Two Days in Seattle

Our Local Expert Says:

A recent addition to the 15th Ave strip, Smith offers free range beef, asparagus and poutine for surprisingly affordable prices, the English pub décor is punctuated by pheasants and boar's heads hanging from the dark walls. A central shared table offers the perfect opportunity to chat with the local clientele.

Description:

Local watering hole with communal tables. The staff is nice and attentive. Get the mac 'n cheese or the awesomely greasy fries and wash it down with a happy hour priced Guiness.

Description:

On First Hill not far from downtown Seattle, this museum is primarily an exhibit space for the extensive personal art collection of Charles and Emma Frye, Seattle pioneers who began collecting art in the 1890s. The collection focuses on late-19th-century and early-20th-century representational art by European and American painters, with works by Andrew Wyeth, Thomas Hart Benton, Edward Hopper, Albert Bierstadt, and Pablo Picasso, as well as a large collection of engravings by Winslow Homer. In addition to galleries filled with works from the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year.

Description:

If the words "freeway" and "park" jar you when used together, then you've understood the point of this wonderful space. This urban concrete park is littered with green spaces, trees and a waterfall. It is a haven for businesspeople who escape from the chaos of the day by finding tranquility here. It's also an ideal detour for those who are touring the city on foot. The only proviso is to avoid the park at night. As with any urban park, crime is a nocturnal danger.

Our Local Expert Says:

This museum is internationally recognized for its excellent collection of Asian, African and Native American art, and for its fine collection of modern art produced by Pacific Northwest artists. The permanent collection includes 21,000 pieces, and while it doesn't have huge collections of European art, it does have plentiful local art and wonderful visiting exhibits. The museum is centrally located downtown near the waterfront and Pike Place Market.

Description:

Seattle Art Museum has recently expanded and the new building houses a much more extensive and impressive collection of modern art in addition to world class collections of Native American, European, African and Asian art. The permanent collection is housed in a bright airy corridor, and spans several floors. Modern pieces playfully juxtapose traditional European works; an Andy Warhol shares space with a John Singleton Copeland and touring exhibits occupy the original structure. Brancusi and Botticelli anchor the second floor. If you've been disappointed by the original Seattle Art Museum, don't let your first exposure prevent you from experiencing the new Seattle Art Museum, the collection is outstanding and the arrangement of the art is in itself a creative endeavor.

Description:

Nine acres of fresh produce, seafood, coffee, donuts, crafts, unique restaurants and friendly vendors, all set against a backdrop of the Puget Sound – that's Pike Place Market, widely recognized as one of the oldest and best farmer's markets in the country. If you only have one day in Seattle, head downtown to get a real taste of the city in every sense. From fresh cheese curds at Beecher's to chowder at Pike Place Chowder, from necklaces and bags to hand-stitched leather journals and hats, from accordions to pianos to hula-hooping guitarists – there's something for your eyes, ears, and nose everywhere you look at the market.

Description:

Named for the mid-century Seattle architect and artist who fought to preserve the Pike Place Market, this park is minuscule but beloved. The grassy knoll provides a much needed rest and lunch spot for market visitors and workers. The view of Elliott Bay (over the admittedly horrendous Alaskan Way Viaduct) is fabulous. Steinbrueck's son, Peter, is now a member of the city council, and is fighting to preserve the park's views from a hotel developer who wants to block them. The Seattle tradition of liberal politics lives on.

Description:

This casual gourmet restaurant has the best location of any restaurant in Pike Place Market. Located on the third floor of the Corner Market Building, Matt's faces the big neon clock that is the quintessential symbol of the market. Until 2007, Matt's was a tiny cubbyhole of a place, but an expansion has given it enough tables that you can actually get in to eat here on short notice. The menu changes regularly, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients from the market stalls that are only steps away. There's also a good selection of reasonably priced wines. The food reveals whatever influences and styles happen to appeal to the chef at that moment -- perhaps Moroccan, perhaps Southern. However, if the menu happens to list anything with smoked catfish, try it.

Description:

This movie house is more than a minimalist haven for the independent filmmaker. It is also a non-profit organization that is dedicated to inspiring, assisting and producing movies by up-and-coming directors. On a given week, you can watch films by local talent, or productions from across the globe: French, Chilean, Austrian, and more. From an autobiography about a group of Icelandic musicians to a drama portraying a South American political coup, there is a storyline for any movie buff. Two small screens, with a capacity of 125 and 45 people offer comfortable stadium seating and an art-deco atmosphere. These screens also act as the golden showrooms for the 250 filmmakers the organization aids yearly. Pre and Postproduction workspace, rentals, and a film library consisting of over 1,000 motion pictures are also onsite. Whether your vocation is to be an independent director, or you just want to watch an eye opener, this is a must stop. Please see their website for showtimes.

Description:

Licorous, whose original name means, "tempting the appetite" and "relishing good food," is an ultimate spot that serves great, affordable food and cocktails. The chefs prepare a variety of dishes that are available for order late into the night. Their cocktail menu is diverse and you might even get to enjoy an original mix as the bartender often experiments with new concoctions. Licorous is uniquely decorated in orange and salmon colors that creates an atmosphere of escape from the outer world.

Description:

This little hole-in-the-wall is a prime example of finding elegance and exquisite food in unexpected places. Owned by Chef Jonathan Sundstrom, Lark is not where you come to eat – it's where you come to experience food. Rather than ordering an entree, the menu consists of small plates, so you can sample several succulent dishes, all of which are seasonal and prepared using local ingredients. Ingredients that are transformed into dishes like seared foie gras with rhubarb and spring onions, rabbit salad with asparagus, incredible cheese plates and desserts like pineapple tarte tartin with rum caramel.

Our Local Expert Says:

The most sublime bar in Seattle, hidden from the general public just off Madison on Boren, this lounge has high ceilings lit by chandeliers and flanked by a long green vinyl bench where the local hipsters sip on martinis and cocktails made with fresh squeezed juice. The walls are covered by works by local artists and the bartenders are always happy to snap a polaroid of you and your friends.

Description:

Described by the owners as a 'five-year performance art installation with a full bar', you just know that the place is going to be nothing short of unique. This eclectic loungey hangout is a Mecca for the creative arty crowd in Seattle. You are free to write, draw, act or interact with other patrons, whatever your creative heart desires! The velvet curtains, dark corners and large chandeliers - all add to your sense of impending drama. After you get used to the slightly weird atmosphere, indulge in the great variety of alcohol and nightly specials of drinks and appetizers that this place offers.

Description:

Havana brings a bit of Summer year round to rainy Seattle. Its original tin roof and light fixtures, marble bar, big red booths and palm trees create an authentic feel of vintage Cuba. A welcome change from the crowded clubs and posh lounge scene, Havana offers a fun and sociable setting on weeknights as well as DJ's and a packed dance floor on the weekend. The island theme carries over to the bar with a list of innovative twists on classic rum cocktails, but a nice list of top shelf scotches and cheap local brew Olympia on tap ensure there is something for everyone. This bar has no signage, look for a black awning in the parking lot across from Cafe Vitta.

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Known as ground zero for Seattle rock and roll royalty, the Cha Cha is hipster central. Locals congregate around the bar and tables up front, always seeming to keep an eye on the door.

Description:

American rock blends with Chinese kitsch at this popular hangout, a combination leading hipster crowds to flock in to hear their favorite bands perform. Red lanterns, dark wood, and a pagoda-styled stage lend a mysterious air to the interior, where some of Seattle's hottest local groups play side-by-side with nationally touring performers. With large dance floors, extensive bars, and seductive lounge-rooms, Chop Suey offers more of a nightclub atmosphere than many comparable venues, making it a multi-functional stage where fans of rock music feel just as at home as those seeking the mellow beats of the hottest electronica groups. The calendar is full of performances, so be sure to check out the website for the latest updates and information on age restrictions for each night.

Description:

Crave has something exceptional to offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Almost everything on the menu is made from scratch using fresh, locally grown produce and organic, free-range meats. From handcrafted tables and booths to large picture windows overlooking the funky locals passing by, Crave has a unique ambiance. With fresh pastries every morning and intriguing dinner entrees such as Mole Braised Lamb Shank slow cooked with Ibarra chocolate, there is something to crave here any time of day. For wine lovers their artisan bread selection and extensive rotating cheese menu is delightful. Also offered is free wireless internet access, a tasty weekend brunch, and authentic Italian espresso.

Description:

Recently redesigned, Cal Anderson Park includes a fountain, texture pool, and reflecting pool; promenade paths, landscaping, a shelterhouse, plaza, children's play area, wading pool and lighted sports field. This open park invites walking, sitting, reading, contemplation, informal sports in the meadow and organized sports on the athletic field. Walkers: the circumference of the park on the sidewalks, including Bobby Morris Playfield, is 3,325 lineal feet, or about 2/3 of a mile. An interior loop on gravel paths, using the old concrete gatehouse as the most southern edge and passing the cone water feature to the north, is 1,700 lineal feet, or about 1/3 of a mile.

Description:

Housed in an Art Deco building in Volunteer Park, the art collection at this museum places an emphasis on Chinese and Japanese art, but also includes works from Korea, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Himalayas. Among the museum's most notable pieces are Chinese terra-cotta funerary art, Chinese snuff bottles, and Japanese netsukes (belt decorations). Entire rooms are devoted to Japanese and Chinese ceramics. The central hall contains stone religious sculptures from South Asia (primarily India). The museum hosts frequent lectures and concerts.

Our Local Expert Says:

Aoki, a long-time sushi favorite on Capital Hill, has a relaxed sushi bar in the front and a intimate dining room in the back. Perfect for sushi before or after a movie at Harvard exit or a walk in Volunteer Park. The sushi chefs are super cool and the staff are incredibly nice. Bill Gates eats here when he's on Capital Hill, its that good!

Description:

Aoki, a long-time sushi favorite on Capital Hill, has a relaxed sushi bar in the front and a intimate dining room in the back. Perfect for sushi before or after a movie at Harvard exit or a walk in Volunteer Park. The sushi chefs are super cool and the staff are incredibly nice.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best dive bar in Seattle, local rock bands play on Saturdays, the pool tables are worn and smoked stained dollar bills cover the ceiling. The locals sit on wobbly stools and graffiti etched wooden tables left over from the days of grunge when Mia Zapata and Kurt Cobain greased their musical genius at this local landmark.

Description:

With a sign outside that seems to have gone unwashed for decades (perhaps since its opening in the post-prohibition year of 1936), floorboards that creak in protest at every step, and very smoky air, this bar seems to be appropriate for those who take their nightlife seriously. Its bark, however, is much worse than its bite. The clientele consists primarily of fun-loving fans of retro fashions. So, put a quarter on the pool table or pull up a stool at the bar and order one of the many available microbrews.

Our Local Expert Says:

Once the seediest burn-out bar in Belltown, this beautiful bar offers a small theater that hosts the smallest local music and theater acts in Seattle. Originally the theater held screenings for films hoping to be picked up by the larger theaters, this venue has now been renovated into a beautiful space with deep booths and chandeliers. Always populated by local hipsters, musicians and a strange mix of IT professionals, the bar is a perfect place to rub shoulders with local celebrities and tattooed artists.

Description:

If you want a taste of what Belltown was like before its economic skyrocket, take an evening here and at the 211 Billiard Club. The drinks here are inexpensive but incredibly strong. There is a selection of simple American fare, including sandwiches and salads. The real attraction here is the slightly mossy velveteen decadence of the Jewelbox Theater in the rear. It hosts alternative bands (ranging from awful to excellent), poetry readings and other events.

Description:

Home to some of Seattle's most outrageous live entertainment, this remarkable club serves up everything from house music to delightfully subversive plays. Featuring weekly theme nights, it remains a trailblazing gay bar, attracting patrons with a wide range of sexual orientations to its fabulous and hysterical productions. The intimate venue has two rooms and a tiny but fully stocked bar. The place can get pretty crowded on weekends. Don't miss the frequent and magnificent Drag King contests.

Description:

Originally built in the 1920's in Butterworth's Mortuary, The Chapel Bar still stands today as a place where people can come to enjoy quality food and drinks. The bar/restaurant is more than just a late-night hangout; it's a place where people can enjoy themselves in an individual, elegant space. The Chapel Bar offers a wide menu and drink selection with happy hour everyday (5p-8p). Also, this is a great location for private events such as receptions and holiday parties as the bar features a semi-private balcony that is situated above the main area of The Chapel Bar.

Description:

With bare tables graced with candles and dim atmosphere enhanced by "stars" punched into the ceiling, this always-packed bar attracts lovely twenty- and thirty-somethings who come to attract each other. The loft gives an excellent sky-high vantage point, while serious flirters congregate at the bar. The tiny stage features top-notch soul, latin, jazz, blues and visiting DJs. This is not a good place for conversation when it's crowded and full of music, but then, who really wants to talk here, anyway?

Description:

Can Can is one of Seattle's most celebrated, award winning nightspots in the city. Located in the heart of the Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle, Can Can's underground setting is evocative of Paris at the turn of the 20th century.

Description:

Step away from Seattle and into Barcelona. Barca balances between a large, popular bar and an intimate, welcoming joint. A wide assortment of draught beers, hand-picked wines and vodkas, and specialty drinks (you've got to try the Queen Bee) are only half of Barca's allure. Barca's atmoshpere is the other - with a beautifully crafted bar, romantic mezzanine level, and tiny nooks throughout. Enjoy the relaxing, comfortable vibes with a classic cocktail, beer, or experimental creation of the Barca bar staff. Call or check website for events or specials.

Description:

Deep red walls, funky art, fantastic food and a wine bar balcony make this downtown restaurant a local favorite. Chef/owner Tom Douglas, who also owns Etta's Seafood and Palace Kitchen, spares nothing to make the most interesting, flavorful, beautifully presented dishes. For appetizers, try the Seared Scallops and Kalua Pig. Entrees feature numerous seafood selections and wood-grilled meats. Do not skip dessert. Douglas is renowned in Seattle for his Coconut Cream Pie with white chocolate.