The Fangirl Guide to Seattle
- thefangirlguides
- Jan 16, 2019
- 5 min read
I don't know if it's the great coffee and food scene, the fresh mountain air, or the fact that Grey's Anatomy is set here, but we stan Seattle SO HARD. We hope this guide will help you plan your trip if you're lucky enough to find yourself in this beautiful city.
NEAR NEUMOS / CHOP SUEY
Where to Stay
The color scheme! The windows! The decorations! And that balcony! It’s practically begging you to spend your post-show morning out there, drinking coffee with your pals, and gushing about every perfect moment from the night before.
Might also like: Airbnb: Sophisticated Studio
Where to Caffeinate
Victrola Coffee Roasters
Seattle is Starbucks’ hometown, so we get the appeal of the coffee giant’s Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room. But we’d recommend going just around the corner to Victrola instead. Widely regarded as one of the best shops in the city--which is saying something, bc this is Seattle--this cafe’s exposed brick walls are drenched in natural light and decorated with pieces from local artists, making it an inviting spot for a slow pre-show morning.
Might also like: Caffe Vita, Tougo Coffee Co.
Where to Eat
Nue
One of our favorite things about traveling is experiencing the food of different places. Nue’s adventurous menu takes you out of Seattle and transports you to places like South Africa, Vietnam, Syria, and Jamaica. This Capitol Hill hotspot serves up creative interpretations of traditional street foods from around the world and is decorated with an eclectic collection of souvenirs from the owner’s decades of traveling.
Might also like: HoneyHole, Poquitos
Pre-Show
Elliott Bay Book Company
This sprawling, locally owned bookstore has been a Seattle fav for decades. Take your time wandering through the jam-packed bookshelves, then cozy up with your new read at the in-house cafe.
Might also like: Spin Cycle Records
Post-Show
Unicorn
A carnival-themed bar with whimsical specialty drinks, delicious-but-terrible-for-you carnival foods (fried Oreos, anyone?), and a game room. Need we say more?
Might also like: Lost Lake (a 24-hour diner that locals rave about)
NEAR PARAMOUNT THEATER / THE CROCODILE / SHOWBOX / KEYARENA / THE VERA PROJECT
Where to Stay
With views of the Seattle Waterfront and its proximity to Pike Place (just one block away!) it doesn’t get better than this.
Might also like: Green Tortoise Hostel (stay steps away from the Market, and save that $)
Where to Caffeinate
Storyville
Located on the top floor of Pike Place, Storyville feels like a cozy escape from the bustle below. Grab a latte made with one of their homemade milk alternatives, settle into one of the leather couches near the windows, and watch the day go by.
Might also like: The Crumpet Shop, Seattle Coffee Works
Where to Eat
Pike Place Market
Take a stroll through one of the world’s most iconic markets and try a little bit of everything. Our fav spots: Mee Sum Pastry, Daily Dozen Doughnut Co., Rachel’s Ginger Beer, Biscuit Bitch, and Beecher’s Handmade Cheese.
Might also like: Pasta Freska (an Italian restaurant without a menu; the chef asks if there are any foods you don’t like/are allergic to and makes something based on your tastes)
Pre-Show
Museum of Pop Culture
If you only follow one piece of our advice, GO TO THE MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE. With in-depth exhibits on acts like Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, immersive film rooms, and expertly curated traveling exhibits, this is a MUST.
Might also like: Chihuly Garden
Post-Show
5 Point Cafe
Idk about y’all, but after hours of dancing our tails off in the pit, the only thing we want is food. Especially food of the fried and/or unhealthy varieties. If you’re like us, 5 Point Cafe is here to hook you UP, serving up diner classics 24/7.
Might also like: Jupiter Bar
NEAR NEPTUNE THEATER
Where to Stay
Don’t mind me. Just making hella heart-eyes at all this natural light and that patio.
Might also like: Airbnb: Tangletown Charmer
Where to Caffeinate
Cafe Allegro
Tucked away in an alley that looks like something straight out of a movie, you’ll find Cafe Allegro: the oldest espresso bar in Seattle. Serving up small-batch roasts and delicious baked goods in a cozy, two-story space, it’s no wonder why this is a Seattle fav. There’s even a deck upstairs for when the weather’s nice!
Might also like: Cafe Solstice, Ugly Mug Cafe & Coffee Roasters
Where to Eat
Thai Tom
Many consider this small, hole-in-the-wall spot the best Thai food in Seattle, including students at the nearby University of Washington, who love the place for its reasonable prices and generous portions. Side note: it’s cash-only, so make sure to stop at an ATM on your way there.
Might also like: Aladdin Falafel Corner, Flowers Bar & Restaurant (lots of vegan/vegetarian options!)
Pre-Show
Gas Works Park
A former coal gasification plant, Gas Works Park is now a sprawling green space with views of Lake Union and the skyline. And it’s just a short Uber ride from Neptune Theater.
Might also like: Burke Museum, Henry Art Gallery
Post-Show
Blue Moon Tavern
Opened in 1934, just after the repeal of Prohibition, Blue Moon Tavern is the oldest pub in Seattle’s U-District. And its fascinating history doesn’t stop there. In the 50s and 60s, it became a hotspot for beat poets and counterculture movements. Today, this gritty dive is loved by students and long-time locals alike.
Might also like: Big Time Brewery
NEAR WAMU THEATER / SHOWBOX SODO / CENTURYLINK
Where to Stay
Lofts are kind of our thing, in case you couldn’t tell. This cozy little studio is right in the heart of bustling Pioneer Square and close to a Light Rail station, which makes getting around the city (including to and from the airport) super easy.
Might also like: Airbnb: Studio Apartment Pioneer Square
Where to Caffeinate
Zeitgeist Coffee
This spacious Pioneer Square cafe is one of the most beloved coffee shops in Seattle, and for good reason. From the in-house roasted beans and the local art on the walls to the expansive windows that are perfect for a bit of people-watching, Zeitgeist is a can’t-miss.
Might also like: Slate Coffee Roasters - Callus (located inside the dreamy Callus boutique, so you can just imagine how beautiful the space is)
Where to Eat
Revolution Pizza Music
Part pizzeria, part record store, Revolution’s website reads: “We promise to make sure you are always fed, happy, and buzzed (if you wish). We promise always to play the music just a little too loud... The way it's meant to be heard. And lastly… We promise to always worship Pizza... and Rock N' Roll.” That about sums it up.
Might also like: Hong Kong Bistro (one of the *best* dim sum spots in the city)
Pre-Show
Living Computers Museum & Labs
Technology is a huge part of Seattle’s story (both Microsoft and Amazon are based here). So it’s fitting that it’s home to this enormous museum featuring interactive exhibits on futuristic technologies like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and self-driving cars.
Might also like: Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
Post-Show
Flatstick Pub - Pioneer Square
Tacos. Mini golf. And an extensive beer list. If there’s a better way to keep the party going after a show, we’ve yet to find it.
Might also like: The Pharmacy (for some speakeasy vibes)
Comentários