Milstead & Co: Located in Fremont, this airy & spacious coffee shop is perfect for getting some work done or chatting with friends. They’ve been voted the “Snobbiest Coffee Shop” in Seattle - but don’t let that deter you. We found everyone super friendly and eager to educate. They’re proud of their quality coffee - and it shows! (Milstead & Co on Instagram)
Slate Coffee: Come for the Deconstructed Espresso + Milk. They have three locations, but our favorite is their original spot in Ballard. It has a cozy, neighborhood feel - you’ll be making friends in no time! (@slatecoffee)
Elm Coffee Roasters: Tucked away in Pioneer Square, this cafe and roastery is one of our favorite Seattle spots to hang - and their pastries are insane. Come on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday and watch them roast! (@elmcoffeeroasters)
Breakfast
The Crumpet Shop: This is always first on Alli’s list when we head to Seattle. (And probably the only time we ever eat crumpets!) It may sound weird, but they’re deeeelicious. We’ll take ours to go (always the Cream Cheese, Maple Butter & Walnut) and walk around Pike’s Place. (The Crumpet Shop on Instagram)
Biscuit Bitch: Biscuits and gravy like you’ve never had them before. Definitely not the type of spot you go if you’re on a diet… but then again, you shouldn’t go to Seattle if you’re on a diet. ;) We suggest getting one sweet and one savory and splitting. And then taking a nap. (@biscuit_bitch)
Bobby’s pick: Cheesy Pork N’ Bitch
Alli’s pick: Nutty Bitch
Roxy’s Diner: A NY-style diner in Fremont that’s colorful, eclectic, and REALLY good. They serve breakfast all day, so no sweat if you sleep in! AND their mimosas are only $4. Hellooo new favorite brunch spot! (Roxy’s Diner on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: The 2x2 Breakfast
Alli’s pick: The 36th Street Scramble
Portage Bay Cafe: Fresh, organic, and local ingredients - Portage Bay is a favorite of ours. (Go early, as the wait time can be long.) If you love eggs benedict - you’ll love the West Coast Benedict. And nothing is better than their Vegan Banana Pancakes with a trip to their famous Breakfast Bar! (@portagebaycafe)
Lunch/Dinner
Stateside: Global cuisine with a French & Vietnamese twist - and in the most Instagrammable setting, too! If you’re an adventurous eater, you’ll be in foodie heaven here. It’s been voted one of the best restaurants in Seattle, and one bite of their Crispy Duck French Rolls will tell you why! (@statesidesea)
Matt’s In The Market: Located in the heart of Pike Market, with epic views of Elliott Bay, this spot may be a bit more on the “touristy” end than normal - but don’t let that sway you. It’s some of the best seafood in Seattle, at an EPIC location. Definitely make a reservation - even if you’re just planning on stopping by for lunch! (@mattsinthemarket)
Ciudad: The menu is simple: grilled meats and vegetables, cooked over a charcoal grill. It’s Mediterranean-fusion that’s fresh, healthy, and super delicious. We highly suggest ordering the Family Style Menu - even if it’s just for two! (@ciudadseattle)
The Walrus and the Carpenter: While Oysters are the main attraction, there’s something for everyone at this trendy and playful eatery. The menu changes daily, but the close attention to quality and service does not. If it’s cold outside, end the night with their Spanish Hot Chocolate! (@thewalrusbar)
Homer: (While this is technically under our Drinks category, it’s another one of our favorite restaurants in town. Order cocktails, but also order some shared plates while you’re at it. You’ll love it all.) A neighborhood restaurant with flair - and some of the kindest people we’ve ever met! (@restauranthomer)
Bobby’s pick: Brownsteine
Alli’s pick: Lambrusco Spritz
Fog Room: A cocktail bar with stunning views of the Puget Sound… and the drinks are actually GOOD. Sure, they may be a little more expensive than other downtown bars, but they’re worth it for the gorgeous rooftop setting. (@fogroomseattle)
Bobby’s Pick: Rob Roy
Alli’s Pick: Start Me Up
Fremont Brewing Company: Our favorite Seattle Beer Hall - that serves seasonal ales, free pretzels, and is dog friendly!! It’s the perfect spot to spend a Saturday afternoon - and you’ll fit right in if you rock a flannel! (You can also bring your own food - they actually encourage it!) (@fremontbrewing)
Kimpton Palladian Hotel: We love this hotel for so many reasons. First, it’s located in the heart of downtown Seattle (basically across the street from Pike Place Market), the staff is incredible, and in typical Kimpton fashion - it’s totally dog friendly. The rooms are clean and modern, and it’s surprisingly affordable for how phenomenal of a property it actually is! (@palladianhotel)
Thompson Seattle: Just down the street from the Kimpton Palladian Hotel, The Thompson Seattle is a luxurious boutique hotel that’s modern and classy and very “Seattle”. From the rain showers in every room to the locally curated honor bars, it’s elegant in the best kind of ways. Rooms can be expensive, but they’re worth the splurge - if you can wing it. (@thompsonseattle)
Hotel Andra: This charming little boutique hotel in the heart of Seattle is an affordable, spacious, and comfortable option for anyone looking for something that’s trendy and beautiful, but won’t break the bank. The staff here are SO nice - and you’re literally walking distance to almost all the sights! (@hotelandra)
Pike Place Market: I mean, how could we not?! It’s iconic - and although it’s touristy AF, we love it. Go around ten in the morning, grab mini doughnuts from the local vendor, smell all the flowers, taste all the fruit, maybe catch a fish… It’s ALWAYS a good time. (@pikeplacepublicmarket)
Hot Tub Boats: Yep - you read that right. What better way to “soak” in the Seattle Skyline than by a floating hot tub, in Lake Union?! It’s something you’ll have to see (or should we say “sea”?) to believe! It’s $350 for two hours, and fits 6 people. Sure, it’s expensive - but we promise the experience, and the photos, will be worth it. (@hottubboats)
Get out and HIKE! Seattle and the surrounding areas has some of the prettiest, most lush hikes we’ve seen. While we’d be lying if we said we didn’t go to Seattle for the food, we DO appreciate that there’s so many beautiful spots to work it all off. Here’s a list of some of the best ones.
YES. Being such a big city, Seattle is surprisingly accomodating to dogs. There’s plenty of dog parks, walking trails, dog-friendly breweries, hotels, restaurants and more. Some of our favorites spots to take our pup are Fremont Brewing, Kimpton’s Palladian Hotel, and The Pink Door.
This may be controversial, but we recommend you avoid the original Starbucks. It’s not worth the long, long line and all the “hoopla” when there are so many other great coffee shops in town. Skip it - it’ll taste like every other Starbucks drink you’ve ever had.
