The Ultimate Guide to Seattle

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Seattle, Washington is located in the upper northwest corner of the United States. We endearingly call this area the PNW (or Pacific Northwest) which also includes Vancouver, British Columbia, Idaho and Portland.

We’re notoriously known for rainy weather, coffee consumption and software/ tech industries (Microsoft, Amazon, Nintendo, Expedia, Google, and Boeing are all based here).

One thing they don’t mention is how stinkingly beautiful our Summers are and why we’re known as the Emerald City (think green). The best time to visit Seattle is between June and September. I recommend a 5-7 day trip to fully experience what Seattle has to offer.

Seattle is one of the fastest growing cities in the US. To date, we have about 800,000 residents. You can tell just by counting the number of construction cranes up we are still growing. Amidst the rapid change, businesses are thriving and new businesses are popping up constantly.

However, as with any developing city, things are getting more expensive, especially with our $15 minimum wage implementation. Below are some great ways to get the most out of the Emerald city without breaking the bank.

Things To Do

• Take a Hike. We highly recommend you rent a car for a day or two and go on a hike. Our best hiking seasons are from May through September. Although it is worth it to visit during Fall to see the leaves change from green to red, yellow and orange. Visit the Washington Trails Association for a list of hikes ranging from easy to difficult. Below is a list of my favorite easy hikes:
  • Discovery Park – North Beach Trail
  • Cherry Creek Falls in Duvall, WA
  • Rainier Mountain (parts of Wonderland trail)
• Head to the Hiram M. Chittenden (aka Ballard) Locks,

  

  where the water level can change up to 26 feet as kayaks and big ships alike make the transition. During spawning season, watch the salmon make their way up the ladders to mate.

• Visit the Space Needle. Seattle was the destination for the 1962 World’s Fair, which erected the Seattle Center, the iconic Space Needle, and the Monorail.
• Visit the Center for Wooden Boats, located on Lake Union. On Sundays, volunteer skippers take visitors out for free.
• The Chihuly Garden and Glass is worth visiting. If you’ve been to the Bellagio lobby in Las Vegas, you’ve seen Chihuly’s glass art. Chihuly is a Washington native and the art of glass blowing is very popular here. Take a glass blowing workshop while you’re in town!
• Take the elevator up Columbia Center to see the 360-degree view of Seattle. The Sky View Observatory is affordable and offers students discounts.
• Fremont Troll – This quirky statue is situated underneath the Fremont Bridge at the north end of Troll Ave.
• Theo Chocolate Factory Tour – Theo is a gourmet chocolate company and it is fun to go through the tour and see how chocolate is made as well as sample it all.
• Fremont Fremonster – There is a lot of amazing art in Fremont including a giant Rocket and a statue of Lenin.  Plus the signposts that remind me of Dr. Seuss and our favorite, the giant topiary of a Dinosaur (the Fre-Monster). You can grab a map and do a walking tour of Fremont.
• Bill Spidel’s Underground Tour – Did you know that present-day Seattle is actually built on top of the original Seattle? The tour is packed with comedy and knowledge about the old and new Seattle. It’s worth a try!
• Gum Wall – Some might find this disgusting while others think it’s a sight to see. It’s located downstairs from the Pike Place fish market next to Alibi Room. Get ready for all the bubblegum smells!
• Kerry Park – Head to Kerry Park for a great view of Downtown, Alki and the Puget Sound. You may catch a wedding shoot while you’re here.
• Seattle Great Wheel and while you’re at it, take a walk down the pier to visit all the stores and restaurants. For a great sunset view, head to Pier 66 and enjoy.
• Museum of History & Industry, better known as MOHAI, tells you everything you need to know about Seattle’s origins and influence. Learn about the Great Seattle Fire and local grunge bands.
• MoPOP Museum (formerly known as the EMP Museum) houses a Sci-Fi, Star Trek, Fantasy, Horror and music exhibits. They have a rotating exhibit that costs extra.
• Seattle Public Library (SPL) – The public library boasts a harlequin exterior that is just beautiful. Come inside and relax on their sofa chairs, use computers or read some books.
• The Original Starbucks – The OG Starbucks is located in Pike Place Market. You’ll see a line wrapped around the outside the store. I prefer to go during offseason when tourists aren’t around.
• Olympic Sculpture Park – Take a walk around the Olympic Sculpture Park. You’ll meet tons of dogs (they say in Seattle there are more dogs than children) and enjoy an unobstructed view of the Puget Sound.
• Smith Tower – Once the tallest building in Seattle, is now a reference to Seattle’s past. Enjoy the 360 views in their open-air deck observatory and a cocktail in the upstairs bar. An actual residence is located at the top of the tower.
• Golden Gardens – Take a short car ride to Golden Gardens to enjoy an actual sandy beach in Seattle. I love coming here to watch sunsets. It’s located a little northwest of Ballard.
• Take a ferry ride to Bainbridge or Water Taxi to Alki Beach.
• Pike Place Market – Shop from over 50 vendors offering handmade products.
• Visit Bruce and Brandon Lee’s Grave. I haven’t done this, but it’s a thing.
• Watch a Mariners, Seahawks or Sounders game. We’re all about sports. Make sure to bring some green and blue to wear to the game!

What to do on the East Side

Wait, there’s another side to Seattle? Yes! The east side offers great luxury shopping experiences and a slew of delicious restaurants.

• Bellevue Square- good heavens this mall has grown into a massive upscale mall with every store you can think of.  It also has Beecher’s Cheese and Top Pot doughnuts if you missed those stops. There is a Starbucks restaurant with smoothies and organic salads and such, a mini Whole Foods coming soon and did I mention the shopping?
• Kirkland- My favorite stop to wander along the beautiful waterfront, pop into cute little shops and we love brunch at Anthony’s Homeport or for a special dinner check out Cafe Juanita.
• Woodinville- If you’re an oenophile, you’ll definitely have to add this one to your list. Woodinville is home to notable wineries like Chateau Ste Michelle and Columbia Winery. Chateau Ste Michelle is a gorgeous winery and they feature Summer concerts with big acts such as John Legend and Gypsy Kings. Down the street, you will find Red Hook Brewery for a more casual vibe and the super fancy and super awesome Herb Farm.
• Snoqualmie-  Snoqualmie Falls is a gorgeous spot to hike a bit and check out the spectacular waterfall. The hike down is fairly easy but the trek back up is no joke. There is an observation deck right off the parking lot if you aren’t in the mood to hike. It is an easy drive from the Eastside or about 30 miles from downtown Seattle. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a rainbow in the waterfall.
• Issaquah- Issaquah is another small community on the Eastside, probably not a major destination point except for the little farm we discovered called Fox Hollow Farms. Don’t miss it if you have children. You’ll get to see chicken, pigs, horses, sheep, cows, bunnies, cats and a few peacocks. The farm is beautifully maintained and great for the family!

Beyond Seattle

Leavenworth

Head to this little Bavarian village that is especially stunning at Christmas. Also, visit for Oktoberfest through the months of October through November. We’ve also gone during the Spring and enjoyed bratwurst and beers at Rhein Haus.

Tulip Festival

If you happen to visit in April, head to the Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley. It is only an hour away by car but the drive is worth it to see the millions of tulips blooming throughout the month of April.

Suncadia

A bit of a drive in Eastern Washington but I am well worth it. It is a breathtaking resort surrounded by nature. You’ll find trees, rivers, and lakes. It was a very quiet and relaxing stay. There are many activities which include swimming, hiking, biking, stand up paddle-boarding, canoes/kayaks, scooter rentals.

This is 80 miles from Seattle and a sleepy place so don’t expect a roaring nightlife but the views will truly take your breath away.  We also took a quick hike to a tiny, tiny town called Roslyn.

Take a Ferry

There are several islands that are a quick ferry hop over from Seattle including Vashon Island, Bainbridge Island and Whidbey Island (not to mention the San Juan Islands which are spectacular).

Whidbey is known for their great Farmer’s Market, little shops and restaurants and an extensive dog beach. Visit Bainbridge for the beautiful scenery that’s a quick hop away from Downtown Seattle.

Be sure to check the ferry schedule before you go! The ferry line can take up to 2 hours during holidays and peak hours. You will definitely need a car for Whidbey Island.

From Whidbey, you can hop over to the Olympic National Park and visit the Ho Rainforest or 1st, 2nd and 3rd beaches where you can see a legitimate sunset in the horizon.

Where to Eat

Here is my cost legend:
$=$20 or below
$$=$20-$50
$$$=$50-$100
$$$$=$100 and above

***I just found out about MealPal. For $75 you can get 12 lunches a month, which equates to about ~$7 a meal. They have dining options in all major cities. I use this while traveling to save food costs because I am most likely dining out while I am traveling.***

• 2120 ($$)– Located next to the Amazon Spheres, 2120 serves awesome cocktails and contemporary American-fare. My favorite is their mac and cheese with duck fat croutons. C’est what? Their happy hour menu is plenty to satisfy your taste buds.
• 5 Point Cafe ($$)– Open since 1929, the 5 Point Cafe is divey and the quintessential grunge Seattle restaurant and bar. In the men’s restrooms, there’s a telescope so you can view the Space Needle while you relieve. My favorite is their poutine (sub tater tots) and country fried steak and eggs. From Sunday-Thursday you can enjoy one of their 5 Point Specials for only $3.50. What is it? A 2 oz shot of whiskey and can of local cheap beer. #itsworthit
• 5 Spot ($$)– Located at the top of Queen Anne hill, the 5 Spot offers all American food and a rotating menu of delicacies from other regions of the world. This a must for anyone visiting Seattle. The restaurant is decorated to the theme of the rotating menu. It’s a sight to see. While you’re there, stop by Molly Moon’s ice cream and Kerry Park.
• Alchemy ($$) – They offer food, a worthwhile happy hour, and interesting cocktails. Alchemy is located in West Seattle.
• Altura ($$$$) – This is our FAVORITE tasting menu restaurant in the downtown Seattle area. They serve an Italian-inspired course menu. You can’t buy plates separately here but it’s so worth it to do the tasting menu. Anticipate spending $125 per person without a $90 wine and beer pairing. The service is welcoming yet impeccable. You will not forget the food here. The menu completely rotates every 3 months.
• Ascend ($$$$) – We were recently introduced to Ascend during Seattle Restaurant Week (SRW). We were blown away at how creative and delicious the food offerings were. You can also pay $95 for all-inclusive brunch fare during Easter and Thanksgiving.
• Assadero Ballard ($$)– This is one of our FAVORITE restaurants. It’s a Sinaloan style steakhouse with high-quality meat and a salsa bar. You’ll want to come back here repeatedly. The prices are very good for the quality of food received. There are two locations. Expect to wait at least 30-45 minutes during dinner.
• Bacco Cafe ($$)– Bacco serves a simple but flavor-packed breakfast fare. It’s a great brunch spot located right next to Pike Place Market. Order one of their fresh squeezed cocktails or a bloody mary.  So worth it!
• Bangrak ($$) – When you walk through the doors, you’ll feel like you just been transported to Bangkok. This is a Thai street food restaurant with Seattle prices. If you can’t fly to Thailand anytime soon, this is a good alternative. The corn fritters, boat noodles, and Kao Soi Chiang Mai are GOAT.
• Bateau ($$$) – A steakhouse that dry ages all their meat. They also serve some mean aligot potatoes (think cheesy stringy potatoes). They list their daily meat offerings on a chalkboard and cross out items when they’re sold out. It’s pricey but worth it.
• Billiard Hoang ($) – Don’t let this billiard exterior deter you. There will be Asian gangsters in front. Walk past the pool tables into the dining nook and order a banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) for only $4. You’ll thank me later.
• Bitterroot ($$)– Their late-night happy hour should not be missed. Enjoy $3-7 drinks and small bites that are wallet-friendly and delicious. The restaurant is located in the Ballard neighborhood.
• Butcher’s Table ($$$$): We tried the steak sampler and were blown away. The service is amazing and the food even better. They serve wagyu steak and fresh seafood and do it really well. We highly recommend you splurge here if you’re willing to spend around $150 per person including steak and drinks.
• Cafe Turko ($$)– Located just south of the Fremont Troll, Cafe Turko offers an extensive menu with Turkish dishes. The place has relocated three times prior to finding it’s forever home. Our favorite is Suleyman the Magnificent (a meat-heavy dish with all the fixins) and Ayran (yogurt mint drink).
• Can Can Culinary Cabaret ($$) – We are obsessed with their brunch menu here. They also have nightly burlesque shows that are worth attending with your girlfriends or special date. We love their mimosa flight and steak and eggs for breakfast.
• Canlis ($$$$)– You’ll have to dress up for this experience. The service and food are top notch. Come in to enjoy happy hour at the bar or order the pre-fixe and wine from an affordable to a lavish range of reds, whites, and rosés. Read our Canlis review here.
• Cinque Terre ($$)– Serves Italian tapas dishes and an impressive all-day happy hour on Sundays. Get a bottle of Veuve Cliquot during happy hour for only $48.
• Cutter’s Crabhouse ($$$) – Enjoy an amazing view of the sound while you dine on exquisite seafood and cocktails. While you’re there, definitely try our iconic cedar plank salmon.
• Eggs and Plants ($) – A great vegetarian Isreali joint right next to a glass blowing studio. Try the Shakshuka sandwich and Sabich (eggplant sandwich). You can people watch while you’re dining in their back dining room.
• FOB Poke Bar ($) – This is a Chipotle-style poke bowl restaurant. You can get UNLIMITED toppings. I am obsessed with this place.
• Goldfinch Tavern ($$) – This gastropub style bar is located on 1st Ave Downtown. They serve great cocktails and upscale bar food.
• Gourmet Noodle Bowl ($$) – If you like AYCE hot pot, this is a place to go. They also have other Taiwanese dishes. Come here hungry!
• Harbor City ($)– Looking for dim sum? Head over to Harbor City. They serve dim sum into the evening. Definitely get their xiu mai, har gow (ha-kow), lotus wrapped rice and fluffy brown bread. Dishes are meant to be shared.
• Heartwood Provisions ($$)
• Jerk Shack ($$) – Come here for some Carribean and Cuban cuisine. Their dishes are made for sharing and serve two persons. We are obsessed with their pork belly. And always ask for ALL THREE SAUCES. They’re amazing! Come during Happy Hour (4-6pm) and enjoy heavily discounted drinks, including a delicious Moscow Mule for $8!
• Kamonegi ($$) – They make their soba noodles in-house. They also have a late night happy hour that starts at 9 PM. I suggest making a reservation due to the limited amount of space in the restaurant.
• Kedai Makan ($$) – This place has an average 2-hour wait. Come early and go get a drink at Revolver. Our favorite dishes are Roti Jala (lace bread with curry dip), Chili Pan Mee (anchovy beef noodles) and Bubur Hitam (rice pudding dessert) with coconut ice cream. You’ll want to order more than one Roti Jala. And while you wait, enjoy some complimentary milk tea and pandan water!
• List ($$) – Humbly offers one of our favorite happy hours. From 4-6p and 9p-close, their entire small plates menu is half off. Enjoy an $19 bottle of wine during happy hour. We come here at least weekly and 100% of the time always take out of town guests here. It is a must for us! If you love list, you’ll also love their sister restaurant, Barolo. Unfortunately, kids are not allowed here.
• Little Uncle ($)– This little noodle shop serves the best Thai soup dishes! Definitely come here for the best Khao Soi in Seattle.
• Long Provincial ($$) – Another visit worthy Vietnamese restaurant located downtown. They have traditional dishes that you don’t normally see in Seattle.
• Mamnoon ($) – Middle Eastern fare that is delicious and affordable. I prefer the Capitol Hill location.
• Maneki ($$)– The oldest Japanese sushi restaurant in Seattle. Dine at the bar or reserve a traditional Hannya room for parties of up to 10. I love the chirashi here.
• Marination Station ($)– Also located just a water taxi ride away next to Salty’s on Alki Beach. Order Hawaiian inspired fare while viewing the beautiful Seattle skyline.
• Mike’s Noodles ($)– If you’re craving Cantonese noodles, you will want Mike’s. Their substantial sui kau (dumplings) will have you coming back for more. I am addicted to their fishy yet flavorful broth.
• Nishino ($$$)– For a more contemporary Japenese fare, book a reservation at Nishino. EVERYTHING is delicious. They also introduced us to Bubbie’s ice cream, which is mochi ice cream from Oahu.
• Palisade ($$$) – Come here for one of the best views of Seattle from Palisade. Their cocktails are strong and their seafood is plentiful.
• Ping’s Dumpling House ($) – Come here for delicious homemade soup dumplings. You can also order frozen dumplings to take home and heat up yourself. Mrs. Ping makes an assortment of dumplings. We also recommend her jajangmien, chilled pork ears, and stir fry dishes!
• Pike Place Chowder ($) – You’ll be standing in line for a hot cup of flavorful chowder at their Pike Place location. Head over to their Pacific Place Mall location if you don’t wait to wait. I recommend ordering the sampler and trying a bit of each flavor.
• The Pink Door ($$) – Located in Post Alley near Pike Place Market, this Italian restaurant serves delicious pasta dishes and offers regularly scheduled cabaret performances.
• Purple Cafe ($$$)– Enjoy from an impressive assortment of wines and delicious food. My favorite is their baked brie with a robust glass of cabernet sauvignon. Inquire with the sommelier about their wine collection.
• Rainier BBQ ($)– A Vietnamese restaurant with all the fixings. Come here for Cá Nướng Da Giòn (crispy skin fried catfish) and a plethora of other traditional Vietnamese dishes. Just a heads up, you’ll need at least 4 people to finish an entire fish.
• Rocco’s Pizza ($)– Watch the chefs toss pizza into the late night. As much as I think this place is pretentious, I do love their pizza quality and flavor.
• Salty’s ($$)– Located on Alki Beach, take the water taxi over on Sundays for their seafood brunch buffet. It’s $50 but includes more seafood than you will know what to do with.
• San Fermo ($$)– This Italian restaurant offers house-made noodles in a quaint house. The portions may look small but they’re packed with flavor. We love their cocktails, caesar salad and spaghetti.
• Secret Savory ($$) – Located in Ballard, this quaint Thai restaurant serves dishes from the different regions of Thailand. We loved their crab curry and papaya salad the most! They also have decent cocktails for only $8-9 a pop. It’s our newest favorite Thai spot in Seattle.
• Shaker and Spear ($$)– For delicious seafood fare, definitely go here. Their service is top-notch and their menu offers seafood that is beyond fresh. In October 2018, they offered a Nightmare before Christmas-themed cocktail menu.
• Stoneburner ($$) – Get delicious pizza and pasta at this Ballard restaurant. They have an excellent happy hour.
• Taco’s Chukis ($) – After college, Roberto Salmerón rode his bike 1,200 miles down to Tijuana to enjoy time with his family and to eat all the food that he missed while attending UW. Instead of pursuing a career with his economics degree, Roberto opened up Taco’s Chukis and now serves a mean pineapple adobo taco in Capitol Hill and South Lake Union neighborhoods. If you like things on tortillas, go here.
• Taylor Shellfish Farms ($$)– For some of the best oysters, head over to Taylor Shellfish Farms. They have a Monday-Friday happy hour from 4-6 PM. Get 12 oysters for $21. My favorite dish here is their Maine scallops with soy sauce and wasabi. They have an actual farm (2 hours north) that is definitely worth a visit because you can shuck your own oysters. Make a day visit there and stop by Fairhaven for some soft serve. Read this post for more details.
• Tavolata ($$)- Next to List is my second favorite pasta restaurant in Seattle. They have an impressive wine assortment and daily specials that you cannot miss. Come for their HH and enjoy some $9 pasta dishes!
• Toulouse Petit ($$)– Great late-night happy hour menu with New Orleans Creole fare.
• Tsukushinbo ($$) – Expect a wait to dine here. They have weekly specials that are worth trying (i.e. Ramen on Fridays). I love their chirashi here.
• Un Bien ($$) – The Lorenzo brothers, Julian and Lucas, sons of Lorenzo Lorenzo, Paseo’s former owner, has opened a new place called Un Bien. They serve Caribbean-style food. We highly recommend their Caribbean bowl with scallops.
• Walrus and the Carpenter ($$$$) – Come to check out their rotating daily menu. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the food. It’s “well regarded” yet somewhat “overpriced.”
• Wasabi ($$) – They offer regular and late-night happy hour. Get a chirashi bowl with steak-sized sushi for only $15! The sushi is also VERY fresh. It’s definitely a place where you will get the most bang for your buck. I am amazed at how much they offer for such a great price. I highly recommend going for dinner and drinks.
• Windy City Pie ($$) – Shamelessly emulates deep dish pizza from Pequod’s Pizza in Chicago. I love their caramelized crust. It’s located next to the zoo if you want to plan a day time adventure.
• Xi’an ($) – I am obsessed with Xi’an. Come here for some hand-pulled noodles and fresh cucumber salad. It’s a close knockoff to the NYC Xi’an Famous Foods chain. They now have a location in downtown Seattle!

Dessert

• 85 Degree: This Chinese bakery offers fluffy pastries, cakes, and milky beverages. Expect to wait in line for some baked goods that are well worth the wait. Don’t forget to download the app and use coupons and earn points towards free food.
• Bambu – Enjoy iced Vietnamese desserts here. The jellies, beans, and milks are mixed together to create chè, a cool sweet iced dessert that helps keep the heat at bay.
• Coyle’s Bakeshop
• Dahlia Bakery – Located downtown and owned by restauranteur Tom Douglas. Dahlia Bakery offers a slew of treats in their tiny storefront. They also have some gluten-free options.
• Full Tilt Ice Cream – A grungier ice cream joint with ice cream flavors such as Thai iced tea, UBE and coffee oreo. Try leaving without buying a pint. Doesn’t happen.
• Macrina Bakery
• Molly Moon’s – A local ice cream parlor with multiple locations around Seattle. There’s always a line out the door. My favorite flavor is honey lavender.
• Pie Bar – For late night sweets, Pie Bar is perfect. They have sweet and savory pies as well as pie flavored cocktails. You can also order pies to go from the window sill.
• Salt & Straw – Originally from Portland, Oregon, Salt & Straw has made their way into Seattle. There is always a long line and they feature flavors that are local to the area. Expect to pay ~$8 for a cone and single scoop.
• Theo’s Chocolate – Head into Theo’s for chocolate samplings and a tour of their chocolate factory. Book a tour here. Cost of the tour is $10.
• Top Pot Donuts – I am obsessed with the chocolate cake donuts here. So good!

Coffee

• Caffe Vita – Come here for the Pac-Nor, similar to a cortado but made with steamed half and half instead of milk. Their cold brew is also delish!
• Conduit – Canlis serves Conduit coffee. Worth a visit if you’re in Seattle area during the week.
• El Diablo – El Diablo serves Cuban style coffee and food items. I love getting their rainbow sprinkled hot chocolate and cortado.
• Herkimer – One of our favorite lattés is made here.
• Moore Coffee – They serve up a delicious horchata latte and even decorate the foam with cute bears and other creatures.
• Storyville – Sign-up for their e-mail list and get a FREE bag of coffee or mug depending on their current promotion.
• Starbucks (the Original store)

Where to Drink

• Bathtub Gin – One of our favorite cocktail bars. It’s speakeasy-style and located in an alley in the boiler room of an old converted hotel building. Bathtub Gin is located in Belltown very close to Have a Heart.
• Canon – Canon offers craft cocktails that are theatrical and a whiskey list with selections dating from the 1800s for $1,000 a pour. It’s a fancy place. Dress up and bring a date with you. During busy hours, you may have to wait for your turn.
• Chuck’s Hop Shop – If you love craft beer, you will love Chuck’s!
• The Fog Room – This bar is located on the rooftop of The Charter Hotel by Hilton. The rooftop is on the 16th floor and has a cocktail menu with strong drinks a noteworthy list of craft beers.
• Fremont Brewery – Fremont has a large outdoor area and is a worth a visit if you’re here any time of the year. It’s very close to gasworks park. Dogs are welcome.
• The Hideout – Since 2005, the Hideout has been offering craft cocktails and an opportunity to buy artwork from local artists. Their walls are covered in artwork that is stimulating and sometimes controversial.
• Holy Mountain – We are so lucky to live next to a brewery that makes every style of beer very well. Come in for a sour or stout beer. My favorite sour beer of theirs is Sacrament.
• Inside Passage – A bar hidden inside another bar. This nautical themed speakeasy is worth visiting. Their drinks are definitely a show.
• Full Throttle – A craft beer bottle shop located in Georgetown. Tell our friend, John, we referred you!
• Jarrbar – A tiny and adorable Spanish bar serving tin canned meats and Iberico ham (jamon). It’s located just below Pike Place Market. Their cocktails are strong and delicious. Come in for happy hour!
• Neon Boots – Their sandwiches are great and so are their hallucinatory cocktails. You’ll feel like you’re in another part of the world when you’re at Neon Boots.
• Outlander Brewery – A Fremont brewery built in a Victorian style home. Explore the ground and top floors. In the Summer they have outdoor shows and sometimes a DJ on top of a bus. Dogs are always welcome!
• Percy’s & Co. – Enjoy a variety of cocktails and comfort food items at this Ballard bar. Our favorite is the Spicy Tomatillo.
• Pine Box – A former funeral home converted into a craft beer tavern. Bruce Lee had his funeral here.
• Schilling Cider House – Located in Fremont very close to Cafe Turko and The Fremont Troll is a cider house worth visiting. Try their seasonal flavors that sometimes use jalapenos, pineapples, roses, and other interesting ingredients.
• Suite 410 – This bar has amazing craft cocktails with creative antonym names. They also have a food menu that’s prepared by the Mayflower Hotel kitchen. Come for happy hour to enjoy drinks and cheap bites!
• Toronado – If you’re a craft beer lover, you can’t miss a visit to the Seattle Toronado location. They offer rare beers from all over the world.
• Unicorn Bar – A fun and funky bar located in Capitol Hill Neighborhood. Temporarily trade your ID in to rent the bejeweled Unicorn helmet from the bartenders. If you’re hungry, order the potato balls. They’re unbelievable.
• Urban Family Brewing – Craft brewery located in the Magnolia neighborhood that produces a variety of styles including sour beer and IPAs. Dogs are welcome!
• Whiskey Bar – Another great cocktail bar that offers bar food and local art for sale.
• Zig Zag Cafe – Located south of Pike Place Market, Zig Zag offers delicious cocktails with an option for Dealer’s Choice. They also offer a Mediterranean fare.

What to Smoke

Did you know consuming cannabis is legal in Seattle? All the stores offer flower, distillate/vape, topical and edible options. Here are some of our favorite picks for recreational weed. Keep in mind that cannabis cannot be consumed in public.

• Have a Heart
• Herban Legends
• Hashtag
• Ganja Goddess

Transportation

• Best way to get to downtown is to take the Link Light Rail from SeaTac Airport (SEA) to Downtown Seattle. It’s only $3.75 each way and takes 45 minutes from the airport to get to City Center. You can buy a card (which costs $1) or use the Transit Go Ticket App to purchase and redeem tickets via your mobile phone.
• Once Downtown, you can take the bus pretty much anywhere, including to the east side/Bellevue. It costs $2.75 per person during peak hours and $2.50 during non-peak. Tickets are valid for multiple transfers during a 90 minute period. You can pay cash (must have exact change) or get an ORCA card and refill it throughout your trip. There are kiosks you can use to buy an ORCA card. Multiple people can use one ORCA card at once. You just need to let your bus driver know.
• For bus times and directions, we recommend using Google Maps to get around.
• You can download a shared car service called Uber or Lyft. A ride from the airport will cost $30-40 USD each way. A ride around town will be no more than $12-15 USD one way. Most rides average $4-7 USD around downtown.
• Rent a car and explore the East Side (Bellevue, Renton, Kirkland), visit Mount Rainier or go on one of the many beautiful hikes in the Seattle area.
• Bike – Certain parts of Seattle can be a little hilly. Use Uber’s JUMP bikes to scoot around town. They’re motorized so you can go practically anywhere in the city! Seattle recently installed designated bike lanes throughout the city. Please enjoy them!

Accommodation

Lodging in Seattle is especially expensive during Summer because everyone wants to visit when the weather is great. Here are some options if you don’t want to stay at a hotel.

• AirBnB – Find affordable accommodation within various Seattle neighborhoods. I recommend staying Downtown (Belltown, South Lake Union, Pioneer Square), or in Queen Anne, Ballard, Interbay, Capitol Hill, and Greenlake. I know a great place close to downtown that’s affordable. E-mail me for more information.
• Use Booking.com or Agoda.com to find cheap hotel deals. Both sites have real reviews and photos of accommodations so that you know exactly where you’ll be staying.

And with that, I welcome you to Seattle! That’s it for our Ultimate Seattle Guide. I hope you enjoy my city as much as we do. Please let us know what your favorites are in the comments section of this post.

Enjoy the AQI of 30!

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UPDATED: 6/1/2019