Home > Seattle > Best of Seattle
by Santorini Dave • Updated: May 14, 2018
The 86 best hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, clubs, breweries, cafes, tours, places, and things to do in Seattle, Washington.
Hotels
1. The Four Seasons • Downtown • $$$$
The best luxury hotel in Seattle. Superb service, suites, and restaurant. Outdoor jacuzzi and heated swimming pool have views of Puget Sound. Steps from Pike Place Market and short walk to downtown shopping. Great for families. • map • (206) 749-7000
2. The Inn At The Market • Downtown • $$$$
The best boutique hotel in Seattle. Warm, charming place to stay right in Pike Place Market. Surrounded by top notch restaurants but retains an unhurried genuine vibe. • map • (206) 443-3600
3. Thompson Seattle • Downtown • $$$$
Brand new, trendy hotel across the street from Pike Place Market and short walk to the hip bars and restaurants in Belltown. • map • (206) 623-4600
4. Fairmont Olympic • Downtown • $$$$
Classic luxury hotel in the heart of the shopping district. Short walk to Pike Place Market and downtown theaters for plays and musicals. • map • (206) 621-1700
5. Kimpton Alexis Hotel • Downtown • $$$
Fun, hip hotel with artfully designed rooms. Walking distance to Pioneer Square, Safeco Field (Mariners), Century Link Stadium (Seahawks/Sounders), downtown, and Pike Place Market. • map • (206) 624-4844
6. Hotel Max • Belltown • $$
Trendy, modern hotel with alt rock and pop culture theme. Good rates considering its prime location and appealing atmosphere. • map • (206) 728-6299
7. Warwick Seattle • Belltown • $$
Comfortable mid-range hotel with indoor pool and great views from higher floors, walkable to Pike Place Market and the waterfront. • map • (206) 443-4300
8. Ace Hotel • Belltown • $
Hip budget option with creative room designs and a young, funky vibe. Lowest priced rooms have (clean and plentiful) shared bathrooms. Daily waffle breakfast. Close to the Market and Belltown nightlife. • map • (206) 448-4721
9. Best Western Plus Hotel • Pioneer Square • $$
Comfortable and affordable hotel in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, walking distance to the ferry terminal; sports stadiums, and Pike Place Market. Original woodwork, vintage decor, free continental breakfast. • map • (206) 340-1234
10. The Mediterranean Inn • Lower Queen Anne • $$
Mid-range rooms near the Space Needle and Seattle Center – all with microwave kitchenettes. There’s a laundry room available to guests, and great 360 degree views from the roof deck. • map • (206) 428-4700
11. Residence Inn by Marriott • Lake Union • $$
All-suite hotel that’s a great affordable choice for families: well-equipped kitchens, balconies, indoor pool, kids’ game room, lobby taproom/snack bar. Located in South Lake Union, with easy streetcar access into downtown. • map • (206) 624-6000
Restaurants
12. Steelhead Diner • Pike Place Market • $$-$$$
The best sit-down restaurant at Pike Place Market for families. Upscale comfort food, full bar, and terrific views. Try the razor clam chowder. (No seriously, do it.) • map • (206) 625-0129
13. Matt’s In The Market • Pike Place Market • $$$
Outstanding New American cuisine, with the freshest local ingredients sourced directly from the Market below. Its central Market location, amazing views, and inviting atmosphere make Matt’s THE iconic Seattle dining spot – open for lunch and dinner. • map • (206) 467-7909
14. Place Pigalle • Pike Place Market • $$$
• $$$
White tablecloths, impeccable French cuisine, and cozy charm. A hidden Pike Place gem that’s a perfect pick for a romantic date night. Book a sunset reservation and ask for a window table. • map • (206) 624-175615. Café Campagne • Pike Place Market • $$-$$$
Parisian-style brasserie in the Market’s Post Alley. A good bet anytime, but especially beloved for their rainy-season cassoulet and year-round weekend brunch. • map • (206) 728-2233
16. Black Bottle • Belltown • $$-$$$
Casual gastropub, specializing in small plates. Excellent wine list, local beers, and creative cocktails. Outdoor seating in the summer months. 21+ • map • (206) 441-1500
17. Serious Pie • Belltown • $$
Thin and crispy-crusted pizzas, made with fresh, local ingredients, house-cured meats, and creative toppings like smoked duck and Penn Cove clams. All baked in an apple wood-fired oven. Cozy, boisterous atmosphere. There’s a South Lake Union location too, but this one is the first and best. • map • (206) 838-7388
18. Purple Cafe & Wine Bar • Downtown • $$-$$$
Cavernous and trendy, with an excellent menu range and a wine list for days. Good kids menu, too. Reservations recommended, but two floors means there’s also plenty of first-come first-served bar seating for walk-ins. • map • (206) 829-2280
19. The Pink Door • Pike Place Market • $$$
Enchanting Italian restaurant in Pike Place Market’s Post Alley. Inside, there’s entertainment – jazz musicians, tarot-card readers, and magicians perform nightly; full-on trapeze artists on Sundays and Mondays. Outside, there’s a breezy patio with views over Puget Sound. • map • (206) 443-3241
20. Sushi Kashiba • Pike Place Market • $$$
The best sushi in downtown Seattle. There’s a small dining room and a comfortable lounge, but for the full experience, belly up to the bar and order the omakase (chef-led dinner): it’ll cost you, but it’ll be worth it. Omakase is first-come, first-serve, so get there before the 5pm opening or you’re in for a wait. Reservations recommended otherwise. • map • (206) 441-8844
21. Elliott’s Oyster House • Waterfront • $$$
Oysters, seafood, and cocktails – best enjoyed while watching the ferry boats pass over Puget Sound. Good eats on the Seattle waterfront since 1975. • map • (206) 623-4340
22. Canlis • Queen Anne • $$$$
Special occasion, blow-your-paycheck fine dining, with a vibe straight out of a midcentury supper club. Sweeping views, award-winning cuisine and wine list, live piano music. This is Seattle’s only “must dress for dinner” joint – a suit (or sport coat) is required for men, and no denim allowed. Reservations are a must. Located on Queen Anne hill, north of downtown. • map • (206) 283-3313
23. Walrus and the Carpenter • Ballard • $$-$$$
Love oysters? The best of the best are served here, along with regional clams and mussels, house smoked fish, and specialty meats (including a killer steak tartare). Casual, friendly, and walk-in only; line up early or be prepared to wait. Northwest of downtown in Seattle’s hip Ballard neighborhood. • map • (206) 395-9227
Shopping
24. Metsker Maps • Pike Place Market
Maps! Big and small, current and historical, local and worldwide. Also globes, puzzles, books, postcards and all things geographical. Housed in a charming Pike Place Market storefront. • map • (206) 623-8747
25. Elliott Bay Book Company • Capitol Hill
Seattle’s most beloved bookstore, selling both new and used volumes. Vaulted timber rafters, huge selection, regular author events, handwritten staff recommendations, cozy cafe space – this is what you miss when you buy online. Plan for an hour, but prepare to spend the day. • map • (206) 623-8747
26. Eighth Generation • Pike Place Market
Authentic Native American artistry: beautiful wool blankets, jewelry, t-shirts, cellphone cases, and fine arts. Skip the tourist traps and support local Native artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. Located in Pike Place Market, just above the gum wall. • map • (206) 430-6233
27. Indi Chocolate • Pike Place Market
Small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate shop and factory/cafe in Pike Place Market’s new lower addition. They have regular classes and events, and even sell chocolate-making equipment so you can craft your own. (For ultra-luxe treats and truffles, head to Fran’s Chocolates up the street in the Four Seasons Hotel.) • map • (425) 243-2089
28. Golden Age Collectibles • Pike Place Market
A pop-culture paradise, carrying an astounding selection of comics, games, and toys. If you can nerd out on it, Golden Age has it: Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter, Marvel, DC, Game of Thrones, Simpsons, etc, etc, etc. In the lower level of Pike Place Market. • map • (206) 622-9799
29. KOBO • International District
Beautiful Japanese and Northwest fine art, textiles, and gifts – both contemporary and vintage. Their Japantown location is housed in an historic Japanese family-owned variety store, and includes a museum display of the family’s treasures. They also have a Capitol Hill location, but the one in the ID is better. • map • (206) 381-3000
30. Archie McPhee • Wallingford
Gag gifts, fun kitsch, and oddities of all kinds. Kids go bonkers for their zany selection of goods, but adults might love it even more. Located north of downtown in the Wallingford neighborhood. • map • (206) 297-0240
31. Dockside Cannabis • SoDo
Recreational Marijuana is legal in Seattle, and this is the best place for beginners to buy. The store is lovely and bright, products are high end, and the friendly “budtenders” will help you figure out which strain and intake method is right for you. There’s even a small museum on site with artifacts related to the history of cannabis. • map • (844) 362-5420
32. Uncle Ike’s Pot Shop • Central District
This is where to go if all you’re looking for is good, cheap weed. They also have a Capitol Hill Location. • map • (800) 438-3784
33. University Village • University District
High-end open air shopping mall, north of downtown in the University District. Plenty of free parking. Popular shops include: Anthropologie • Williams-Sonoma • Restoration Hardware (whose four-story gallery showroom is a bit much, but fun to browse) • Madewell • Frye • Room & Board • North Face. Popular restaurants: Din Tai Fung • Ba Bar • Even Stevens • Eureka Burger • Blue C Sushi • Molly Moon’s Ice Cream • Elemental Pizza. • map • (206) 523-0622
34. Steepologie • Belltown
Over 300 loose leaf teas, all of which you can try before you buy. Friendly and knowledgable staff will steer you in the right direction if you seem overwhelmed. Limited seating, no cash. • map • (206) 624-7745
35. Fremont Vintage Mall • Fremont
An underground labyrinth of stalls selling vintage toys, furniture, clothing, collectibles, art, and records; as well as locally-designed crafts and jewelry. • map • (206) 329-4460
36. Glassybaby • Madrona
Is it a votive? Is it a vase? Glassybaby’s multi-layered glass-blowing process results in gorgeous one-of-a-kind glass vessels that come in all the colors of the rainbow, and then some. Oprah and Martha both like ’em. They have a University Village location, too, but Madrona’s where the hot shop is – watch the artisans in action. • map • (206) 518-9071
37. E. Smith Mercantile • Pioneer Square
The front is a carefully curated gift shop, selling high-quality home goods, clothing, and gifts. The back is a (really good) classic cocktail bar. • map • (206) 641-7250
38. Filson • SoDo
A supplier of rugged outdoor goods since the days of the Klondike Gold Rush. Their stunning SoDo flagship location is where the factory is, and it’s open to public tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays – RSVP in advance. • map • (206) 622-3147
39. Blue Highway Games • Queen Anne
Tabletop games and puzzles of all kinds, with a large games library where you can test them out for as long as you like. And they serve beer, cider, and snacks – because that’s board game fuel. • map • (206) 282-0540
Bars & Clubs
40. Alibi Room • Pike Place Market
Cozy, dark, and intimate with great late night pizza. Located in Post Alley, near the gum wall. • map • (206) 623-3180
41. Von’s 1000 Spirits • Downtown
Fun pub-casual atmosphere, solid menu (must try: their amazing sourdough pasta), and a giant wheel that’s spun every half hour to determine the drink special. Located on 1st near the Four Seasons Hotel. • map • (206) 621-8667
42. Radiator Whiskey • Pike Place Market
Cozy and rustic tavern, with an impressive whiskey collection and an adventurous meat-heavy menu. Call ahead to order their popular smoked half pig head (serves 2-3). Tucked upstairs in Pike Place Market. • map • (206) 467-4268
43. The Nest • Downtown
Excellent high-end cocktails at the best rooftop terrace in Seattle, perched atop the Thompson hotel with sweeping views of the waterfront and Puget Sound. Can get very busy on warm evenings, so go early or call ahead for reservations. • map • (206) 623-4600
44. The Crocodile • Belltown
Dive bar that’s legendary in the Seattle music scene as the “cradle of grunge.” Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Mudhoney, and Alice in Chains all played here in the 90’s, and the venue still hosts great live music seven nights a week. • map • (206) 441-4618
45. Toulouse Petit • Queen Anne
Creole cuisine, twice daily award-winning happy hours, and decadent decor: floor to ceiling windows, beautiful wood and ironwork, and gold velvet booths. Also great for brunch. Located near Seattle Center. • map • (206) 432-9069
46. Damn the Weather • Pioneer Square
Cozy spot for seasonal small plates and innovative craft cocktails – and happy hour runs all afternoon long. • map • (206) 946-1283
47. Temperance Bar • Pioneer Square
An art-deco themed room with a view, Temperance is located in the historic Smith Tower observation deck. Take the antique elevator up to the 35th floor, and enjoy your cocktail alongside incredible vistas of Mount Rainier, the Space Needle, and the ferries on Puget Sound. • map • (206) 624-0414
48. Unicorn • Capitol Hill
Funky and bizarre carnival-themed bar with arcade games, photo booth, and specialty corn dogs. Fun weekly events include drag queen bingo and brunch. • map • (206) 325-6492
49. Bathtub Gin & Co. • Belltown
Authentic-feeling speakeasy, straight out of prohibition and hidden down a Belltown alleyway. (Check the website for location clues.) Great house cocktails, intimate setting. • map • (206) 728-6069
50. Zig Zag Cafe • Downtown
Elegant and cozy watering hole with maybe the best craft cocktails in Seattle, a fantastic food menu, and an inviting patio under Pike Place Market. Late night menu until 1am. • map • (206) 625-1146
51. Flatstick Pub • Pioneer Square
Super fun games pub serving Washington beers and ciders. Indoor mini golf, cornhole, basketball beer pong, giant Jenga, and Duffleboard – a tabletop mix of mini golf and shuffleboard that you’ll only find here. Dogs allowed. • map • (206) 682-0608
Breweries
52. Old Stove Brewing Co. • Pike Place Market
Modern, breezy beer hall on Pike Place Market’s new lower level expansion. Small but solid menu of great appetizers and snacks. Design your own beer flight for just $2 per 4oz taster. • map • (206) 829-4800
53. Pike Brewing Co. • Pike Place Market
Great craft beer since 1989, offering seven brews year-round (try the Kilt Lifter Scotch-style ale), as well as limited and seasonal beers. There’s a pub downstairs, an upscale restaurant above, a microbrewery museum, and brewery tours offered Tuesdays-Saturdays. • map • (206) 622-6044
54. Fremont Brewing • Fremont
Great location in trendy Fremont and across the road from the Burke Gilman bike and pedestrian path. Huge outdoor seating area is awesome on sunny days. No restaurant but outside food is welcome. Kid and dog friendly (inside and outside). • map • (206) 420-2407
55. Reuben’s Brews • Ballard
The best of a handful of great breweries in the residential/industrial Ballard neighborhood. Extensive selection of traditionally-brewed and barrel-aged favorites beers, and a small (but potent) collection of sours. No food is served, but there’s generally a food truck or two outside, and discounts at the pizzeria next door. • map • (206) 784-2859
56. Ghostfish Brewing • SoDo
The first and only dedicated gluten-free craft brewery in the state – and it’s actually good! Their Peak Buster double IPA and Belgian-style ales are particularly good. The attached pub has a fully gluten-free menu, with many vegetarian and vegan options. Located south of downtown, near the sports stadiums. • map • (206) 397-3898
Cafes
57. Elm Coffee Roasters • Pioneer Square
Exceptional small-farm coffee roasted on site in Pioneer Square. The cafe is bright, with a minimalist design and a great selection of baked goods. Elm specializes in light roasts, so if you like your coffee inky, you’ll likely be disappointed. • map • (206) 445-7808
58. La Marzocco Cafe • Seattle Center
Excellent espresso, from the folks who make the machines. La Marzocco features a rotating selection of small-batch roasters, and is adjacent to local indie radio favorite KEXP’s studio space, so there’s often live music to enjoy. • map • (206) 388-3500
59. Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room • Capitol Hill
Even if you’re ambivalent about Starbucks, the Tasting Room’s specialty coffees (all roasted here), wide range of elevated brewing methods, and gorgeous design/ambience make this cathedral of coffee worth a visit. The amazing edibles from famed Milanese artisan bakery Princi don’t hurt either. • map • (206) 624-0173
60. Analog Coffee • Capitol Hill
Expertly crafted espresso drinks and pour-over coffee, friendly service, and old-school vinyl favorites playing in the background. A great small coffee shop for those who miss great small coffee shops. • map •
Tours
61. The Underground Tour • Pioneer Square
A fun crash course into Seattle history, exploring the subterranean city that used to be. Tour groups are large, and the spiel can be kitschy, but the guides know their stuff. (If you prefer a smaller group size, try Beneath the Streets.) • map • (206) 682-4646
62. Savor Seattle Food Tours • Downtown/Capitol Hill
Seattle’s best food tour company has something for everyone. Sample local chocolates, cocktails, Pike Place Market favorites, or gourmet restaurant bites. Tours offered year round. • various locations • (206) 209-5485
63. Kush Tourism • SoDo
An in-depth look at local marijuana commerce and culture. You’ll visit a glass-blowing studio for a pipe-making demonstration, a marijuana grow facility, a production facility where extractions and edibles are produced, and a retail shop. • map • (206) 587-5874
64. Bon Vivant Wine Tours • Woodinville
Get picked up at your hotel and whisked away to wineries and tasting rooms in Seattle, nearby Woodinville or Bainbridge Island, or farther afield across the Cascade Mountains. Groups are small (no more than 10 people), and private tours are available by request. • various locations • (206) 524-8687
65. Argosy Cruises • Waterfront
Seattle’s best boat tours: Visit the working harbor, journey through the Ballard Locks to see the floating homes on Lake Union, float past Bill Gates’ house on Lake Washington, or cruise out to Blake Island State Park for smoked salmon and a Northwest Native American storytelling show (summer only). • map • (206) 623-1445
66. Kenmore Air Scenic Seaplane Tour • Lake Union
See it all from above. Float plane tours are offered of Seattle, Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, and the San Juan Islands, and can be combined with whale watching and kayak tours. Planes are stable and comfortable, and experienced pilots make take-off and landing a breeze. • map • (866) 435-9524
67. Victoria Clipper • Waterfront
Seattle’s only whale watching excursion that departs from downtown (March-October), Clipper Vacations also offers day trips to San Juan Island and Victoria, British Columbia. • map • (800) 888-2535
68. Alki Kayak Tours • West Seattle
Guided kayak tours of Elliott Bay and Alki Point in West Seattle. They offer daily sunset tours that are especially popular in the summer months, and a nighttime paddle during full moons. • map • (206) 953-0237
69. Safeco Field Tour • Pioneer Square
An hour-long behind the scenes look at the home of the Seattle Mariners. Visit the press box, dugouts, owner’s suite, and more. For an insiders’ look at where the Seahawks and Sounders play, take a CenturyLink Field tour. • map • (206) 346-4000
Things To Do
70. Pike Place Market • Downtown
If you can only do one thing in Seattle, this should be it. Food, flowers, and fun shops – all in the heart of downtown, with a view over the Seattle waterfront. Favorite shops: Market Magic Shop • Golden Age Collectibles • Indi Chocolate • Metsker Maps • DeLaurenti • Market Spice. Favorite eats: Steelhead Diner • Place Pigalle • Matt’s in the Market • Ellenos Yogurt • Beecher’s Handmade Cheese • Daily Dozen Donuts • Jack’s Fish Spot • Pike Place Chowder • Old Stove Brewing. • map
71. Water Taxi to West Seattle • Waterfront
A cheap and easy way to get out on Elliott Bay, and enjoy amazing views of the downtown skyline. The taxi leaves Pier 50 every half hour or so, and crossing time is 10 minutes. On the West Seattle end, grab a drink and a snack on Marination Ma Kai’s patio before heading back, or take the free shuttle up to Alki Beach. • map
72. Ferry to Bainbridge Island • Waterfront
Take a beautiful 35-minute ferry crossing (that departs right from downtown Seattle) to a charming harbor town that’s walkable from the pier. Plan your return trip at sunset. While you’re there, don’t miss: Blackbird Bakery • Mora Iced Creamery • Bainbridge Brewing • Bainbridge Island Art Museum • Bainbridge History Museum • Hitchcock Deli • Bloedel Reserve. • map
73. The Space Needle • Queen Anne
Seattle’s most iconic landmark. It’s perfectly fine to just view it from the ground, but if you enjoy a good view, you’ll want to take the elevator all 520 feet up to the top.
**Note that the Space Needle is undergoing a facelift in 2018. The observation deck is open for business, but the Space Needle restaurant is closed until renovations are complete. • map74. Seattle Aquarium • Waterfront
All things aquatic: touchable tide pools, giant octopus, jellyfish, puffins, seals, sea otters, and more. Their daily activity programs include educational talks, feedings, and interacting with divers in the entryway’s impressive dome tank. • map
75. Seattle Center • Queen Anne
A huge cultural campus that’s home to many of the city’s top museums and venues: Space Needle • Museum of Pop Culture • Chihuly Garden and Glass • Pacific Science Center • Seattle Children’s Museum • Seattle Children’s Theatre • McCaw Hall • Seattle Repertory Theatre • Key Arena. The Center also hosts Seattle’s biggest festivals: Folklife • Bumbershoot • Bite of Seattle • Winterfest. There’s a fun interactive fountain, excellent playground, and better-than-average food court that features some terrific local offerings. • map
76. Museum of Flight • Tukwila
Fantastic air and space museum that’s packed with interactive and educational exhibits, including airplanes and shuttle trainers to tour, flight simulators, a 3D movie theater, and guided tours of Boeing Field. There’s a play space for the littles, a decent cafe, and a great gift shop, to boot. Located a 20-minute drive south of downtown, in Tukwila. • map
77. Woodland Park Zoo • Phinney Ridge
Feed a penguin or giraffe, get up close to a grizzly bear, or watch the penguins at play. This is an award-winning zoo with over 1,000 different types of animals. It’s 92 acres, but easy to navigate – and the #5 bus will get you there from downtown in under a half an hour. • map • (206) 548-2500
78. Great Wheel • Waterfront
It’s that big ferris wheel that’s right on the waterfront, and views from the top are amazing, especially on a sunny day. Rising 175 feet, and extending 40 feet out over Elliott Bay, this one’s not for the faint of heart. Those looking for a more thrilling experience can rent the one glass-bottomed gondola – or buy a combo ticket that includes admittance to Wings Over Washington, the virtual flying ride next door. • map • (206) 623-8607
Neighborhoods
79. Downtown
Seattle’s downtown core is home to most of the city’s best (and most expensive) hotels, and loads of great shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Adjacent to the neighborhoods of Belltown, Waterfront, and Pioneer Square. Best Stuff: Pike Place Market • Seattle Art Museum • Nordstrom Flagship Store • Pacific Place Mall (eat at Din Tai Fung) • 5th Avenue and Paramount Theatres (broadway shows) • Benaroya Hall (Seattle Symphony) • The Triple Door (intimate music venue) • Old Stove Brewing • The Nest (rooftop bar) • Zig Zag Cafe (cocktail lounge) • Matt’s in the Market (best restaurant) • Alibi Room (late night eats/drinks) • Sushi Kashiba • Steelhead Diner (best family restaurant)
80. Belltown
Nightlife, high-rise condos, great restaurants, and boutique bars and shops. Belltown sits just north of Downtown, and has easy walking access to the Waterfront, Pike Place Market, and the museums and venues in Seattle Center. Best Stuff: Bathtub Gin & Co. (speakeasy) • Serious Pie (serious pizza) • Lola (Mediterranean cuisine) • Dahlia Bakery • The Crocodile (dive bar & music venue) • Steepologie Tea • Black Bottle (gastropub) • El Gaucho (steakhouse) • Dimitriou’s and Tula’s (live jazz) • Pinxto (tapas bar) • Wakefield Bar (small plates) • Jupiter Bar (beer, sandwiches, pinball) • Navy Strength (tiki bar) • Belltown is just north of downtown; 5-10 minutes walking distance.
81. Pioneer Square
Seattle’s original downtown. A historic district that’s now home to art galleries, bars, and restaurants. Walkable to downtown, Colman ferry dock, and the sports stadiums. Best Stuff: The Underground Tour • The Smith Tower Observatory (and its 20’s themed bar, Temperance) • The Klondike Gold Rush Museum (free, and actually a small National Park!) • First Thursday Art Gallery Walk • Il Corvo (amazing handmade pasta, but only open for weekday lunch) • Salumi (artisan cured meats and sandwiches, weekday lunch only) • The London Plane (bakery & flower shop) • Il Terrazzo Carmine (fantastic old-school Italian) • Nirmal’s (Indian) • Damn the Weather (bar/inventive small plates) • Taylor Shellfish (oyster bar) • The Sovereign (underground Art Deco bar) • E. Smith Mercantile (shop in the front, cocktails in the back) • Good Bar (hand crafted cocktails in a former bank building) • Flatstick Pub (beer, games, and indoor mini-golf) • Pioneer Square is just south of downtown. Walking distance (5-10 minutes), or Light Rail.
82. International District
(aka Chinatown, Japantown, the I.D.) Great eats and shopping in this culturally diverse neighborhood. Best Stuff: Wing Luke Museum (also gives excellent neighborhood tours) • Uwajimaya Village (international supermarket, food court, bookstore) • Seattle Pinball Museum (play all day for the price of admission) • Panama Hotel (historic tea house) • Kobo and Momo (high end shopping) • Boiling Point (Taiwanese hot pot) • Maneki (Japanese) • Phnom Penh Noodle House (Cambodian) • Green Leaf (Vietnamese) • The I.D. is southeast of downtown, just beyond Pioneer Square. Walking distance (15 minutes from downtown), Light Rail, or Bus #36/17/14.
83. Capitol Hill
One of Seattle’s most hip and vibrant neighboroods, known for its nightlife, counterculture, LGBTQ scene, old stately homes, and great food and drink. Best Stuff: Volunteer Park (leafy green space with a tropical conservatory) • Elliott Bay Book Company • Puzzle Break (escape room) • Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room • Melrose Market (artisan food stalls, shops, restaurants) • Neumos (live music) • The Garage (pool hall & bowling) • Sitka & Spruce (NW locavore cuisine) • Omega Ouzeri (Greek) • Stateside (French/Vietnamese) • Spinasse (Italian) • Taylor Shellfish (oysters) • Mamnoon (Middle Eastern) • Trove (Korean BBQ) • Oddfellows Cafe • Bateau (Parisian steakhouse) • Plum Bistro (vegan) • Poppy (Indian) • Nue (international street food) • East across the freeway from downtown. Walking distance (20 minutes uphill from downtown), Light Rail, First Hill streetcar from Pioneer Square, or Bus #49/11.
84. Fremont
Funky fun neighborhood with bars, diners, high end restaurants, shops, and oddball sightseeing. Best Stuff: The Fremont Troll • Theo’s Chocolate (they do cool tours) • Fremont Vintage Mall • Fremont Brewing • Milstead & Co. (coffee) • Nectar Lounge (live music) • George & Dragon Pub • Uneeda Burger • Located north of downtown and Lake Union. Bus: #5/28/40/62.
85. Ballard
Trendy and family-friendly neighborhood with lots of shops, restaurants, bars, charming streets, and maritime history. Best Stuff: Ballard Locks (boat elevator and salmon ladder) • Golden Gardens Park (beautiful Puget Sound beach and marina) • Ballard Farmer’s Market (Sundays, year-round) • Nordic Museum • The Sunset and Tractor Taverns (live music) • Walrus and the Carpenter (oysters) • No Bones Beach Club (vegan tiki bar) • Ray’s (seafood & water views) • Ballard Pizza Company • La Carta de Oaxaca (Mexican) • King’s Hardware (pub grub) • Li’l Woody’s Burgers • Percy’s & Co. (cocktail apothecary) • Jolly Roger Taproom • Located northwest of downtown and west of Fremont. Bus: #40/44/D-Line.
86. Upper Queen Anne
Upscale residential neighborhood with high end boutiques, leafy parks, great views, and stately homes. Best Stuff: Kerry Park (iconic Space Needle viewpoint) • Blue Highway Games • Meadow (women’s clothing & home decor) • Queen Anne Dispatch (clothing, shoes, jewelry) • Stuhlbergs (stationery, toys, gifts) • How to Cook a Wolf (Upscale Mediterranean small plates) • Hilltop Ale House • Via Tribunali (Neapolitan pizzeria) • 5 Spot (diner) • El Diablo Coffee Co. • Located up a very steep hill just north of Seattle Center. Bus: #2/3/4/13/29.
Seattle Life: Fremont Brewing Company – My favorite brewery in Seattle.