August and September are two of Seattle’s busiest months for tourist travel because the weather is absolute perfection.. honestly, summers in the PNW can’t be beat. It stays anywhere between 75-85 degrees, you’re surrounded by water so there’s always a breeze, and the things to do and places to eat are endless.
With that being said, we put together a list of spaces, places and attractions that won’t be littered with tourists taking pictures. Some of them, yes like Pike’s Place Market, are on the list and will be CROWDED but you go, you buy some local produce and a beautiful $10 bouquet and check it off the list. Then head to one of our spots below for a more local scene.
We hope you enjoy our beautiful city and exploring our spots.
Coffee, Bakery & Drinks:
Mr. West: Located around the corner from Nordstrom downtown, this attractive espresso bar and all day cafe will leave you begging for more. And every inch of the place is Insta-worthy. Our suggestion: go for a coffee and pastry or brunch.
Starbucks Roastery: No, this isn’t the “original” Starbucks because that’s not on our list. This is the Roastery and Tasting Room (yes, ALCOHOL!) located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood adjacent to downtown. It is craft everything from espresso to mixology cocktails. Worth a trip if you’re in the neighborhood. And you’ll get the same cup of coffee you’d get from the original Starbucks near Pike’s Place without the crazy line.
Bakery Nouveau: There are a few locations but the one on Cap Hill would be easiest access from downtown. One word: macarons. And chocolate. And pastries. All of it. Just go.
Retreat: We just discovered this great coffee shop in Green Lake and it checks all the boxes. Delicious coffee, smoothies, wine, and the avocado toast is to die for. So after your stroll around Green Lake pop on over here to refuel.
Juicebox Cafe: This place is so charming and located in Capitol Hill. It gives all the San Francisco cafe feels. They specialize in vegetable-focused dishes, fresh made juices, blended drinks, and wellness shots. They always have amazing daily specials. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and brunch on weekends.
Juice & Glow: Favorite juice bar in Bellevue and we will hit this spot up if we are in that neck of the woods shopping at Nordstrom or taking a Pure Barre class. They have a farm to table concept and serve juices, smoothies, tonics and elixirs along with breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Jujubeet Cafe: Delicious, plant-based food. Made in house, fresh each day with mostly organic and local ingredients! There are a few locations in Seattle and Bellevue. Perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast or lunch.
HeartBeet Organic Superfoods Cafe: Located in NE Seattle, this place has really good quality organic food! They offer juices and smoothies and in the winter the grain bowls are delicious and cozy. They offer a lot of raw options if that’s your jam.
Pressed: Ok so this isn’t unique to Seattle but we frequent this spot a lot if you watch our stories on Instagram. Great place to go for wellness shots, lattes, green juice, and our favorite dairy free fro yo (“freeze”). The “Wellness” and “Vitality” shots are great! The tumeric and matcha lattes are dreamy with their almond milk, and the vanilla and chocolate freeze with drizzled almond butter, berries, and sea salt is the best!
Molly Moons: Neither of us are huge ice cream girls.. we’d rather have chocolate or a freeze from Pressed but just one whiff of this place and you’ll be lured in. 90% of their ingredients are sourced from the Pacific Northwest and they have some pretty unique flavors to offer. Think: Earl Grey and Honey Lavender. YAS!
Restaurants:
Oddfellows: A favorite for breakfast.. located on Capitol Hill (you’re going to see a lot of our spots are in this neighborhood because this is just the place for food). Coffee and pastries start at 8, full kitchen from 8 am – 10 pm and happy hour from 3-6 pm.
Tallulahs: Our go-to for girls brunch. Located on the backside of Capitol Hill, it’s a darling spot full of charm and local cuisine. Tip: get the homemade scones and avocado toast to start.
Portage Bay Cafe: Another tried and true for brunch. Portions are huge, it’s always packed full of families and their pancake and french toast bar is drool-worthy.
The Pink Door: This one is a bit more well-known amongst tourists and locals alike. It’s an Italian joint located in Post Alley next to Pike’s Place Market.. the only way you know it’s The Pink Door is, well, by the pink door. Otherwise, you’d walk right past it. We recommend this for a romantic date night for two.
Serious Pie: Tom Douglas is a famous restaurateur in Seattle and when he opened Serious Pie, he truly outdid himself. And you guessed it.. they serve pizza. Not just any pizza. Serious pizza 😉 You know it’s good when the line wraps around the building at lunchtime. So get there early.
Joey Kitchen: If you find yourself near University Village (located by UW), Joey is a great place (and family friendly) for lunch or dinner. We always start with the rainbow roll or gyoza.. or both #nojudgement.. and either get their Chicken Harvest Salad, freshly made rotisserie chicken or salmon bowl.
Shaker + Spear: Hands down best meal experience I’ve had in Seattle. Located in Belltown and perfect for a date night. Make a reservation because it is a small restaurant next to the Kimpton Palladian hotel. Get there early and grab a cocktail at the bar. Enjoy several courses and take your time working through the menu. Such a great dining experience. Also if you watched The Sinner…check out their bathroom wallpaper 😉
Purple Cafe and Wine Bar: This is in the heart of downtown and easily accessible after a day of sightseeing or shopping. Their chop salad is one of our favorites as are their homemade chocolates to finish your meal.
Stoneburner: Located in Ballard and attached to the quaint and eclectic Ballard Hotel, this would be perfect for a date night or family dinner if you go early enough. Tip: order everything and share.
Japonessa: Hands down best sushi spot! It’s a busy restaurant in Downtown Seattle and right across the street from The Four Seasons. Swing by there before or after dinner for a drink and view of the ferris wheel.
Pablo y Pablo: Great spot for Mexican food in Wallingford. This is a go to brunch spot and it never disappoints. They do street style tacos and I know this sounds random, but we love their granola for brunch! The ambiance is so cute and did we mention they have yummy cocktails 😉
Revel: A hidden gem in South Lake Union, a truly up and coming neighborhood since Amazon moved in. It markets itself as street style comfort food including noodles, dumplings and rice bowls. It’s Japanese fusion and food we wouldn’t typically order if just looking at the menu but when it arrives at the table, you can’t help but wolf it all down. Even if you don’t know what half of the ingredients are lol.
Staple and Fancy: Ethan Stowell is another famous Seattle restauranteur with a number of delectable spots in the city. But Staple is my (H’s) favorite and is located in Ballard, my old stomping grounds. Make sure to secure reservations beforehand and don’t order off the menu. Ask the chef to prepare you a special tasting menu.. it’s worth every bite. Rec: ditch the kids and go for date night.
Six Seven Restaurant: If you find yourself down near the waterfront close to the aquarium, stopping into the Edgewater Hotel for a drink or lunch at Six Seven is a must. This is where you’re going to get your #views. See below:
Sightseeing:
Pike’s Place Market: You’re in Seattle.. you probably have two things on your bucket list. The Space Needle (go up if you must but don’t eat at the restaurant. TOTAL waste of money in our opinion). The other is Pike’s Place and yes, you gotta go. The fresh produce and fish is nothing short of impressive and the flower scene is stunning. You can get the biggest, boldest, wedding worthy bouquet for $10. Walk through, take it all in.. no need to spend more than 30-45 minutes and get out. Box checked.
Melrose Market: Melrose Market is a charming space with several shops and restaurants on Capitol Hill.. just a short walk or cab ride from downtown. Shop well-curated home goods or gifts, buy some fresh flowers, grab a drink, eat a meal, and take some fresh meat or seafood with you.
Great Wheel: Instead of going up the Space Needle (which is a lot more money), this is our recommendation for seeing the city from above. Take in views of downtown and the cascades all in one. But it’s not for the faint of heart.. my two year old was definitely frightened so if heights aren’t your thing, maybe sit this one out.
Ferry to Bainbridge: This is an ideal day trip for the entire family (kids LOVE the ferry) and seeing the city from the water.. which is why you came to Seattle in the first place, right? It’s a quick ride and Bainbridge has some of the cutest shops, family friend wine tasting rooms and restaurants. Easy to spend an afternoon on the island and head back.
Deception Pass: This State Park is a day trip for the lover of the outdoors. It’s a drive but worth it in our opinion. It has beaches, horse trails, fishing, bird watching, old-growth forests, abundant wildlife, 38 miles of hiking trails, over 300 campsites, crabbing, clamming, boat rentals, and so much more. While visiting the park, you’ll want to be sure you venture out onto the Deception Pass Bridge, which connects Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands.
Ballard Locks: This is a great activity for the entire family as kids love to see the boats passing through from the saltwater of the Puget Sound to the fresh water of the Lake. You can also see the salmon making their way downstream. It’s surrounded by lush gardens where you’ll find locals having picnics or relaxing in the shade.
Gas Works Park: This is where you’re going to get the best view of downtown, including the Space Needle, and you can bring the whole family. Pack a picnic, take a long walk and bring your camera.
We hope you love our city as much as we do and enjoy exploring our most frequented spots! If you’ve received a recommendation from others and want to know our thoughts, send us an email at champagnetheory@gmail.com. xo
