Guidebook for Seattle
Parks & Nature
Stunning views of the Cascades, Mt Rainier, and Bellevue across Lake Washington. There's an enjoyable tree-lines mile-long trail with a beach area, piers, and picnic spots. Great brunch awaits at Meet the Moon in Leschi.
50 residents recomanen
Madrona Park
853 Lake Washington Blvd SStunning views of the Cascades, Mt Rainier, and Bellevue across Lake Washington. There's an enjoyable tree-lines mile-long trail with a beach area, piers, and picnic spots. Great brunch awaits at Meet the Moon in Leschi.
Alki is Seattle's most popular waterfront, with views of the city, and the Olympic mountains across the Puget Sound. The 3 mile-trail around the West Seattle Peninsula is one of the best for running or biking, and the beach walk is full of dining options.
865 residents recomanen
Alki Beach
Alki is Seattle's most popular waterfront, with views of the city, and the Olympic mountains across the Puget Sound. The 3 mile-trail around the West Seattle Peninsula is one of the best for running or biking, and the beach walk is full of dining options.
Probably Seattle's number 1 picnic spot, Gasworks is a large, grassy park across a small lake from downtown Seattle.
860 residents recomanen
Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake WayProbably Seattle's number 1 picnic spot, Gasworks is a large, grassy park across a small lake from downtown Seattle.
This is the University of Washington's Botanical garden, and it contains many miles of trails through diverse types of foliage from places such as Japan and New Zealand. It's the best run nearby our home.
313 residents recomanen
Arboretum dels Jardins Botànics de la Universitat de Washington Park
2300 Arboretum Dr EThis is the University of Washington's Botanical garden, and it contains many miles of trails through diverse types of foliage from places such as Japan and New Zealand. It's the best run nearby our home.
Essentials
If you haven't been to Trader Joe's, it's worth a visit. It's a very creative Grocery that develops many of its own products with a quirky or international flair, while still keeping all of the essentials.
722 residents recomanen
Trader Joe's
1700 E Madison StIf you haven't been to Trader Joe's, it's worth a visit. It's a very creative Grocery that develops many of its own products with a quirky or international flair, while still keeping all of the essentials.
Central Co-op is a storied local grocery that holds a fond place in many locals' hearts. It has a higher-end, more organic selection than Trader Joes, and also includes a hot bar and cafe. We usually come here for its superior produce and spices, and use Trader Joe's for everything else.
245 residents recomanen
Central Co-op
1600 E Madison StCentral Co-op is a storied local grocery that holds a fond place in many locals' hearts. It has a higher-end, more organic selection than Trader Joes, and also includes a hot bar and cafe. We usually come here for its superior produce and spices, and use Trader Joe's for everything else.
Shopping
A great place to find quirky souvenirs or home decor that you didn't realize you needed
15 residents recomanen
Retrofit Home
1103 E Pike StA great place to find quirky souvenirs or home decor that you didn't realize you needed
Probably the best independent bookstore I've been to. The staff picks out and handwrites recommendations for its books, and are among the most knowledgeable I've talked to. The space is lofty and has plenty of good spots for reading, including a cafe. It also routinely hosts readings from prominent authors, so check their calendar if interested.
243 residents recomanen
The Elliott Bay Book Company
1521 10th AveProbably the best independent bookstore I've been to. The staff picks out and handwrites recommendations for its books, and are among the most knowledgeable I've talked to. The space is lofty and has plenty of good spots for reading, including a cafe. It also routinely hosts readings from prominent authors, so check their calendar if interested.
It's Seattle's most iconic market, and nearly everyone gives out free samples of their creative fare. It's got tons of restaurant options, and its lower level features off-beat stores such as a map shop and a purveyor of items for the left-handed.
2310 residents recomanen
Mercat de Pike Place
1531 Western AveIt's Seattle's most iconic market, and nearly everyone gives out free samples of their creative fare. It's got tons of restaurant options, and its lower level features off-beat stores such as a map shop and a purveyor of items for the left-handed.
Arts & Culture
Wing Luke is a museum situated in a preserved International District Building from the early 20th century, which alone makes a visit worthwhile. Its exhibits are consistently insightful about the Asian experience.
97 residents recomanen
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
719 S King StWing Luke is a museum situated in a preserved International District Building from the early 20th century, which alone makes a visit worthwhile. Its exhibits are consistently insightful about the Asian experience.
Dale Chihuly, the world's most prominent glass artist, is one of the pride points of the Pacific Northwest. Visit Garden and glass to see his landscapes of blown glass, culminating in a cathedral-like hall under the shadow of the Space Needle.
723 residents recomanen
Jardí i Vidre de Chihuly
305 Harrison StDale Chihuly, the world's most prominent glass artist, is one of the pride points of the Pacific Northwest. Visit Garden and glass to see his landscapes of blown glass, culminating in a cathedral-like hall under the shadow of the Space Needle.
Seattle is in the Musical Theater Tier immediately below Broadway, which means that many of the shows that eventually reach Broadway come here first.
107 residents recomanen
Teatre de la 5a Avinguda
1308 5th AvenueSeattle is in the Musical Theater Tier immediately below Broadway, which means that many of the shows that eventually reach Broadway come here first.
Sightseeing
Seattle is odd, in that it originally built the city on lower ground, then built above it, leaving a network of tunnels and old shops beneath its streets. Take this tour to see some of them and learn the history behind it.
285 residents recomanen
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
614 1st AveSeattle is odd, in that it originally built the city on lower ground, then built above it, leaving a network of tunnels and old shops beneath its streets. Take this tour to see some of them and learn the history behind it.
The Space needle is probably Seattle's most iconic structure. Go to the top for a view from a rotating restaurant, or through the observation deck, or just enjoy it from afar.
1748 residents recomanen
Aguja de l'Espai
400 Broad StThe Space needle is probably Seattle's most iconic structure. Go to the top for a view from a rotating restaurant, or through the observation deck, or just enjoy it from afar.
Starbucks is one of Seattle's best known companies, and this is their version of Willy Wonka's factory.
425 residents recomanen
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
1124 Pike StStarbucks is one of Seattle's best known companies, and this is their version of Willy Wonka's factory.
Drinks & Nightlife
It's brews are creative, the food truck rotation is consistently tasty, and its wide-open space is perfect for groups of all sizes.
92 residents recomanen
Optimism Brewing Company
1158 BroadwayIt's brews are creative, the food truck rotation is consistently tasty, and its wide-open space is perfect for groups of all sizes.
It's been internationally recognized as one of the best bars out there, and has the most extensive selection of whiskeys I've ever seen.
174 residents recomanen
Canon
928 12th AveIt's been internationally recognized as one of the best bars out there, and has the most extensive selection of whiskeys I've ever seen.
Its zebra-lined interior, arcade games, and multicolored drinks will keep you energized for the night.
171 residents recomanen
Unicorn
1118 E Pike StIts zebra-lined interior, arcade games, and multicolored drinks will keep you energized for the night.
Rob Roy
2332 2nd AveQuality cocktails with a nice loungy area
It specializes in Whiskey and has a good selection of Barrel-aged cocktails
22 residents recomanen
The Barrel Thief
3417 Evanston Ave NIt specializes in Whiskey and has a good selection of Barrel-aged cocktails
It has one of the best song-selections I've seen, quality drinks, and both public bar karaoke and reservable private rooms. if you plan on getting a private room, reserve it in advance - it's worth it.
67 residents recomanen
Rock Box
1603 Nagle PlIt has one of the best song-selections I've seen, quality drinks, and both public bar karaoke and reservable private rooms. if you plan on getting a private room, reserve it in advance - it's worth it.
Redhook's space is expansive and includes a firepit, a sports bar area, tables, and picnic style seating. It's brews are creative and constantly changing.
19 residents recomanen
Redhook Brewlab
714 E Pike StRedhook's space is expansive and includes a firepit, a sports bar area, tables, and picnic style seating. It's brews are creative and constantly changing.
Food Scene
It's a local community fixture, it's located 1 block from our house, and the staff is both very nice and very good at making coffee.
47 residents recomanen
Tougo Coffee Co
860 Yesler WayIt's a local community fixture, it's located 1 block from our house, and the staff is both very nice and very good at making coffee.
It's coffee has a distinct nutty smoothness to it, and they serve a free slice of chocolate cake to guests frequently. It's all in a well designed cafe above Pike Place with a great view, and it's usually surprisingly uncrowded.
45 residents recomanen
Storyville Coffee Pike Place
It's coffee has a distinct nutty smoothness to it, and they serve a free slice of chocolate cake to guests frequently. It's all in a well designed cafe above Pike Place with a great view, and it's usually surprisingly uncrowded.
It's a nice open space near the light rail that's great for settling in and working.
33 residents recomanen
Cafe Solstice
It's a nice open space near the light rail that's great for settling in and working.
It's a secret Starbucks test cafe that serves top notch new creations at reasonable prices. The ambience is great for work, reading, or a long conversation.
31 residents recomanen
Roy Street Coffee & Tea
700 Broadway Ave EIt's a secret Starbucks test cafe that serves top notch new creations at reasonable prices. The ambience is great for work, reading, or a long conversation.
It's got really tasty donuts...what else do you need?
25 residents recomanen
Mighty-O Donuts Capitol Hill
1400 12th AveIt's got really tasty donuts...what else do you need?
It's pastries strike the perfect balance between high cuisine and homeyness, and are creative with an east asian influence. This is one of several locations in the area.
69 residents recomanen
Fresh Flours Beacon Hill
1624 S McClellan StIt's pastries strike the perfect balance between high cuisine and homeyness, and are creative with an east asian influence. This is one of several locations in the area.
It's my favorite brunch so far in Seattle, and there's rarely a line because it's tucked away.
137 residents recomanen
Smith
332 15th Ave EIt's my favorite brunch so far in Seattle, and there's rarely a line because it's tucked away.
It's got a bit of the old grunge vibe, but serves and up-to-date menu that is consistently good. The best part - it serves brunch every day until 3.
26 residents recomanen
Americana Restaurant
219 Broadway EIt's got a bit of the old grunge vibe, but serves and up-to-date menu that is consistently good. The best part - it serves brunch every day until 3.
It's an eclectic oasis in the middle of Capitol Hill. You can see people there having a drink, working on a laptop, or having a meal with friends from early until late at night. Their dishes are all well thought out and tasty
184 residents recomanen
Oddfellows Café + Bar
1525 10th AveIt's an eclectic oasis in the middle of Capitol Hill. You can see people there having a drink, working on a laptop, or having a meal with friends from early until late at night. Their dishes are all well thought out and tasty
It's one of the most unique takes on Japanese cuisine that I've had, and is located lose by.
22 residents recomanen
SUIKA Seattle
611 E Pine StIt's one of the most unique takes on Japanese cuisine that I've had, and is located lose by.
For affordable, traditional sushi, Tsukushinbo is the place to go. The ambience makes you feel like a true insider - It's located off of a side street in the International district that makes it feel a bit like a sushi speakeasy, and the chef serves up types of fish that I hadn't even heard of before.
32 residents recomanen
Tsukushinbo
515 South Main StFor affordable, traditional sushi, Tsukushinbo is the place to go. The ambience makes you feel like a true insider - It's located off of a side street in the International district that makes it feel a bit like a sushi speakeasy, and the chef serves up types of fish that I hadn't even heard of before.
The chef grew up in the south, and serves up really distinctive dishes, such as buttermilk chicken gizzards, that taste amazing in spite of what your first reaction may be.
44 residents recomanen
JuneBaby
2122 NE 65th StThe chef grew up in the south, and serves up really distinctive dishes, such as buttermilk chicken gizzards, that taste amazing in spite of what your first reaction may be.
It's Seattle's In-and-out burger - they serve up $1.95 cheeseburgers out of an established location with an old-timey drive-in vibe. Delicious and open until 2 am every day.
337 residents recomanen
Dick's Drive-In
115 Broadway EIt's Seattle's In-and-out burger - they serve up $1.95 cheeseburgers out of an established location with an old-timey drive-in vibe. Delicious and open until 2 am every day.
It serves a delicious brunch conveniently next to a beautiful stretch of waterfront with views of Mt Rainier.
90 residents recomanen
Meet the Moon
120 Lakeside AveIt serves a delicious brunch conveniently next to a beautiful stretch of waterfront with views of Mt Rainier.
It's easily Seattle's best italian food, and does a great job with its shareable small plates and cocktail menu. It's also a chance to get outside Central Seattle and explore a less-visited neighborhood.
159 residents recomanen
Bar del Corso
3057 Beacon Ave SIt's easily Seattle's best italian food, and does a great job with its shareable small plates and cocktail menu. It's also a chance to get outside Central Seattle and explore a less-visited neighborhood.
It's probably the best combination of good vietnamese food and good ambience in the city.
110 residents recomanen
Tamarind Tree
1036 S Jackson StIt's probably the best combination of good vietnamese food and good ambience in the city.
Harbor City Restaurant
707 S King StIt's our favorite Dim-Sum restaurant in Seattle.
Its Korean street food-influenced fusion is unique and delicious, and the environment inside is open and gregarious. It's a great place to have a drink with friends or family.
113 residents recomanen
Revel
401 North 36th StreetIts Korean street food-influenced fusion is unique and delicious, and the environment inside is open and gregarious. It's a great place to have a drink with friends or family.
It's the best combination of ambience and ramen flavor. Their roasted chicken marrow ramen had a deep umami flavor that I have not found since. Just be aware that there can be quite a wait to get in.
104 residents recomanen
Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya
4203 SW Alaska StIt's the best combination of ambience and ramen flavor. Their roasted chicken marrow ramen had a deep umami flavor that I have not found since. Just be aware that there can be quite a wait to get in.
If you haven't had bubble tea before (it's tea or a smoothie with chewy tapioca balls that you drink through a straw), Oasis serves a wide selection of teas and drinks with real-ingredients as opposed to the flavorings you find in some tea shops.
29 residents recomanen
Oasis Tea Zone
519 6th Ave SIf you haven't had bubble tea before (it's tea or a smoothie with chewy tapioca balls that you drink through a straw), Oasis serves a wide selection of teas and drinks with real-ingredients as opposed to the flavorings you find in some tea shops.