Visiting Soon, Soliciting Advice

by Zoe Necrosis on Aug 8, 2009 7:48 AM PDT

Hello Landers from Southern California.

I've never had a chance to see Seattle-proper. I've been to the SeaTac airport once - over a decade ago I visited some friends who had mass emigrated away from Orange County and its need to have things like steady employment and rented a house in Bellingham for $700. (Morrissey's "Every Day is Like Sunday" was stuck in my head the whole trip.) A year after my visit the bohemian commune disbanded, my friends scattering in different directions. But that really has little to do with why I'm here.

My girlfriend and I are taking a little holiday bridging the end of August and beginning of September. She has friends in or near Seattle that we can stay with. I'll finally have a chance to explore beyond just the airport. So I'm here doing the same 'ol out-of-towner solicitation for friendly advice.

I'll be attending at least one game (maybe more depending on my girlfriend's mood) as the Mariners host the Angels (and yes, a Halo rooter from Lanaheim am I). I hope while I'm there it begins raining so I can see this retractable roof in action.

Any particular seating you might recommend? Best bang for your buck for the lower-middle-class? Any idiosynchratic aspect of the park I should try to explore?

Is there any signature drink or snack at Safeco I should be sure to sample?

The offical team's website page on the subject of parking indicates I've been severely spoiled by parking in the Southland. Any recommendations on where one should park?

Any eateries or taverns near the stadium, perhaps in walking distance, I should check out? Can I has cheeseburger?

Most of all, what should a person who's never been to Seattle-proper check out during their stay?

See you at the game.

Peace Out,
~Zoe Necrosis

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Check the archives, there was a similar request ~ 3 months ago with lotsa good advice

by waldo rojas on Aug 8, 2009 9:49 AM PDT reply actions

I decided to do some digging for you

http://www.lookoutlanding.com/story/2006/7/14/133655/227

http://www.lookoutlanding.com/2006/8/1/164929/7267

Are two threads where people gave good advice.

by Patton on Aug 8, 2009 10:07 AM PDT reply actions

Oh Yeah.

I’d get the garlic fries and a beer from a local brewery called a mac and jack.

by Patton on Aug 8, 2009 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks

Couldn’t find them

"I've got more action than my man John Woo
And I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew" - Shure Shot, The Beastie Boys

by Zoe Necrosis on Aug 8, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions

There's also the google map with some recommendations started by Faux.

Predominantly but not limited to Seattle.

by Kermit. on Aug 8, 2009 10:32 AM PDT reply actions

Oops, link fail

Lookout Landing google map

by Kermit. on Aug 8, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions

That link wasn't working for me

I found this one, though.

I would honestly recommend against driving to the ballpark if you can avoid it

It’s kind of a pain in the ass. Get downtown and then either walk or take the bus/train (free within the downtown area).

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 8, 2009 10:44 AM PDT reply actions

Parking

I’d recommend parking in the pioneer square area of downtown. It isn’t much cheaper than by the ballpark (unless you find a street spot), but after the game it’s a lot easier to get out. The walk isn’t very far and takes you past decent fun bars.

by Snuffleupagus on Aug 8, 2009 11:52 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

Make sure you get garlic fries.

My Mariners blog - SodoMojo Twitter Feed, Fuck the fucking Angels!

by gregrabble on Aug 8, 2009 1:07 PM PDT reply actions

not a signature food

But if you are a cheap ass like myself, there are 2 for 5 sausages after the game.

by don gato on Aug 9, 2009 1:58 AM PDT reply actions

Outside the park, on Occidental

which is a fun place to wander before the game as well, by the way.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Aug 9, 2009 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Weekend games often will have free energy drink giveaways there.

You have to finish them before you enter the game, but still a good deal.

by lailaihei on Aug 11, 2009 5:41 AM PDT up reply actions

They also have 4 tacos for $5 after the game now.

Tasty.

by Kirsten Schlewitz on Aug 10, 2009 8:19 AM PDT up reply actions

I love the taco carts :)

IF I WAS MANAGER I'D HAVE A FIST FIGHT WITH YUNI RIGHT NOW AND KNOCK HIS FUCKING MONKEY HEAD CLEAN OFF (~EM)

by seattlecougar on Aug 10, 2009 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Me too. So glad we've finally got some.

by marc w on Aug 11, 2009 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Of course it will be raining

Signature drink – frappacino, signature meal – suicide by windows crash amirite?

OK with that out of the way I’ll second the Mac and Jacks recommendation – it’s as good a beer as you’ll find in any stadium and as much a Seattle staple as winter drizzle or ah-ngsty youth. I usually don’t eat at the stadium but if I do I only ever get the BBQ sandwich.

De Gutibus non disputandum est

by Bearskin Rugburn on Aug 9, 2009 11:32 AM PDT reply actions

Seattle's street food is beginning to show up around the stadium

I would recommend grabbing some food from either Skillet, which is famous for its burgers and poutaine, and is on the south side of Safeco on 1st and Edgar Martinez Drive, or from Maximus Minimus, which has incredible pulled pork sandwiches and sets up on Occidental and Royal Brougham.

by Kirsten Schlewitz on Aug 10, 2009 8:35 AM PDT reply actions

I have to second Skillet

People had been raving about it for a while, but since I work in Bellevue, I’d never had the chance to eat it. Finally went on Saturday in between hearing Jack’s talk and the start of the game and it was great.

by arbeck77 on Aug 10, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions

If you are near the stadium early, go to Elysian Fields

Their happy hour is from 3-5 and features $2 truffle fries, and cheaper good beer. It’s a half mile north of Safeco.
Uwajimaya and the International District have good, cheap food, but it’s a bit more of a walk.
Inside the stadium, garlic fries are the signature food, but they aren’t that great.
And if you’re in town over labor day weekend, Bumbershoot is packed but usually fun.

From downtown

You could go to the Owl and Thistle for cheap happy hour food, hit up Maximus Minimus on 1st or grab a street dog on Occidental. 3rd deck behind home plate’s a good cheap seat. Mac and Jacks is decent, Snoqualmie Amber’s also good.

For parking, you can find cheap parking downtown/pioneer square way and walk the 10 blocks or so to the stadium. The free parking is south of the stadium, which means your options to eat/drink/be merry are limited. Depending on the game, free parking will either be fairly close in on 4th/1st/wherever, or further away (like Airport Way). Just depends on how far you want to walk.

If you’ve never been to Seattle…hmmm. Depends on what you like. Outdoor stuff or music? Shopping or restaurants?

by marc w on Aug 11, 2009 9:18 AM PDT reply actions