Last weekend, Nick and I loaded up a giant U-Haul and carted all our stuff down to Portlandia. From vintage birdcages to our Harry Potter collection, everything we own is currently sitting in storage as we continue to wait patiently on a house.
As I'm sure you can relate to, being in transition can be a bit trying. While we have made the move to Portland for only amazingly good reasons, the in-between period is just plain hard. Leaving Seattle wasn't easy either. I love Portland thus far; I am so thankful for all the ways God is providing and I can't wait to see what is ahead, but to say I'm not grieving Seattle and our life there would not be entirely truthful.
I’ve been thinking how best to write a Farewell to Seattle blog post for weeks. After typing and deleting many times over, instead of writing how much I'm going to miss the city, it seems fitting to simply share my Seattle with you.
So here it is: a list of my absolute favorite spots, tried and true over the amazing two years I was in the Emerald City.
My Guide to Seattle
Dinner
Zig Zag Café — Amazing food and ambience, tucked away behind Pike Place Market. Now that I don't live in Seattle anymore, I don't care if this place gets popular ;)
Palisade — Nick & I stumbled across this spot during Seattle Restaurant Week and while we were probably the grungiest people in there, it was one of our most memorable dinners in the city. Enjoy.
King’s Hardware — Our regular spot. Burgers + beer + skee ball (get the After School Special — just trust me).
Thai Tom — Best Thai food in the city, straight outta Bangkok (don't expect a glamorous ambience, come here for the authentic food). Long wait, always worth it. Cash only.
Happy Hour
Westward — We had a good friend work here for awhile and enjoyed coming here for small nibbles + drinks as opposed to the expensive "family style" menu. Sit outside on the water.
Ray’s Boathouse — Quintessential Seattle. Come here on a clear evening. Amazing views of the Olympics. You're welcome.
Bitteroot — Yummy little sliders, and the best brussels sprouts I've ever had. Great whiskey selection is always a bonus.
After-Dinner Drinks
Hazlewood — Ah, Hazlewood. Many a night have I spent here laughing with friends or cozying up to Nick for intimate conversation murmured over Negronis. Probably the best cocktail lounge in Seattle, walking distance from all the great restaurants on Ballard Ave.
The Noble Fir — Say hi to the owner, Rick! Rotating brews and ciders on tap. Fun spot, great for a small group.
Barnacle — Trendy little Ballard spot next door to the popular Walrus and the Carpenter. I put this under "after-dinner drinks" because the wait for dinner is a bit on the long side — it's probably the tiniest (and hippest) spot in Ballard! For ordering, just trust the bartenders.
Brunch
The Fat Hen — Yes.
The Hi-Life — All time favorite breakfast spot in an old renovated firehouse. Try the seasonal menu, with ingredients sourced from the local farmer's market!
Citizen — A more recent discovery in Queen Anne, but so good that it quickly rose to the top of our brunch list (and we are very serious brunchies). Try the Korexican tacos.
Coffee
Milstead & Co. — Specialty coffee bar with daily rotating offerings. No pretention, just excellent service and coffee. Pro tip: get it to go and enjoy at the water under the shadow of the nearby Aurora Bridge.
Anchored Ship Coffee Bar — Where I spent 99% of my time in Seattle. Nick and I both worked here for a time. Order a pourover, take an Instagram photo of it in the windowsill. Enjoy.
Storyville — The coffee here isn't my favorite but the ambience is amazing... go to the downtown location for a great view of Pike Place Market! Sometimes they bring out free chocolate cake. The baristas are exceptionally happy.
Best View Of The City
Gas Works Park — Take a picnic lunch here and people watch. You're welcome.
Date Night
Picnic & bonfire at Golden Gardens — Best sunset vantage point in the city. Bonus points if you can spot an otter.
Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island — For some true Northwest charm, enjoy a fun evening on the ferry. There are several quaint restaurants on Bainbridge that are exceptional. Enjoy!
Dessert
Hot Cakes — Be prepared to wait for 20+ minutes and not find seating. It's 100% worth it. I don't care how healthy/Paleo/vegan/whatever you are, go.
Cactus — Nick & I love the Alki location — decent Mexican food on the beach with the best desserts we've ever had, particularly the Bananas Dulce. Just typing this is making me want to go back.
Ice Cream
Bluebird’s Vegan Horchata — Literally the best ice cream I've ever had. Get it with a waffle cone, obvi.
Molly Moon’s Salted Caramel — Nick's favorite. My second favorite. Absolutely delicious.
Adventures
AguaVerde — Rent a kayak, then enjoy decent Mexican food and a margarita. Need I say more?
Discovery Park — Literally our favorite place in Seattle, hands down. You've seen the lighthouse on Instagram, but make sure you walk or run the three mile loop. Gorgeous, and refreshing.
Snoqualmie Falls + Rattlesnake Ledge — Best day trip ever: waterfall + amazing hike. You may meet a bride on your hike as this has become a popular place to elope ;)
Tractor Tavern — Tucked away music venue in Ballard. Live music every night of the week (literally). Check their online calendar to see who's playing tonight.
Dave Chihuly Glass Museum - Touristy thing that's actually awesome and worth checking out. Highly recommend. If you want to do the Space Needle too, you can buy a joint ticket which will lessen the price a little bit.