"Gorgeous Gingerbread Waffles Recently remodeled, Coastal Kitchen has shed its colorful decor for a more upscale, modern vibe, but it's still serving the same stellar brunch dishes, like the ever-popular gingerbread waffles shown here. Every few months, they create an entirely new menu based on a regional cuisine (currently, it's Veracruz), including special brunch entrees. The regional theme even extends to the restrooms, where you'll hear audio language courses recorded by staff. Coastal Kitchen also has three happy hours daily, with food and drink specials: 4-6 pm and 10 pm to midnight, plus a "don't judge me" 8-10 am one featuring Bloody Marys and mimosas (M-F). Seafood lovers, take note: the chef's daily "two-buck shucks" are available from 3pm to close (bar only). No RSVPs, but they can accommodate large groups and you can call ahead to put your name on the list."

"Happy Hour Breakfast at Lost Lake Lost Lake may look like it's been open for decades, but despite its dimly-lit vintage decor, this Capitol Hill diner just opened in 2013 — and is already a favorite with locals. One side is a restaurant and the other side is a bar, depending on your mood. Stop by this 24-hour joint anytime for drinks, milkshakes, or a stick-to-your-ribs meal. The poutine is a salty, greasy delight at the end of a long night out, and the sandwiches and burgers are classic, filling fare. There are two happy hours: 6-9 am for breakfast, and 4-6 pm. The breakfast happy hour features deals on breakfast sandwiches, Bloody Marys, and mimosas. The afternoon happy hour includes a cheeseburger with fries, deep-fried cheese curds, and chicken-fried bacon. Don't pretend your mouth isn't watering."

"It's an Adventure, Charlie Unicorn is one of my favorite places to take visitors because there's just so much to look at: the lurid circus-painted walls, the costumed and accessorized taxidermy, the lavishly painted bar that seems to have been pulled off a carousel. During happy hour, load up on discounted snacks like "narwhal balls" (deep-fried potato croquettes with dipping sauce), hand-dipped corn dogs, and bacon popcorn. They recently expanded into the basement, now known as Narwhal, which has another full bar and a selection of vintage arcade and pinball games. It gets wild on weekend nights, but you can stop in on a weekday afternoon or evening for a more sedate experience if you just want to soak up the colorful surroundings."

"Books and Lattes at Elliott Bay Book Company in Capitol Hill The Elliott Bay Book Company is the Seattle bookstore and, thankfully, survived its move from Pioneer Square to Capitol Hill with soul and towering cedar bookcases intact. Elliott Bay lost a significant chunk of square footage during the move but gained a home right in the heart of Capitol Hill. Which makes it even easier to execute the ideal lazy Sunday afternoon combo: new novel + Fonte latte and one of the book-size housemade muffins from the on-site café (if it’s sunny, make a beeline for the grassy Cal Anderson park, just across the street). The food is northwest downhome—unpretentious salads with local greens, wholesome soups—but the abundant outlets and cozy café vibe make up for any food misses. Try it there: The lemon crepe Bring it home: Thomas Pynchon’s Inherent Vice and tickets to a Neptune Theater reading"

"Fish 'n' Chips If there's a single most iconic Seattle meal, it's probably fish and chips. We're rightly famous for our salmon, which is very tasty when given the batter-fried treatment, but halibut may be the most popular choice for locals (and well worth the extra couple of bucks). While I wouldn't presume to name the "best" fish and chips, Capitol Hill's Pike Street Fish Fry (next to Neumos) serves up a small but delicious menu of batter-fried and grilled seafood and fish sandwiches; their grilled garlic-butter shrimp is amazing, and under $10. On Free Fry Fridays, they feature cheap beer and free fries. Other notable places include the omnipresent Ivar's (including an airport location for a last-minute fix), the Pacific Inn Pub, Spud, Sunfish, the Lockspot, and Emerald City Fish & Chips in Rainier Valley for a soul-food twist."

"Reach the Edge of Stars at Totokaelo in Seattle The fabulous and creative Jill Wenger created and founded the beautiful Totokaelo in 2003 in Seattle 's Capitol Hill neighborhood. This store is truly a purveyor of beautifully designed and thoughtfully curated fashion and objects, as the website proclaims. At Totokaelo, they "represent artists and designers whom they believe to have an independent and thoughtful sense of beauty and believe the art and objects a person chooses for their life are a reflection of values and perspective." Totokaelo means 'to reach the edge of the stars' in Latin, and it's easy to see that Jill has done just that, as soon as you walk in the door."

"Dine and Dance in Seattle Feel like learning to East Coast Swing, Salsa, Tango, Waltz or Kizomba while you're in Seattle ? From events to classes, to venue rentals and Footloose -inspired advocacy (repeal the 'dance tax' in Washington State), this is the perfect place for a creative date night. The organization is made up of three venues that include the Century Ballroom, the West Hall and the East Hall (pictured). Be sure to check online in advance for availability and times that certain types of lessons are taught, and then make a reservation. You're in the perfect place for dinner as well, in that hip East Pine St and 10th neighborhood, but wouldn't you know that the Century Ballroom owns a lovely dining spot on the same floor of the building where you'll be dancing. The intimate Tin Table is a great spot for a cocktail and some food to fuel all of that movement. Have fun!"

"Gluten-Free Gluttony More of a cider lover than a beer drinker? Seattle 's new Capitol Cider has you covered, with a variety of apple and fruit ciders, both bottled and on tap. Of course, there's plenty of beer, too — and even the occasional nonalcoholic ginger beer. There's plenty to look at in this small but spacious bar, from the animal art on the walls to the extensive menu. Happy hour features food and drink specials, including a rotating special cider, and the entire menu is gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions. The pail of fries is a generous, shareable portion, although you might find yourself hoarding the herb aioli. The service can be a bit leisurely, but hey, that just gives you more reason to relax and enjoy hanging out."

"Get Cozy at the Gaslight Inn Want to stay conveniently close to downtown Seattle 's attractions without paying downtown-Seattle hotel prices? Or would you rather be a short walk away from Capitol Hill's vibrant shopping, eating, and bar scene? Either way, the Gaslight Inn B&B is an affordable option. Located in Capitol Hill (it's right on the #10 bus line that goes through the Hill and downtown in about 10 min.), the Gaslight has eight rooms, including two that are for single guests. Amenities include a heated pool, free wifi, the owners' art collection, a library, and free continental breakfast. From the Gaslight, you're just a block away from French patisserie Bakery Nouveau and the dining and shopping options on 15th Street, and it's a short walk to the Pike/Pine area that's the heart of Capitol Hill. Also walkable are Cal Anderson Park and Volunteer Park, where the Seattle Asian Art Museum is located. You can't beat the Gaslight's central location as a home base for your Seattle exploration."

"Paradise for Beer Lovers Love local beer? You can't get much more local than the Elysian Brewery, which brews its beer in Georgetown, a neighborhood in south Seattle . They offer 20-plus different beers at their three locations. They're possibly best known for their Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, but the Jasmine IPA is refreshing and novel, and the spiced pear ale sounds downright delicious. (There's a full bar for non-beer-drinkers.) The food is actually pretty good, too, and a bit fancier than what you might expect at a pub: hummus platters, vegan curry, steamed clams, and tofu salad. Of course, they also have more typical fare like burgers, fries, and sriracha wings. If you're curious to try Seattle's microbrew scene, the Elysian is a convenient and convivial stop."

"Scoop It Up at Molly Moon's Another food-truck-made-good in a permanent location, Molly Moon’s now has five locations around town, but still sends out its iconic baby-blue truck for special events — just follow your nose to the heavenly scent of their freshly made waffle cones. Flavors range from classics like vanilla bean and strawberry to local specialties like Theo Chocolate or Stumptown Coffee (pro tip: get those two swirled together), with more adventurous rotating seasonal flavors (current offerings include blackberry bergamot and watermelon mint sorbet). Locally sourced, organic ingredients are the emphasis here. They also have vegan options and pints to go, as well as plenty of merchandise featuring their goofy-cute pug mascot, Parker Posey."

"Listen to the Buzz Open since 2000, Victrola is a fixture on the 15th Ave strip, and its mismatched outdoor seats are always full of patrons sipping coffee drinks and enjoying the people-watching. The cafe features art openings and local art on its walls, and the occasional live band on the weekend. At Victrola's online store, you can buy single-origin coffees and blends, including the popular Streamline Espresso served in their cafes. There's a roasting schedule posted on their website, so you'll know when to expect your beans; they're shipped within 12 hours of roasting."

"Not Your Grandmother's Tearoom If you're allergic to doilies and calico prints, not to worry: Remedy Teas is a far cry from the frou-frou tearooms you're used to. Modern and minimalistic, with clean white decor, the most eye-catching feature of their cafe is the rows of big jars of tea on the wall — 150 kinds, to be precise. Black, green, rooibos, herbal infusions, puerh and yerba: they've got it all. The friendly, helpful staff is happy to fetch down as many jars as you like, so you can sniff to your heart's content and pick your favorite. Order a pot of tea, and it will be delivered to your table in a pretty glass pot with a digital timer that counts down the perfect steeping time. Soups, salads, and sweets are available to go with your brew, and yes, they do have a traditional high tea service with little sandwiches, baked goods, and sweets. Some things just shouldn't be messed with, after all."

"Get Your Goose A small, Southern-influenced cafe on the 15th Avenue strip, the Wandering Goose is worth a visit if only for its excellent neon sign – a plump, bottom-heavy goose waddling back and forth. Their breakfast and lunch fare includes classics like biscuits and sausage gravy, grits, hush puppies, and collard greens. Once a week, starting at 5 p.m., it's Fried Chicken Friday, where you can get three pieces of buttermilk fried chicken, three sides, and a biscuit for $19. For an indulgent breakfast or lunch, wander on over... and prepare to waddle out."

"Capitol Hill's Cal Anderson Park Cal Anderson Park (named after Washington's first openly gay legislator) is located at the Pike/Pine nexus of gay-friendly, hipster-filled Capitol Hill. With plenty of grassy lawns for picnics, reading, or playing bocce ball, it's no surprise that crowds flock here whenever there's a sunny day anytime of year. It's also conveniently located near some great shops and restaurants: Molly Moon Ice Cream, Rock Box karaoke, Cure, Cupcake Royale, Unicorn, Elliott Bay Book Company, Everyday Music, and all the cheap eats on Broadway. Grab some takeout or a coffee to go and head to the park to admire the fountain or enjoy some people-watching. On Sundays, the Broadway Farmers Market is just a block away on Broadway."

"Freedom of Choice Another restaurant on the food-filled 15th Avenue strip of Capitol Hill, Liberty Sushi has a bit of an identity crisis: is it a café, a bar, or a sushi joint? Maybe it doesn’t matter, since all are delicious. During the day, they serve Stumptown Coffee, Republic of Tea, and locally baked pastries. Sushi is served at lunch and dinner, and while it’s not amazing, it’s decent and fresh, with all the usual rolls. In the lounge area, you can relax on comfy, plush couches and enjoy craft cocktails and a good whiskey selection. Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m. daily and includes a $4 chef’s choice sushi roll, $3.50 wells, and $1 off cocktails, beer, and wine. Service can be a bit slow, but on the other hand, they never rush you out the door, either. A decent neighborhood bar with a relaxed attitude."

"At Chop Suey, You Bring the Takeout Another hallowed Capitol Hill rock venue, Chop Suey is a short walk up the hill from the Pike/Pine intersection. The performers tend to skew toward local bands, electronic, and drag shows, but one of Seattle’s most unique dance parties is Talcum, featuring the best of Pacific Northwest soul and Motown music (the name refers to the practice of sprinkling talcum powder on the dance floor for better slipping and sliding). Talcum happens every fourth Saturday, and vintage/formal attire is strongly encouraged. Most Chop Suey shows are 21+, and there’s a full bar, but no kitchen; however, you’re allowed to bring your own food inside, oddly enough. Grab a Seattle Dog, slathered with sautéed onions and cream cheese, at the hot dog cart parked out in front. Cash only, if you buy tickets at the door."

"A Slow-Food Brunch at Skillet Skillet started life as a food truck, and you’ll still see their mobile kitchen popping up around Seattle throughout the week (check their website for location info). But sometimes it’s easier to head to one of their permanent diners, where you know they’ll be in the same place day after day. The truck always offers their famous burger and poutine, along with rotating specials, but the restaurants have an expanded menu, including an excellent brunch. Locally roasted Fonte coffee is served while you wait, which is a good thing, as the line can be long (an hour or more on weekends for brunch). The dinner menu is hearty, rib-sticking comfort food like southern fried chicken or pork belly confit. If you see elk meatloaf on the menu, order it without hesitation — it’s out of this world."

"Before It Was Cool Sure, ice cream and gelato places are everywhere, but how often do you see a frozen custard shop? The addition of egg in the mix is what makes all the difference, apparently: richer and creamier than ice cream, yet with less calories and butterfat. They always have vanilla and chocolate, plus a rotating menu of daily flavors like red velvet cake, caramel macchiato, or creamy banana Nutella — check their website to find out the flavor of the day. You can also get a “concrete,” a Blizzard-like blend of frozen custard and customized mix-ins. If you’ve never had frozen custard, give it a try and see how it stacks up against the ice cream competition."

"Burritos at Bimbo's A popular spot for late-night carb-loading (it’s open until 2 a.m. every night), Bimbo’s serves up cheap and enormous burritos in its eye-catching restaurant, decorated wall-to-wall in a Mexican-wrestler-and-black-velvet theme. When you see the giant blinking red arrow, you’ve found the place. They offer burritos, tacos, nachos, tortas, and taco salads, and nothing is over $10. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Downstairs is the Cha Cha Lounge, a large basement space with plenty of seating for groups; there’s an upstairs and downstairs bar for convenience. Happy hour is 4-8 every day, and all day Sunday and Monday. Wells are $3.50, sangria is $4, margaritas and Bloody Marys are $4.50, and there’s a small happy hour food menu. But really, with prices this cheap, how much of a discount do you need?"

"Started in 2009 as a humble food truck, this Hawaiian-Korean eatery has expanded to four brick-and-mortar locations (including Super Six, an offshoot in funky Columbia City). Get messy—and delighted—tucking into Spam sliders, kalbi short ribs, and miso-ginger chicken tacos. Vegetarians, don't despair: Marination ladles "sexy tofu" onto four-inch corn tortillas along with its usual slaw; tangy, creamy Nunya sauce (a secret recipe); homemade pickled jalapeños; and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. There's also thespicy kimchi fried rice bowl, topped with furikake , green onions, and a sunny-side-up egg. Wash it all down with a Hawaiian Sun tropical juice or shockingly cheap draft beer."

"Watch Your Tale Also known as “the bookstore with the cats,” Twice Sold Tales has a great neon sign that’s worth the visit all by itself. But don’t stop there—go inside and wind your way through the narrow aisles of bookshelves packed with used books. The store is filled with 10,000 books plus an assortment of fluffy, lazy cats with varying degrees of interest in being petted. Twice Sold Tales has locations in Capitol Hill and the University District, with plenty of affordable books perfect for a rainy afternoon’s browsing."

"Have Some Squid Ink on Your Spaghetti One of local celebrity chef Ethan Stowell’s restaurants, Anchovies and Olives describes itself as “an Italian-inspired seafood and pasta joint.” The ever-changing dinner menu offers appetizers like fried chickpeas with smoked paprika and lemon, pasta dishes including the squid ink spaghetti neri, and entrees like black cod with pickled cippolini, buttered turnips, hazelnuts (there are a couple of fish-free options on the menu, but not many). On Sunday through Thursday, Oyster Power Hour goes from 5 to 6 p.m. and again 10 p.m. to close; the selected daily oyster is $1.50 each, plus a daily beer special and $6 prosecco. Reservations recommended, as this popular place fills up quickly."

"Set Phasers to Fun Time for a game night? If you’re in Capitol Hill, Raygun Lounge has everything you need. There's a large selection of board, card, miniature, role playing, and collectible games (including rare and out-of-print titles), and if they don’t have it in stock, they can get it. It’s small but densely packed, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you don’t see what you’re looking for. The lounge has regular gaming parties and meetups for groups, or you can simply drop in, order a naanwich and a beer or cider, and play one of the games from their game shelf. They feature local art on the walls and there are a few arcade games in the back. A friendly and low-key place to meet up with friends — or make some new ones — over a game."

"That's Good Soup Comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy and drowned in grease: just try pho, the light and flavorful Vietnamese soup that’s much loved by Seattleites. Than Brothers is the local chain, with locations all around town, but the Capitol Hill one is one of their longer-established restaurants. First-timers can start with the classic #1, medium-rare beef, before advancing to options such as tripe and tendon; chicken, meatball, and vegetarian choices are also available. The “small” bowl is a hearty, filling portion for about $5, and comes with their trademark cream puff, but add on a Vietnamese iced coffee or tea for an extra sugar-and-caffeine rush. As their menu notes, pho is particularly good when you’re feeling under the weather — Vietnam’s answer to chicken noodle soup, perhaps?"

"Pizza and Salumi at Bar Cotto A neighborhood bar with Italian flair, Bar Cotto offers a carefully edited menu of pizza, vegetables, bruschetta, and local and imported cured meats. The Corona bean and cauliflower salad with currants and rosemary is a must-try, while the creamy richness of fior de latte cheese adds the finishing touch to the Parma pizza (Prosciutto di parma, arugula, fior di latte, tomato). Desserts have unexpected twists, like the warm peach cobbler with polenta streusel. Happy hour is daily from 4–6 p.m. and 10–11 p.m., and features a menu of selected half-price pizzas and salads, plus discounts on wine and beer."

"Locally Made Liquor, Oola La! Part of the recent local boom in artisanal and craft liquors, Oola Distillery describes itself as a “micro-distillery” in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. They create small batches of gin, vodka, flavored vodkas (including rosemary, chili pepper, and citrus — no marshmallow-whipped-cream-cupcake vodka here), and bourbon whiskey on-site. Stop in and sample their award-winning spirits in the tasting room Fridays and Saturdays from 2 to 10 p.m. Tours are offered on Saturdays at 3 p.m.; reserve online or by phone."

"Get Gorgeous at Pretty Parlor Pretty Parlor, possibly the most perfectly named boutique in Seattle , looks exactly like it sounds: a cavity-inducingly sweet pink bon-bon of a shop, crammed full of vintage clothing, accessories, and jewelry, plus modern stuff from local indie designers. Owner Anna Lange, aka Anna Banana, has her own sustainable fashion line, House of Pretty Parlor, which refurbishes and updates vintage items with modern flair. The shop is small, but there are tons of things to admire and try on, and even a chatty store cat who will come and give his two cents on your prospective purchases. Can’t make it to Seattle? Their Etsy online shop offers a sampling of their wares, including vintage dresses, coats, and swimsuits."

"Eat Local at Melrose Market Capitol Hill’s Melrose Market is a spacious, sunlit, vintagey-looking indoor market with a variety of artisanal and locally made foods: Rain Shadow Meats, Calf & Kid cheese, the Marigold & Mint flower shop, and Taylor Shellfish. There are also a few wine bars and restaurants in here, like Sitka + Spruce, Homegrown Sustainable Sandwiches, and Bar Ferd’nand. There’s outdoor sidewalk seating when the weather is nice, and some indoor tables and bars. You could put together one heck of a fancy dinner party with just one shopping trip (Sonic Boom Records next door can provide the background music) — but it’ll cost you."

"Poodle Doodles at Value Village Not a typical nonprofit thrift store, Value Village is a for-profit retail company that partners with charities. Value Village’s inventory comes from batches of clothes they purchase from nonprofit agencies, as well as direct donations from the public. This means that their stuff tends to be nicer in quality and better organized… but also more expensive. Which isn’t to say you can’t find some bargains there, like this lovingly painted poodle portrait. The Lake City store is one of the bigger ones, and has a pretty good selection of new costumes and accessories during Halloween, plus all the usual men’s and women’s apparel and shoes, housewares and electronics, and home décor."

"Eat (and Drink) Local with Restaurant Zoe Created by the owners of Quinn’s Pub (another Capitol Hill foodie spot), Restaurant Zoe’s goal is to be an energetic urban bistro known for good food and service. Dinner fare favors the carnivorous, and includes steak tartare, black cod, and spicy wild boar bolognese. Mix and match small plates, soups, and salads, or try the five-course tasting menu with or without a wine pairing. They offer beer and wine, cider, and a cocktail list; we can’t wait to try the Ruby, My Dear (house-made cranberry and orange syrup with sparkling wine and a brandied cherry). Happy hour is from 5-6 p.m. daily and features food discounts and half-price oysters."

"The Mighty Quinn's Quinn’s gastropub specializes in meat, meat, and more meat — everything from crispy pork belly to wild boar sloppy Joes to roasted bone marrow and foie gras frites. Choose an assortment of small plates to share, or get a large plate all to yourself. The two-story restaurant feels casual but intimate, with dark wood furnishings and candles at the tables, and the lighting is romantically low. Service is cordial but leisurely, so peruse their extensive drinks list and settle in with a Trappist beer, a fine whiskey, or a craft cocktail and enjoy the Capitol Hill people-watching through their floor-to-ceiling windows."

"See What's New at Neumos Its proper name is Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room, but pretty much everyone just calls it Neumos (pronounced new-mows, a reference to the previous venue in that space, Moe’s Mo’Roc’N Café). The space includes the Pike Street Fish Fry, the Moe Bar, and a new downstairs venue, the Barboza. Neumos features indie rock, metal, hip-hop, punk, and electronica bands, plus DJ nights and special events. Happy hour is 3-7 p.m. every day, and includes $3 wells, selected $3 shots, $4 mojitos and margaritas, and $5 well shot + beer. On weekends, wells are $2, and Bloody Marys and mimosas are $4."

"Make Macarons at Paris Eastside If you’re ready to take your love of macarons to the next level, who better than a Parisienne to teach you how to bake them? At Paris Eastside, you’ll learn the fundamentals, enjoy a glass of perfectly paired wine, and make sweet and savory macarons to take home, under the guidance of owner Muriel-Marguerite Foucher. If your taste runs more to eclairs, there’s a class for that, too (which includes cheesy gougères). Classes are available for all ages, so budding chefs can join in. Or stop by the store for a selection of French imported goodies, cookware, and handmade items, like these charming embroidered napkins."

"Fig Meets Pig at Li'l Woody's With two locations (Capitol Hill and Ballard), Lil’ Woody’s is known around Seattle for their hearty, inexpensive burgers. (Note to convention-goers: the Capitol Hill location is just a few blocks up Pine St. from the Convention Center.) Toppings range from classic to creative: the rich and savory “Fig and the Pig” burger features a scoop of Boat Street pickled figs, Hills bacon, mayo, and crumbled gorgonzola cheese. They also offer veggie burgers, a fried chicken sandwich, and salmon burgers for non-beef-lovers. The hand-cut “crack fries” come with a cup of Molly Moon’s milkshake for dipping."

"Goodwill on the Hill Finally, Capitol Hill’s hipsters get their own Goodwill store! Their newest location is clean, reasonably priced, and best of all, has its own free parking lot — a rare treat for shoppers on the Hill. Located in the old Half Price Books building, it has a lot more charm than Goodwill stores typically do: exposed brick walls, open beams, large windows, and high ceilings all make the space feel airy and light. The prices are comparable to other Goodwill stores, and the inventory seems to be hand-picked for hipster appeal, which means their items skew heavily toward designer labels and ironically ugly vintage. You’ll find a limited amount of furniture and books downstairs as well."

"Sipping on Six Arms' Sidecar The Six Arms Brewery is a Seattle outpost of the regional McMenamin’s chain. Their beers include a range of stouts, pale ales, and IPAs, plus Edgefield cider and wine — but more importantly, you can get their delicious pear brandy sidecar cocktail at the bar (which you’d otherwise have to travel to Portland for). Like all McMenamin’s, it has handsome wooden fixtures and plenty of interesting things to look at, such as the hefty metal chandeliers. The menu is Northwestern pub fare, including tasty burgers and sandwiches, soups and salads, and appetizers. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to close, and features discounted drinks and food specials."

"Happy Hour, Oaxacan-Style Seattle is mysteriously blessed with an abundance of excellent Oaxacan restaurants. If you love the savory fare at Ballard’s La Carta de Oaxaca — but not the long weekend wait for a table — La Cocina Oaxaquena, at the edge of downtown-meets-Capitol-Hill, is a welcome alternative. At happy hour (4–6pm and 10pm–12am), grab a patio table, enjoy a half-carafe of sangria, and snack on sizable small plates such as tacos dorados (rolled and fried tortillas with chicken or beef, guacamole, black beans, dried chile sauce, Oaxaqueño cheese, and crema), molotes, and pozole. If you’re not feeling adventurous, they also offer tacos al pastor and chips and guacamole. There’s a full dinner menu and the kitchen is open until midnight, so you don’t have to settle for chain-restaurant food downtown when this place is just a few blocks up the hill."

"Let's Get Technical Even in a bibliophilic city like Seattle, Ada’s Technical Books and Cafe stands out as an exceptionally geek-friendly haven. For one thing, it presides over some of the best themed book clubs in town—human thought and sexuality, classics of science fiction, nonfiction, and general science fiction—plus it has a charming little café that serves coffee, beer and wine, baked goods, and vegetarian comfort food. In addition to computer and engineering manuals, this store carries architecture, math, science, sci-fi, and general interest books. Wooden puzzles, electronic kits, jewelry, and notebooks make excellent gifts for your favorite nerd; and we love the “I Read Technical Books” T-shirt."

"Walk Among the Flowers at Volunteer Park Volunteer Park is a beloved neighborhood park in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Originally created in 1876, the park was named in 1901 to honor the volunteers of the Spanish-American War. The Seattle Asian Art Museum is located inside the park, as well as the Volunteer Park Conservatory, which features 600 varieties of orchids and a cactus house. Take in a stunning 360-degree view atop the historic water tower, or stroll the walking paths around the reservoir."

"Sip & Share at Sitka & Spruce You’ll want to arrive early at Sitka & Spruce to allow time for browsing the other shops inside Melrose Market: Calf and Kid’s artisanal cheeses, Rain Shadow Meats’ sausages and steaks, Glasswing’s home decor, and Marigold & Mint’s fresh flowers. At Sitka & Spruce, chef Matthew Dillon features a rotating menu of hyper-local Northwest cuisine in shareable small plates and mains. The artfully arranged charcuterie platter is a must-try, and don’t skip the bread — the Columbia City sourdough loaf with whipped butter is a local favorite. Just want a snack? Try Bar Ferd’nand next door, also co-owned by Dillon, for a glass of wine and simple bar snacks, or take home a bottle."

"Handmade Pasta at Spinasse Inside Spinasse’s charmingly rustic dining room, you’ll feel like you’ve left Seattle for an Italian trattoria. The roasted beet salad with cherries, radishes and marinated La Tur cheese is tangy and refreshing, while the hand-cut egg pastas are buttery and rich. No matter where you sit, you’ll have an excellent view of the open kitchen; step around to the side to see the pastaio making fresh pasta. For the full foodie experience, try the degustation menu, a family-style tasting of every antipasto, primo, and secondo on the menu."

"Sleuthing in Seattle If you like solving puzzles, cracking codes, and yelling at strangers, this unique locked-room challenge might be just your cup of tea. You’ll be locked in a room with your group, and you have one hour to solve about a dozen riddles or puzzles in the correct order to unlock the safe, nab the gold bar, and escape your rival secret agent's locked office. Children are welcome, but the puzzles are fairly challenging and probably best for teens and adults. Each time slot allows up to 7 people, so if your group is smaller than that, you may be playing with some new friends. Advance bookings are required, but same-day reservations can sometimes be accommodated in case you get rained out by Seattle 's fickle weather."