Guidebook for Seattle
Food Scene
Tell the gentlemen that Belinda sent you. Sicilian food (always worth waiting to hear the specials before you make up your mind). This is one restaurant that I have a difficult time deciding on my favorite. Dine outside and gaze upon the Space Needle while drinking a Sicilian red. A couple times a week, Anatoli, a sweet ol' guy, plays his accordion. The halibut special is wonderful if you are looking to not have carbs and the rock fish special is divinity on a plate. But usually I go for a pasta dish. At present, I guess my new favorite is the cabonara. Try to save room for a dessert and their wonderful coffee.
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Vita E Bella
2411 2nd AveTell the gentlemen that Belinda sent you. Sicilian food (always worth waiting to hear the specials before you make up your mind). This is one restaurant that I have a difficult time deciding on my favorite. Dine outside and gaze upon the Space Needle while drinking a Sicilian red. A couple times a week, Anatoli, a sweet ol' guy, plays his accordion. The halibut special is wonderful if you are looking to not have carbs and the rock fish special is divinity on a plate. But usually I go for a pasta dish. At present, I guess my new favorite is the cabonara. Try to save room for a dessert and their wonderful coffee.
Voula's was featured on one of those Dive Drive In whatever shows and is usually packed on the weekend. They have breakfast and lunch but I have breakfast always. Great hashbrowns and omelets. Just on the north side of Lake Union.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Voula's Offshore Cafe
658 NE Northlake WayVoula's was featured on one of those Dive Drive In whatever shows and is usually packed on the weekend. They have breakfast and lunch but I have breakfast always. Great hashbrowns and omelets. Just on the north side of Lake Union.
Elegant fine dining. Fabulous steakhouse. Not easy on the pocketbook but mmmm.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Gaucho
2200 Western AveElegant fine dining. Fabulous steakhouse. Not easy on the pocketbook but mmmm.
My favorite fine dining place. Exquisite service, food and drinks. The staff know what you need before you do. Go for Happy Hour if nothing else. Believe there is a dress code.
129 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Canlis
2576 Aurora Ave NMy favorite fine dining place. Exquisite service, food and drinks. The staff know what you need before you do. Go for Happy Hour if nothing else. Believe there is a dress code.
Right across from Benaroya Hall is Wild Ginger which features Asian food from the eastern Pacific Rim (China to Indonesia, Malaysia to Vietnam). Very tasty food.
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wild Ginger
1401 3rd AveRight across from Benaroya Hall is Wild Ginger which features Asian food from the eastern Pacific Rim (China to Indonesia, Malaysia to Vietnam). Very tasty food.
Best. Yoghurt. Ever.
Have had the mango a few times and today had the lemon cheesecake. mmm. It's just a short walk away.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt
5707 Airport Way SBest. Yoghurt. Ever.
Have had the mango a few times and today had the lemon cheesecake. mmm. It's just a short walk away.
Weekends open non-stop. Breakfast anytime. 7-9 on Monday - Friday there are $7 breakfast specials.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Lucky Diner
2630 1st AvenueWeekends open non-stop. Breakfast anytime. 7-9 on Monday - Friday there are $7 breakfast specials.
Go work up an appetite kayaking or paddleboarding in Portage Bay, Lake Union or the Arboretum (Arboretum the best) then go to Agua Verde for Mexican food and a margarita.
168 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Agua Verde Paddle Club
1307 NE Boat StGo work up an appetite kayaking or paddleboarding in Portage Bay, Lake Union or the Arboretum (Arboretum the best) then go to Agua Verde for Mexican food and a margarita.
Parks & Nature
Green Lake Park is a Olmsted Brother's park now in a dense urban neighborhood. Given to the City of Seattle in 1905, It's walking/running/bikers/skaters trail is nearly 3 miles long. It is a preserve for hundreds of species and plants as well as birds and waterfowl. Surrounding the lake and the track, there are basketball courts, boat rental facility (paddle boats, row boats kind of thing), tennis court, beach, woods, soccer, baseball and a pitch and putt 9 hole par-3 course. The mist on the lake in the morning is ethereal. I am not sure I would swim in it though they have a guarded beach. Nearby are plenty of restaurants nearby and it is on a major bus line and near the zoo. Good for picnics!
624 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Green Lake
Green Lake Park is a Olmsted Brother's park now in a dense urban neighborhood. Given to the City of Seattle in 1905, It's walking/running/bikers/skaters trail is nearly 3 miles long. It is a preserve for hundreds of species and plants as well as birds and waterfowl. Surrounding the lake and the track, there are basketball courts, boat rental facility (paddle boats, row boats kind of thing), tennis court, beach, woods, soccer, baseball and a pitch and putt 9 hole par-3 course. The mist on the lake in the morning is ethereal. I am not sure I would swim in it though they have a guarded beach. Nearby are plenty of restaurants nearby and it is on a major bus line and near the zoo. Good for picnics!
The 300 acres of Seward Park has about a 120 acre surviving remnant of old growth forest, providing a glimpse of what some of the lake shore looked like before the growth of the city of Seattle. With trees older than 250 years, Seward Park is like no other forest within the city limits. The trails wander through towering softwoods, mostly Douglas firs, but with other species present as well, including Western hemlock, Pacific madrona and Alaskan cedar. Walk through the woods, along the water it is a great spot.
477 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seward Park
5900 Lake Washington Blvd SThe 300 acres of Seward Park has about a 120 acre surviving remnant of old growth forest, providing a glimpse of what some of the lake shore looked like before the growth of the city of Seattle. With trees older than 250 years, Seward Park is like no other forest within the city limits. The trails wander through towering softwoods, mostly Douglas firs, but with other species present as well, including Western hemlock, Pacific madrona and Alaskan cedar. Walk through the woods, along the water it is a great spot.
Adjacent to the Westlake Shopping Center is Westlake Park. I often go by on the way home and I see people of all persuasions playing chess, ping pong, badminton, corn hole often with live music. Surrounded by shops and restaurants in the Central Business District.
190 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Westlake Center
Pine StreetAdjacent to the Westlake Shopping Center is Westlake Park. I often go by on the way home and I see people of all persuasions playing chess, ping pong, badminton, corn hole often with live music. Surrounded by shops and restaurants in the Central Business District.
Overlooking the Sound the sculpture park is in a fabulous location. As to the art, they say it is in the eye of the beholder but the views are killer. Also adjacent to the Myrtle Edwards Park. Great walk, even better views.
653 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de Esculturas Olímpicas
2901 Western AveOverlooking the Sound the sculpture park is in a fabulous location. As to the art, they say it is in the eye of the beholder but the views are killer. Also adjacent to the Myrtle Edwards Park. Great walk, even better views.
Sightseeing
This entry says "Tower Club" which is not open to the public but a very very nice private club with views to the end of the Earth.(And ladies, if you ever get in you have to check out the Ladies Room.)
However, for those of you, like me, who do not belong to the Tower Club or one of their reciprocating private clubs elsewhere, the 73rd floor has the best view in Seattle.
Dwarfing the Space Needle (which I love dearly) you can see the curvature of the Earth and see the waterways and mountains on sunny days. Mount Rainier, (South) Mt. Baker (North) the Olympics (to the West) and the Cascades (to the East). Even on the more grey days it is cool to see the cars smaller than Matchboxes on the city streets, highways etc. It costs $15 admission. Inside there are light meals as well as beer and wine. Walk home from here through the Pike Place Market.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Columbia Tower Club
701 5th AveThis entry says "Tower Club" which is not open to the public but a very very nice private club with views to the end of the Earth.(And ladies, if you ever get in you have to check out the Ladies Room.)
However, for those of you, like me, who do not belong to the Tower Club or one of their reciprocating private clubs elsewhere, the 73rd floor has the best view in Seattle.
Dwarfing the Space Needle (which I love dearly) you can see the curvature of the Earth and see the waterways and mountains on sunny days. Mount Rainier, (South) Mt. Baker (North) the Olympics (to the West) and the Cascades (to the East). Even on the more grey days it is cool to see the cars smaller than Matchboxes on the city streets, highways etc. It costs $15 admission. Inside there are light meals as well as beer and wine. Walk home from here through the Pike Place Market.
The Space Needle is one of many destinations at the Seattle Center. It is open from 8am to 12am.
1748 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Aguja Espacial
400 Broad StThe Space Needle is one of many destinations at the Seattle Center. It is open from 8am to 12am.
Totally tourist but fun local history of Seattle set in, and below, historic Pioneer Square.
285 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
614 1st AveTotally tourist but fun local history of Seattle set in, and below, historic Pioneer Square.
Essentials
Hopefully you will never need it but should you need to seek medical care (beyond 911/emergency room type stuff of course) you can make appointments online. The medical staff has always been great when I needed urgent care and I do like the ease of making an appointment without waiting for them to open.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
ZOOM+Care
4555 Stone Way NHopefully you will never need it but should you need to seek medical care (beyond 911/emergency room type stuff of course) you can make appointments online. The medical staff has always been great when I needed urgent care and I do like the ease of making an appointment without waiting for them to open.
A small step up from a convenience store, Dan's has a variety of items from canned goods to produce, milk products, beer, hygiene, munchies, etc. Not inexpensive but not the most expensive either. An FYI, there is often a panhandler nearby. Do not feel obliged ever.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dan's Belltown Grocery
2221 3rd AveA small step up from a convenience store, Dan's has a variety of items from canned goods to produce, milk products, beer, hygiene, munchies, etc. Not inexpensive but not the most expensive either. An FYI, there is often a panhandler nearby. Do not feel obliged ever.
Shopping
Target. Groceries, clothes, electronics. But usually I Amazon.
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Target
1401 2nd AveTarget. Groceries, clothes, electronics. But usually I Amazon.
Herban Legends Pot Shop
55 Bell StClosest recreational store. Cool old electronics on display.
Entertainment & Activities
The Seahawks and Sounds play here. Gets to be quite the rockin' stadium that is for sure. During the Seahawks games you can feel the sound in your bones I swear.
386 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Estadio Lumen
800 Occidental Ave SThe Seahawks and Sounds play here. Gets to be quite the rockin' stadium that is for sure. During the Seahawks games you can feel the sound in your bones I swear.
A beautiful baseball park, Safeco is home to the Mariners. (Farm team for the NYY seemingly.) Walk home through Pioneer Square and the Pike Place Market.
300 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
T-Mobile Park
1250 1st Ave SA beautiful baseball park, Safeco is home to the Mariners. (Farm team for the NYY seemingly.) Walk home through Pioneer Square and the Pike Place Market.
Kayak to the Arboretum it is an excellent outing. Going through the cut can be a bit intimidating when you are riding out the wakes of zillion dollar yachts and other various boats. Just make sure to stay close to the side. Go under the 520 bridge (I think it is cool although the website lists it as a "con". One day while cutting under the bridge, a huge blue heron with a massive wingspan cut right in front of my bow. It was amazing. Then kayaking through the various waterways amongst the lily pads and rushes and trees. Highly worth spending a few hours on this.
313 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens
2300 Arboretum Dr EKayak to the Arboretum it is an excellent outing. Going through the cut can be a bit intimidating when you are riding out the wakes of zillion dollar yachts and other various boats. Just make sure to stay close to the side. Go under the 520 bridge (I think it is cool although the website lists it as a "con". One day while cutting under the bridge, a huge blue heron with a massive wingspan cut right in front of my bow. It was amazing. Then kayaking through the various waterways amongst the lily pads and rushes and trees. Highly worth spending a few hours on this.
Arts & Culture
Located on 5th under the Monorail, you can wander in and watch glassblowing and gape at the beautiful pieces that adorn walls and display cases. They have "Blow your own glass" opportunities so if you time it correctly you can blow glass in Seattle! (It take time for the pieces to cool down to take them home is all, the classes are short in duration) FYI Just down the street from the Chihully Glass Museum.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seattle Glassblowing Studio
2227 5th AveLocated on 5th under the Monorail, you can wander in and watch glassblowing and gape at the beautiful pieces that adorn walls and display cases. They have "Blow your own glass" opportunities so if you time it correctly you can blow glass in Seattle! (It take time for the pieces to cool down to take them home is all, the classes are short in duration) FYI Just down the street from the Chihully Glass Museum.
The Seattle Symphony plays at Benaroya Hall. Not a bad seat in the house. Their Untuxed series have ended until the fall but if you get antsy sometimes they are about an hour and a quarter and it is casual attire for both the audience and the symphony. Classical music is one of those things that depend on your tastes in music, for example I love the Russian composers but not keen on Bach so as a visitor it would be hit and miss I suppose. (But if you get bored you can always estimate how many seats are in the hall and see how close you get (answer on the website) OR my favorite I-dont-care-for-this-composer activity - figure out how I would escape come the zombie apocalypse and who would be zombie fodder or a good got your back compadre. Shhh, our secret, I am sure my friend who takes me often doesn't know THAT!
100 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Benaroya Hall
200 University StThe Seattle Symphony plays at Benaroya Hall. Not a bad seat in the house. Their Untuxed series have ended until the fall but if you get antsy sometimes they are about an hour and a quarter and it is casual attire for both the audience and the symphony. Classical music is one of those things that depend on your tastes in music, for example I love the Russian composers but not keen on Bach so as a visitor it would be hit and miss I suppose. (But if you get bored you can always estimate how many seats are in the hall and see how close you get (answer on the website) OR my favorite I-dont-care-for-this-composer activity - figure out how I would escape come the zombie apocalypse and who would be zombie fodder or a good got your back compadre. Shhh, our secret, I am sure my friend who takes me often doesn't know THAT!
First Thursdays free to all with special exhibits being half price.
1072 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seattle Selfie Museum
92 Union StFirst Thursdays free to all with special exhibits being half price.