What restaurant in Seattle would you recommend to out-of-towners?

Question

Some people from New York asked me and my friend this when we were dining out this week.

Answer 1

There are several well-known restaurants in the downtown area, however I think you're looking for not just a famous or popular restaurant, but you probably also want to know some good insider information.

If you want your friends to think you are a freakin genius-hip-cool-totally-connected person then you HAVE to know the happy hours. Generally speaking in the Seattle area most if not all major restaurants will have a happy hour at least 5 days a week ranging between the hours of 3-6pm...some are 4-6...and some places even do a 9-close. Happy Hours in Seattle are some of the best I've ever seen and you can get well-fed on appetizers and half-plates and well....well...for very little $$$.

Some examples (but definitely NOT limited to):

Cutters Bayhouse is awesome for HH..cheap food and drinks.
Dragonfish Asian Cafe is not only a hip and trendy spot with a great downtown location, but you can enjoy it for less than half the moolah!
Ruth's Chris is a personal fav. and so are their $3 bartender margaritas and $3 half-pound cheeseburgers!
Salty's on Alki is suddenly affordable...3-6 M-F
etc.etc.etc.

I think you get the idea. Just remember, most major restaurants have a happy hour, just pick a place, call them up and ask! They love their happy hour customers because if it weren't for us they'd have almost absolutely 0 business during those hours. On lazy weekdays off I like to sometimes meet up with a few people and do a "happy-hour stroll" hopping in and out of restaurants downtown to have a drink and a snack at each one, much like the Tapas in Spain! it becomes more fun as the night progresses! One moment you could be chowing down a seared ahi-tuna, crossing the street to split a half pound cheeseburger with a buddy, walking another block over to snack on california rolls and edo-style sushi, and head down the street to gnaw on chicken skewers.

It helps to have an idea of which places you want to hit and in what order...but if they're on vacation, anything goes! And if they're really on vacation then not only can they get their fill between 3-6 or 4-6 but they can go out later after 9 and hit some of the late night HHs! You can easily feast at several of the trendier and nicer restaurants while on a budget if you just go to HH!

If HH is not your style then I recommend any of Tom Douglas' restaurants for a regular meal...especially for out of towners. Tom Douglas' cuisine is the PNW in a nutshell. Dahlia Lounge is great for a nice meal but I prefer Palace Kitchen for late night noshing! I would also check out Purple...a local chain of wine bars that serves excellent food as well.

Hope your hours are happy!

Answer 2

Speaking as an out-of-towner who visits Seattle every couple of years, I'd point at Ivar's and 13 Coins. They're very old-style Seattle places, different from chains you might see anywhere. Certainly not the "best" food in Seattle, but what they do they do well.

Answer 3

Salty's on Alki is a great spot for visitors. It has been voted the most scenic spot for a gazillion years :) Brunch is the best meal there, the dinner menu is a bit limited, but the view is killer. Their web site shows a virtual tour:
Plus they have a limo that can pick you up at certain times

http://saltysalkiview.com/

There are a lot of nice downtown places, of course, if you want to deal with the traffic...The Brooklyn is good, and of course Cutters down by the market. Have fun!

Answer 4

The Metropolitan Grill is physically powerful, even nonetheless that's barely a common upscale steakhouse, salmon, chops. Ray's Boathouse, if the waiter ever brings you nutrients (awful provider, won't bypass back) Wild Ginger (downtown) is physically powerful asian nutrients, yet with such numerous wonderful chinese language eating places interior the international District.... have self assurance it or no longer, Elliot's Oyster homestead, Pier fifty six, on the bay interior the heart of the vacationer district. The Oysters are impressive. bypass throughout the time of the week. happy hour starts at 3:00 PM and sparkling oysters are 50 cents apiece. They bypass up 20 cents each 0.5 hour. (I frequently order 2 dozen). you will possibly desire to reserve them interior the bar!!!! different $2 specials contain small salmon sandwiches, fried oysters, calamari. I holiday to Seattle regularly and by no ability omit it.

Answer 5

Luna Park Cafe over in West Seattle. It's fun and unique and well priced. Not stuffy and casual.

Answer 6

Claim Jumpers or Bonefish Grill

Answer 7

Try the 5-spot. I don't live there, but my brother took us there not too long ago when we visited and it's awesome.
Also, Cupcake Royale for a tasty after-dinner treat.

Answer 8

Wild Ginger and Dahlia - both are great and popular with locals and visitors alike.

Answer 9

dragonfish and wild ginger if you like asian...Rock Bottom Brewery is a good "chain" brewery, large portions and good local brews...The Pink Door for italian and cabaret...

Answer 10

http://tayon.com/dining/