Seattle brewpubs, coffeehouses, & restaurants
beer :: What better way to discover a city (or life in general) than by enjoying a good beer (or ale, stout, porter, et al.). The Northwest has a long and strong history of microbrewing so goodd beer abounds. We all have our favorites and here are some of mine.
If it's beer in bottles you're after, Bottle Works is the only place in town to shop. Ask Kevin for advice. How about a Seattle beer map?
Every neighborhood seems to have its own supply of hop-infused malted beverages. McMenamin on Queen Anne is great as long as there's no event at Seattle Center (like a basketball game) that screws up traffic. When in or near Fremont Dad Watson's Restaurant & Brewery has no parallel. Yes, McMenamin & Dad Watson's are part of the same chain. There are plenty of reasons to spend time on Capitol Hill and the Elysian Brewing Company is one of them. Better food than most brewpubs too. They're also in Wallingford too, Tangletown. Big Time Brewery & Alehouse is a bright spot in the U District which is a neighborhood I generally avoid. But when you're in my neighborhood (West Seattle) Elliott Bay is the place to drink.
coffee :: To many outsiders and natives alike, Seattle = coffee. Yeah, yeah it's the home of Starbucks but there are plenty of other (read: much better) alternatives in town. Whether you go to the source or order in a restaurant names to look for include Caffé D'arte and Lighthouse. My favorite places to sit, sip, and sur are Zeitgeist and Top Pot on Summit Ave E. in Capitol Hill. Cory drags me to Espresso Vivace and I don't complain. Fuel is another Capitol Hill fave. One great thing about Seattle coffee houses is that the good ones are WiFi hotspots.
Truth be told, I'm a chai guy myself so I order Morning Glory Chai whenever I can. And when I'm on lower Capitol Hill, it's Travelers Tea Bar, 501 E Pine St. for a cup of their Masala Chai.
eats :: Seattle is a foodie's paradise. Great eats everywhere. No, I'm not going to tell you what my favorite sushi spot is. It's too crowded as it is. Start by checking out recent health violations. If that don't figure into where you eat, don't eat with me.
I'm going to throw out brief restaurant suggestions instead of writing reviews. If that's what you're looking for read the food recommendations in The Stranger and the Seattle Weekly.
In no particular order:
Boka :: I've only been there a couple of times but by far the most outrageous food I've had in Seattle (or almost anywhere for that matter). Go prepared to spend some time and spend some money. Neither will be wasted.
Marjorie :: When we want a special night out.
Palace Kitchen & Dahlia Lounge ::
Chef Tom Douglas owns both. You can take me to either one whenever you want.
FareStart :: A unique place that's part of a job training program for the homeless. Don't let that fuel false first impressions; this is great food.
Grand Central Bakery :: cinnamon rolls and lunch. Say no more.
Alki Crab & Fish Co. :: On the water with a great view and wonderful food. Shhhh, no one knows about it.
Café Septiemè :: Afternoons or evenings, tasty and comfortable.
Collins Pub :: Great local beer selection on tap paired with good food.
Shallots Asian Bistro :: I;ve only been there for lunch. Repeatedly
Hole in the Wall Barbecue :: Lunch only but well worth it. Just ask the legions of regulars!
Mae Phim Thai :: The insider's downtown lunch spot
Monsoon :: Upscale Thai
Sunfish :: When you're on Alki forget the other fish & chips places. this is it
Pagliacci Pizza :: for deliver Mad Pizza :: for sit and eat
Three Girl's Bakery at Pike Place Market :: Perhaps the only local bakery I can walk away from satisfied.
Royal India Grill (West Seattle) :: Some of the best Indian food I've had anywhere, period. Even the lunch buffet is a joy.
Marjorie's :: What can I say? Perfect every time I've been there. Coastal Kitchen :: Of all the things I love about this place, the fact that the menu rotates among world cuisines makes even better.
Buddha Belltown :: Lunch the first time was outstanding, dinner after that was a strong B or B+.
Ohana :: I've enjoyed it in the past though I always feel a little old whenever I'm there.
St. Clouds :: I still miss Cool Hand Luke's that occupied the same space but now I'm showing my age. This is a great place. Wish I lived closer.
Lee's Asian Restaurant :: A neighborhood favorite. And in my neighborhood no less!
Dragonfish :: Take your time, order small plates, share and share alike.
Cactus :: An old favorite of mine and now there's one in my neighborhood too!
Cafe Flora :: I've been coming here for years and it's never disappointed me. Ever.
The Kingfish Cafe :: 2 sisters/sistahs serving up down home family recipes. I always mean to take my mother here whenever she's in town. Search for other sites like this one:
