Shelley's Seattle Guidebook
I’m lazy, what’s close?!
Excellent Latin-Japanese fusion a stone’s throw away. If you love sushi and cilantro, this is the place. The coconut lime lobster soup is to die for.
91 locals recommend
Japonessa Sushi Cocina
1400 1st AveExcellent Latin-Japanese fusion a stone’s throw away. If you love sushi and cilantro, this is the place. The coconut lime lobster soup is to die for.
Stylish dining right downstairs with inventive Thai cuisine and cocktails. Try the tom yum bisque served with prawns and tobiko in eggshells for something you won’t find anywhere else.
12 locals recommend
Noi Thai Cuisine - Seattle
1303 1st AvenueStylish dining right downstairs with inventive Thai cuisine and cocktails. Try the tom yum bisque served with prawns and tobiko in eggshells for something you won’t find anywhere else.
Need a break from the Pike Place Market crowds? Head upstairs to this Bolivian gem. One of the best patios in Seattle, you’re in for great views of the Market and Puget Sound. The perfect place for a pisco sour and a great meal.
Copacabana Cafe
1520 1/2 Pike PlNeed a break from the Pike Place Market crowds? Head upstairs to this Bolivian gem. One of the best patios in Seattle, you’re in for great views of the Market and Puget Sound. The perfect place for a pisco sour and a great meal.
Watch the crumpet-making in action and enjoy an extensive loose leaf tea menu at this family-owned charmer. There’s nearly always a line, but quick turnover means you can usually snag a seat if you’re patient and quick on the draw. Or else get it to go and stroll through Pike Place. We recommend the egg with smoked salmon cream cheese for something savory, and the Vermont maple butter if you’ve got a sweet tooth.
24 locals recommend
The Crumpet Shop
1503 1st AveWatch the crumpet-making in action and enjoy an extensive loose leaf tea menu at this family-owned charmer. There’s nearly always a line, but quick turnover means you can usually snag a seat if you’re patient and quick on the draw. Or else get it to go and stroll through Pike Place. We recommend the egg with smoked salmon cream cheese for something savory, and the Vermont maple butter if you’ve got a sweet tooth.
You can definitely do better than Starbucks. But if you simply must have your caffeine fix right away, there’s a Starbucks Reserve right downstairs. It’s a different and somewhat pricier menu than your standard Starbucks, but they’ll get you your buzz. Try a mocha with hazelnut milk or their coffee shake .
550 locals recommend
Starbucks
1912 Pike PlYou can definitely do better than Starbucks. But if you simply must have your caffeine fix right away, there’s a Starbucks Reserve right downstairs. It’s a different and somewhat pricier menu than your standard Starbucks, but they’ll get you your buzz. Try a mocha with hazelnut milk or their coffee shake .
Essentials
Treasured Korean grocery chain with fantastic and wide-ranging produce selection, grab and go items, and Asian cooking essentials.
H Mart Downtown Seattle
1601 2nd AveTreasured Korean grocery chain with fantastic and wide-ranging produce selection, grab and go items, and Asian cooking essentials.
Urban Target for groceries, clothing, household items, and all the essentials
78 locals recommend
Target
1401 2nd AveUrban Target for groceries, clothing, household items, and all the essentials
Sightseeing
Don’t miss it! The best views in all of Seattle are from this ferry ride. You can easily make a day trip of Bainbridge, but we recommend this ferry ride even if you only have time for a quick round trip (30 minutes each way). Although it might be sunny, don’t forget to bring some extra layers—this is a windy ride.
21 locals recommend
Bainbridge Island Ferry
Seattle Ferry TerminalDon’t miss it! The best views in all of Seattle are from this ferry ride. You can easily make a day trip of Bainbridge, but we recommend this ferry ride even if you only have time for a quick round trip (30 minutes each way). Although it might be sunny, don’t forget to bring some extra layers—this is a windy ride.
This is one of those places that lives up to the hype. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, there’s no better place to people watch, buy fresh produce and seafood, and check out crafts from local artists. Don’t forget to buy a beautiful bouquet from the Hmong farm stalls. And if you’ve seen the main floor already, check out the maze of shops on the lower levels. Just don’t call it “Pike’s Place” unless you’re prepared for some serious side-eye.
2310 locals recommend
Pike Place Market
1531 Western AveThis is one of those places that lives up to the hype. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, there’s no better place to people watch, buy fresh produce and seafood, and check out crafts from local artists. Don’t forget to buy a beautiful bouquet from the Hmong farm stalls. And if you’ve seen the main floor already, check out the maze of shops on the lower levels. Just don’t call it “Pike’s Place” unless you’re prepared for some serious side-eye.
An engineering marvel, a botanic garden, and salmon gymnastics all in one place?! You bet. Wander through the lovely gardens, watch the boats and ships as they are raised and lowered via the changing water levels of the locks, and be amazed during spawning season as the salmon muscle their way back to fresh water up human-made fish ladders.
774 locals recommend
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
3015 NW 54th StAn engineering marvel, a botanic garden, and salmon gymnastics all in one place?! You bet. Wander through the lovely gardens, watch the boats and ships as they are raised and lowered via the changing water levels of the locks, and be amazed during spawning season as the salmon muscle their way back to fresh water up human-made fish ladders.
All those Seattle postcards you see? Probably shot from this small park. Unique vistas that include the Space Needle, Downtown skyline, Mt. Rainier and Elliott Bay all in one shot.
881 locals recommend
Kerry Park
211 W Highland DrAll those Seattle postcards you see? Probably shot from this small park. Unique vistas that include the Space Needle, Downtown skyline, Mt. Rainier and Elliott Bay all in one shot.
Food Scene
A Seattle staple, Matt’s showcases the best of Northwest cuisine and never fails to impress. Enjoy lovely views of the market and be sure to order some seafood.
78 locals recommend
Matt's in the Market
94 Pike StA Seattle staple, Matt’s showcases the best of Northwest cuisine and never fails to impress. Enjoy lovely views of the market and be sure to order some seafood.
This family-run Capitol Hill favorite has been going strong for over 30 years. It’s delicious, affordable, and great for people-watching. Try the tuna carpaccio and the vongole. They don’t accept reservations so hole up in the bar while you wait for a table. As a bonus, you’ll even get a discount if you pay in cash. Buon Appetito!
53 locals recommend
Ristorante Machiavelli
1215 Pine StThis family-run Capitol Hill favorite has been going strong for over 30 years. It’s delicious, affordable, and great for people-watching. Try the tuna carpaccio and the vongole. They don’t accept reservations so hole up in the bar while you wait for a table. As a bonus, you’ll even get a discount if you pay in cash. Buon Appetito!
Carmelos Tacos
110 Summit Ave EDelicious Mexico City tacos, hidden inside a convenience store.
Hawaiian-Korean fusion counter service with local beers and spectacular waterfront views. Take the West Seattle Water Taxi over directly to their door.
232 locals recommend
Marination Ma Kai
1660 Harbor Ave SWHawaiian-Korean fusion counter service with local beers and spectacular waterfront views. Take the West Seattle Water Taxi over directly to their door.
Outstanding cocktails, chic design, and a delicious menu that seems to do Vietnamese, Thai, Sichuan or anything they can cook up equally well.
57 locals recommend
Reckless Noodle House and Cocktails
2519 S Jackson StOutstanding cocktails, chic design, and a delicious menu that seems to do Vietnamese, Thai, Sichuan or anything they can cook up equally well.
A Seattle establishment and hands down the best fried chicken anywhere. Order the spicy strips and chow down on their sweet rolls. After Oprah discovered this place way back when, she even had orders flown in to Chicago. If that’s not an endorsement, we don’t know what is.
181 locals recommend
Ezell's Famous Chicken
501 E Jefferson StA Seattle establishment and hands down the best fried chicken anywhere. Order the spicy strips and chow down on their sweet rolls. After Oprah discovered this place way back when, she even had orders flown in to Chicago. If that’s not an endorsement, we don’t know what is.
The best pho in town, and that’s saying something in a city spoiled for excellent Vietnamese food. It’s in an International District strip mall, but you’re here for the incomparable broth, not the view. If you’re new to pho, order a small Pho Tai and prepare to feed your soul.
Phở Số 1
1207 S Jackson StThe best pho in town, and that’s saying something in a city spoiled for excellent Vietnamese food. It’s in an International District strip mall, but you’re here for the incomparable broth, not the view. If you’re new to pho, order a small Pho Tai and prepare to feed your soul.
The ultimate oyster experience. Think you don’t like oysters? Think again. Taylor Shellfish has converted many a skeptic. Taylor farms their own Washington oysters and are infinitely knowledgeable about all the varieties under the sun. It doesn’t get fresher than live oyster tanks table side. Ask your server what they recommend and sample away.
150 locals recommend
Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar
1521 Melrose AveThe ultimate oyster experience. Think you don’t like oysters? Think again. Taylor Shellfish has converted many a skeptic. Taylor farms their own Washington oysters and are infinitely knowledgeable about all the varieties under the sun. It doesn’t get fresher than live oyster tanks table side. Ask your server what they recommend and sample away.
Killer Mexican food, great drinks, and endless people-watching. Sit on the ground level to watch the street scene or head upstairs to the rooftop deck for great neighborhood views, a walk-up bar, and even its very own rooftop taco truck in the summer. ¡Salud!
76 locals recommend
Mezcaleria Oaxaca
2123 Queen Anne Avenue NorthKiller Mexican food, great drinks, and endless people-watching. Sit on the ground level to watch the street scene or head upstairs to the rooftop deck for great neighborhood views, a walk-up bar, and even its very own rooftop taco truck in the summer. ¡Salud!
Turns out high-end tiki bar is not an oxymoron. They take great care here with both their cocktail and food game, and you’ll get a kick out of their creative presentations.
6 locals recommend
No Anchor
2505 2nd AveTurns out high-end tiki bar is not an oxymoron. They take great care here with both their cocktail and food game, and you’ll get a kick out of their creative presentations.
Incredibly flavorful and authentic Oaxacan cuisine with a patio and a sports bar vibe.
Villa Escondida
2203 1st AveIncredibly flavorful and authentic Oaxacan cuisine with a patio and a sports bar vibe.
Upscale Vietnamese food in a chic setting. Their menu is endless and their patio is heated so you can dine al fresco and defy the elements in any season. If you’re bold, you can try their durian ice cream.
110 locals recommend
Tamarind Tree
1036 S Jackson StUpscale Vietnamese food in a chic setting. Their menu is endless and their patio is heated so you can dine al fresco and defy the elements in any season. If you’re bold, you can try their durian ice cream.
These cult favorite tacos started out hidden at a small dive bar counter before this brick and mortar gave them the beautiful space they deserve.
Little Neon Taco
5600 Delridge Way SouthwestThese cult favorite tacos started out hidden at a small dive bar counter before this brick and mortar gave them the beautiful space they deserve.
Bars
Zig Zag is a fantastic cocktail bar and a secret gem hidden on the pedestrian-only Pike Street hill climb. Once you find it, you’ll be rewarded with incredible cocktails and a delicious Italian-inspired menu. It’s got an outdoor patio in warm weather and a cool lounge vibe inside. A great date spot.
59 locals recommend
Zig Zag Cafe
1501 Western AveZig Zag is a fantastic cocktail bar and a secret gem hidden on the pedestrian-only Pike Street hill climb. Once you find it, you’ll be rewarded with incredible cocktails and a delicious Italian-inspired menu. It’s got an outdoor patio in warm weather and a cool lounge vibe inside. A great date spot.
Craft beers brewed on site with stunning Elliot Bay views in the newest area of Pike Place Market
23 locals recommend
Old Stove Brewery
1901 Western AveCraft beers brewed on site with stunning Elliot Bay views in the newest area of Pike Place Market
Local favorite for delectable ginger-everything slushees and soft serve, booze optional.
79 locals recommend
Rachel’s Ginger Beer
1610 12th AveLocal favorite for delectable ginger-everything slushees and soft serve, booze optional.
Incredible Puget Sound views and great service. Check out this high end stunner right next door in the Four Seasons for Happy Hour.
12 locals recommend
Goldfinch Tavern
99 Union StIncredible Puget Sound views and great service. Check out this high end stunner right next door in the Four Seasons for Happy Hour.
Did someone say speakeasy? Shhhh. Enter this cozy and intimate spot from an alley, no password needed.
109 locals recommend
Bathtub Gin & Co.
2205 2nd AveDid someone say speakeasy? Shhhh. Enter this cozy and intimate spot from an alley, no password needed.
Dark, sexy, and glam, with great cocktails and the ability to order in from neighboring Stateside’s stellar menu.
27 locals recommend
Foreign National
300 E Pike StDark, sexy, and glam, with great cocktails and the ability to order in from neighboring Stateside’s stellar menu.
Also known as Summit Tavern, this is a quiet neighborhood favorite tucked away in a leafy residential area. It’s a sports bar that prizes soccer in particular and features a pool table and killer vegetarian cactus tacos.
22 locals recommend
Summit Public House
601 Summit Ave EAlso known as Summit Tavern, this is a quiet neighborhood favorite tucked away in a leafy residential area. It’s a sports bar that prizes soccer in particular and features a pool table and killer vegetarian cactus tacos.
They take their craft seriously here. Hand-shaved ice, custom cocktails, and bartenders who can give you an oral history of all things booze if you’re keen. There’s a speakeasy called Needle and Thread upstairs, but downstairs consistently steals the show all on its own. Excellent food as well.
112 locals recommend
Tavern Law
1406 12th AveThey take their craft seriously here. Hand-shaved ice, custom cocktails, and bartenders who can give you an oral history of all things booze if you’re keen. There’s a speakeasy called Needle and Thread upstairs, but downstairs consistently steals the show all on its own. Excellent food as well.
A Capitol Hill institution originally popularized by its music scene luminaries and regulars like Kurt Cobain in the 90s. A classic dive bar with a great beer selection, tasty food, and a huge patio out back.
103 locals recommend
Linda's Tavern
707 East Pine StreetA Capitol Hill institution originally popularized by its music scene luminaries and regulars like Kurt Cobain in the 90s. A classic dive bar with a great beer selection, tasty food, and a huge patio out back.
Swank sky high bar with incredible views. Get there early to snag a seat.
62 locals recommend
The Nest Rooftop Bar
110 Stewart StSwank sky high bar with incredible views. Get there early to snag a seat.
Special Occasion
Featured on Top Chef, Canlis is a historic Seattle fine dining destination. Beautiful food, a James Beard award-winning wine program, and spectacular views await you.
129 locals recommend
Canlis
2576 Aurora Ave NFeatured on Top Chef, Canlis is a historic Seattle fine dining destination. Beautiful food, a James Beard award-winning wine program, and spectacular views await you.
Joule
3506 Stone Way NStunningly creative Korean fusion prepared with flair and artistry.
High end omakase from skilled chef Shiro Kashiba, an apprentice to the legendary Jiro Ono (Jiro Dreams of Sushi).
50 locals recommend
Sushi Kashiba
86 Pine StHigh end omakase from skilled chef Shiro Kashiba, an apprentice to the legendary Jiro Ono (Jiro Dreams of Sushi).
Black-owned treasure with classic French cuisine in historic Post Alley
40 locals recommend
Cafe Campagne
1600 Post AlleyBlack-owned treasure with classic French cuisine in historic Post Alley
This new favorite in Beacon Hill has quickly made a name for itself with thoughtful multi-course tasting menus of Filipino fine dining.
32 locals recommend
Musang
2524 Beacon Ave SThis new favorite in Beacon Hill has quickly made a name for itself with thoughtful multi-course tasting menus of Filipino fine dining.
Modern Greek fare expertly prepared. Great for couples or groups to share a variety of dishes.
21 locals recommend
OMEGA OUZERI
1529 14th AveModern Greek fare expertly prepared. Great for couples or groups to share a variety of dishes.
Always impressive Italian fare, lovely date ambience, a beautiful patio, and even a Sunday jazz brunch. It’ll fill your stomach and warm your heart.
71 locals recommend
Serafina
2043 Eastlake Ave EAlways impressive Italian fare, lovely date ambience, a beautiful patio, and even a Sunday jazz brunch. It’ll fill your stomach and warm your heart.
Coffee
The best coffee places in town don’t start with an S 😉 Vivace is famed for their house-roasted coffee, their beautiful latte art, and don’t forget to try their coffee flavored whipped cream! This sidewalk coffee bar has been standing strong for decades and is definitely worthy of a caffeine pilgrimage.
51 locals recommend
Espresso Vivace Sidewalk Bar
321 BroadwayThe best coffee places in town don’t start with an S 😉 Vivace is famed for their house-roasted coffee, their beautiful latte art, and don’t forget to try their coffee flavored whipped cream! This sidewalk coffee bar has been standing strong for decades and is definitely worthy of a caffeine pilgrimage.
Victrola is Seattle’s other favorite coffee house. They use delicious rich dark chocolate in their mochas and there’s no better place to cozy up with your laptop and stay awhile.
78 locals recommend
Victrola Coffee Roasters
310 E Pike StVictrola is Seattle’s other favorite coffee house. They use delicious rich dark chocolate in their mochas and there’s no better place to cozy up with your laptop and stay awhile.
Step into the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of Starbucks. You’ll pay a premium for coffee here, but if you’re all in on learning about coffee from bean to cup, you can get specialty coffees here and get a sneak peek at the full roasting process done on site.
425 locals recommend
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
1124 Pike StStep into the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of Starbucks. You’ll pay a premium for coffee here, but if you’re all in on learning about coffee from bean to cup, you can get specialty coffees here and get a sneak peek at the full roasting process done on site.
The Station is a treasured Black and Latino-owned neighborhood institution. Come here for coffee and community.
73 locals recommend
The Station
1600 S Roberto Maestas Festival StThe Station is a treasured Black and Latino-owned neighborhood institution. Come here for coffee and community.