3 Days of Foodie Fun in Seattle, WA
If you are looking for a place to fuel the outdoor adventurer in you yet allowing you to come back in time to grab a beer and insanely great meal, Seattle is your spot. And let me preface this entire itinerary by saying it includes my favorite meal that I’ve ever experienced and that alone makes Seattle a top U.S. destination.
So, here it is. An itinerary mixed with eating, outdoor activities, and you guessed it, more eating.
Day 1 - Tourists & Teriyaki
We chose to stay in the Fremont area which is a quaint (and quirky) neighborhood with plenty of restaurants within walking distance. Opt for a cute Airbnb.
Our first stop of course was for that morning cup of coffee at Milstead & Co, a cute coffee shop that can fulfill any caffeine lover’s dream. After slurping down our beverages, we headed to the nearby Sea Wolf Bakers. The line out the door gives you a little insight into just how good the pastries are. We tried the cheddar lye roll and for those that lean towards sweet over savory, don’t sleep on the cinnamon roll.
Next up was a check-the-box itinerary item at Pike Place Fish Market. For a nice way to see more of the city, and to get some extra steps (and sights) in, try parking in South Lake Union (near the bottom of the lake). Catch a glimpse of the Amazon Spheres on your walk over to the market.
At Pike Place, smoked fish is the star of the show. Stroll the crowded, perfectly fishy scented corridors and sample your way from one end to the other. Catch a glimpse of the famous fish throwing fish mongers and take your obligatory photo in front of the big “Public Market Center” sign. This is also where the original Starbucks is located, but with the massive lines of people waiting to get inside, it’s best to admire from the outside. Your touristy morning is not complete without a walk down to the promenade. Soak in the breathtaking 360 degree views of the Sound, Mount Rainier, and Downtown Seattle before wrapping up and heading for food.
With lunch time now approaching, it’s time to get some teriyaki, which was born in Seattle. Coming from the east coast, I associate teriyaki with those stands at the mall food court, but Seattle takes it up a level. Okinawa Teriyaki is conveniently located not too far from Pike Place so this is your best bet. The classic chicken teriyaki is the gold standard. It comes with some rice and a side salad.
After lunch, head up to Fremont for some quality boutique shopping. All of this is right near Gas Works Park. Come here to relax and take in the scenery if you're in a chill mood.
Dinner tonight is a little lighter. Enjoy some fresh seafood at Walrus and the Carpenter. This restaurant is a first come first serve basis. But don’t worry because if you have to wait, there’s a perfect aperitivo bar next door. Barnacle fits the vibe you’re looking for, especially if you’re a fan of Amaro. Grab yourself a starter drink and prepare your palate to take down the quality seafood served at dinner. .
Day 2 - Mountain Views and City Brews
Time for some pre-hike fuel. Head over to Aroom, a Vietnamese coffee shop with killer drinks like a Pandan latte. Grab breakfast while you’re here as well to ensure you’re prepped for the morning activity.
Hope you’re caffeinated fueled up, because It's time to become one with the PNW. One of the best things about Seattle is just how accessible nature is. And I am not talking about city park style nature, I am talking about jaw dropping, panoramic view type nature. Take the 30 minute or so drive out to the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, a 5.3 miles out and back trail with sweeping views. If 5.3 miles sounds daunting, maybe a carrot to get you down the trail is the pristine mountain lake nestled perfectly at the bottom of the hike. Bring your bathing suit and take a dip into water so fresh you’ll want to bottle and sell it back home.
Now that you’ve burned some calories, it’s time to consume some. Take the short 5-10 min drive over to North Bend and reward yourself with a Seattle dog and shake of choice from the no frills, Scott’s Dairy Freeze. This place is as classic as it gets. Sit outside and enjoy the view white slurping your well deserved sweet treat.
Take the scenic drive back into Seattle for some brewery hopping in Fremont. You can check out Aslan Brewery and Fremont Brewing.
Continue the party, but make it classy. Reservations are recommended at Deep Dive, a speakeasy type bar located in the Spheres. Think of this place as your go-to spot to impress your colleagues at work happy hour. Grab a cocktail and enjoy the vibe before heading over to what I think is a classic Seattle experience, sailing. Sailing Seattle is a family run operation that delivers a rockstar sunset cruise. Pack a cooler of local wine and cheese to elevate the experience. You’ll sail out into the Sound, watch the sun disappear over the Olympic Peninsula, and head back at dusk for an unreal view of the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier.
Day 3 - Poke Me, I’m Dreaming of Taneda
Last day, best day. Grab a coffee at Sundays Coffee before exploring the Fremont Sunday Market (10 AM - 4 PM), where you will find vintage items, art, and food vendors. It’s a quirky market that is sure to keep your eyes occupied. Don’t sleep on the homemade rice crispy treat vendor or the man promising the best Seattle dog you’ve ever had. Both are musts to hold you over for the drive to lunch.
Lunch today is a little far. While not technically in Seattle, it’s well worth the 20 minute Uber ride to Edmonds for Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke. If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you know that this is what poke is supposed to be. Simple, quality ingredients paired with the freshest fish and perfectly cooked rice is what makes this place stand out. Don’t be surprised by the line. It’s well worth the wait. Don’t sleep on the mac salad. It’s a staple side item and a must have.
Once you’re back in Seattle proper, explore the hip neighborhood of Capitol Hill. Street art, cafes, and shops are dotted throughout the streets. Take your time and immerse yourself in one of the city’s classic go-to areas.
Get medicated at The Doctor’s Office before dinner. No I’m not your mother telling you to go for a checkup. This is a very small bar whose drinks pack a punch. Reservations are required at this 15 seat (at most) spot. Cozy up to one of your favorite drinks, especially on an infamous Seattle rainy day.
It’s your last night in Seattle and you can’t leave without experiencing the best restaurant I’ve ever been to, Taneda. Taneda (named by head chef Taneda) is a Japanese kaiseki dining experience. The menu is seasonal and will change, but no matter what you’re there to be served dishes in their most perfect form. Think small plates with a variety ranging from uni hand rolls and perfectly torched otoro nigiri to wagyu shabu shabu. The service, impeccable, the coursing out of the food and conversation, flawlessly executed. This place is nothing short of amazing. Note that it is a really hard reservation to get and you need to be ready to book as soon as the reservations open. Set your alarms and say a prayer.
