Sarah’s Guidebook
Neighborhoods
These are some of my favorite neighborhoods, each is walkable with plenty to explore
Capitol Hill is funky and fast-paced, with an endless number of cool blocks to explore and, unfortunately, a limited number of parking spaces. During the day, shopping and people-watching is a big draw. Nightlife is hopping with clubs, bars, and music venues, and you’ll often find coffee shops that moonlight as cocktail lounges. Individuality and fashion statements are encouraged, and there always seems to be some sort of block party or community forum to encourage residents and visitors to mix and mingle. Points of interest include Volunteer Park (which has the Volunteer Park Conservatory, Seattle Asian Art Museum [closed for renovations until late 2019] and Bruce Lee’s grave site), Neumos, the Elliott Bay Book Company and the Jimi Hendrix Statue.
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Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is funky and fast-paced, with an endless number of cool blocks to explore and, unfortunately, a limited number of parking spaces. During the day, shopping and people-watching is a big draw. Nightlife is hopping with clubs, bars, and music venues, and you’ll often find coffee shops that moonlight as cocktail lounges. Individuality and fashion statements are encouraged, and there always seems to be some sort of block party or community forum to encourage residents and visitors to mix and mingle. Points of interest include Volunteer Park (which has the Volunteer Park Conservatory, Seattle Asian Art Museum [closed for renovations until late 2019] and Bruce Lee’s grave site), Neumos, the Elliott Bay Book Company and the Jimi Hendrix Statue.
Fremont is always hopping. It hosts plenty of festivals and events for all ages and lifestyles, including the Summer Solstice Parade (a colorful Mardi Gras-style parade with the famous rogue band of nekkid bicyclists), Oktoberfest, Outdoor Movies and First Friday Artwalk to name a few. Each Sunday, bargain hunters flock to the Fremont Sunday Street Market – a flea market / farmer’s market style gathering with food vendors. In Fremont, you can take a tour of a chocolate factory (Theo's), distillery, and brewery – all within easy reach of one another! You can also grab an amazing sandwich at Paseos, eat a freshly made pie at Pie, slurp a bowl of Pho at Lucky’s, or sit down for creative Mexican cuisine and a killer margarita at el Camino. The creative vibe is still alive and well here, with great galleries, boutiques, an excellent statuary and garden shop, and a couple of antique stores. Don't forget to say hi to the Troll, checking out what is accessorizing the Interurban sculpture , or blasting off the Rocket.
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Fremont
Fremont is always hopping. It hosts plenty of festivals and events for all ages and lifestyles, including the Summer Solstice Parade (a colorful Mardi Gras-style parade with the famous rogue band of nekkid bicyclists), Oktoberfest, Outdoor Movies and First Friday Artwalk to name a few. Each Sunday, bargain hunters flock to the Fremont Sunday Street Market – a flea market / farmer’s market style gathering with food vendors. In Fremont, you can take a tour of a chocolate factory (Theo's), distillery, and brewery – all within easy reach of one another! You can also grab an amazing sandwich at Paseos, eat a freshly made pie at Pie, slurp a bowl of Pho at Lucky’s, or sit down for creative Mexican cuisine and a killer margarita at el Camino. The creative vibe is still alive and well here, with great galleries, boutiques, an excellent statuary and garden shop, and a couple of antique stores. Don't forget to say hi to the Troll, checking out what is accessorizing the Interurban sculpture , or blasting off the Rocket.
Because of its wide variety of residents, Ballard has a very unique personality. You’ve got the let’s-go-out-for-happy-hour crowd, the early-morning-market crowd, the trendy-shop-and-salon crowd, and the late-night-debauchery crowd. You can see it all in one spot–Ballard Avenue. This street was once the commercial district, but now houses about a gazillion restaurants, shops, bars, and art spaces.
One of Ballard’s most-visited attractions is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, which were built in 1917. Engineering buffs will enjoy the well-orchestrated mechanics of it all, and dreamers can imagine sunning themselves on the huge yachts that pass through. You can also go to the underwater observatory and watch the salmon swimming up the fish ladder on their way to Lake Washington and beyond. In the summer months, Golden Gardens Park is a major destination. It’s one of the few sandy beaches in Seattle, and you’ll find beach volleyball courts, kite flyers, sand castles, and barbecue pits. Sunday during the year, the Ballard Farmer’s Market is open for business. Ballard Avenue is closed down to make room for local growers and vendors, plus a variety of artists selling their wares, from jewelry to furniture. This is one of the few year-round markets in the city, and well worth a lazy Sunday stroll.
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Ballard
Because of its wide variety of residents, Ballard has a very unique personality. You’ve got the let’s-go-out-for-happy-hour crowd, the early-morning-market crowd, the trendy-shop-and-salon crowd, and the late-night-debauchery crowd. You can see it all in one spot–Ballard Avenue. This street was once the commercial district, but now houses about a gazillion restaurants, shops, bars, and art spaces.
One of Ballard’s most-visited attractions is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, which were built in 1917. Engineering buffs will enjoy the well-orchestrated mechanics of it all, and dreamers can imagine sunning themselves on the huge yachts that pass through. You can also go to the underwater observatory and watch the salmon swimming up the fish ladder on their way to Lake Washington and beyond. In the summer months, Golden Gardens Park is a major destination. It’s one of the few sandy beaches in Seattle, and you’ll find beach volleyball courts, kite flyers, sand castles, and barbecue pits. Sunday during the year, the Ballard Farmer’s Market is open for business. Ballard Avenue is closed down to make room for local growers and vendors, plus a variety of artists selling their wares, from jewelry to furniture. This is one of the few year-round markets in the city, and well worth a lazy Sunday stroll.
Belltown has a bit of everything: vibrant party and concert scene, lots of bars and restaurants, and cool shops and galleries, sprinkled with cold condo towers and a few seedy pockets.
The main ‘strip’ of Belltown is 1st Avenue, running parallel to the waterfront and on into downtown. Along this street, you’ll find a gaggle of places to stop: art galleries, clothing stores, home furnishing shops, jewelers, salons, and of course places to eat and drink. Some of the classic venues are The 5 Point Café, The Crocodile (closed for a while, but back by demand of live-music-lovers), and the very vintage Cinerama movie theater. Newer, highly popular additions include Dahlia Lounge, List (an Italian lounge), and Bathtub Gin & Co., a delightful speakeasy tucked in an alley. For a little fresh air, scope out the Olympic Sculpture Park to enjoy the many art installations by local artists, not to mention the view of Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains beyond.
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Belltown
Belltown has a bit of everything: vibrant party and concert scene, lots of bars and restaurants, and cool shops and galleries, sprinkled with cold condo towers and a few seedy pockets.
The main ‘strip’ of Belltown is 1st Avenue, running parallel to the waterfront and on into downtown. Along this street, you’ll find a gaggle of places to stop: art galleries, clothing stores, home furnishing shops, jewelers, salons, and of course places to eat and drink. Some of the classic venues are The 5 Point Café, The Crocodile (closed for a while, but back by demand of live-music-lovers), and the very vintage Cinerama movie theater. Newer, highly popular additions include Dahlia Lounge, List (an Italian lounge), and Bathtub Gin & Co., a delightful speakeasy tucked in an alley. For a little fresh air, scope out the Olympic Sculpture Park to enjoy the many art installations by local artists, not to mention the view of Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains beyond.
Where to Eat (Mostly Local)
I highly recommend all restaurants listed. All are within walking distance unless otherwise noted.
Cook Weaver
806 E Roy StExcellent ‘Eurasian’ food. Fit for foodies
Single Shot
611 Summit Ave ELocal favorite, menu is a crowd-pleaser
Bait Shop
606 Broadway EClosest dive bar, serves a decent fried chicken burger
Canon
928 12th AveBest cocktail bar in Seattle.
Local favorite with comfort food. Order the grilled cheese sandwich.
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Harry's Fine Foods
601 Bellevue Ave ELocal favorite with comfort food. Order the grilled cheese sandwich.
Spinasse
1531 14th AveGreat Italian food. Reservations required.
Salt & Straw
714 East Pike StreetIce cream favorite. Always a line up, but worth it.
Manao Thai Street Eats
1222 E Pine StExcellent Thai food, quality ingredients
Local favorite, a cross between a farmhouse and community kitchen. Not great if you’re in a hurry :)
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Volunteer Park Cafe & Marketplace
1501 17th Ave ELocal favorite, a cross between a farmhouse and community kitchen. Not great if you’re in a hurry :)
Bateau
1040 E Union StSteakhouse with a twist. No vegetarians allowed.
Funky sushi place. Great specialty rolls and the menu is as long as a Russian novel.
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Momiji
1522 12th AveFunky sushi place. Great specialty rolls and the menu is as long as a Russian novel.
Popular bakery with sandwiches, breads and pastries. Great for breakfast.
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Macrina Bakery & Cafe
2408 1st AvePopular bakery with sandwiches, breads and pastries. Great for breakfast.
One of best sushi places in Seattle. [A bit of a walk, so take an Uber]
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Nishino
3130 E Madison StOne of best sushi places in Seattle. [A bit of a walk, so take an Uber]
Kedai Makan
1449 East Pine StreetMalaysian food. Excellent.
Mezcaleria Oaxaca
2123 Queen Anne Avenue NorthGood Mexican, great rooftop patio
Stateside
300 E Pike StGreat Vietnamese-French fusion restaurant.
Adana
1449 E Pine StJapanese. Seasonal prix-fixe menu. Expensive but worth it.
Mamnoon
1508 Melrose AveSleek, middle eastern food.
Terra Plata
1501 Melrose AveGood food, great rooftop
Lark Restaurant
952 E Seneca StCool vibe, focus on local ingredients, great raw bar
Smith
332 15th Ave EGastropub, decor is heavy on taxidermy. Best mac n cheese.
Northern Italian, focus on local ingredients. This is a dining experience, so bring your $$$ and an appetite.
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Altura
617 Broadway ENorthern Italian, focus on local ingredients. This is a dining experience, so bring your $$$ and an appetite.
Brewery that allows you to bring dogs, children, your own food, board games, and your own (non-alcoholic) drinks. Awesome and a great place to kill time if it’s raining.
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Optimism Brewing Company
1158 BroadwayBrewery that allows you to bring dogs, children, your own food, board games, and your own (non-alcoholic) drinks. Awesome and a great place to kill time if it’s raining.
Pony
1221 E Madison StPopular gay bar. Has disco ball.
Flagship coffee shop has bakery, craft distillery and gift shop.
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Starbucks Reserve Roastery
1124 Pike StFlagship coffee shop has bakery, craft distillery and gift shop.
SUIKA Seattle
611 E Pine StIzakaya restaurant with very funky vibe
Burlesque shows in a dinner theater setting. Great night out, acceptable food and often hilarious shows. Advance reservations recommended. [A bit of a walk, so take an Uber]
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The Pink Door
1919 Post AlleyBurlesque shows in a dinner theater setting. Great night out, acceptable food and often hilarious shows. Advance reservations recommended. [A bit of a walk, so take an Uber]
Joe Bar
810 E Roy StClosest coffee shop. Sit outside and watch the world stroll by.
Rione XIII
401 15th Ave EGreat pizzas and other Roman food. Crowd pleaser.
Dive-y pizza joint with excellent pizza. Very committed to a late-90’s theme.
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Dino's Tomato Pie
1524 E Olive WayDive-y pizza joint with excellent pizza. Very committed to a late-90’s theme.
Breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of Capitol Hill.
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Oddfellows Café + Bar
1525 10th AveBreakfast and lunch spot in the heart of Capitol Hill.
Great place to eat oysters by South Lake Union. [Too far to walk, take an Uber or bike or boat to get there]
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Westward
2501 N Northlake WayGreat place to eat oysters by South Lake Union. [Too far to walk, take an Uber or bike or boat to get there]
Dive bar that serves sushi. Somehow works, great for late night dining.
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Liberty
517 15th Ave EDive bar that serves sushi. Somehow works, great for late night dining.
Jazz bar/restaurant. Check their website to see who’s in town. [A 30 min walk, so might want to take an Uber]
Dimitriou's Jazz Alley
2033 6th AvenueJazz bar/restaurant. Check their website to see who’s in town. [A 30 min walk, so might want to take an Uber]
Sightseeing
A few things to do if you haven’t already made plans.
Only a block away, you can wander the park, take a picnic, visit the conservatory, climb the water tower to see the view, and take the kiddies to splash in the wading pool.
Volunteer Park
1247 15th Avenue EastOnly a block away, you can wander the park, take a picnic, visit the conservatory, climb the water tower to see the view, and take the kiddies to splash in the wading pool.
Incredible museum showing Chihuly’s glass works. You can often also see glass-blowing demonstrations
Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison StreetIncredible museum showing Chihuly’s glass works. You can often also see glass-blowing demonstrations
Must see. Food, fish, restaurants and strange specialty shops (like a magic shop). It’s bigger than you imagine, so consider taking a formal tour.
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Isitolo sase-Pike Place
1531 Western AveMust see. Food, fish, restaurants and strange specialty shops (like a magic shop). It’s bigger than you imagine, so consider taking a formal tour.
I-Museum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave NFunnest museum, for kids and adults alike.
Seattle Selfie Museum
92 Union StSeattle’s main art museum. It’s okay.
Outdoor sculpture garden with works by Richard Serra and Roxy Paine. Nice views of Puget Sound.
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I-Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western AveOutdoor sculpture garden with works by Richard Serra and Roxy Paine. Nice views of Puget Sound.
Cool to see how the locks work, especially for kids. Worth a visit if you’re planning to be nearby. Free.
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
3015 Northwest 54th StreetCool to see how the locks work, especially for kids. Worth a visit if you’re planning to be nearby. Free.
Beautiful botanical gardens with walking path. There’s also a Japanese garden at one end, which has an entry fee.
Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens
2300 Arboretum Drive EastBeautiful botanical gardens with walking path. There’s also a Japanese garden at one end, which has an entry fee.
Packed lake with joggers, kayaks, volleyball, etc. Great for picnics, kids, long runs. Can rent stand-up paddle boards and kayaks.
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Iphalishi yaseGreen Lake
7201 East Green Lake Dr NPacked lake with joggers, kayaks, volleyball, etc. Great for picnics, kids, long runs. Can rent stand-up paddle boards and kayaks.
Steampunk park with a decommissioned gas works right on Lake Union. Good for picnics and kite-flying. Great place to watch the sun set.
Gas Works Park
2101 North Northlake WaySteampunk park with a decommissioned gas works right on Lake Union. Good for picnics and kite-flying. Great place to watch the sun set.
Frye Art Museum
704 Terry AveArt museum with late-19th century Munich school artists.
Kenmore Air (seaplanes) has sightseeing flights, as well as flights to the San Juan islands. Take a trip!
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Kenmore Air
950 Westlake Ave NKenmore Air (seaplanes) has sightseeing flights, as well as flights to the San Juan islands. Take a trip!
Fremont Troll
Troll Avenue NorthIt’s a troll. Under a bridge.
I-Gum Wall
1428 Post AlleyIt’s a wall with gum on it. Strangely fascinating.
They rent electric boats by the hour. Book online. Rent one on a sunny day and toodle around Lake Union!
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I-Electric Boat Company | I-Rentals ye-Seattle Boat | I-Rentals ye-Lake Union Electric Boat
2046 Westlake Ave NThey rent electric boats by the hour. Book online. Rent one on a sunny day and toodle around Lake Union!
Take a tour of Boeing’s production facility. Go on a weekday when you can see actual employees at work.
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I-Museum ye-Boeing Future of Flight
8415 Paine Field BlvdTake a tour of Boeing’s production facility. Go on a weekday when you can see actual employees at work.
Woodinville is a mini wine district with over 50 wineries. Walk or bike between tasting rooms. Chateau Ste Michelle is only one of many, but it’s got a faux castle and a good summer concert series. Only 30 mins from Seattle (Uber will take you)
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
14111 NE 145th StWoodinville is a mini wine district with over 50 wineries. Walk or bike between tasting rooms. Chateau Ste Michelle is only one of many, but it’s got a faux castle and a good summer concert series. Only 30 mins from Seattle (Uber will take you)
Great outdoor shopping center. Has everything, plus good food options.
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University Village
2623 NE University Village StGreat outdoor shopping center. Has everything, plus good food options.
The Elliott Bay Book Company
1521 10th AveGreat book store. A classic.
Roq La Rue Gallery
2806 East Madison StreetArt gallery with focus on urban pop-culture
Glasswing Shop
1525 Melrose AveShop! Great place with lesser-known designers. Affordable.
Space Needle
400 Broad StreetMaybe you’ve seen this one already.