Guidebook for Seattle
Food Scene
The best food in Pike Place Market. Excellent steak, seafood, sandwiches, and more.
78 residents recomanen
Matt's in the Market
94 Pike StThe best food in Pike Place Market. Excellent steak, seafood, sandwiches, and more.
A must-visit restaurant known for their live entertainment, beautiful space, and great Italian food. Entertainment varies from live music to trapeze artists to cabaret. A romantic spot that is great for a special night.
236 residents recomanen
The Pink Door
1919 Post AlleyA must-visit restaurant known for their live entertainment, beautiful space, and great Italian food. Entertainment varies from live music to trapeze artists to cabaret. A romantic spot that is great for a special night.
Delicious breakfast spot, or an in expensive option for a drink while watching the sun set.
25 residents recomanen
Lowell's Restaurant & Bar
1519 Pike PlDelicious breakfast spot, or an in expensive option for a drink while watching the sun set.
One of the best Vegan restaurants in the city, and totally affordable. Delicious and creative appetizers, entrees, and cocktails in a cute tiki-themed space. Great brunch on the weekends. (Even carnivores love this place!)
22 residents recomanen
No Bones Beach Club
5410 17th Ave NWOne of the best Vegan restaurants in the city, and totally affordable. Delicious and creative appetizers, entrees, and cocktails in a cute tiki-themed space. Great brunch on the weekends. (Even carnivores love this place!)
Best vegan ice cream in the city. Over-the-top sundaes, baked goods, ice cream cookie sandwiches, shakes, and espresso. Very close to our home.
7 residents recomanen
The Cookie Counter
7415 Greenwood Ave NBest vegan ice cream in the city. Over-the-top sundaes, baked goods, ice cream cookie sandwiches, shakes, and espresso. Very close to our home.
The most charming space full of natural light, plants, and paintings by local artists. Every dish at this restaurant is unique, delicious, and beautifully plated. Menu rotates frequently to ensure all food is seasonally sourced. Excellent pie for desert and always a good wine selection. Amazing weekend brunch. Vegetarian menu.
150 residents recomanen
Cafe Flora
2901 E Madison StThe most charming space full of natural light, plants, and paintings by local artists. Every dish at this restaurant is unique, delicious, and beautifully plated. Menu rotates frequently to ensure all food is seasonally sourced. Excellent pie for desert and always a good wine selection. Amazing weekend brunch. Vegetarian menu.
Decadent baked goods ranging from pies to cakes to cookies and everything in between. Excellent espresso and lunch foods as well. A completely dedicated gluten free and vegan facility.
26 residents recomanen
Flying Apron - Fremont
3510 Fremont Ave NDecadent baked goods ranging from pies to cakes to cookies and everything in between. Excellent espresso and lunch foods as well. A completely dedicated gluten free and vegan facility.
Delicious Mexican food and some of the best taco salad I've ever had. There's something for everyone here ranging from meat dishes to vegan dishes and everything in between. You wouldn't believe how great the food is when looking at how cheap the prices are. It gets crowded on Friday nights and weekends so going earlier is a good idea on those days. Open until midnight so good for a late night meal!
53 residents recomanen
El Chupacabra Greenwood
6711 Greenwood Ave NDelicious Mexican food and some of the best taco salad I've ever had. There's something for everyone here ranging from meat dishes to vegan dishes and everything in between. You wouldn't believe how great the food is when looking at how cheap the prices are. It gets crowded on Friday nights and weekends so going earlier is a good idea on those days. Open until midnight so good for a late night meal!
Another excellent Mexican restaurant, but a little farther away. Located in lower Queen Anne just a ten minute walk from Seattle Center and the Space Needle. The BEST blended margaritas in Seattle, my personal favorite is the spicy mango margarita. Delicious food ranging from steak fajitas to shrimp tacos to fresh salads. A fun, and sometimes loud atmosphere for friends, family, or a date.
34 residents recomanen
Laredo's Grill
555 Aloha StAnother excellent Mexican restaurant, but a little farther away. Located in lower Queen Anne just a ten minute walk from Seattle Center and the Space Needle. The BEST blended margaritas in Seattle, my personal favorite is the spicy mango margarita. Delicious food ranging from steak fajitas to shrimp tacos to fresh salads. A fun, and sometimes loud atmosphere for friends, family, or a date.
The most gourmet Vietnamese Pho with artisan ingredients at an affordable price. They even serve Pho with duck for an extra special bowl of soup. Super fresh ingredients. Trendy, minimal, hip atmosphere.
9 residents recomanen
Stock
500 NW 65th StThe most gourmet Vietnamese Pho with artisan ingredients at an affordable price. They even serve Pho with duck for an extra special bowl of soup. Super fresh ingredients. Trendy, minimal, hip atmosphere.
An iconic Thai restaurant here in Seattle. This little hole in the wall is located in the University District of Seattle, and it's so small it's very easy to miss on the street. You know it's good because there is always a line out the door on to the sidewalk, and it is always worth the wait. You can be seated right in front of the cooks as they create savory, spicy, authentic Thai cuisine. It definitely gets loud, but it is a fun dining experience for a small group or a date.
55 residents recomanen
Thai Tom
4543 University Way NEAn iconic Thai restaurant here in Seattle. This little hole in the wall is located in the University District of Seattle, and it's so small it's very easy to miss on the street. You know it's good because there is always a line out the door on to the sidewalk, and it is always worth the wait. You can be seated right in front of the cooks as they create savory, spicy, authentic Thai cuisine. It definitely gets loud, but it is a fun dining experience for a small group or a date.
If you're craving a tasty burger, fries, and shake, you'll definitely want to go to Uneeda Burger. Close to our home, affordable, and not your average burger joint.
128 residents recomanen
Uneeda Burger
4302 Fremont Ave NIf you're craving a tasty burger, fries, and shake, you'll definitely want to go to Uneeda Burger. Close to our home, affordable, and not your average burger joint.
One of the more romantic places for dinner is the The Oyster Bar http://www.theoysterbar.net/history/ on Chuckanut Drive. It’s kind of a locals secret. You take Chuckanut Scenic highway up towards Bellingham until you hit the Oyster Bar which is basically in the middle of nowhere. The drive itself is stunning. Do it before sunset and make time to watch the sunset while you eat dinner. You can either stay the night in charming Bellingham or drive back to Seattle.
40 residents recomanen
The Oyster Bar
2578 Chuckanut DrOne of the more romantic places for dinner is the The Oyster Bar http://www.theoysterbar.net/history/ on Chuckanut Drive. It’s kind of a locals secret. You take Chuckanut Scenic highway up towards Bellingham until you hit the Oyster Bar which is basically in the middle of nowhere. The drive itself is stunning. Do it before sunset and make time to watch the sunset while you eat dinner. You can either stay the night in charming Bellingham or drive back to Seattle.
Drinks & Nightlife
Can Can is a super fun dinner theater that has a great cabaret show that is a Seattle underground classic. Just the right amount of scandalous.
47 residents recomanen
Can Can Culinary Cabaret
95 Pine StCan Can is a super fun dinner theater that has a great cabaret show that is a Seattle underground classic. Just the right amount of scandalous.
The Sunset has a great, cozy atmosphere with tons of drink options. You can hang out in the front bar room and enjoy conversation with your friends, or you can pay the cover charge to enter the back room where there are local musical performances.
68 residents recomanen
The Sunset Tavern
5433 Ballard Avenue NorthwestThe Sunset has a great, cozy atmosphere with tons of drink options. You can hang out in the front bar room and enjoy conversation with your friends, or you can pay the cover charge to enter the back room where there are local musical performances.
While I have never been to this bar, I have heard it's a great spot for a fun night out. Classy atmosphere, and the bar is on a rooftop with spectacular city views.
21 residents recomanen
Frolik Kitchen+Cocktails
1415 5th AveWhile I have never been to this bar, I have heard it's a great spot for a fun night out. Classy atmosphere, and the bar is on a rooftop with spectacular city views.
If you're looking for a late night of drinks, dancing, and a big party, Monkey Loft is where to go. Talented DJs come every weekend and, for the really late-night partiers, their roof deck is open until 4 AM.
25 residents recomanen
Monkey Loft
2915 1st Ave SIf you're looking for a late night of drinks, dancing, and a big party, Monkey Loft is where to go. Talented DJs come every weekend and, for the really late-night partiers, their roof deck is open until 4 AM.
Parks & Nature
The largest city park in Seattle at 534 acres. Gorgeous scenic views. Located on Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound, Discovery Park offers spectacular view of both the Cascade and the Olympic Mountain ranges. The secluded site includes two miles of protected tidal beaches as well as open meadow lands, dramatic sea cliffs, forest groves, active sand dunes, thickets and streams.
756 residents recomanen
Parc Discovery
3801 Discovery Park BlvdThe largest city park in Seattle at 534 acres. Gorgeous scenic views. Located on Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound, Discovery Park offers spectacular view of both the Cascade and the Olympic Mountain ranges. The secluded site includes two miles of protected tidal beaches as well as open meadow lands, dramatic sea cliffs, forest groves, active sand dunes, thickets and streams.
This park is my favorite park in Seattle. Located right on the beach in the Ballard neighborhood. There are fire pits, volleyball nets, trees to hang hammocks from, and loads of fun to be had. It gets crowded on a sunny Saturday or Sunday, so you will want to show up early to claim a fire pit if that's your goal! Gorgeous sunset views.
728 residents recomanen
Golden Gardens Park
8498 Seaview Pl NWThis park is my favorite park in Seattle. Located right on the beach in the Ballard neighborhood. There are fire pits, volleyball nets, trees to hang hammocks from, and loads of fun to be had. It gets crowded on a sunny Saturday or Sunday, so you will want to show up early to claim a fire pit if that's your goal! Gorgeous sunset views.
This is a beautiful hike on a well maintained, but admittedly busy trail through the forest with views of the Cedar River watershed, Mount Si, Mount Washington, Rattlesnake Lake and Chester Morse Lake.
73 residents recomanen
Rattlesnake Lake
This is a beautiful hike on a well maintained, but admittedly busy trail through the forest with views of the Cedar River watershed, Mount Si, Mount Washington, Rattlesnake Lake and Chester Morse Lake.
An iconic piece of Pacific Northwest nature. The Salish Lodge https://www.salishlodge.com/ at Snoqualmie Falls is great romantic spot to grab a bite as well. It's about a 45 minute drive from our home.
505 residents recomanen
Cataractes de Snoqualmie
6501 Railroad AveAn iconic piece of Pacific Northwest nature. The Salish Lodge https://www.salishlodge.com/ at Snoqualmie Falls is great romantic spot to grab a bite as well. It's about a 45 minute drive from our home.
A delicately manicured Japanese garden in the Madison Park neighborhood of Seattle. Full of beautiful plants, ponds, and koi fish. A very peaceful setting and beautiful on a spring or summer day while plants are in bloom. Daily tours are available at 12:30 pm (April through October; the garden is closed during the winter months). You can also purchase tickets for an authentic Japanese tea ceremony on select days.
203 residents recomanen
Jardí Japonès de Seattle
1075 Lake Washington Blvd EA delicately manicured Japanese garden in the Madison Park neighborhood of Seattle. Full of beautiful plants, ponds, and koi fish. A very peaceful setting and beautiful on a spring or summer day while plants are in bloom. Daily tours are available at 12:30 pm (April through October; the garden is closed during the winter months). You can also purchase tickets for an authentic Japanese tea ceremony on select days.
About a 45 minute drive away from our home, Mt. Si has loads of hiking trails for all levels of hikers and nature-enthusiasts. Located near North Bend which is a quaint little town with a few old-school diners. The Dairy Freeze is a classic for a frosty milkshake or ice cream cone.
34 residents recomanen
Mt. Si Trailhead
About a 45 minute drive away from our home, Mt. Si has loads of hiking trails for all levels of hikers and nature-enthusiasts. Located near North Bend which is a quaint little town with a few old-school diners. The Dairy Freeze is a classic for a frosty milkshake or ice cream cone.
If you're here in the winter months and love to ski or snowboard, Stevens Pass is incredible. About a 2-2.5 hour drive from our home, but definitely worth it for the well maintained mountain and variety of runs. You'll want to leave early in the morning for this as the parking does get full pretty quick.
169 residents recomanen
Passeig de Stevens
U.S. 2If you're here in the winter months and love to ski or snowboard, Stevens Pass is incredible. About a 2-2.5 hour drive from our home, but definitely worth it for the well maintained mountain and variety of runs. You'll want to leave early in the morning for this as the parking does get full pretty quick.
Sightseeing
Pike Place Market is an iconic part of Seattle. It's touristy, but for good reason. Tons of local, fresh food samples, fresh fish, musicians, and entertainers of all kinds flood the market for an authentic Seattle experience. A must-do.
2310 residents recomanen
Mercat de Pike Place
1531 Western AvePike Place Market is an iconic part of Seattle. It's touristy, but for good reason. Tons of local, fresh food samples, fresh fish, musicians, and entertainers of all kinds flood the market for an authentic Seattle experience. A must-do.
A walk along the waterfront from Pike Place to the Olympic Sculpture Park is nice if the weather is good. The sculpture park is full of interesting artworks by internationally-renowned artists. Stunning views of Elliot Bay along certain points of the park.
653 residents recomanen
Parc de l'escultura olímpica
2901 Western AveA walk along the waterfront from Pike Place to the Olympic Sculpture Park is nice if the weather is good. The sculpture park is full of interesting artworks by internationally-renowned artists. Stunning views of Elliot Bay along certain points of the park.
Smith Tower also has an observation deck speak easy lounge. You have to pay a cover charge to go up but it’s a pretty cool old building and totally worth it.
58 residents recomanen
Smith Tower Observatory Bar
506 2nd AveSmith Tower also has an observation deck speak easy lounge. You have to pay a cover charge to go up but it’s a pretty cool old building and totally worth it.
Space Needle is an icon but is usually jammed with tourists. If you do decide to check out the Space Needle, there is also the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, the Pacific Science Center, and other interest happenings within Seattle Center.
1748 residents recomanen
Aguja de l'Espai
400 Broad StSpace Needle is an icon but is usually jammed with tourists. If you do decide to check out the Space Needle, there is also the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, the Pacific Science Center, and other interest happenings within Seattle Center.
Georgetown https://www.visitseattle.org/neighborhoods/sodo-georgetown/ is the hip and still dirty neighborhood that everyone wants to hang at right now. Great food, bars, distilleries, breweries, chocolate factories and wineries to visit. You can totally make a day of it. Charles Smith tasting room is down there and incredible. Everything is still raw and relatively cheap. If you have ever been to LA, it is similar to the LA Arts District.
112 residents recomanen
Georgetown
Georgetown https://www.visitseattle.org/neighborhoods/sodo-georgetown/ is the hip and still dirty neighborhood that everyone wants to hang at right now. Great food, bars, distilleries, breweries, chocolate factories and wineries to visit. You can totally make a day of it. Charles Smith tasting room is down there and incredible. Everything is still raw and relatively cheap. If you have ever been to LA, it is similar to the LA Arts District.
Walking around Capitol Hill is always amusing on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. Lots of live music, dancing, and partiers of all types. There’s free dancing every Saturday night at Chop Suey’s “Dance Yourself Clean”, as well as dancing you can pay for at Neighbours (this bar is especially geared towards the LGBTQ community), both establishments definitely have a nightclub feel. There’s also salsa lessons and free dance sessions at the Century Ballroom, big acts come through and perform at Neumos and Barboza, and literally dozens of other places to check out. The nightlife scene in Capitol Hill is definitely more geared towards adults.
344 residents recomanen
Capitol Hill
Walking around Capitol Hill is always amusing on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. Lots of live music, dancing, and partiers of all types. There’s free dancing every Saturday night at Chop Suey’s “Dance Yourself Clean”, as well as dancing you can pay for at Neighbours (this bar is especially geared towards the LGBTQ community), both establishments definitely have a nightclub feel. There’s also salsa lessons and free dance sessions at the Century Ballroom, big acts come through and perform at Neumos and Barboza, and literally dozens of other places to check out. The nightlife scene in Capitol Hill is definitely more geared towards adults.
You may already know that there is no end to the great restaurants in Seattle. Ballard is a fun neighborhood that is very close to our home. Start at the corner of Market and Ballard Ave then work your way south. Lots of great shops, bars, and food. Some of the establishments in Ballard are listed throughout this guidebook.
261 residents recomanen
Ballard
You may already know that there is no end to the great restaurants in Seattle. Ballard is a fun neighborhood that is very close to our home. Start at the corner of Market and Ballard Ave then work your way south. Lots of great shops, bars, and food. Some of the establishments in Ballard are listed throughout this guidebook.
The Ballard Locks (http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Locks-and-Dams/Chittenden-Locks/) make for a cool walk watching the lockmasters handle the boat traffic in and out of the sound. Enjoy a picnic in the beautifully groomed gardens attached to the locks.
774 residents recomanen
Escluses de Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden)
3015 NW 54th StThe Ballard Locks (http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Locks-and-Dams/Chittenden-Locks/) make for a cool walk watching the lockmasters handle the boat traffic in and out of the sound. Enjoy a picnic in the beautifully groomed gardens attached to the locks.
Arts & Culture
Pioneer Square is a richly historic area of Seattle that is packed with tons of contemporary art galleries, most of them being free to enter. You can walk about the rustic, brick square and stumble upon some of the hottest Seattle artists' work right now, and if you’re around on the first Thursday evening of the month there is the Pioneer Square Art Walk which is a lively arts event all over the area.
The underground tour http://www.undergroundtour.com/ in Pioneer Square is very popular. Also a very close jaunt to downtown Seattle for more art stops, as well as dining and shopping options.
270 residents recomanen
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is a richly historic area of Seattle that is packed with tons of contemporary art galleries, most of them being free to enter. You can walk about the rustic, brick square and stumble upon some of the hottest Seattle artists' work right now, and if you’re around on the first Thursday evening of the month there is the Pioneer Square Art Walk which is a lively arts event all over the area.
The underground tour http://www.undergroundtour.com/ in Pioneer Square is very popular. Also a very close jaunt to downtown Seattle for more art stops, as well as dining and shopping options.
The largest museum in Seattle, and always worth the entry fee. There are always multiple different exhibitions going on, ranging from contemporary artists to historical exhibitions and everything in between. Right in the heart of downtown.
1072 residents recomanen
Seattle Selfie Museum
92 Union StThe largest museum in Seattle, and always worth the entry fee. There are always multiple different exhibitions going on, ranging from contemporary artists to historical exhibitions and everything in between. Right in the heart of downtown.
The only free-admission art museum in the city. The Frye typically has two-four exhibitions running at any given time. You can almost always catch the Frye Salon in the back of the Museum that is full of pieces from the Frye family founding collection. The rest of the museum is typically dedicated to contemporary local artists, or historical exhibitions on loan from other international institutions. A true hidden gem in the First Hill neighborhood with a lovely cafe for lunch or coffee, and just a 10-15 minute walk to Capitol Hill.
229 residents recomanen
Museu d'Art Frye
704 Terry AveThe only free-admission art museum in the city. The Frye typically has two-four exhibitions running at any given time. You can almost always catch the Frye Salon in the back of the Museum that is full of pieces from the Frye family founding collection. The rest of the museum is typically dedicated to contemporary local artists, or historical exhibitions on loan from other international institutions. A true hidden gem in the First Hill neighborhood with a lovely cafe for lunch or coffee, and just a 10-15 minute walk to Capitol Hill.
Shopping
If you love vintage shopping, Trove is a must-see stop! All pieces are hand picked by the kind and helpful owner Cyrena. They have gorgeous unique pieces ranging from authentic kimonos from Japan, to 1940s jewelry and dresses, to early 1900s wedding dresses in their bridal room (bridal room is by appointment only).
7 residents recomanen
Trove Vintage Boutique
2208 NW Market StIf you love vintage shopping, Trove is a must-see stop! All pieces are hand picked by the kind and helpful owner Cyrena. They have gorgeous unique pieces ranging from authentic kimonos from Japan, to 1940s jewelry and dresses, to early 1900s wedding dresses in their bridal room (bridal room is by appointment only).
Another fun boutique located in the Ballard neighborhood. Some vintage and some new pieces, shown alongside beautiful local artwork and local handmade jewelry.
Le Merde
2856 NW Market StAnother fun boutique located in the Ballard neighborhood. Some vintage and some new pieces, shown alongside beautiful local artwork and local handmade jewelry.
Entertainment & Activities
Take a ferry ride from Colman terminal to Bainbridge Island and back. Beautiful views and gives you a sense of the place from the water. Walk into Winslow on the Bainbridge Island side. If you do take the ferry to Bainbridge, The Pub http://www.harbourpub.com/ is great spot for a beer and old Bainbridge feel over the marina.
138 residents recomanen
Bainbridge Island
Take a ferry ride from Colman terminal to Bainbridge Island and back. Beautiful views and gives you a sense of the place from the water. Walk into Winslow on the Bainbridge Island side. If you do take the ferry to Bainbridge, The Pub http://www.harbourpub.com/ is great spot for a beer and old Bainbridge feel over the marina.