Originally, there were only going to be four parts to this series, but...Kermit? Sure, Kermit. Kermit suggested a fifth part intended for the out-of-town tourist. When people come by looking for information on Safeco, they generally aren't doing so as a Seattle native. They're coming in from somewhere else on a trip, and these people will often ask for ideas of other things to do in the area when they're not at a baseball game.
So this is a thread for that. In this thread, we discuss things to do in and around the city of Seattle. Um. Go nuts.
0 recs | 130 comments
On Second and Bell is one of my favorite spots in Seattle.
Tula’s Jazz Club. The food is a touch pricey, but the entertainment is always excellent. Sunday nights features the Jim Cutler Orchestra and occasionally the Jazz Police.
It’s open for everyone until 10PM. After that it’s 21-and-over.
BrianL - April 27, 2010
.
Museums
Seattle Asian Art Museum – www.seattleartmuseum.org
Burke at UW
Museum of Flight – www.museumofflight.org
Pacific Science Center – www.pacsci.org
Shopping
High end stuffs
Blackbird – www.blackbirdballard.com
Ian
w00tah - April 27, 2010
And while you're in Ballard
If you like awesome burgers, you have to try Lunchbox Laboratory. You won’t find a better burger anywhere.
ToddK - April 27, 2010
Red Mill is good too.
I thought Lunchbox Lab was over hyped.
w00tah - April 27, 2010
I never got any hyperbole about the place at all.
I heard about it, tried it and now I go at least twice a month.
ToddK - April 27, 2010
I agree.
I was excited to try it but was disappointed at the bang for your buck. It was great, but I could have gotten great twice at Red Mill, and all without the loads of pepper in the hamburger.
Double06 - April 27, 2010
Also, for $5 I would have liked a milkshake at least twice the size I got.
Although it might have been the best milkshake I’ve ever had.
Double06 - April 27, 2010
I'd rather go to Paseo
Paseo is way better than either Red Mill or Lunchbox Lab
While Paseo isn’t burgers, I feel it’s a way better value in terms of pure and utter deliciousness for the price.
Paseo makes really good “Cuban” sandwiches. For roughly 7-8 dollars, you get a nice crusty baguette, filled with meat goodness, garlic aioil, caramelized onions etc…
While I think Lunchbox Lab is good, it’s hard to justify the price. I am a food snob, but it’s hard to justify the cost of Lunchbox Lab to the average person.
Red Mill is solid, but nothing mind blowing.
oscartehgrouch - April 27, 2010
I will second Paseo, and I'm certain someone else will third it.
Double06 - April 27, 2010
Yup.
Right here.
katal - April 27, 2010
Paseo is awesome
4thed
timelas - April 27, 2010
The Pacific Science Center is pretty sucky.
I think we had this debate in an OFFTOP a month or so ago.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
The Sci Fi Museum in the area is great though.
For those of us who tread on the geek side of the force that is.
ExiledToSoCal - April 27, 2010
I think I'm a geek.
And I was a little insulted by it. There wasn’t really any coherence to the exhibits, it was more just Paul Allen showing off his collection – and I didn’t think any of the items were THAT impressive.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
Eh, everyone has different tastes.
I’m really not a museum guy to be honest – but the only other one that I liked more than the Sci Fi one was the Air and Space hanger out at Dulles Airport in the DC area. I could spend days in that place.
At least we can agree on In-n-Out!
ExiledToSoCal - April 27, 2010
Don't forget the Microsoft Museum in Redmond
Not sure, but I think it’s free; might need reservation?
floydr - April 27, 2010
I liked it as a kid.
But thats not saying much.
w00tah - April 27, 2010
Wooden Boat Center
On Lake Union at the south end; displays and work shop. Also the Virginia V steam vessel; Kayak rentals to explore the lake and the houseboats on it.
floydr - April 27, 2010
Can't miss the Bubbleator
the Kurt Cobain Grunge Memorial, the Fun Forest at night, the Monorail, and Key Arena to watch the Sonics.
Olympic Sculpture Park, the Underground tour, the Public Library and having dessert at the rotating top of the Space Needle are cool too.
lemonverbena - April 27, 2010
Is the Sonics line a joke?
Sec 108 - April 27, 2010
As is the Fun Forest at night.
BrianL - April 27, 2010
The Monorail still exists though.
Kirsten Schlewitz - April 27, 2010
And the Bubbleator has been gone for years.
ToddK - April 27, 2010
evedryone3 in this subthread except Kirsten and possibly 108 gets a whoosh
pdb - April 27, 2010
No, I deserve one too...I think.
Sec 108 - April 27, 2010
Alki Beach is a good place to go during the summer.
forte40 - April 27, 2010
Salty's!
w00tah - April 27, 2010
Is Pegasus Pizza still around?
They used to have this fantastic one with shredded pepperoni and a ton of stuff on it. House special? Tom’s special? Something like that.
ExiledToSoCal - April 27, 2010
Yes it is.
I had it just the other night and it was great.
Kirk - April 27, 2010
Brunch at Salty's on Saturdays and Sundays is amazing if you can afford it.
theslothking - April 27, 2010
Yes.
I recommend renting a bike and going for a stroll along the beach.
melenious - April 27, 2010
Ummm, I have a least met you now so I feel I can poke fun,
but stroll after renting a bike?
Sec 108 - April 27, 2010
This would be a great time for me to use an excuse about English being my second language but no.
I was born in Tacoma. :( You got me there.
melenious - April 27, 2010
In retrospect I realized maybe you do not know how to ride a bike so you just rent it and
walk the beach pushing the bike. I apologize for my insensitive comment and offer you Kermit’s service to teach you how to ride a bike. Now when people say it is as easy as riding a bike you will no longer feel left out.
Sec 108 - April 28, 2010
Take a ferry.
But don’t linger on Bainbridge. Just enjoy the ferry ride.
Walk Pike Place Market and have lunch at one of the little food shops on the street across from the market.
Have coffee at someplace other than Starbucks (I prefer Cafe Ladro and Cafe Vita)
Go to a brewery (Two Beers, Pike Brewing, Elliott Bay Brewery, Elysian, etc)
Kirsten Schlewitz - April 27, 2010
Second the ferry ride idea.
Not a bad idea to bring a deck of cards along, but if you just want to check out the views, that won’t let you down.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
And/or the boat to Blake island.
It’s a pretty cool with the Native American culture/food expo they do.
ToddK - April 27, 2010
Agreed. Islands are ok but the ferry ride back to Seattle at night time is the best view of the city.
Edgar for Pres - April 27, 2010
Especially at sunset.
ToddK - April 27, 2010
Get in my belly
Food
- Beechers Cheese – mac n cheese, tomato soup, breadzle
- Cafe Presse for hipster-inspired French food
- Ivar’s Sunday buffet (not as good as Salty’s, but close; also cheaper)
Coffee
- Stumptown
- Starbucks – the original (don’t go inside, simply get your pic taken in front of the sign for your awesome Facebook page)
Beer
- Pike
- Pyramid lot for M’s pregame
Sweets
- Top Pot, Downtown – get 1 original Old Fashioned and 1 crazy SOB donut
- Trophy’s in Wallingford
bamassippi - April 27, 2010
Cupcake debate time!
I’ve not actually tried Trophy’s, but I want to recommend Cupcake Royale. Though I know they have their detractors (for some reason), I really love their Carrot Cake, Kate, and Mofro cupcakes. The lavender and red velvet cupcakes have been hits with my friends as well. Plus, I really really really like the coffee there (Cafe Verite) – I think they make the best mochas in town.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
I'll second this. Cupcake Royale is amazing.
drblacknwhite - April 27, 2010
I'm a fan of Trophy
Royale is tasty but I like the Trophy’s frosting. Try their red velvet and the hummingbird.
melenious - April 27, 2010
I am indifferent to Cupcake Royale.
They’re good, sure, but nothing especially unique about their various offerings.
harkening - April 27, 2010
Ivar's happy hour is pretty good too
Edgar for Pres - April 27, 2010
Copied and pasted
Built off of Aaron’s sentiment here which I agree with.
See Seattle Take One:
In Pioneer Square, see all the various art galleries and eateries. Eat at Salumi. See the stadia. Then walk west to the water and pier 46 (container port). Walk all along the waterfront until you get to the end of Myrtle Edwards. See the ferry ports (underrated Seattle aspect*), the Ivar’s**, skip the Aquarium***, and there are some fantastic views along Myrtle Edwards.
^ Want to take one? I recommend skipping the big ferries and taking the West Seattle water taxi. It’s an easy walk/bike/jog/blade from the West Seattle dock to Alki and back.
^ Don’t actually feel the need to eat at the Ivar’s, just see it
^^ Every coastal city has one and ours sucks
Take 2:
Walk along the international district from roughly 12th and jackson down to Pioneer Square. Explore side streets. Do the Underground tour.
Take 3:
See Seattle Center, walk around (don’t go up the Space Needle). Take the monorail to Westlake and then walk west to Pike Place Market and explore the market.
Take 4:
Go to UW, walk around campus then head across the bridge to MOHAI (best Seattle museum), and then to the arboretum and/or Volunteer Park. See Millionaire’s Row if you do the latter.
Take 5:
Discovery Park and the Ballard Locks, plus walk around Ballard. Optionally head to Fremont and see some of the public art (the troll, Lenin, the rocket, etc) here. Eat at Paseo if you do.
Take 6: Greenlake and the zoo. There’s a Dick’s and a Red Mill nearby for Seattle hamburgers and Aurora Ave on the west side of the lake is home to a great strip of bars, including Seattle’s best, Uber Tavern.
And whatever you do, don’t bring an umbrella.
Matthew - April 27, 2010
Discovery park is very nice. I have seen things like bald eagles multiple times.
Edgar for Pres - April 27, 2010
I still recommend people consider the Space Needle at night
The restaurant, not the observation deck. Dinner is overpriced and there’s a $25 minimum. But if a visitor has the time or only gets to Seattle once, the top of the needle is pretty memorable. Not too many world landmarks have a rotating dining room that takes in the whole city view in an hour (the bar in the center does not rotate).
lemonverbena - April 27, 2010
Never eaten there, but it got a dreadful review a couple of weeks ago from a local paper.
waldo rojas - April 27, 2010
Yeah, The Stranger really tore them a new one.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
I try not to get my restaurant reviews from a paper that allows me to pick and choose tranny escorts...
or listen to Dan Savage talk about fisting. That being said, I was there once for Sunday brunch. It was tasty.
RustyJohn - April 27, 2010
Let's not credit The Stranger with "paper" status.
harkening - April 27, 2010
It is in fact made of paper
that’s as much credit as I’ll give it.
pdb - April 27, 2010
Their food criticism is good
Aaron Campeau - April 27, 2010
You definitely can't go expecting a great meal or service
It’s all about the view and the novelty of being up in the needle.
lemonverbena - April 27, 2010
Columbia Center Observation deck is cheaper than the Needle
It’s only $5 to go to the 73rd floor ob deck.
floydr - April 27, 2010
I'm disappointed to find you're the only person to have mentioned Salumi so far.
It is, in my mind, the best cheap eat in Seattle.
katal - April 27, 2010
I still haven't been.
Places that are only open for lunch on weekdays make me :(
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
I had to plan an entire discretionary day from work around Salumi's, in order to finally try it.
The trick is to get there well before it opens. You’ll have to wait, but it beats waiting around 1 or 2pm, when you’re much hungrier and not entirely certain that they won’t be sold out of what you want by the time you order.
katal - April 27, 2010
Yes, but I am an ass and prefer not tell people about it.
Not like they are lacking for business.
Sec 108 - April 27, 2010
I got into a debate with people in CA down here about using umbrellas
I never use one (along with most people in the NW). I think they are annoying, don’t work that well and are clumsy and unneeded. Everybody and their mother carries an umbrella around here. I don’t think they were convinced that using umbrellas was not worth it.
Edgar for Pres - April 27, 2010
Umbrellas are for wimps and tourists.
harkening - April 27, 2010
Umbrellas are not necessary in Seattle
After moving to Chicago, I learned that it never rains in Seattle, it just drizzles. One rainstorm in Chicago taught me that sometimes umbrellas are necessary.
Chimarinersfan - April 28, 2010
I would say that the red chowder at Ivar's is quite good and it's nice to sit on the back deck and watch the boats/seagulls
Aaron Campeau - April 27, 2010
I don't mind their food at all, but there's better everything in the Pike market
including Pike Place Chowder, which is the best everything ever
Matthew - April 27, 2010
My trip of awesomeness 2009:
Day 1: Olympic Peninsula, entire 101 loop. (skip Port Angeles if possible)
Day 2: (Friday)
-Ferry from Bremerton to Seattle
-Zeitgeist Coffee
-Pikes Place
-Space Needle/EMC/SciFi Museum (touristy stuff)
-University District
-M’s Game! (W over Baltimore, Griffey goes Bombo.)
Unfortunately I didn’t get to go to Neumo’s. There was an undergound hip-hop group playing, and I wasn’t going to go unless it was indie rock or grunge. I’ll be returning from the Bay Area in July, hopefully will get to see something at Neumo’s.
Bballpitcher2 - April 27, 2010
Surprise nobody has called out "Pikes Place" yet.
And Neumo’s is a good venue, but I don’t see why it’s a destination, really. I like Neumo’s, but I prefer the Showbox at the Market, or the Triple Door (though artists I prefer rarely play there).
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
Other venues I'd recommend:
The Crocodile (yes I like the renovation, shut up)
Chop Suey
The Sunset
The Tractor
The Moore Theater
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
Cool, thanks.
I’ll check those out before my next trip up.
Bballpitcher2 - April 27, 2010
You like Chop Suey?!
They might have the worst sound techs of any venue I have been to in my life. Every show I have been to there has been borderline unbearable due to the overly high treble in the mix.
Kirk - April 27, 2010
I guess I don't have an ear for that sort of thing.
I’ve seen Awesome, Harvey Danger, and Styrofoam there and had a blast at each show. Never noticed anything about the sound quality. They can get some decent acts for such a small/intimate venue.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
They're hit-or-miss on the sound.
It depends entirely on the engineer.
Aaron Campeau - April 27, 2010
Pedantry alert!
It’s Pike Place. Not Pikes, not Pike’s. Pike.
I don’t know why, but that one always pisses me off.
pdb - April 27, 2010
That one bugs me too.
I try to gently remind them that it is a market at the end of Pike street. It tends to help some and confuse others.
ToddK - April 27, 2010
No.
It is a market the runs along Pike Place.
Matthew - April 27, 2010
Pike Place is the termination of Pike Street.
harkening - April 27, 2010
Pike Place is an actual street.
Matthew - April 27, 2010
Yes, it is.
When I said “Pike Place is the termination of Pike Street”, I wasn’t saying the Market is Pike Street’s end. I was referring to the street Pike Place being the end of Pike Street, which it is. Pike Street runs east-west, and then turns north-south for about three blocks before terminating at Virginia. That three-block termination stretch is Pike Place. It is the natural westernmost terminus for Pike Street.
harkening - April 27, 2010
Also, I actually did mention it.
Matthew - April 27, 2010
My comment was pointing out the misspelling in bball's comment.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
Ah. I didn't bother to read the original reply.
Matthew - April 27, 2010
My comment was pointing out the misspelling in bball's comment.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
God, stupid mobiLLe.
I can’t tell who’s replying to who, and what buttons to push. I am bad at this.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
Dicks
burgers and fries
E2ESQUARE - April 27, 2010
Overrated.
If you want a basic Seattle burger, Red Mill is better. And then there are even better high-end options.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
With Dick's burgers, it's more about the experience, I think.
They aren’t the best burgers around, but Seattleites love the place(s).
ToddK - April 27, 2010
Yeah, and I get that I'm not a local.
But I wish people would get over it. The only time I’d recommend it is on a Friday/Saturday night after midnight, but that’s more for the crowds/experience than the food.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
Er, I meant native instead of local.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
I think Dick's is delicious and you can't get a better cheeseburger and fries for the price and fast service.
I don’t eat out a lot because my wife makes delicious meals nearly every night, but Dick’s is one of our mainstays.
It’s also a good bit of Americana for out-of-country-ers.
lailaihei - April 27, 2010
In-n-out, In-n-out
That’s what a hamburger’s all about!
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
I prefer Dick's. In-n-out is just a generic burger and fries fast food place that's a little above average.
Dick’s is a unique flavor and experience.
When I eat and In-n-out I feel like “oh I should have probably just grilled up some burgers myself.”
lailaihei - April 27, 2010
In-N-Out is swell.
But it’s a multi-state chain and has cookie cutter food. The only bonus they have is GRILLED ONIONS.
Too bad they don’t have bacon, then they’d have the perfect burger.
harkening - April 27, 2010
Dicks is about the value
Dicks is one of the greatest places on the planet because of its value. Red Mill will always have the better burger, but you cant get 5 burgers and 3 fries for something like $12
E2ESQUARE - April 27, 2010
I guess I'm spoiled though
Because if it’s about value, In-N-Out gives you a burger with fresh ingredients, and lets you customize your order for the same price (or cheaper) as Dick’s. And you can get refills on the drinks. And have indoor seating (the QA Dick’s has seating, yes, but it’s always dirty inside).
I guess I just want In-N-Out to open up here and put Dick’s out of business.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
Heretic!
Burn him at the stake.
ToddK - April 27, 2010
No he's right.
Dick’s is way overrated.
Kirk - April 27, 2010
Dick's is way overrated.
But In-N-Out could never, and should never, put Dick’s out of business. Because In-N-Out is overrated, too.
harkening - April 27, 2010
Better than Dick's though!
BrettJMiller - May 10, 2010
Dick's : Seattle as In n' Out : Californians
Edgar for Pres - April 27, 2010
In-n-out is objectively better.
The only thing that Dick’s might be better at is the fries.
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
Really? Objectively better?
Maybe better at subtle religious indoctrination, but not at providing me meaty, special sauce goodness.
Every time I come home, I have to eat at Dicks.
rbr07 - April 27, 2010
I'd say objectively better as well. It doesn't taste as...processed...as Dick's
Of course, that’s a subjective opinion. But I’m sure breaking each one down could declare In-N-Out the victor
BrettJMiller - May 10, 2010
I would say that In-n-out probably is slightly better.
Both places have not-to-spectacular fries in my opinion. Both places need to learn how to make a crispy french fry.
Edgar for Pres - April 27, 2010
Another place that has great fries,
is By’s on 4th ave S. just south of Lander. Their fish & chips is another Seattle institution.
ToddK - April 27, 2010
As someone who has lived in both California and Seattle
I think In-n-out and Dicks are both massively overrated, but Dicks is better.
Fuckmikereilly - April 27, 2010
This restaurant thread from a couple years ago was an oldie but a goodie:
Favorite restaurants in Seattle
Double06 - April 27, 2010
Get the hell out of Seattle
Go north to the San Juans and kayak with sealife, west across the sound to the Olympics (probably one of the most unappreciated national park), east to anywhere in the cascades or south to Mt Rainer or Mt. St Helens. Seattle is an awesome city but the area around Seattle is even better. (Depends on what you like to do on vacation though. I like outdoors stuff obviously)
Edgar for Pres - April 27, 2010
This might be a bit much for just a weekend trip
Eyebrows - April 27, 2010 via mobile
Yeah that is true. Well there isn't a good solution besides staying longer then.
Edgar for Pres - April 27, 2010
Agreed - you do generally need them to stay longer, but worth it
I am an Aussie with a young family, been here 2 1/2 years, so when we have guests it is usually for more than weekend. Had guests on 9 occasions or so with the average stay of about 10 days. So when a “small” stay, they want to see the things they have heard of in Seattle. When I get them for longer I take them San Juans, Olympic mountain ranges, all the other stuff, and they surprised at how beautiful Washington is as a whole. Yeah – but if only 3 days and never here before they want – Pike Place, maybe Boeing, Space Needle etc etc.
aussie_m's_fan - April 27, 2010
Yeah I feel like trying to show somebody what Seattle is in a weekend is just tough
and it is going to look like any other medium sized city out there with similar but different things. The northwest is an amazing place. Seattle is a very nice city that is in the northwest. That’s how I see it.
Edgar for Pres - April 27, 2010
Agreed.
Even just a short drive along I-90 to go for a hike isn’t too bad of a trek.
melenious - April 27, 2010
One of my favorites on the cheap tour of the Seattle area
Is hitting Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill. The Conservatory is pretty cool, but the view from the top of the water tower is hard to beat. It’s like the Space Needle without the food or absurd pricing.
Also, there is something relaxing about the locks in Ballard and the park that surrounds them.
ExiledToSoCal - April 27, 2010
And right next door is Lakeside Cemetary if you're a Bruce Lee fan
Another famous grave is Jimi Hendrix’s in Renton at the Greenwood Memorial Park
floydr - April 27, 2010
And Brandon Lee as well.
And most of the city founders of Seattle (Dennys, Yeslers, etc). It’s a fantastic old cemetery.
pdb - April 27, 2010
Bruce Lee?
Matthew - April 27, 2010
Yes.
And his son, Brandon. The Crow.
harkening - April 27, 2010
Brandon was buried next to Bruce after he died
pdb - April 27, 2010
Protip:
On the weekends only one staircase in the observatory is open and they don’t tell you the other is closed. And those are a lot of stairs.
Aaron Campeau - April 27, 2010
Anyone know of a good place to get chicken rice?
Hainanese chicken rice.
w00tah - April 27, 2010
Check out downtown Tacoma
You’ll absolutely love it!
Dewey N - April 27, 2010
Especially on a weekend...
it gives the authentic Old West experience of inaction and tumbleweeds rolling through the streets. Plus, you can look at glass. We Tacomaites did have light rail before the rest of you, so ha! We’ve been riding with stinky bums three years before you did.
RustyJohn - April 27, 2010
I'm not sure if this is sarcasm or seriousness.
Tacoma sucks.
harkening - April 27, 2010
It's Fogel.
Decatur - April 27, 2010
Fogel has been a member here two years longer than I have and has posted over 10x as many comments.
You guys know him; I don’t.
harkening - April 27, 2010
I never tell a lie
Dewey N - April 27, 2010
Horse shit
Aaron Campeau - April 27, 2010
For people looking for accomodation...
The hotel next to Safeco is pretty good, think it was a doubletree? The room rates aren’t the cheapest, but you can request a room with a view of Safeco, which is pretty neat if you are there for the first time and wish to savour the awesomeness of our ballpark.
EnglishMariner - April 27, 2010
Silver Cloud Inn?
The one across the street from the LF entrance.
Brian Floyd - April 27, 2010
Floating Bridges are cool - often really good views, too
I’d park on Mercer Island (on the lid on the west side) and walk the mile over and back.
The Evergreen Point bridge “is the longest freshwater floating bridge in the world” or some such thing – no walking, be sure to drive across at a non-rush-hour time.
floydr - April 27, 2010
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