My wife just found out that she’ll be attending a conference in Seattle next month, which means we get a free vacation!
We already booked a Thurs. night dinner at Canlis.
I need 3 more dinners: 2 as a couple + 1 solo while the missus is at a work-related event
I’m presently looking at the following:
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Ray’s Boathouse - (we love old fashioned waterfront dining and this seems to be an institution)
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The Walrus and The Carpenter - (we love raw bars + classic atmosphere)
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3rd Option?? Is Pike Pl. Market more daytime/nighttime destination??
Questions: How’s the seafood at Ray’s? Fresh and sustainable catch? Well-prepared and not overcooked? Does the food measure up to the setting or is it really more about the timewarp waterfront dining scene than the actual meal? Would you recommend?
I also need 4 lunches - currently looking at the following though really not attached to any of them:
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Ivar’s Fish Bar - (same reason as Ray’s, est. 1938 - classic waterfront dining. this place looks super touristy though. all fried food. are fish n chips made fresh or is it frozen crap? is this Seattle’s version of SF Fisherman’s Wharf? quintessential tourist experience or to be avoided?)
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Merchants Café - (looks like standard pub fare but i love the atmosphere and it’s 3 blocks from our hotel- Arctic Club. is it worth ordering a burger or should we skip this for lunch and just swing by for a draft? yelp photos look kind of shitty. lunch or drinks only?)
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Bastille Café & Bar - (no clue about this one. we like bistros. interior looks nice enough. food looks decent if nothing special. is it worth a lunch stop?)
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Bakeman’s Restaurant - (this one’s a must for me! i might visit solo while the missus is at work, since it looks to be closed weekend. i’ll have to consult her.)
Other considerations: afternoon tea @ Fireside Room, Sorrento Hotel
We’re not that big on morning foods (breakfasts/brunches) but we definitely want to visit Pike Place Public Market; would morning be the best time?
Finally, on return to airport, I was considering a brunch stop at either 13 Coins (SeaTec) which is 24hrs -or- Pancake Chef. Thoughts on either? We fly out at 1:30 pm, so we’d be looking at brunchy hour for pre-flight meal.
Last but certainly not least - drinks!
A glass of bubbles at Sky City in the Space Needle??
Cocktails at Needle & Thread and/or Tavern Law?
We definitely want to stop Oliver’s Lounge at the Mayflower Park Hotel… should we stick to drinks or eat as well?
Both Sun Liquor and Rumba look interesting to me.
Aperitifs at Artusi also seems appealing.
And the historic pubs, as already mentioned - Merchants Café + Artusi Triangle. I’m guessing aim for mid-afternoon and avoid on game day?
I would love some feedback and thoughts on all of the above + any additional suggestions! I realize our meals aren’t very interesting/chef driven (save Canlis perhaps?) so I’d welcome any alternatives. We’re on a narrower budget than usual for this trip, since it’s somewhat last minute and unplanned. Canlis will have to be our one fancy wine and dine meal. I’d especially like feedback on Walrus + Carpenter and the classic restaurant/lounge in the Mayflower.
Thanks very much!