Guidebook for Seattle
Food Scene
Teriyaki Madness is good and it's very, very close food. They have a large variety of choices--going beyond teriyaki.
10 locals recommend
Teriyaki Madness
2320 N 45th StTeriyaki Madness is good and it's very, very close food. They have a large variety of choices--going beyond teriyaki.
If you've never had Pho (Vietnamese rice noodle soup), then this is the perfect Seattle treat for a cold rainy day--just steps away. Portions are large, order accordingly.
2309 N 45th St
2309 North 45th StreetIf you've never had Pho (Vietnamese rice noodle soup), then this is the perfect Seattle treat for a cold rainy day--just steps away. Portions are large, order accordingly.
This is our go-to spot for a quick breakfast (burritos, chilaquiles) or dinner (taco bowl). They serve local, organic meat and produces. Good coffee too.
44 locals recommend
TNT Taqueria
2114 N 45th StThis is our go-to spot for a quick breakfast (burritos, chilaquiles) or dinner (taco bowl). They serve local, organic meat and produces. Good coffee too.
It's reliably good. Most Seattle-ites have a local favorite, but you are in the hometown of Starbucks, so when in Rome...
550 locals recommend
Starbucks
1912 Pike PlIt's reliably good. Most Seattle-ites have a local favorite, but you are in the hometown of Starbucks, so when in Rome...
In a city of coffee addicts, it's refreshing to have a teahouse just down the street. They have a large and varied tea selection with light meals.
6 locals recommend
Teahouse Kuan Yin
In a city of coffee addicts, it's refreshing to have a teahouse just down the street. They have a large and varied tea selection with light meals.
If you don't want to wait in the line at Molly Moon's for ice cream, Fainting Goat is a good bet for a sweet treat.
32 locals recommend
Fainting Goat Gelato - Wallingford
2210 N 45th StIf you don't want to wait in the line at Molly Moon's for ice cream, Fainting Goat is a good bet for a sweet treat.
Strong coffee. Friends have seen Dave Matthews here, so keep your eyes peeled.
78 locals recommend
Fuel Coffee
1705 N 45th StStrong coffee. Friends have seen Dave Matthews here, so keep your eyes peeled.
A Seattle staple for the classic American quarter-pounder and fries.
337 locals recommend
Dick's Drive-In
115 Broadway EA Seattle staple for the classic American quarter-pounder and fries.
Our go-to Thai restaurant, only 4 blocks away. Suggest the fusion noodles. It's much quicker to do carryout, but they do deliver.
20 locals recommend
Djan's Dining Thai Restaurant
264 NE 45th StOur go-to Thai restaurant, only 4 blocks away. Suggest the fusion noodles. It's much quicker to do carryout, but they do deliver.
After a visit to Tokyo, we are ramen lovers. This place does it well. They have a good selection of ramen and include extras (i.e. seaweed sheet, eggs) at no extra charge.
16 locals recommend
Ramen Man
1616 N 45th StAfter a visit to Tokyo, we are ramen lovers. This place does it well. They have a good selection of ramen and include extras (i.e. seaweed sheet, eggs) at no extra charge.
Closest, all vegetarian restaurant. Good Thai food and nice ambiance.
30 locals recommend
Jhanjay Vegetarian Thai Cuisine
1718 N 45th StClosest, all vegetarian restaurant. Good Thai food and nice ambiance.
VERY popular Seattle sushi restaurant! There's often a line for this hole-in-the-wall joint. Closed Sunday and Monday. Cash only.
88 locals recommend
Musashi's
1400 N 45th StVERY popular Seattle sushi restaurant! There's often a line for this hole-in-the-wall joint. Closed Sunday and Monday. Cash only.
I'm biased because my friend and his partner own this place, but it's very popular. Obama requested it on a visit to Seattle. Great Neapolitan pizza in an inviting spot.
65 locals recommend
Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria - Wallingford
4411 Stone Way NI'm biased because my friend and his partner own this place, but it's very popular. Obama requested it on a visit to Seattle. Great Neapolitan pizza in an inviting spot.
Asian fusion restaurant inspired by husband-wife chef duo. We love this place for brunch 10am-2pm; weekends). They have a rotating themed brunch buffet. Recommend the mac n cheese fennel spaetzel.
129 locals recommend
Joule
3506 Stone Way NAsian fusion restaurant inspired by husband-wife chef duo. We love this place for brunch 10am-2pm; weekends). They have a rotating themed brunch buffet. Recommend the mac n cheese fennel spaetzel.
Quirky, romantic, hole-in-the-wall space that's a solid choice for hearty Italian food.
47 locals recommend
Bizzarro Italian Cafe
1307 N 46th StQuirky, romantic, hole-in-the-wall space that's a solid choice for hearty Italian food.
Busy spot for a fluffy biscuit with unique fixings. Expect a line and it's best to take away.
32 locals recommend
Morsel
5000 University Way NEBusy spot for a fluffy biscuit with unique fixings. Expect a line and it's best to take away.
U-District ramen joint that's good for lunch or dinner while checking out the University of Washington.
11 locals recommend
Samurai Noodle
412 Broadway EU-District ramen joint that's good for lunch or dinner while checking out the University of Washington.
Rated as one of the top ten restaurants in the world by NYT. Excellent Taiwanese handmade, fresh dumplings. Recommend juicy pork dumpling, shrimp and pork with spicy sauce, and Shanghai rice cake.
205 locals recommend
Din Tai Fung
2621 NE 46th StRated as one of the top ten restaurants in the world by NYT. Excellent Taiwanese handmade, fresh dumplings. Recommend juicy pork dumpling, shrimp and pork with spicy sauce, and Shanghai rice cake.
Unique pizza toppings with easy access to the lake. Pizza by the slice on offer.
165 locals recommend
Zeeks Pizza
6459 California Ave SWUnique pizza toppings with easy access to the lake. Pizza by the slice on offer.
El Chupacabra Greenwood
6711 Greenwood Ave NGood spot for nachos and a drink on the deck.
Red Mill Burgers
312 N 67th StPhinney Ridge spot for a locally-famous burger.
One of the many (but excellent) Seattle coffeeshops. They sometimes do coffee "cuppings" (like a wine tasting for coffee).
53 locals recommend
Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Company
2200 N 56th StOne of the many (but excellent) Seattle coffeeshops. They sometimes do coffee "cuppings" (like a wine tasting for coffee).
Kisaku Sushi
2101 N 55th StGood sushi spot with decent roll selection in Tangletown.
Watch the roaster make your souvenir Seattle coffee in this bright, local spot.
97 locals recommend
Lighthouse Roasters
400 N 43rd StWatch the roaster make your souvenir Seattle coffee in this bright, local spot.
Classic Seattle coffee spot. Chat up the barista about which bean to pick and take home some fresh Seattle coffee.
106 locals recommend
Caffé Vita Coffee Roasting
1005 E Pike StClassic Seattle coffee spot. Chat up the barista about which bean to pick and take home some fresh Seattle coffee.
A standout Thai spot in a city filled with Thai restaurants. Recommend the classics: Pad Thai and Panang Curry.
18 locals recommend
Kwanjai Thai Cusine
469 N 36th StA standout Thai spot in a city filled with Thai restaurants. Recommend the classics: Pad Thai and Panang Curry.
Another excellent fusion restaurant from the folks behind Joule. Good spot for a happy hour and some dumplings. If you can't get into Din Tai Fung, this might meet your dumpling fix.
113 locals recommend
Revel
401 North 36th StreetAnother excellent fusion restaurant from the folks behind Joule. Good spot for a happy hour and some dumplings. If you can't get into Din Tai Fung, this might meet your dumpling fix.
Another excellent Seattle coffee shop. Good spot for a well-crafted, fancy latte - likely complete with latte art.
34 locals recommend
Caffe Ladro
452 N 36th StAnother excellent Seattle coffee shop. Good spot for a well-crafted, fancy latte - likely complete with latte art.
Our favorite ramen spot. Always packed. Plan to wait in line, but it is worth it.
18 locals recommend
Aloha Ramen Japanese Noodle
3004 NE 127th StOur favorite ramen spot. Always packed. Plan to wait in line, but it is worth it.
The closest Thai restaurant and worth the very short stroll. Mom and Pop kind of place with a large variety of menu items.
Sea-Thai Restaurant
2313 N 45th StThe closest Thai restaurant and worth the very short stroll. Mom and Pop kind of place with a large variety of menu items.
Arts & Culture
Two-screen, art house Landmark theater. Perfect date spot. Follow your movie with a drink or dinner.
26 locals recommend
Landmark Guild 45th
2105 North 45th StreetTwo-screen, art house Landmark theater. Perfect date spot. Follow your movie with a drink or dinner.
21-and-up arthouse theater with a good selection of craft beers, coffee, cocktails, and dinner items.
47 locals recommend
AMC Seattle 10
4500 9th Ave NE21-and-up arthouse theater with a good selection of craft beers, coffee, cocktails, and dinner items.
Drinks & Nightlife
Cozy bar with Tuesday night trivia. Good spot for a hot toddy in the winter.
26 locals recommend
Murphy's Pub
1928 N 45th StCozy bar with Tuesday night trivia. Good spot for a hot toddy in the winter.
Verging on dive bar status, this is a good spot for happy hour and some northwest beers.
17 locals recommend
Kate's Pub
309 NE 45th StVerging on dive bar status, this is a good spot for happy hour and some northwest beers.
Blue Moon Tavern
712 NE 45th StYou want a dive bar? This is it.
Our favorite beer spot. Large selection of draft and bottled beer. The best fries in town.
58 locals recommend
Naked City Brewery & Taphouse
8564 Greenwood Ave NOur favorite beer spot. Large selection of draft and bottled beer. The best fries in town.
Elysian Tangletown
2106 North 55th StreetSeattle brewery with good pumpkin beers in the fall.
Belgian-inspired food and large beer menu. Good fries. Cozy atmosphere.
41 locals recommend
Burgundian Bistro
2253 N 56th StBelgian-inspired food and large beer menu. Good fries. Cozy atmosphere.
Go-to stop in Fremont for our visitors who like beer. Belgian-themed, cozy, and yummy frites! Many, many beers on tap!
60 locals recommend
Brouwer's Cafe
400 N 35th StGo-to stop in Fremont for our visitors who like beer. Belgian-themed, cozy, and yummy frites! Many, many beers on tap!
Nice spot for a drink along the water. Limited food available. Suggest carry out.
277 locals recommend
Fremont Brewing Company
1050 N 34th StNice spot for a drink along the water. Limited food available. Suggest carry out.
Great spot for a happy hour along the water with views of the city and houseboats. Recommend the salmon sampler for dinner to learn your preferred salmon.
81 locals recommend
Ivar's Fish Bar
401 NE Northlake WayGreat spot for a happy hour along the water with views of the city and houseboats. Recommend the salmon sampler for dinner to learn your preferred salmon.
Belly up this bar for a drink and some nautical-themed fun. It gets crowded (and a little meat market-y) on weekends, but their flat bread and nachos are good.
47 locals recommend
The Octopus Bar
2121 N 45th StBelly up this bar for a drink and some nautical-themed fun. It gets crowded (and a little meat market-y) on weekends, but their flat bread and nachos are good.
Entertainment & Activities
This place ALWAYS has a line. We don't understand the obsession, but they have good salted caramel ice cream and a variety of unique flavors. Join the cult.
468 locals recommend
Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream
917 E Pine StThis place ALWAYS has a line. We don't understand the obsession, but they have good salted caramel ice cream and a variety of unique flavors. Join the cult.
Who can't resist a place that specializes in cupcakes?! Just cupcakes. Just fancy cupcakes. There's a playground available too for the kids.
25 locals recommend
Trophy Cupcakes & Party - Wallingford Center
1815 N 45th StWho can't resist a place that specializes in cupcakes?! Just cupcakes. Just fancy cupcakes. There's a playground available too for the kids.
Great, small park with a community vibe. In the summer, there's a supervised kiddie wading pool, complete with a Motown-music loving lifeguard.
18 locals recommend
Wallingford Playfield
4219 Wallingford Ave NGreat, small park with a community vibe. In the summer, there's a supervised kiddie wading pool, complete with a Motown-music loving lifeguard.
Up the street and the closest spot to let the kids burn off some energy. Check out Seattle Tilth's demonstration garden while you are there.
22 locals recommend
Meridian Playground
4920 Sunnyside Ave NUp the street and the closest spot to let the kids burn off some energy. Check out Seattle Tilth's demonstration garden while you are there.
Award-winning zoo (second most National Exhibit Awards). Many immersion exhibits, with special recommendation for the Africa exhibit. Kid friendly. Summer outdoor concerts.
625 locals recommend
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave NAward-winning zoo (second most National Exhibit Awards). Many immersion exhibits, with special recommendation for the Africa exhibit. Kid friendly. Summer outdoor concerts.
Sightseeing
Seasonal (late May to late September) farmer's market held Wednesdays from 3:30pm-7pm. Get your local veggie fix and pick up supplies for dinner.
9 locals recommend
Wallingford Center Farmers Market
4800 Meridian Ave NSeasonal (late May to late September) farmer's market held Wednesdays from 3:30pm-7pm. Get your local veggie fix and pick up supplies for dinner.
World-class research university. Beautiful campus in fall and in spring. Check out the cherry blossoms in the quad, the library, and red square for a view of Mt. Rainier.
329 locals recommend
University of Washington
1410 Northeast Campus ParkwayWorld-class research university. Beautiful campus in fall and in spring. Check out the cherry blossoms in the quad, the library, and red square for a view of Mt. Rainier.
Pretty library on UW's campus. Worth a quick stop in to see one of the world's largest books and admire the pretty stained glass.
Suzzallo and Allen Libraries
4000 15th Ave NEPretty library on UW's campus. Worth a quick stop in to see one of the world's largest books and admire the pretty stained glass.
Premier museum of natural history and culture in the Northwest with rotating exhibits. Open daily from 10am-5pm. First Thursdays are free.
123 locals recommend
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
4303 15th Ave NEPremier museum of natural history and culture in the Northwest with rotating exhibits. Open daily from 10am-5pm. First Thursdays are free.
Great spot to fly a kite, watch fireworks on 4th of July, and access the Burke-Gillman Trail. Excellent view of downtown and seaplanes.
860 locals recommend
Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake WayGreat spot to fly a kite, watch fireworks on 4th of July, and access the Burke-Gillman Trail. Excellent view of downtown and seaplanes.
A must-see, often-photographed, stop in Seattle. Part of the Fremont art scene and worth a visit.
583 locals recommend
Fremont Troll
Troll Avenue NorthA must-see, often-photographed, stop in Seattle. Part of the Fremont art scene and worth a visit.
Iconic view of the city. Grab a coffee and a camera. This is the spot for the best pictures of the city.
881 locals recommend
Kerry Park
211 W Highland DrIconic view of the city. Grab a coffee and a camera. This is the spot for the best pictures of the city.
Iconic Seattle spot. Sample treats. Admire the endless flowers (when in season). Dodge the flying fish. Visit the gum wall.
2310 locals recommend
Pike Place Market
1531 Western AveIconic Seattle spot. Sample treats. Admire the endless flowers (when in season). Dodge the flying fish. Visit the gum wall.
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western AveBeautiful spot for a stroll on a sunny day downtown.
Beautiful spot for a stroll or a walk - especially in the fall. Rent a canoe and check out the park from the waterways.
313 locals recommend
Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens
2300 Arboretum Dr EBeautiful spot for a stroll or a walk - especially in the fall. Rent a canoe and check out the park from the waterways.
Surprisingly interesting engineering accomplishment that allows boat traffic and salmon to move between the Pacific and the freshwater lakes.
774 locals recommend
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
3015 NW 54th StSurprisingly interesting engineering accomplishment that allows boat traffic and salmon to move between the Pacific and the freshwater lakes.
Essentials
Go-to coffeeshop for graduate school studies. Very cozy with good wifi access. Decadent hot chocolate, good tea/ coffee, and excellent truffles.
22 locals recommend
Chocolati Cafe Wallingford
1716 N 45th StGo-to coffeeshop for graduate school studies. Very cozy with good wifi access. Decadent hot chocolate, good tea/ coffee, and excellent truffles.
Wallingford landmark. You'll see the sign. Can't miss it. Standard grocery store with an additional natural foods section. Wide selection of beer and wine.
768 locals recommend
QFC
1401 BroadwayWallingford landmark. You'll see the sign. Can't miss it. Standard grocery store with an additional natural foods section. Wide selection of beer and wine.
If you aren't lucky enough to live by a Trader Joe's then this is a great chance to stock up on all of the oddly-specific (but still great) groceries. Himalayan pink salt anyone? It must be better.
722 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1700 E Madison StIf you aren't lucky enough to live by a Trader Joe's then this is a great chance to stock up on all of the oddly-specific (but still great) groceries. Himalayan pink salt anyone? It must be better.
Within walking distance, this is a good spot to pick up beverages for your stay.
Wine World & Spirits
3601 Fremont Avenue NorthWithin walking distance, this is a good spot to pick up beverages for your stay.
Organic mecca for all of your natural, organic needs. Good breakfast buffet.
222 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
1026 NE 64th StOrganic mecca for all of your natural, organic needs. Good breakfast buffet.
Huge Asian grocery store with a large food court for some Asian food fun in the heart of the International District.
181 locals recommend
Uwajimaya
600 5th Ave SHuge Asian grocery store with a large food court for some Asian food fun in the heart of the International District.
Shopping
Wide selection of beers with no additional charge for build-your-own 6 packs. Good spot to talk brews. They also offer in-house beers and samplings.
11 locals recommend
Bottleworks
1710 N 45th StWide selection of beers with no additional charge for build-your-own 6 packs. Good spot to talk brews. They also offer in-house beers and samplings.