
They have many of the same chain stores as Downtown Seattle, but a little more posh. Seattle's only Apple store is here, along with Lululemon, H&M and more. Restaurants include Din Tai Fun (also Downtown) and Hokkaido Ramen.
403 locals recommend
University Village
2623 NE University Village St
403 locals recommend
They have many of the same chain stores as Downtown Seattle, but a little more posh. Seattle's only Apple store is here, along with Lululemon, H&M and more. Restaurants include Din Tai Fun (also Downtown) and Hokkaido Ramen.
Seattle's only Apple Store is in University Village. They built a special building for it and it's quite nice.
7 locals recommend
Apple University Village
2651 NE 49th St
7 locals recommend
Seattle's only Apple Store is in University Village. They built a special building for it and it's quite nice.
More youthful than REI, this is a popular outdoor clothing store in Fremont. While there, check out Brooks Trailhead at their flagship running shoe store across the street and then walk down to Gasworks Park.
10 locals recommend
evo Seattle Store
3500 Stone Way N
10 locals recommend
More youthful than REI, this is a popular outdoor clothing store in Fremont. While there, check out Brooks Trailhead at their flagship running shoe store across the street and then walk down to Gasworks Park.
The flagship Nordstrom store in Downtown Seattle is historic and beautiful and there is tons of other shopping nearby. Nordstrom Rack is just a block away in Westlake Center for some bargain shopping too.
Nordstrom
The flagship Nordstrom store in Downtown Seattle is historic and beautiful and there is tons of other shopping nearby. Nordstrom Rack is just a block away in Westlake Center for some bargain shopping too.