Seattle's best

Planning to make a weekend of it? Here are some tips for places to eat, and sites to visit.

OUR FAVORITE BARS AND RESTAURANTS

MONSOON

615 19th Avenue East (Capitol Hill)| http://www.monsoonrestaurants.com/ 

Our favorite restaurant! Monsoon serves Vietnamese fare with a Northwest twist. We love it for brunch, but dinner is amazing too.  

OLYMPIA PIZZA and BAR (aka Harry’s Bar)

516 15th Avenue East (Capitol Hill)| http://olympiapizza3.com/

This is where everybody knows Sean’s name.  No frills, laid back, good drinks, sports viewing, great happy hour deals—this is a regular for the Pierce/Green household.  It might also have something to do with the fact that it is a block from our doorstep. 

RUMBA 
1112 Pike Street (First Hill/Downtown)| http://rumbaonpike.com/
If you like rum, you definitely have to try out this Caribbean-inspired rum bar. Another one of our most-visited bars, Rumba has great traditional rum drinks and delicious eats. Try one of their daquiris, the wings, and the coconut shrimp! 

BA BAR 
550 12th Avenue (Capitol Hill/ International District)|http://babarseattle.com/
OK, so we have a thing for Vietnamese restaurants. In fact, this is a sister restaurant of Monsoon and is also great. A bit more casual, with a full bar, Ba Bar is another great choice for brunch or dinner.

SKILLET DINNER

1400 E Union Street (Capitol Hill)|http://skilletstreetfood.com/
Street food truck turned restaurant.  Skillet now has two locations and still operates a food truck. Great any time of day.  If you are a meat-lover, you have to try their burger, complete with bacon jam.

ROCCO’S

2228 Second Avenue (Belltown)| http://www.roccosseattle.com/

Delicious pizza and innovative drinks—this place is a more recent discovery and a great find in Belltown, which is close to downtown.

REVEL

403 N. 36^th Street (Fremont)| http://www.revelseattle.com/

Korean-inspired food with a French twist—this place is amazing!! The noodles are to die for and the drinks are great too.

ESPRESSO VIVACE
532 Broadway Avenue East (Capitol Hill)| http://espressovivace.com/index.php/home
This is Seattle, so I figure I better throw in a coffee place for you guys.  Vivace IS THE BEST!





TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

PIKE PLACE PUBLIC MARKET

A working seafood and fresh produce market and one of Seattle’s signature sights. Also home to the first Starbucks.

You’ll find restaurants, arts and crafts vendors, street musicians, and more. Free.

SEATTLE SPACE NEEDLE

This 605-foot-tall Seattle landmark offers spectacular views (on a clear day).

A trip to the top costs $19 for adults.

THE SEATTLE ART MUSEUM

A notable collection of Native American and Asian art plus special exhibits.

Tickets start at $17 for adults, not including admission to special exhibits.

OLYMPIC SCULPTURE PARK:

A nine-acre park on Seattle’s waterfront featuring an array of outdoor sculptures. Free.

SEATTLE AQUARIUM

Explore Puget Sound’s waters and wildlife. Tickets start at $19.95 for adults.

EXPERIENCE MUSIC PROJECT:

Learn about the electric guitar, Jimi Hendrix, and the history of rock and roll.

Tickets start at $15 for adults.

CHIHULY GARDEN AND GLASS

Consisting of an exhibition hall, the centerpiece Glasshouse, and a lush garden, Chihuly Garden and Glass provides a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Tickets start at $19 for adults.

FERRY RIDE

Take a 30-minute ferry trip across Elliott Bay to Bainbridge Island to enjoy city and water views.

$7.70 for an adult walk-on fare.

UNDERGROUND TOUR

We did this one with Sean’s family in August and it was great! Informative, funny, and just the right length—this is a great way to see Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood even if it’s raining.  $17 for an adult ticket.

SEATTLE GREAT WHEEL

It’s a London-eye mini-me. Providing excellent views of Seattle, the Seattle Great Wheel is the largest observation wheel on the west coast. Tickets start at $13 for adults.