When time and money permit, I enjoy checking out local places in Seattle to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Here's a compilation of some places I've frequented (most are in or within a 30 minute bus ride from the U District).
Breweries
Seattle is known for its local breweries. If you're visiting and need ideas, here's a list of some breweries I like, in no particular order:
- Ravenna Brewing - located in a residential area and has excellent porters and a wide selection of IPAs and sours (if you're into that sort of thing).
- Fremont Brewing Co. - great outdoor seating with a family-friendly environment.
- The Ram - actually a restaurant chain with on-site brewing, but it's good. This is a link to the U Village one.
- Burke Gilman Brewing Co. - just off the famous Burke Gilman trail, has a wide selection of all types of beers.
Restaurants
There are also lots of good restaurants in Seattle. Here's another list:
- Schultzy's - Personally my favorite place on the Ave. Lots of German lagers and ridiculously good food as well. A great spot for good drinks, good food, and good conversation with friends late at night.
- Zeek's Pizza - chain with many locations in and around Seattle. I have personally only been to the Ravenna site, but the pizza is some of the best I've had, and they have a good selection of drinks as well.
- Eureka! - One of my all-time favorite restaurants in Seattle. Amazing all-American food and a very extensive list of beers and hard alcohol, mostly from various places along the west coast. A bit pricey, but worth it in my opinion. Also, it's a chain, so there are other locations throughout the US as well; I've linked the U Village location.
- Taste of India, Bengal Tiger - Really good Indian food.
- Cedars - Indian and Mediterranean food. The servings are large, I almost always leave with leftovers!
- Sebi's Bistro - Great Polish food!
- Cafe Turko - Great Turkish food/coffee/tea!
- Hot Cakes - If you need a warm and tasty dessert, this is the place for you.
- Pie Bar - If you need a warm dessert AND a drink, this is the place for you.
Tea
I also really like tea. For some good options, I recommend these places:
- Tea Republik - no link yet, but you can look it up on Google, it's on the Ave.
- Miro Tea
Parks
Sometimes when I have a bit of extra time, I like to take a walk in or run through a park. Seattle has a lot of beautiful parks and other outdoorsie places to vist. Here are some I enjoy:
- Golden Gardens
- Alki Beach
- Discovery Park
- Green Lake
- Gas Works
- Washington Park Arboretum
- Magnuson Park
- Union Bay Natural Area