Modest Guide to Seattle
Restaurants, coffee, cafes, etc
Who doesn't want hand forged doughnuts! Enjoy with wonderful espresso! Bookshelves to the ceiling! Read the NYTimes at leisure!
257 locals recommend
Top Pot Doughnuts
609 Summit Ave EWho doesn't want hand forged doughnuts! Enjoy with wonderful espresso! Bookshelves to the ceiling! Read the NYTimes at leisure!
It's a local institution, fish & chips, alder smoked salmon, love the tartar sauce, inside & outside seating, great view of bridge, downtown, marine traffic Lake Union, close to Burke-Gilman bike path
81 locals recommend
Ivar's Fish Bar
401 NE Northlake WayIt's a local institution, fish & chips, alder smoked salmon, love the tartar sauce, inside & outside seating, great view of bridge, downtown, marine traffic Lake Union, close to Burke-Gilman bike path
Japanese/Thai cuisine! Happy hour prices! Favorite: Lava roll - it's all salivatingly delicious ! Authentic, I think, hai!
15 locals recommend
Pinto Bistro Thai & Sushi Bar
408 Broadway EJapanese/Thai cuisine! Happy hour prices! Favorite: Lava roll - it's all salivatingly delicious ! Authentic, I think, hai!
Rancho Bravo Tacos
1001 E Pine StQuick, yummy and $
The grande dame of farmer's market - More than 90 eateries - posh and not, local cheese, French bread, original Starbucks store, huge bouquets of flowers, 'flying fish' mongers, spent a day here!
2310 locals recommend
Pike Place Market
1531 Western AveThe grande dame of farmer's market - More than 90 eateries - posh and not, local cheese, French bread, original Starbucks store, huge bouquets of flowers, 'flying fish' mongers, spent a day here!
Ping does have a grocery store, however, her cafe has taken over. She has ONE of the best 'xiao long bao' in town. It rivals Din Tai Fung (which is a very famous Taiwan high-end restaurant chain) known for it's xiao long bao (when you bite into the dumpling, squirts of juicy soup bursts in your mouth !!!) and there is very little waiting like there is at Din Tai Fung! (tell her Chen Yuer sent you!)
8 locals recommend
Ping's Dumpling House
508 S King StPing does have a grocery store, however, her cafe has taken over. She has ONE of the best 'xiao long bao' in town. It rivals Din Tai Fung (which is a very famous Taiwan high-end restaurant chain) known for it's xiao long bao (when you bite into the dumpling, squirts of juicy soup bursts in your mouth !!!) and there is very little waiting like there is at Din Tai Fung! (tell her Chen Yuer sent you!)
This is a great cafe with a view and paddle board, kayak rental below! Love the food, proximity to Burke Gilman Trail, and spectacular view of downtown Seattle on Lake Union!
168 locals recommend
Agua Verde Paddle Club
1307 NE Boat StThis is a great cafe with a view and paddle board, kayak rental below! Love the food, proximity to Burke Gilman Trail, and spectacular view of downtown Seattle on Lake Union!
Than Brothers have a number of pho shops. The menu is simple, however the pho is always delicious, broth is the best. The extra touch is their cream puffs. Service is fast!
42 locals recommend
PHO THAN BROTHERS
527 Broadway E
Than Brothers have a number of pho shops. The menu is simple, however the pho is always delicious, broth is the best. The extra touch is their cream puffs. Service is fast!
Want sweet tiny unpretentious cafe for breakfast or brunch, short vegetarian menu with great coffee next door, Analog? This is it, it is one of my favorite go to with a friend for a leisurely morning and conversation! Limited hours (8:00 - 2:00 pm) and only 10 minute walk from my place!
6 locals recommend
b~side foods
421 E Thomas StWant sweet tiny unpretentious cafe for breakfast or brunch, short vegetarian menu with great coffee next door, Analog? This is it, it is one of my favorite go to with a friend for a leisurely morning and conversation! Limited hours (8:00 - 2:00 pm) and only 10 minute walk from my place!
COMMUNION Restaurant & Bar
2350 East Union StreetCulinary gem tucked in my neighborhood, petit but mighty menu and great cocktails by talented bartenders. Might want to make a reservation.
44 locals recommend
Single Shot
611 Summit Ave ECulinary gem tucked in my neighborhood, petit but mighty menu and great cocktails by talented bartenders. Might want to make a reservation.
A fresh fusion of Filipino cuisine and PNW ! Delicious dining, go before opening and wait for a table , if you cannot get a reservation!
32 locals recommend
Musang
2524 Beacon Ave SA fresh fusion of Filipino cuisine and PNW ! Delicious dining, go before opening and wait for a table , if you cannot get a reservation!
Drinks & Nightlife
Nice friendly neighborhood bar with pool table and outdoor seating.
22 locals recommend
Summit Public House
601 Summit Ave ENice friendly neighborhood bar with pool table and outdoor seating.
Intimate neighborhood restaurant/saloon with eclectic selection - enjoyed my dinner and conversation with a friend in privacy! Reminded me of Paris! Although since the pandemic, not sure if they will re-open
44 locals recommend
Single Shot
611 Summit Ave EIntimate neighborhood restaurant/saloon with eclectic selection - enjoyed my dinner and conversation with a friend in privacy! Reminded me of Paris! Although since the pandemic, not sure if they will re-open
Sol Liquor Lounge
607 Summit Ave ECozy tiny cool ambiance, great cocktails!
Everything Else
IMHO (in my humble opinion), products exhibit aesthetically pleasing design. Some are 'yo-no-bi' Great window-shopping or shopping. Main is Kobo at Higo, at 6th & S.Jackson, Intl Dist-Chinatown
34 locals recommend
Kobo Shop & Gallery
604 S Jackson StIMHO (in my humble opinion), products exhibit aesthetically pleasing design. Some are 'yo-no-bi' Great window-shopping or shopping. Main is Kobo at Higo, at 6th & S.Jackson, Intl Dist-Chinatown
Seattle original - Recreational Equipment, Inc. Climbing rock, retail home of REI - outdoor sports equipment, clothing, and accoutrements. South Lake Union neighborhood. Coffee, cafe, shopping nearby
90 locals recommend
REI
222 Yale Ave NSeattle original - Recreational Equipment, Inc. Climbing rock, retail home of REI - outdoor sports equipment, clothing, and accoutrements. South Lake Union neighborhood. Coffee, cafe, shopping nearby
It's a nice walk from my place. Plenty of temptation along the way, Munchie's, cafes, good coffee, and the gateway to the bars, clubs, and more restaurants!
191 locals recommend
Cal Anderson Park
1635 11th AvenueIt's a nice walk from my place. Plenty of temptation along the way, Munchie's, cafes, good coffee, and the gateway to the bars, clubs, and more restaurants!
Fremont Troll
Troll Avenue Northwho has a giant troll under a bridge? Instangram-worthy
Magical grand rockery entryway sculpted with tiny treasures for all eyes to find. Swings, grounds for volleyball, vegetable gardens, was a former home for wayward women, now many NPO occupy space
22 locals recommend
Meridian Playground
4920 Sunnyside Ave NMagical grand rockery entryway sculpted with tiny treasures for all eyes to find. Swings, grounds for volleyball, vegetable gardens, was a former home for wayward women, now many NPO occupy space
Great sightseeing while walking, running or biking along Seattle waterfront. Picnics work!
70 locals recommend
Myrtle Edwards Park
3130 Alaskan WayGreat sightseeing while walking, running or biking along Seattle waterfront. Picnics work!
One of first Asian American museum, named for first Chinese American city council person who was lost in flight to eastern WA. Only Bruce Lee exhibit outside of Hong Kong http://www.wingluke.org/
97 locals recommend
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
719 S King StOne of first Asian American museum, named for first Chinese American city council person who was lost in flight to eastern WA. Only Bruce Lee exhibit outside of Hong Kong http://www.wingluke.org/
Such a fabulous bike/running path through many neighborhoods in Seattle. Amazingly flat! Begin anywhere on the path, eventually you'll run into a cafe, coffee shop, etc.
233 locals recommend
Burke Gilman Trail
Burke-Gilman TrailSuch a fabulous bike/running path through many neighborhoods in Seattle. Amazingly flat! Begin anywhere on the path, eventually you'll run into a cafe, coffee shop, etc.
FABULOUS location, scenic and opportunities for explorations, bike, running, walking path around the lake. going west, Fremont is a destination. Going northeasterly will end up in University District
357 locals recommend
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
860 Terry Ave NFABULOUS location, scenic and opportunities for explorations, bike, running, walking path around the lake. going west, Fremont is a destination. Going northeasterly will end up in University District
Entertainment & Activities
A Seattle institution, what's best- Deluxe, fries, local ice cream milkshake. Macklemore performed on roof, 4 years ago! Supporter of its employees' higher education.
337 locals recommend
Dick's Drive-In
115 Broadway EA Seattle institution, what's best- Deluxe, fries, local ice cream milkshake. Macklemore performed on roof, 4 years ago! Supporter of its employees' higher education.
Sightseeing
Gorgeous view of Seattle skyline from WestSeattle side - http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/WaterTaxi/WSeattle.aspx Food: Marination Station, rent bikes, ride along W.Seattle waterfront
68 locals recommend
West Seattle station
801 Alaskan WayGorgeous view of Seattle skyline from WestSeattle side - http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/WaterTaxi/WSeattle.aspx Food: Marination Station, rent bikes, ride along W.Seattle waterfront
Great exhibits, family oriented, great view of Lake Union and it's houseboats, near a boat rental, near South Lake Union - neighborhood of Amazon and other tech companies and many many restaurants and cafe!
357 locals recommend
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
860 Terry Ave NGreat exhibits, family oriented, great view of Lake Union and it's houseboats, near a boat rental, near South Lake Union - neighborhood of Amazon and other tech companies and many many restaurants and cafe!
This is a wonderful way to see the Seattle skyline -from the ferry. It leaves the Seattle Ferry Terminal and in ten minutes, one is across Puget Sound ! There is a wonderful eating establishment, Marination Ma Kai which is right at the ferry terminal. Korean fusion! One can either take the free shuttle to the shopping district at the top of West Seattle or one can rent a bike and ride along Alki Point to Ivars for their fish and chips or bring a picnic or rent a paddle board or kayak! Great way to spend a day!
128 locals recommend
Water Taxi Route & Harbor Ave SW station
This is a wonderful way to see the Seattle skyline -from the ferry. It leaves the Seattle Ferry Terminal and in ten minutes, one is across Puget Sound ! There is a wonderful eating establishment, Marination Ma Kai which is right at the ferry terminal. Korean fusion! One can either take the free shuttle to the shopping district at the top of West Seattle or one can rent a bike and ride along Alki Point to Ivars for their fish and chips or bring a picnic or rent a paddle board or kayak! Great way to spend a day!
There are a number of public sculptures worthy of photo opps and unique to Seattle. Walk around the district to check out (1) the Troll under the Aurora Bridge, (2, 3) the Rocket and Planet on top of the building (just near Evanston Ave N and N 35th), (4) Waiting for the Interurban sculpture at 34th Ave N and Fremont Ave, (5) the 16 foot Lenin monument which (is the original that a Seattleite brought over from the former USSR - as kitschy art) sits at 3626 Fremont Place N. There are a few more statues/public art listed in this website: https://seattle.curbed.com/maps/mapping-fremonts-public-art
To eat: the Deli is at the PCC - Puget Sound Community Co-op. 6000 N 34th
583 locals recommend
Fremont Troll
Troll Avenue NorthThere are a number of public sculptures worthy of photo opps and unique to Seattle. Walk around the district to check out (1) the Troll under the Aurora Bridge, (2, 3) the Rocket and Planet on top of the building (just near Evanston Ave N and N 35th), (4) Waiting for the Interurban sculpture at 34th Ave N and Fremont Ave, (5) the 16 foot Lenin monument which (is the original that a Seattleite brought over from the former USSR - as kitschy art) sits at 3626 Fremont Place N. There are a few more statues/public art listed in this website: https://seattle.curbed.com/maps/mapping-fremonts-public-art
To eat: the Deli is at the PCC - Puget Sound Community Co-op. 6000 N 34th
Shopping
Furiously fast dim sum - many of my favs cha-sieu sou, shwun ju-gwun, don-taut), Once you are seated. best time before noon). Squeeze to front desk, get on wait list. Parking is a challenge.
46 locals recommend
The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House
1212 2nd AveFuriously fast dim sum - many of my favs cha-sieu sou, shwun ju-gwun, don-taut), Once you are seated. best time before noon). Squeeze to front desk, get on wait list. Parking is a challenge.
It's the Willy Wonka of Coffee Roasting. Penultimate accoutrements. gawking allowed, questions answered!
425 locals recommend
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
1124 Pike StIt's the Willy Wonka of Coffee Roasting. Penultimate accoutrements. gawking allowed, questions answered!
Chock full of restaurants, cafe, deli, butcher shop, etal. in the building and around this neighborhood!
47 locals recommend
Melrose Market Studios
1532 Minor AveChock full of restaurants, cafe, deli, butcher shop, etal. in the building and around this neighborhood!
Quintessential Japanese shop with a very modern and old elegant taste. Wonderful selection of unique jewelry, clothing and other house art and commonplace esthetics! I love this shop - not just to shop but to soak in the ambience !
34 locals recommend
Kobo Shop & Gallery
604 S Jackson StQuintessential Japanese shop with a very modern and old elegant taste. Wonderful selection of unique jewelry, clothing and other house art and commonplace esthetics! I love this shop - not just to shop but to soak in the ambience !
Parks & Nature
This park is on a peninsula and overlooks Elliott Bay. Spectacular views of the Olympic mountains and islands. Many trails for walks and hikes - easy to moderately challenging. Bring a picnic to the waterfront near the lighthouse and watch the ships. "Discovery Park is a 534 acres park on the shores of Puget Sound in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. It is the city's largest public park and contains 11.81 miles of walking trails." Description from the Seattle Parks department. There are so many trails and levels of challenge for walkers and runners. The beaches are worth the walk and worthy of picnics!
756 locals recommend
Discovery Park
3801 Discovery Park BlvdThis park is on a peninsula and overlooks Elliott Bay. Spectacular views of the Olympic mountains and islands. Many trails for walks and hikes - easy to moderately challenging. Bring a picnic to the waterfront near the lighthouse and watch the ships. "Discovery Park is a 534 acres park on the shores of Puget Sound in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. It is the city's largest public park and contains 11.81 miles of walking trails." Description from the Seattle Parks department. There are so many trails and levels of challenge for walkers and runners. The beaches are worth the walk and worthy of picnics!
This is a lake for walking, jogging, bike riding, fields for volleyball and other sports, water vehicle rentals and picnics. It is a very popular with many cafes, bike rentals, and shops "Green Lake is one of Seattle's most beloved parks. Its expanse of water and green space in the center of a dense urban neighborhood draws thousands of people daily from all over the city. The park serves as a natural preserve for hundreds of species of trees and plants, as well as numerous birds and waterfowl. The newly reconstructed 2.8-mile path around the lake provides a perfect recreational spot for runners, bikers, skaters and walkers." from the park's department web page. Something for everyone!
624 locals recommend
Green Lake
This is a lake for walking, jogging, bike riding, fields for volleyball and other sports, water vehicle rentals and picnics. It is a very popular with many cafes, bike rentals, and shops "Green Lake is one of Seattle's most beloved parks. Its expanse of water and green space in the center of a dense urban neighborhood draws thousands of people daily from all over the city. The park serves as a natural preserve for hundreds of species of trees and plants, as well as numerous birds and waterfowl. The newly reconstructed 2.8-mile path around the lake provides a perfect recreational spot for runners, bikers, skaters and walkers." from the park's department web page. Something for everyone!
This park is along side of the Burke Gilman Trail which is a fabulous running, jogging, walking and biking trail which stretches from Ballard area to Kenmore and around Lake Washington, more than 55 miles of trails.
It has one hill from which kite flying on a perfect day, is exhilarating! Picnics,yes! Truly unobstructed views of lovely Fremont Bridge, downtown and surrounding neighborhood!
860 locals recommend
Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake WayThis park is along side of the Burke Gilman Trail which is a fabulous running, jogging, walking and biking trail which stretches from Ballard area to Kenmore and around Lake Washington, more than 55 miles of trails.
It has one hill from which kite flying on a perfect day, is exhilarating! Picnics,yes! Truly unobstructed views of lovely Fremont Bridge, downtown and surrounding neighborhood!
This park has tennis courts, driving range, golf course, and Beacon Mountain Spray Park is located in Jefferson Park on Beacon Hill. Additionally, there is a garden free to all who want to pick produce and eat! This popular park offers extraordinary views of downtown, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It is located next to the Beacon Food Forest - "It is a community-driven community garden project that utilizes a gardening technique that mimics a woodland ecosystem using edible trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Fruit and nut trees make up the upper level, while berry shrubs, edible perennials, and annuals make up the lower levels. The project is located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood on the Jefferson Park reservoir (15 Ave S and S Dakota St)."
101 locals recommend
Jefferson Park
3801 Beacon Ave SThis park has tennis courts, driving range, golf course, and Beacon Mountain Spray Park is located in Jefferson Park on Beacon Hill. Additionally, there is a garden free to all who want to pick produce and eat! This popular park offers extraordinary views of downtown, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It is located next to the Beacon Food Forest - "It is a community-driven community garden project that utilizes a gardening technique that mimics a woodland ecosystem using edible trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Fruit and nut trees make up the upper level, while berry shrubs, edible perennials, and annuals make up the lower levels. The project is located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood on the Jefferson Park reservoir (15 Ave S and S Dakota St)."
It is a city park along the waterfront, north of Ballard District with a scenic view of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, water traffic. Plenty of sand for picnics, barbecues, toe-dipping in Puget Sound, walking
728 locals recommend
Golden Gardens Park
8498 Seaview Pl NWIt is a city park along the waterfront, north of Ballard District with a scenic view of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, water traffic. Plenty of sand for picnics, barbecues, toe-dipping in Puget Sound, walking
If running through a mega sprinkler is your idea of cooling off, this is it! Plenty of shade for a picnic or nap with the Museum of History and Industry just a short walk away. Many restaurant, cafe and coffee nearby!
Spraypark
860 Terry Ave NIf running through a mega sprinkler is your idea of cooling off, this is it! Plenty of shade for a picnic or nap with the Museum of History and Industry just a short walk away. Many restaurant, cafe and coffee nearby!