Aqua: A classy restaurant with delightful seafood, drinks, and views. I recommend sitting at the long bar, ordering some oysters, and getting a fun cocktail. The bar has a good view!

Black Cat: Good place to go with a large group because you just order at the bar and order food from the kitchen. People can come and go as they please. More of a “dive bar” feel but comes with pinball and skeeball! Great selection of local beers and will make you any spirit forward drink.

Butchers Table: Looking for a date night? This is your spot. High quality food, drink, and service. The unique atmosphere is upbeat and friendly. 

Shiro’s Sushi: My favorite sushi place with delicious fresh sushi, great service, and genuine vibes.

ChiHo Bistro: Seattle style Chinese food to order tapas style. Check out their sake as well!

Herb and Bitter: Known for their amaro selection and lovely cocktails. Their menu is Seattle style with high quality ingredients.

Menya Musashi for Ramen: I recently discovered the amazingness of restaurant quality Ramen and this place is top notch. If you head here, stop by the Belmont afterwards for a drink with great vibes. 

Old Stove Brewing: After Pike Place, drop by for a beer or a flight to try them all. Great views, service, and delicious beers. 

Rocco’s Pizza: Get a slice, get a full pizza, stay for cocktails or take away. Delicious pizza with Seattle flair. 

Moto Pizza: A little different than your normal pizza, it is square, there are unique toppings, but wow you will be impressed. Get a pizza, share with a friend. Experience the amazingness.

Note: From downtown you might want to head up to Capitol Hill on Broadway for a wide selection of restaurants and bars.

Hello Robin Cookies: My go to cookie place with a large variety of nice and chewy cookies.

Salt and Straw: Head this way for unique milkshakes that are sure to give you a sugar rush. There are locations in Capital Hill and in Ballard!

Macrina Bakery: More of a morning spot but they have delightful breads and pastries. You can get coffee here too. You might find their baked goods around 

Frans Chocolate: My family’s favorite caramel chocolates (also Obama’s). Stop by the store for a taste and get a box of chocolates to bring back to your friends.

Hot Cakes: Chocolate lava cake experience. With unique options to choose from, a side of ice cream. This is your place for the gluttonous experience.

Local coffee shops are a must in Seattle. Not only do they carry top notch coffee, they usually come with fun designs if you order a latte. In the winter months, many Seattlites will be found reading or working at coffee shops. Here are my favorites in the Seattle area.

Cafe Cosmos: If you are looking for a menu with unique lattes and flavors this is where I would go. They also have good vibes for playing games or reading. 

Anchorhead: Known for their global coffees and pour overs. Their locations have a relaxing vibe with high quality coffees.

Fulcrum: High quality coffee, typical Seattle vibes, friendly service.

Also on the list: Victrola and Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Chihuly Art Museum: This is a glass art museum. You can walk through this museum in less than 30 and look at stunning art both inside and outside. I love going here.

Pike Place Market: Seattle vibes through and through. Make sure to go find Chukar Cherries stand and get yourself a treat. You can also catch them throwing fish, try some fresh fruit, and pick up some flowers.

Sign up for a sound bath (Wallingford): Spend an hour listening to sounds and feeling the vibrations. Some say it is healing, some say it is relaxing, I just found it to be a unique experience. 

Visit the gum wall: Yes, this is kinda gross, but it is also kinda unique to at least drop by. If you are stomping around Pike Place market, give it a go.

Pinball Museum: Located in the international district, visit the museum to play over 40 machines in chronological order. My favorites are Jurrasic Park and Cactus Canyon. 

Underground Tour: Did you know Seattle used to be underground. Sign up for a tour to explore the depths of Seattle. A little spooky, but very interesting. You need to be able to do stairs.

Fremont: You can go visit the troll under the bridge, a sculpture of Lenin (awkward), some artist shops. I enjoy going here and stomping around the breweries. If you are into tea try out B. Fullers Mortar and Pestle for a quirky shop with a delicious selection of teas. 

Ballard: On Sunday mornings you can find one of Seattle’s best farmers markets with fresh food, flowers, and goodies. If you go other times, you will find Seattle focused restaurants stores, and coffee shops.

University Village: University Village is the outdoor shopping mall with everything from Pottery Barn to GlassBaby (local) to Lulu lemon. Walk outside, grab a coffee, people watch, and enjoy the afternoon.