Washington: Seattle dining

Overview

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Since there are so many yummy places to eat in the Emerald City, I thought I'd create a second journal just for discovering Seattle's culinary delights. Some are fine dining to impress a date whereas others are hole in the walls that might not hold as much charm to non-regulars. But at least you can no longer say you have no idea where to eat when visiting this great city.

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Dick's Drive Ins

Restaurant | "Dick's"

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More of an institution than a fabulous dining option, this Dick's drive-in restaurant is one of a number of locations throughout Seattle. Amazing cheap burgers and french fries to go are pretty much all that's offered, but you'll still find a line any time of the day for folks who need a greasy fries fix. Get lots of napkins before heading back to your car.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on December 13, 2000

Dick's Drive Ins
111 NE 45th St.
Seattle, Washington 98107
(206) 632-5125

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13 Coins

Restaurant | "Thirteen Coins"

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It looks like it belongs in the New York City of the 1970s, but Thirteen Coins is a long time favorite of Seattle, serving high quality meat and pasta dishes all hours of the day and night. The portions are huge and the food is always great. Most of the time you'll be seated in one of the huge comfortable chairs that face the counter, allowing you to watch the chefs prepare your meal before your eyes. Tables are also available for larger parties in dark alcoves that seem perfect for a scene from a gangster film. In fact, it's dark throughout all of Thirteen Coins with subdued golden light from above, creating a very sophisticated and romantic dining space. If you love fetticuni alfredo,...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 13, 2000

13 Coins
125 Boren Ave North
Seattle, Washington 98109
+1 206 682 2513

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Kidd Valley Hamburgers & Shakes

Restaurant | "Kidd Valley"

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This local charcoal-grilled hamburger chain has spread throughout the city and the east side of the lake since I was a kid and shows no sign of slowing down. Even though I gave up eating red meat a while ago I still stop by for their thick milkshakes, which are available in thirty or so flavors, including many that are fresh fruit. And I'm a sucker for their greasy onion rings.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on December 13, 2000

Kidd Valley Hamburgers & Shakes
4910 Green Lake Way N
Seattle, Washington 98103
(206) 547-0121

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Anthony’s HomePort Shilshole Bay

Restaurant | "Anthony's Homeport"

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Anthony's Homeport may have expanded to multiple locations throughout the Pacific Northwest, but they still feature the same high quality seafood dishes in a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere. I particularly like the mahi mahi steak, and all the sides that delicious and fattening sides that come with it. The wait staff is friendly and courteous, and the water views are magnificent if you can get a window seat.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on December 13, 2000

Anthony’s HomePort Shilshole Bay
6135 Seaview Avenue Northwest
Seattle, Washington 98107
(206) 783-0780

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Honey Bear Bakery Elysian Brewing Co.

Restaurant | "Honey Bear Bakery"

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I remember when this bakery first opened in the Green Lake area, just a block from my grandmother's home. In just a few years it has become hugely popular, with seating a near impossibility on weekend mornings. The Honey Bear Bakery serves up your standard breads and pastries, but it probably is most popular for its homey environment featuring lots of sunlight and comfy seating. After you down a couple of cinnamon rolls you can head over to the nearby lake and walk a few laps to burn it all off.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on December 13, 2000

Honey Bear Bakery Elysian Brewing Co.
2106 N. 55th St
Seattle, Washington 98103
(206) 547-5929

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B&O Espresso

Restaurant | "B&O Espresso"

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B&O Espresso is a great place for hanging out and eating fattening desserts. Located on Capitol Hill a few blocks below Broadway, it is full of interesting characters that blend in well with the bakery's eccentric design and character. While not a coffee drinker (which is pretty odd for a Swede from Seattle...), I'm always happy to visit this funky eatery that serves up cakes and pies that are consistently great. Be prepared to wait for a table later in the evening, when the place is buzzing.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 14, 2000

B&O Espresso
204 Belmont Ave E
Seattle, Washington

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Sit and Spin

Restaurant

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More of a place to hang out than dine, Sit and Spin is great for workaholic twentysomethings who need an outlet to let off some steam. Scattered throughout the cafe are all the board games and toys you remember from your childhood, waiting to be picked up and put to good use.

Try a pita sandwich with a game of Chutes and Ladders, or sip a mochachino to steady your hand at Operation! Completely corny, but everyone always has a good time. The food is okay, but I'd come for late night drinks and fun. They also have a laundromat next door, making it an all-in-one weeknight activity / pick-up joint.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on December 14, 2000

Sit and Spin
2219 Fourth Ave
Seattle, Washington
(206) 441-9484

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Cucina Italian Cafe

Restaurant | "Cucina! Cucina!"

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Yes, it's a chain. But the food at Cucina! Cucina! is consistently good, and the waitstaff are generally polite and quick. Families will like taking their kids, as they can draw all over the tabletops with crayons and the desserts are pretty good. There's nothing particularly daring about their pasta and meat dishes, but I'm always happy when I stop in for lunch or dinner. I really like their barbeque chicken pizza, but can't figure out why everyone besides me is crazy about cilantro.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on December 14, 2000

Cucina Italian Cafe
901 Fairview Avenue Northwest
Seattle, Washington 98109
(206) 447-2782

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Olympia Pizza and Spaghetti House

Restaurant

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This Seattle institution may sound kind of unexciting but it regularly draws crowds that line up out the door. The pizzas are chewy and made with delicious cheese, while the salads are much more exciting and varied than you'd expect from a family pizza joint. There's not much to elaborate on here, but if you like pizza this is the place to make a beeline for.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 25, 2001

Olympia Pizza and Spaghetti House
516 15th Ave East
Seattle, Washington 98112
+1 206 329 4500

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Kingfish Cafe

Restaurant

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The Kingfish Cafe serves up excellent Southern dishes that can't be beat in the Seattle area. I had the wonderful macaroni and cheese plate, which was a baked slice of cheesy heaven. My father tried the chicken pot pie, which was even more delicious. Thick and ceamy, it was flavored with some unusual spices that kept me reaching over to his plate for more sampling.

With Al Green's Greatest Hits providing the soundtrack, eating at the Kingfish Cafe was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. The crowds waiting to be fed grew as our meal wore on, so you might want to time your visit to less busy periods.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 25, 2001

Kingfish Cafe
602 19th Ave East
Seattle, Washington 98112
+1 206 320 8757

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Five Spot Restaurant

Restaurant | "Five Spot"

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The mightily popular Five Spot isn't a culinary find, but the fun food served in generous portions make it a repeat visit restaurant for almost anyone who walks through the door. Thieir always-changing menu reflects roadside diner fare from different corners of the USA, with different regions getting their due on each visit to the Five Spot. I liked the beignets served in a brown bag and the mason jars of tap water. It's not fancy but a lot of fun. Be warned: there can be seizeable lines on the weekend for brunch.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on March 25, 2002

Five Spot Restaurant
1502 Queen Anne Ave N
Seattle, Washington 98109
(206) 285-7768

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Peso's Taco Lounge

Restaurant | "Pesos"

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More authentic than your standard Mexican restuarant, Pesos serves up some unusual and potentially spicy fare for the conservative (read: Scandinavian) palates of the Northwest. I particularly liked the carnitas, which is pork stewed in with garlic, oranges, peppers and other mysterious ingrediants. It sounded like a strange mixture, but upon the server's urging I gave it a try.My friends stuck with more familiar Mexican entrees but were satisfied with the spicy results. Top shelf margaritas, of course, always make the consumption of Mexican cuisine a fun experience.The decor is a little wild, suggesting more of a party atmosphere than a pleasant sit down joint. But the food and service ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on March 25, 2002

Peso's Taco Lounge
605 Queen Anne Ave North
Seattle, Washington 98109
+1 206 283 9353

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Bimbo's Bitchin' Burrito Kitchen

Restaurant

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The decor is nothing to write home about, service is questionable, and the volume of the music is ridiculously loud. But if you are looking for a quick bite of Mexican food the prices can't be beat.

Huge portions of standard south of the border fare arrive quickly, though you might not see the waiter for a long while post meal delivery. The margaritas were weak and bland but the chocolate cake for dessert was notably good.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on March 25, 2002

Bimbo's Bitchin' Burrito Kitchen
506 E Pine St
Seattle, Washington 98122
(206) 329-9978

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Jitterbug Cafe

Restaurant | "Jitterbug"

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What was once the Beeliner Diner has grown into the equally popular Jitterbug. It doesn't hurt that the food has gotten better in the transition. Fancified variations of standard diner items makes for slightly adventurous comfort food. The Farmer's omelette was pretty yummy, and their French toast is noteworthy.

The jitterbug is perfect for a leisurely meal before catching a film at the Guild 45th across the street or for meeting a group of friends for Sunday brunch. Sometimes the line can get a little crazy as it is a small restaurant, but the efficient waitstaff seem to get folks in and out in a timely fashion.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on March 25, 2002

Jitterbug Cafe
2114 North 45th St
Seattle, Washington 98103
+1 206 547 6313

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Tup Tim Thai

Restaurant

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It's nothing special, just generous portions of solid Thai food. The service is quick and friendly and the simple, hushed dining room is usually ideally suited for a conversation rather than a shouting match. Spiciness is negotiable on most entrees, and there are some more adventurous dishes presented for those who have moved on past pad thai.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on March 25, 2002

Tup Tim Thai
118 West Mercer St
Seattle, Washington 98119
+1 206 281 8833

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Chinook's at Salmon Bay

Restaurant | "Chinook's"

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There are so many seafood options to choose from in Seattle, and so many different ways to go wrong. But everytime I eat at Chinook's, I'm satisfied with the quality of the seafood and the overall dining experience. It's a very casual restaurant but the service is attentive and lively and the meals are quite good for such a reasonable price.

Chinook's is known for its alder plank baked salmon, but I've tried a number of different fish at the restaurant and have always been impressed with their quality. The bread served with dinner could fill you up it's so good, but make sure to leave room for dessert. Their blackberry cobbler is outstanding and large enough to share.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 25, 2002

Chinook's at Salmon Bay
1900 West Nickerson Street
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 283-HOOK

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Spud Fish & Chips

Restaurant | "Spud Fish & Chips"

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It's not the same quality of fish as Ivar's, but the cod served at Spud Fish & Chips is addictive. Maybe it's just growing up on the stuff that has me returning again and again for the crunchy battered filets. Perhaps it's the fabulous location right next to Green Lake. Whatever it is, Spud's is a local institution that is still yummy and in it for the long haul (we hope).

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on March 25, 2002

Spud Fish & Chips
6860 E Green Lake Way N
Seattle, Washington 98115
(206) 524-0565

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Bakeman's Restaurant

Restaurant | "Bakeman's"

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It's Seattle's answer to the Soup Nazi. At Bakeman's if you don't know what you want when it's your turn to order, you can expect a verbal lashing from the surly proprietor. He gets away with it because the turkey sandwiches are excellent: it's like eating leftovers the day after Thanksgiving. The pies are alright, and most of the other lunch fare offered is just a step above average.

It can be a little tough finding Bakeman's as it's in the basement and not well-marked from the sidewalk. But these folks don't need to worry as there is always plenty of lunchtime traffic from masochistic turkey lovers...

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on March 25, 2002

Bakeman's Restaurant
122 Cherry St
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 622-3375

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Washington: Seattle dining