Before booking a flight to Seattle, my knowledge of the Seattle food scene stopped at it being the motherland of Starbucks Coffee. Needless to say, I had high hopes for my daily caffeine kick but did not know what Seattle food had to offer. I expected to go there and try the best iced coffee I’d ever had and be done. Instead, I landed on a bunch of other gems. From brunch to happy hour and all the way to dinner and dessert, Seattle made its way to the top half of my list for culinary experiences. It’s a fun, quirky city filled with mom and pop shops and little restaurants that cater to the part of me who travels to find the best local food.
Breakfast/Brunch
The Wandering Goose, 403 15th Ave Seattle, WA 98112
Price: $$
The Wandering Goose popped out at me when I saw fried chicken and biscuits. Two things that win my heart at brunch, aside from a perfectly made mimosa. The restaurant runs a little differently than most. There is no full waiter service. The idea is that tables run on etiquette. You stand in line to place your order and only afterwards can you seat yourself at a table. I noticed that self-bussing options was common among the Seattle food industry. When you’re inside the restaurant, having a center view of all the plates might make it easy for you to take your pick. Contrary, everything will look delicious enough to make you spend twenty minutes picking between a simple biscuit with chicken or a full meal packed with macaroni and cheese and collard greens.
Lunch
CTO, 9809 16th Ave SW White Center, WA 98106
Price: $$
It’s safe to say, I’ve never had healthy Chinese food and hardly knew it existed. But at CTO, there’s gluten free fried rice and wheat noodles that won’t make you feel heavy afterwards. The general tso was much spicier than I expected, but I’m a sucker for quality broccoli and the sauce, is divine. You can release previous notions about Chinese take out at the door, CTO attempts to change your mind about how you enjoy Chinese.
Unfortunately, they have closed since our last visit. However, they are still under the same management and re-opening as Southside Pizza which is the perfect pairing to their neighbors, Beer Star.
Drinks/Happy Hour
Beer Star, 9801 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Price: $
If you have a dog, or maybe a few kids, they’re welcome at Beer Star. In fact, everyone is welcome as the place is draped with tons of communal seating perfect for making new friends or enjoying a flight with a group of friends at the bar. Their digital pour board includes over 30 beers, which are separated by type and the bartenders love sharing the history of local beers available. In addition to beer, they serve a few wines as well. It’s also easy to keep track of what’s popular as the interactive kegs on the board begin to decrease as they’re ordered.
The perfect thing about getting a flight here was that the staff was so helpful getting to know what you’re into and what you’re open to trying. Flight can be shared with another person, or solo and it’s the easiest way to decide on what you’d like a glass of when you can’t pick just one beer.
Fremont Brewing Company, 1050 N. 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Price: $
If you’re a beer drinker or even a novice looking to learn more about what you like, The Fremont Brewery is a fun and comfortable space to swing by for drinks. It has a friendly vibe with a variety of beers to choose from and great servers who’ll help you narrow down your choices. You’ll find yourself mixed in with a lot of locals and some pets too because the Brewery is dog-friendly. They offer complimentary alcohol-free beverages for children and pregnant women as well as apples and pretzels for all guests.
Dinner
Buddha Ruska, 3520 SW Genesee St, Seattle, WA 98126
Price: $$
A casual space in West Seattle serves up classic Thai cuisine matched with quality servers who know the menu like the back of their hands. Classic curries and noodle dishes are on the menu but you’ll also be introduced to what patrons have termed “crack chicken.” It’s crunchy fried chicken with garlic and one of the most popular dishes on the menu. Buddha Ruska also provides a nice drink menu filled with delicious cocktails and wine.
Dessert
General Porpoise Donuts, 98109, 1020 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122
Price: $$
With so many coffee shops popping up downtown, you need something to pair with your Americano; what better treat than donuts? General Porpoise Donuts are fluffy clouds of dough filled with decadent custards, jellies, or yogurts, depending on your preference. Seattle restaurateur, Renee Erickson has been sprinkling bits of food magic around the city for years and this one will pull on the heart strings of those with a sweet tooth.
Molly Moons, 917 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122
Price: $
In any city you visit, it would be a crime not to go looking for the desired ice cream of the town. In Seattle, you’ll find most head to Molly Moons. With flavors like Earl Grey and Yeti, your curiosity can’t help but to get the best of you. Considering this is coffee town, I opted for the Stumptown Coffee flavor. This flavor uses locally roasted Stumptown Coffee beans for an ice cream that makes you want to dance.
