Seattle is, for me, the epitome of the Pacific Northwest. Does it rain a lot? Yes. But the rain is somehow enchanting, at least as a visitor. It makes the coffee shops and bookstores that more cozy, and in the fall, the colors of the leaves are divin...
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Eat
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Eat
Seattle offers a great diversity of cuisines - and, of course, coffee. So much coffee.
Absolutely unreal Afro-Latin food. Don't skip the alcapurria. Would travel just for that.
Lenox
Delicious Thai food run by a passionate chef and owner.
Cashew Thai Cuisine
Seattle's original espresso bar. Cozy and a must-visit in U District.
Cafe Allegro
Great local bakery! (Note: not for the gluten-free folks)
Sea Wolf
Go to this chocolate factory for samples and rich drinking chocolate.
Spinnaker Chocolate
Famous for a reason. Expect a wait. (Tip: If you're gluten-free or vegan, get the vegan lime and coconut chowder. So delicious.)
Pike Place Chowder
Excellent coffee in a city known for coffee.
Victrola Coffee Roasters
Go for the Seattle dogs. Yes, they have cream cheese on them. Yes, it's delicious.
Bonnie B's Peppers
Reviews are mixed on this popular spot, and I honestly don't know why. Had an outstanding brunch here, including gluten-free biscuits. The interior is stunning.
Oddfellows
Excellent farmers market. Look for the tamale/burrito stand. It's excellent.
University District Farmers Market
Best gelato. Get the London Fog or the Ube. Just unreal.
Hellenika Cultured Creamery
Excellent cheese curds, mac and cheese, and soup.
Beecher's Artisan Cheese
Play
There's a lot to do in Seattle. Yes, I focused on bookstores.
Do the Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market. Request Will as your tour guide if you can.
Eat Seattle | Food Tours
Wonderful art museum with lots of Native American art.
Seattle Art Museum
Fantastic queer-owned and focused bookstore. The sellers know their stuff, so ask for recommendations!
Charlie's Queer Books
Stunning bookstore in a historic building. Not sure what to get? Ask! They will give you incredible, curated recommendations.
Arundel Books
This feels like the ideal PNW bookstore. And all the hand-written recommendations are to die for.
Elliott Bay Book Company
Cats! Six of them! (Plus used books.)
Twice Sold Tales
Like vintage? Come to this mall. It's an incredible selection from a range of vendors.
Fremont Vintage Mall
Stay
Having only been to Seattle for a conference, I have more limited recommendations, but here's a couple to get you started.
Was here for a conference and was impressed by the size of the rooms and the hospitality.
Hyatt Regency - Downtown Seattle Convention Center Hotel
Full disclosure: I have not stayed here. But if I was booking a return trip to the city, I would check this one out. Excellent reviews and love a B&B.
