Seattle Quick Hits - Top 5 Essential Spots When You’re Short on Time
When you’re back home retelling your short-lived stint in Seattle, you can easily say, “Yes, I went there and tried…”
Starbucks Lover - Starbucks Reserve Roastery
First this, first that. We’ll admit, saying you’ve been to the “original” Starbucks establishment sounds pretty brag-worthy. Other than that, it’s less of an experience unless waiting in line is all the experience you need. You do get to see the siren again in all her glory and given how Starbucks has become a household name, it’s pretty cool to see their humble beginnings. That being said, an experience is to be had up on Capitol Hill at Starbucks Reserve Roastery. While the original location is intimate, the Roastery boasts vaulted ceilings exposing beams and ducts to drive home the industrial feel. Their intimacy is felt in their tasting their coffee flights at the experience bar. At the main bar, you can still take in your surroundings while sipping your espresso with their Hazelnut Bianco Latte or their Cold Brew Float. Eat lightly because there’s more in store for you.
Capitol Hill: 1124 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Beat the Crowd, Option One - Il Corvo
It’s common to find a line forming an hour before the doors to Il Corvo officially open. After getting your caffeine fix, queue up behind fellow pasta lovers. Il Corvo’s menu focuses on letting their quality ingredients speak for themselves and handmade pasta. Their menu changes day-to-day, with their bolognese being their permanent pasta dish. One of their popular dishes is their squid ink pasta. There’s something so daring about eating black pasta. Since the menu is revealed the same day, you’re at the mercy of the luck of the draw if you want to try it. Regardless of which pasta dish you order, it will be a winner. What’s a meal without some greens? Order the Kale Salad. Yes, the Kale Salad. They use Dino kale, AKA Tuscan kale, topped with shredded Parmesan and sunflower seeds. This is where you witness how the ingredients speak for themselves. Don’t forget their Focaccia, it’s unbelievably buttery and fluffy. With your pasta, salad, and bread, you’re all set for an unforgettable lunch at Il Corvo. P.S. It was popular before Aziz Ansari posted it on the gram. P.P.S. Chef Mike Easton has another location on Alki.
Pioneer Square: 217 James St, Seattle, WA 98104
Beat the Crowd, Option Two - Salumi
Let’s say pasta’s not your thing. We can’t be friends I’m sorry to say. Maybe a good old fashioned sandwich is what you’re aching for. We still got you covered. Also within Seattle’s historic district of Pioneer Square, Salumi, draws fans of cured meats. Originally established by Armandino Batali 20 years ago, Salumi still tempts fellow meat eaters with their porchetta and meatball sandwiches. Towards the cashier, they have grab-n-go bags of their sliced, cured meats. Every time, it’s one or several bags of the mole to snack on later; if you can resist the temptation. While the ownership has changed hands (and moved a couple of blocks to accommodate their expansion), Salumi remains a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Pioneer Square: 404 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Pike Place Chowder
After a brief history lesson and exploration with Underground Tour with Bill Speidel’s and wandering the maze of Pike Place Market, make your way to the surface streets to Pike Place Chowder. First timer? Try their classic New England Clam Chowder. Worked up an appetite? Opt for your chowder of choice in a bread bowl. They use sourdough and it accompanies well with the creaminess of the chowder. Dipping makes eating more fun and the bites of chowder-soaked-bread are the best. A whole crew of you still reeling from Il Corvo? Opt for the flight, you can try all the offerings while not becoming obscenely stuffed for your next stop a few doors down/other side of the block.
Downtown: 1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101 | View More Locations
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Ever wonder how cheese is made? Beecher’s provides a glimpse into the cheese making process with expansive windows into their world. A local favorite with fellow restaurateurs, it’s not surprising to see this local cheese-maker listed in menus around the sound from Shake Shack’s Montlake Double Cut to Re:public with their cheese curds. While the “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese is always a winner for a bowl of old-fashioned comfort, the Mariachi Mac & Cheese offers a bit of a kick. We like to stock up on a variety of cheeses to make an eye-catching charcuterie board or pack it up for picnics at Gas Works Park or Golden Gardens. Psst… Let’s say you’re extremely short on time, you can get your Beecher’s fix at the airport.
Downtown: 1600 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
Paseo
We swear this list isn’t based on Aziz Ansari’s favorite places to eat; he just knows. In the funky neighborhood of Fremont, Paseo, an iconic sandwich shop delving into Caribbean flavors makes our mouths water. The legendary Caribbean Roast is what sandwich dreams are made of. The slow-roasted pork on its own is enough to tame our taste-buds. With caramelized onions and romaine lettuce on a toasted baguette, you get three different crunch factors to counter the buttery pork. A little less messy to eat, the West Caribbean Bowl still gives a heaping serving of the roasted pork. Paseo’s notoriety spread and with it, more locations in SoDo and Capitol Hill. Even so, the funky Fremont shop remains our favorite.
Fremont: 4225 Fremont Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 | SoDo: 1760 1st Avenue South Seattle, WA 98134