Seattle Restaurants

Amy J. Kinsel

Asian

Bambuza Vietnamese Bistro

Open from 11 a.m. daily; a step up from the Convention Center’s fast food outlets; salad rolls and fire-grilled entrees; alphabetical list of 200 cocktails on the menu; moderate. 820 Pike St.; 206-219-5555.

Dragonfish Asian Café

Open 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily; located one block north of the Convention Center; traditional American breakfast menu; lunch features stir fry, bento boxes, wraps, noodle bowls, and sushi; dinner offers pan-Asian dishes with a Japanese flavor; moderate; dinner reservations recommended. 722 Pine St.; 206-467-7777; <http://www.dragonfishcafe.com/>.

Typhoon!

Open for lunch and dinner; daily hours vary; expertly prepared and served Thai food from a moderately priced northwest chain that is a bit more upscale than some of Seattle’s smaller family-run Thai restaurants; dinner reservations recommended. 1400 Western Avenue; 206-262-9797; <http://www.typhoonrestaurants.com>.

Wild Ginger Asian Restaurant and Satay Bar

Pan Asian (satay bar, dining room, lounge)

Open daily from 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner; wide selection of imaginative, excellently-prepared dishes from Pacific Rim countries; dining room, satay bar, and lounge; moderately expensive, reservations recommended. 1401 Third Ave.; 206-623-4450; <http://www.wildginger.net/>.

Deli/Café

Bakeman’s Restaurant

Popular, busy, cash-only deli located in Pioneer Square; probably the best sandwiches in town (turkey and meatloaf are favorites); order from the counter; on crowded weekdays it is best to know what you want and have your cash ready when you reach the front of the line (for the turkey sandwich, specify white or dark meat, bread selection, with or without cranberries or mayo, etc.). 122 Cherry St. 206-622-3375

The Other Coast Café

Open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; claims to serve east coast sandwiches on the west coast; Boars Head pastrami for the Reuben sandwich, meatball sub, grilled veggie sandwich, fresh-baked bread, potato salad and cold slaw. 601 Union Square; 206-624-3383; <http://www.othercoastcafe.com/>.

Pike Place Market

Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar

First opened in 1909 by three Greek brothers as a bakery and luncheonette, the Athenian became a tavern in 1933, and then a restaurant; extensive menu features fresh seafood and vegetables available steps away from vendors in the Market; breakfast served all day. 1517 Pike Place; 206-624-7166; <http://www.athenianinn.com/index.php>.

Campagne and Café Campagne

Located at the Inn at the Market, both the restaurant and café serve southern French cuisine. Campagne is open for dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m.; five-course prix fixe dinner, $65 per person; a la carte also available; reservations recommended. Café Campagne offers charming French café ambiance; Saturday and Sunday brunch 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; lunch Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. daily; three-course prix fixe dinner, $33 per person; a la carte also available; dinner reservations recommended. 1600 Post Alley; 206-728-2233; <http://www.campagnerestaurant.com/>

Chez Shea

Open for dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; contemporary French cuisine; seasonal menus; four-course prix fixe dinner, $50 per person, with three wines at $22 per person; seven-course prix fixe dinner, $68 per person, with five wines at $30 per person; prix fixe tasting menus require participation of the entire table; reservations recommended. 94 Pike Place; 206-467-9990; <http://www.chezshea.com/>

Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub

Open from 11:30 a.m. daily; Irish stew, soda bread, Irish cheese, pasties, shepherd’s pie, steak and kidney pie; warm, traditional, pub ambiance; moderate. 1916 Post Alley; 206-728-1916; <http://www.kellsirish.com/>

Pan Africa Market

Open from 11 a.m.. daily for lunch; open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday; open for breakfast on weekends; Ethiopian menu features beef and lamb stews, kebabs, and chicken and fish entrees; Ethiopian breakfast sampler on Saturdays and Sundays; inexpensive. 1521 First Avenue; <http://www.panafricamarket.com/wp/>.

Matt’s in the Market

Open for lunch and dinner; popular with locals and tourists; fresh ingredients, light-filled dining room, great views; menu favorites include lamb burger and smoked catfish; lunch sets you back less than dinner; moderately expensive. 94 Pike Street; 206-467-7909; <http://www.mattsinthemarket.com/>.

Maximilien in the Market

Open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. and for dinner daily from 5 or 5:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch 9 a.m.; Sunday supper, $30 prix fixe; romantic French restaurant with panoramic view of Elliott Bay; fresh local ingredients; expensive; reservations recommended. 81A Pike Street; 206-682-7270; <http://www.maximilienrestaurant.com/>.

The Pink Door

Open daily from 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner; Italian-American food; casual funky atmosphere; nightly cabaret entertainment includes trapeze artist swinging over the dining room (Sundays); cover charge for Saturday night’s 10 p.m. burlesque show; moderate; dinner reservations recommended. 1919 Post Alley; 206-443-3241; <http://www.thepinkdoor.net/>.

Seafood and Steak

The Brooklyn Seafood Steak and Oyster House

Open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. daily; copper-clad oyster bar, comfortable booths in the dining room, expertly prepared salmon, mahi mahi, ahi, swordfish, Angus beef steaks; expensive; dinner reservations a must unless you want to take your chances for a crowded table in the bar. 1212 Second Avenue; 206-224-7000.

Buenos Aires Grill

Open for dinner from 5:30 p.m.; Argentine restaurant and tango bar; exceptional grilled beef is mostly what is on offer here; empanadas and creamed spinach with prosciutto are also excellent; there are one fish and one chicken entrée on the menu, but nothing to tempt a vegetarian; live tango dancers on Friday and Saturday nights; expensive; reservations recommended. 2020 Virginia Street; 206-441-7076.

Elliott’s Oyster House

Open from 11 a.m. daily; fresh local Dungeness crab, 21-foot long oyster bar, wild salmon and northwest seafood. Located at Pier 56, reservations recommended. 1201 Alaskan Way; 206-623-4340; <http://www.elliottsoysterhouse.com>.

Etta’s Seafood Restaurant

Open from 11:30 a.m. daily for lunch and dinner; brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.; some of the best fresh seafood in town; located across the street from Pike Place Market; private dining room for up to forty people; reservations recommended; expensive. 2020 Western Avenue; 206-443-6000; <http://www.tomdouglas.com/ettas/index.html >.

Flying Fish

Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to midnight; small plates, large plates, and platters designed to share; wide selection of wines; moderately expensive; reservations recommended. 2234 First Avenue; 206-728-8595; <http://www.flyingfishrestaurant.com/>.

Ipanema Brazilian Grill

Open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; rodizio dining where they serve slow roasted meats sliced to order at the table from roasting skewers; patrons make as many trips as they like to the cold table; fixed price menu: lunch $16.95, dinner $39.95 per person, plus drinks; fun for groups; reservations recommended. 1225 First Avenue; 206-957-8444; <http://www.ipanemabraziliangrill.us/>.

McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant

Pacific Northwest seafood and fresh fish; upscale professional atmosphere; expensive; reservations recommended. 1103 First Avenue; 206-623-5500; <http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com>.

Metropolitan Grill

Classic steak house with a few fish and poultry selections on the menu as well; award-winning wines from around the world with focus on west coast red wines; happy hour, 3 to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; dinner from 5 p.m. weekdays, from 4 p.m. weekends; expensive; reservations recommended. 820 Second Avenue; 206-624-3287; <http://www.themetropolitangrill.com/>.

Steelhead Diner

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; located at Pike Place Market, contemporary Pacific Northwest menu featuring delicious fresh fish and regional wine; half-portions of entrees available; moderate to expensive depending on food and wine selection; reservations recommended. 95 Pine Street; 206-625-0129; <http://www.steelheaddiner.com/>.

Italian

Al Boccalino

Open for lunch weekdays from 11:30 a.m. and dinner Monday-Saturday 5 to 10 p.m.; traditional Italian food from fresh local ingredients. 1 Yesler Way; 206-622-7688; <http://www.seattleslittleitaly.com/al-boccalino-restaurant.html>.

Andaluca Restaurant and Bar

Tuscan and Mediterranean fare; intimate, romantic setting; small plates and main dishes; located at the Mayflower Park Hotel; restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; moderately expensive, dinner reservations recommended. 407 Olive Way; (206) 382-6999; <http://www.andaluca.com/>.

Il Fornaio Restaurant and Bakery

Open daily for lunch from 11:30 and for dinner from 5 p.m.; Italian, offers two dining spaces—a risoterria downstairs for quick lunches and a restaurant upstairs for more formal meals; conveniently located near the Convention Center at Pacific Place; a fine choice for lunch or dinner, despite its provenance as a California mall chain; fresh-baked bread, wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, pasta, pizza baked in apple wood burning oven; moderately expensive. 600 Pine St.; 206-264-0994.

Tulio Ristorante

Located at the Hotel Vintage Park, this Italian restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; good food, wine, and service; menu items include sweet potato gnocchi, smoked salmon ravioli, roasted whole fish, and duck breast confit; moderately expensive; dinner reservations recommended. 1100 Fifth Avenue(in the Hotel Vintage Park) 206-624-5500 <http://www.tulio.com/>.

Pubs and Breweries

Elephant and Castle

Open 11:30 a.m. to midnight (2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays); nice selection of imported and local brews on tap; British pub food such as fish and chips or shepherd’s pie with a few northwest entrees like grilled salmon thrown in; moderately priced. 1415 Fifth Avenue; (206) 624-9977; <http://www.elephantcastle.com/content/locations/seattle>.

Pike Pub and Brewery

Open from 11 a.m. daily; Pike brews a dozen award-winning ales from pale to stout; menu features pizza, burgers, and pub sandwiches; popular with tourists. 1415 1st Avenue (Pike Place Market); 206-622-6044; <http://www.pikebrewing.com/>.

Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery

Open from 11 a.m. daily; this may be a national chain, but the six lagers and ales made on the premises are quite respectable, even in Seattle’s crowded craft beer market; menu features pasta, burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. 1333 Fifth Avenue; (206) 623-3070; <http://www.rockbottom.com>.

Tap House Grill

Open from 11 a.m. daily; 160 beers on tap; menu features steaks, seafood, and sushi; private dining rooms for groups of 20-150; also offers extensive list of martinis and cocktails. 1506 Sixth Avenue; 206-816-3314; <http://www.taphousegrill.com/>.

Chinatown/International District

Maneki Authentic Japanese Cuisine

Seattle’s oldest Japanese restaurant, established in 1904; dining room open Tuesdays to Sundays, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.; lounge and karaoke bar open until midnight; tatami rooms for four to ten persons by reservation; inexpensive. 304 Sixth Avenue S.; 206-622-2631.

New Hong Kong Restaurant

Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days; Chinese/Asian/Dim Sum; hot pot, duck, squid, oyster, lobster, geoduck, congee; crowded for dim sum on Sundays, but worth the wait; moderately priced (depending on how many dishes you grab off the dim sum carts). 900 S. Jackson St.; Pacific Rim Center, second floor; 206-223-7999; <http://www.new-kowloon.cwok.com/>.

Phnom Penh Noodle House

Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days; authentic Cambodian noodle dishes and soups; quick friendly service; inexpensive. 660 S. King Street; 206-748-9825.

Seven Stars Pepper Szechuan Restaurant

Open daily, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; delicious food, amazing spices, hot if you want; inexpensive. 1207 S. Jackson St., Suite 211;206-568-6446.

Tamarind Tree Provincial Vietnamese Restaurant

Open 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays); authentic (and amazing) Vietnamese dishes served in stylish setting; extensive martini and cocktail menu. In late January 2009, Tamarind Tree’s owner, Tam Nguyn, and family plan to open a second restaurant called Long (Vietnamese for “dragon”) at 1901 Second Avenue downtown. Reservations accepted with 24-hour advance notice only. 1036 S. Jackson St., Suite A; 206-860-1404; <http://www.tamarindtreerestaurant.com>.

Cocktails, Wine and Dining

Black Bottle Gastro-Tavern

Open noon to 2 a.m.; dinner from 5 p.m.; menu features local and sustainable ingredients. 2600 First Avenue; 206-441-1500; <http://www.blackbottleseattle.com>.

Brasa Restaurant

Dinner only; 5 to 11 p.m., Friday-Saturday (bar open until midnight); 5 to 10:30 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; Champagne cocktails, martinis, extensive wine list; dinner menu changes seasonally. 2107 Third Avenue; 206-728-4220; <http://www.brasa.com>.

Spur Gastropub

Located in a historic Belltown building, the ambiance aims to evoke Seattle’s pioneer fishing town past; featured dishes include pan seared trout, free range chicken, charred bison burger; classic cocktails. 113 Blanchard Street; 206-728-6706; <http://www.spurseattle.com>.

Wine Bars

The Local Vine

Sunday-Wednesday, 4 p.m. to midnight, Thursday-Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; more than 100 wines by the glass plus small-plates food menu; free wi-fi. 2520 Second Avenue; 206-441-6000; <http://www.thelocalvine.com>.

Purple Café and Wine Bar

Tower of wine bottles anchors circular staircase in the middle of this trendy café; Mediterranean-style menu featuring fresh northwest ingredients, cheese and wine flights, wine tasting bar and dining room; open from 11 a.m. weekdays and noon weekends for lunch and dinner; dinner entrees available after 4 p.m.; wide selection of teas; expensive. 1225 Fourth Ave; 206-829-2280; <http://www.thepurplecafe.com>.

Music and Dining

Jazz Alley

Seattle’s premiere jazz nightclub; top jazz and blues performers plus dining (Northwest Cuisine, featuring fresh seafood); cover charge; reservations recommended; usually two music sets per night. 2033 Sixth Ave., #255; 206-441-9729; <http://www.jazzalley.com>.

Triple Door

Gorgeous gold-framed stage; venue located in basement below the Wild Ginger Restaurant; eat great Pan-Asian food delivered from upstairs while sitting in a tiered booth listening to world-class musicians; as of printing, scheduled performers in March were: March 27, Nashville singer-songwriter collective, Ten Out of Tenn ($12 cover); and on March 28, singer and guitarist Leon Redbone ($35 cover in advance); reservations recommended. 216 Union St.; 206-838-4333; <http://www.thetripledoor.net>.

Tula’s Restaurant and Nightclub

Intimate music venue featuring Seattle jazz acts; restaurant serves Greek and Italian food; cover charge; reservations recommended. 2214 Second Avenue; 206-443-4221; <http://www.tulas.com/>.

Amy Kinsel teaches U.S. history, women’s history, Pacific Northwest history, and interdisciplinary studies at Shoreline Community College and is a member of the 2009 OAH Convention Local Resource Committee.