Summer in Seattle | Food

This summer, I jetted across the United States for an internship at Google's Kirkland campus. On weekdays, my time was spent working with amazing people on a chatbot. The weekends, however, held different adventures in the Seattle area. From delightful brunch spots to strong coffee to locally sourced ice creameries, Seattle truly has it all.

Brunch

London Plane Seattle

London Plane Seattle is the first place I visited in the city. In addition to serving delicious food like toast with labneh, asparagus, harissa, and oregano, London Plane is also a delightful shop where you can pick up local goods or a pastry to go.

Oddfellows Cafe + Bar

Oddfellows Cafe + Bar is a laid-back spot in Capitol Hill that serves strong Caffe Vita coffee and large portions of satisfying eggs and biscuits for brunch. Make a morning of it by stopping at Elliot Bay Book Company afterwards.

Tilikum Place Cafe

Tilikum Place Cafe's Dutch babies, which are giant, scrumptious pancakes that can be made sweet or savory, have found themselves on many lists of foods you must eat in Seattle. Be sure to make reservations if you intend to visit, as this popular cafe is always packed.

Mr. West Cafe Bar

Leslie Knope would most certainly approve of Mr. West Cafe Bar. Although there are many menu options, waffles reign supreme. The cafe's toppings bar ensures that sweet waffles are accompanied by a healthy helping of berries, whipped cream, and chopped nuts.

Thackeray

If you're in the mood for classic brunch items with an unexpected twist, Thackeray serves up a serious skillet of shakshouka with grilled bread.

The Fat Hen

The Fat Hen is a small, homey restaurant in Ballard. Although they don't accept reservations, the lovely staff provides you with a drink to sip on while you wait for a table. Plus, the food is certainly worth the wait, as is the presentation of their many egg-based dishes.

Saint Helens Cafe

Saint Helens Cafe of the University District truly shines when it comes to their daily specials. If the marigold couch inside isn't charming enough, grab a table on the outdoor patio. Maybe you'll end up seated next to a charming puppy.

Tallulah's Seattle

Whether you want to meet friends for brunch or read Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg before a trip to Bainbridge Island, Tallulah's Seattle provides the perfect ambiance.

Bar Melusine

Bar Melusine can transport you from the Capitol Hill district in Seattle to Normandy and Brittany of the French Atlantic with their crab and ricotta crepes or an order of their signature oysters.

Meet the Moon

Situated on Lake Washington, Meet the Moon has a cozy aesthetic that is perfect on chilly Seattle mornings.

Coffee

As Seattle was the birthplace of Starbucks Coffee, it should come as no surprise that the city is known for its caffeinated beverages. From Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room to Capitol Coffee Works, there is no shortage of open, airy cafes in which to enjoy a cold brew or Americano.

Anchorhead Coffee is known for their cold brew on tap, as is La Marzocco Cafe. Little Oddfellows, tucked away at the back of Elliot Bay Book Company, and related to Oddfellows Cafe and Bar, provides the perfect Caffe Vita coffee to accompany a great read.

Ice Cream

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would say, "What? It's summer."

Seattle has an ice cream shop for everyone. For dairy-free, plant-based ice cream, Frankie and Jo's reigns supreme with flavors like chocolate date and Frankie's brown sugar vanilla.

If you prefer traditional ice cream with dairy, Molly Moon's is a city staple, and it's no mistake that there are locations throughout the area.

For unexpected flavors, be sure to visit Central District Ice Cream Company, which rotates flavors monthly. As the sign outside their shop says, "Treat Yo' Self" to something different like ube cheesecake or chai latte.

If you prefer gelato or simply have a love of fainting goat depictions, Fainting Goat Gelato delivers on flavor and consistency.

In need of a hideaway from the hustle and bustle? Kurt Farm Shop is nestled in Chophouse Row within the Capitol Hill district, and there are a couple of Adirondack benches where you can sit to enjoy vanilla and coffee ice cream.

Most importantly, if you're as dedicated to frozen dairy confections as I am, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island. Mora Iced Creamery is a five-minute walk from the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal and has the most delicious ice cream I have ever tried. Although their popularity means that some flavors run out early in the afternoon, with forty options, you won't be left without something enjoyable. Personally, I would recommend lavender, pistachio, Irish coffee, or espresso mocha, but you really can't go wrong.