The Safeco Thread, Part 5 (The Seattle Thread)
by Jeff Sullivan on Apr 27, 2010 11:08 AM PDT
in Safeco Field
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PrintOriginally, there were only going to be four parts to this series, but...Kermit? Sure, Kermit. Kermit suggested a fifth part intended for the out-of-town tourist. When people come by looking for information on Safeco, they generally aren't doing so as a Seattle native. They're coming in from somewhere else on a trip, and these people will often ask for ideas of other things to do in the area when they're not at a baseball game.
So this is a thread for that. In this thread, we discuss things to do in and around the city of Seattle. Um. Go nuts.
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On Second and Bell is one of my favorite spots in Seattle.
Tula’s Jazz Club. The food is a touch pricey, but the entertainment is always excellent. Sunday nights features the Jim Cutler Orchestra and occasionally the Jazz Police.
It’s open for everyone until 10PM. After that it’s 21-and-over.
.
Museums
Seattle Asian Art Museum – www.seattleartmuseum.org
Burke at UW
Museum of Flight – www.museumofflight.org
Pacific Science Center – www.pacsci.org
Shopping
High end stuffs
Blackbird – www.blackbirdballard.com
Ian
And while you're in Ballard
If you like awesome burgers, you have to try Lunchbox Laboratory. You won’t find a better burger anywhere.
I never got any hyperbole about the place at all.
I heard about it, tried it and now I go at least twice a month.
I agree.
I was excited to try it but was disappointed at the bang for your buck. It was great, but I could have gotten great twice at Red Mill, and all without the loads of pepper in the hamburger.
Also, for $5 I would have liked a milkshake at least twice the size I got.
Although it might have been the best milkshake I’ve ever had.
I'd rather go to Paseo
Paseo is way better than either Red Mill or Lunchbox Lab
While Paseo isn’t burgers, I feel it’s a way better value in terms of pure and utter deliciousness for the price.
Paseo makes really good “Cuban” sandwiches. For roughly 7-8 dollars, you get a nice crusty baguette, filled with meat goodness, garlic aioil, caramelized onions etc…
While I think Lunchbox Lab is good, it’s hard to justify the price. I am a food snob, but it’s hard to justify the cost of Lunchbox Lab to the average person.
Red Mill is solid, but nothing mind blowing.
by oscartehgrouch on Apr 27, 2010 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions
The Pacific Science Center is pretty sucky.
I think we had this debate in an OFFTOP a month or so ago.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:36 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
The Sci Fi Museum in the area is great though.
For those of us who tread on the geek side of the force that is.
by ExiledToSoCal on Apr 27, 2010 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions
I think I'm a geek.
And I was a little insulted by it. There wasn’t really any coherence to the exhibits, it was more just Paul Allen showing off his collection – and I didn’t think any of the items were THAT impressive.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 1:05 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Eh, everyone has different tastes.
I’m really not a museum guy to be honest – but the only other one that I liked more than the Sci Fi one was the Air and Space hanger out at Dulles Airport in the DC area. I could spend days in that place.
At least we can agree on In-n-Out!
by ExiledToSoCal on Apr 27, 2010 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't forget the Microsoft Museum in Redmond
Not sure, but I think it’s free; might need reservation?
Wooden Boat Center
On Lake Union at the south end; displays and work shop. Also the Virginia V steam vessel; Kayak rentals to explore the lake and the houseboats on it.
by floydr on Apr 27, 2010 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Can't miss the Bubbleator
the Kurt Cobain Grunge Memorial, the Fun Forest at night, the Monorail, and Key Arena to watch the Sonics.
Olympic Sculpture Park, the Underground tour, the Public Library and having dessert at the rotating top of the Space Needle are cool too.
The Monorail still exists though.
Coming Soon to SBN: Aston Villa!
by Kirsten Schlewitz on Apr 27, 2010 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Is Pegasus Pizza still around?
They used to have this fantastic one with shredded pepperoni and a ton of stuff on it. House special? Tom’s special? Something like that.
by ExiledToSoCal on Apr 27, 2010 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
This would be a great time for me to use an excuse about English being my second language but no.
I was born in Tacoma. :( You got me there.
In retrospect I realized maybe you do not know how to ride a bike so you just rent it and
walk the beach pushing the bike. I apologize for my insensitive comment and offer you Kermit’s service to teach you how to ride a bike. Now when people say it is as easy as riding a bike you will no longer feel left out.
Take a ferry.
But don’t linger on Bainbridge. Just enjoy the ferry ride.
Walk Pike Place Market and have lunch at one of the little food shops on the street across from the market.
Have coffee at someplace other than Starbucks (I prefer Cafe Ladro and Cafe Vita)
Go to a brewery (Two Beers, Pike Brewing, Elliott Bay Brewery, Elysian, etc)
Coming Soon to SBN: Aston Villa!
by Kirsten Schlewitz on Apr 27, 2010 11:40 AM PDT reply actions
Second the ferry ride idea.
Not a bad idea to bring a deck of cards along, but if you just want to check out the views, that won’t let you down.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:35 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
And/or the boat to Blake island.
It’s a pretty cool with the Native American culture/food expo they do.
Get in my belly
Food
- Beechers Cheese – mac n cheese, tomato soup, breadzle
- Cafe Presse for hipster-inspired French food
- Ivar’s Sunday buffet (not as good as Salty’s, but close; also cheaper)
Coffee
- Stumptown
- Starbucks – the original (don’t go inside, simply get your pic taken in front of the sign for your awesome Facebook page)
Beer
- Pike
- Pyramid lot for M’s pregame
Sweets
- Top Pot, Downtown – get 1 original Old Fashioned and 1 crazy SOB donut
- Trophy’s in Wallingford
Cupcake debate time!
I’ve not actually tried Trophy’s, but I want to recommend Cupcake Royale. Though I know they have their detractors (for some reason), I really love their Carrot Cake, Kate, and Mofro cupcakes. The lavender and red velvet cupcakes have been hits with my friends as well. Plus, I really really really like the coffee there (Cafe Verite) – I think they make the best mochas in town.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:34 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm a fan of Trophy
Royale is tasty but I like the Trophy’s frosting. Try their red velvet and the hummingbird.
I am indifferent to Cupcake Royale.
They’re good, sure, but nothing especially unique about their various offerings.
Copied and pasted
Built off of Aaron’s sentiment here which I agree with.
See Seattle Take One:
In Pioneer Square, see all the various art galleries and eateries. Eat at Salumi. See the stadia. Then walk west to the water and pier 46 (container port). Walk all along the waterfront until you get to the end of Myrtle Edwards. See the ferry ports (underrated Seattle aspect*), the Ivar’s**, skip the Aquarium***, and there are some fantastic views along Myrtle Edwards.
^ Want to take one? I recommend skipping the big ferries and taking the West Seattle water taxi. It’s an easy walk/bike/jog/blade from the West Seattle dock to Alki and back.
^ Don’t actually feel the need to eat at the Ivar’s, just see it
^^ Every coastal city has one and ours sucks
Take 2:
Walk along the international district from roughly 12th and jackson down to Pioneer Square. Explore side streets. Do the Underground tour.
Take 3:
See Seattle Center, walk around (don’t go up the Space Needle). Take the monorail to Westlake and then walk west to Pike Place Market and explore the market.
Take 4:
Go to UW, walk around campus then head across the bridge to MOHAI (best Seattle museum), and then to the arboretum and/or Volunteer Park. See Millionaire’s Row if you do the latter.
Take 5:
Discovery Park and the Ballard Locks, plus walk around Ballard. Optionally head to Fremont and see some of the public art (the troll, Lenin, the rocket, etc) here. Eat at Paseo if you do.
Take 6: Greenlake and the zoo. There’s a Dick’s and a Red Mill nearby for Seattle hamburgers and Aurora Ave on the west side of the lake is home to a great strip of bars, including Seattle’s best, Uber Tavern.
And whatever you do, don’t bring an umbrella.
by Matthew on Apr 27, 2010 12:00 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I still recommend people consider the Space Needle at night
The restaurant, not the observation deck. Dinner is overpriced and there’s a $25 minimum. But if a visitor has the time or only gets to Seattle once, the top of the needle is pretty memorable. Not too many world landmarks have a rotating dining room that takes in the whole city view in an hour (the bar in the center does not rotate).
by lemonverbena on Apr 27, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, The Stranger really tore them a new one.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 1:33 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I try not to get my restaurant reviews from a paper that allows me to pick and choose tranny escorts...
or listen to Dan Savage talk about fisting. That being said, I was there once for Sunday brunch. It was tasty.
You definitely can't go expecting a great meal or service
It’s all about the view and the novelty of being up in the needle.
by lemonverbena on Apr 27, 2010 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Columbia Center Observation deck is cheaper than the Needle
It’s only $5 to go to the 73rd floor ob deck.
I'm disappointed to find you're the only person to have mentioned Salumi so far.
It is, in my mind, the best cheap eat in Seattle.
I still haven't been.
Places that are only open for lunch on weekdays make me :(
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:55 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I had to plan an entire discretionary day from work around Salumi's, in order to finally try it.
The trick is to get there well before it opens. You’ll have to wait, but it beats waiting around 1 or 2pm, when you’re much hungrier and not entirely certain that they won’t be sold out of what you want by the time you order.
I got into a debate with people in CA down here about using umbrellas
I never use one (along with most people in the NW). I think they are annoying, don’t work that well and are clumsy and unneeded. Everybody and their mother carries an umbrella around here. I don’t think they were convinced that using umbrellas was not worth it.
by Edgar for Pres on Apr 27, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Umbrellas are not necessary in Seattle
After moving to Chicago, I learned that it never rains in Seattle, it just drizzles. One rainstorm in Chicago taught me that sometimes umbrellas are necessary.
by Chimarinersfan on Apr 28, 2010 6:52 AM PDT up reply actions
I would say that the red chowder at Ivar's is quite good and it's nice to sit on the back deck and watch the boats/seagulls
by Aaron Campeau on Apr 27, 2010 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't mind their food at all, but there's better everything in the Pike market
including Pike Place Chowder, which is the best everything ever
My trip of awesomeness 2009:
Day 1: Olympic Peninsula, entire 101 loop. (skip Port Angeles if possible)
Day 2: (Friday)
-Ferry from Bremerton to Seattle
-Zeitgeist Coffee
-Pikes Place
-Space Needle/EMC/SciFi Museum (touristy stuff)
-University District
-M’s Game! (W over Baltimore, Griffey goes Bombo.)
Unfortunately I didn’t get to go to Neumo’s. There was an undergound hip-hop group playing, and I wasn’t going to go unless it was indie rock or grunge. I’ll be returning from the Bay Area in July, hopefully will get to see something at Neumo’s.
Where's Perry?
Surprise nobody has called out "Pikes Place" yet.
And Neumo’s is a good venue, but I don’t see why it’s a destination, really. I like Neumo’s, but I prefer the Showbox at the Market, or the Triple Door (though artists I prefer rarely play there).
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:27 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Other venues I'd recommend:
The Crocodile (yes I like the renovation, shut up)
Chop Suey
The Sunset
The Tractor
The Moore Theater
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:31 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Cool, thanks.
I’ll check those out before my next trip up.
Where's Perry?
by Bballpitcher2 on Apr 27, 2010 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions
You like Chop Suey?!
They might have the worst sound techs of any venue I have been to in my life. Every show I have been to there has been borderline unbearable due to the overly high treble in the mix.
I guess I don't have an ear for that sort of thing.
I’ve seen Awesome, Harvey Danger, and Styrofoam there and had a blast at each show. Never noticed anything about the sound quality. They can get some decent acts for such a small/intimate venue.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 2:06 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
They're hit-or-miss on the sound.
It depends entirely on the engineer.
by Aaron Campeau on Apr 27, 2010 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Pedantry alert!
It’s Pike Place. Not Pikes, not Pike’s. Pike.
I don’t know why, but that one always pisses me off.
by pdb on Apr 27, 2010 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That one bugs me too.
I try to gently remind them that it is a market at the end of Pike street. It tends to help some and confuse others.
No.
It is a market the runs along Pike Place.
Yes, it is.
When I said “Pike Place is the termination of Pike Street”, I wasn’t saying the Market is Pike Street’s end. I was referring to the street Pike Place being the end of Pike Street, which it is. Pike Street runs east-west, and then turns north-south for about three blocks before terminating at Virginia. That three-block termination stretch is Pike Place. It is the natural westernmost terminus for Pike Street.
My comment was pointing out the misspelling in bball's comment.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 3:34 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
My comment was pointing out the misspelling in bball's comment.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 3:34 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
God, stupid mobiLLe.
I can’t tell who’s replying to who, and what buttons to push. I am bad at this.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 3:36 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Overrated.
If you want a basic Seattle burger, Red Mill is better. And then there are even better high-end options.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:29 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
With Dick's burgers, it's more about the experience, I think.
They aren’t the best burgers around, but Seattleites love the place(s).
Yeah, and I get that I'm not a local.
But I wish people would get over it. The only time I’d recommend it is on a Friday/Saturday night after midnight, but that’s more for the crowds/experience than the food.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:37 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Er, I meant native instead of local.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:38 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I think Dick's is delicious and you can't get a better cheeseburger and fries for the price and fast service.
I don’t eat out a lot because my wife makes delicious meals nearly every night, but Dick’s is one of our mainstays.
It’s also a good bit of Americana for out-of-country-ers.
In-n-out, In-n-out
That’s what a hamburger’s all about!
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:49 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I prefer Dick's. In-n-out is just a generic burger and fries fast food place that's a little above average.
Dick’s is a unique flavor and experience.
When I eat and In-n-out I feel like “oh I should have probably just grilled up some burgers myself.”
In-N-Out is swell.
But it’s a multi-state chain and has cookie cutter food. The only bonus they have is GRILLED ONIONS.
Too bad they don’t have bacon, then they’d have the perfect burger.
Dicks is about the value
Dicks is one of the greatest places on the planet because of its value. Red Mill will always have the better burger, but you cant get 5 burgers and 3 fries for something like $12
Peace, Love and West Coast Hip Hop, Go Mariners!
I guess I'm spoiled though
Because if it’s about value, In-N-Out gives you a burger with fresh ingredients, and lets you customize your order for the same price (or cheaper) as Dick’s. And you can get refills on the drinks. And have indoor seating (the QA Dick’s has seating, yes, but it’s always dirty inside).
I guess I just want In-N-Out to open up here and put Dick’s out of business.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:42 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Dick's is way overrated.
But In-N-Out could never, and should never, put Dick’s out of business. Because In-N-Out is overrated, too.
Dick's : Seattle as In n' Out : Californians
by Edgar for Pres on Apr 27, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
In-n-out is objectively better.
The only thing that Dick’s might be better at is the fries.
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:50 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Really? Objectively better?
Maybe better at subtle religious indoctrination, but not at providing me meaty, special sauce goodness.
Every time I come home, I have to eat at Dicks.
Go! Huskies!
I'd say objectively better as well. It doesn't taste as...processed...as Dick's
Of course, that’s a subjective opinion. But I’m sure breaking each one down could declare In-N-Out the victor
by BrettJMiller on May 10, 2010 7:02 AM PDT up reply actions
I would say that In-n-out probably is slightly better.
Both places have not-to-spectacular fries in my opinion. Both places need to learn how to make a crispy french fry.
by Edgar for Pres on Apr 27, 2010 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Another place that has great fries,
is By’s on 4th ave S. just south of Lander. Their fish & chips is another Seattle institution.
by ToddK on Apr 27, 2010 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
As someone who has lived in both California and Seattle
I think In-n-out and Dicks are both massively overrated, but Dicks is better.
FUCK THE ANGELS!
by Fuckmikereilly on Apr 27, 2010 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Get the hell out of Seattle
Go north to the San Juans and kayak with sealife, west across the sound to the Olympics (probably one of the most unappreciated national park), east to anywhere in the cascades or south to Mt Rainer or Mt. St Helens. Seattle is an awesome city but the area around Seattle is even better. (Depends on what you like to do on vacation though. I like outdoors stuff obviously)
by Edgar for Pres on Apr 27, 2010 12:55 PM PDT reply actions
This might be a bit much for just a weekend trip
angels fan in seattle
by Eyebrows on Apr 27, 2010 12:57 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah that is true. Well there isn't a good solution besides staying longer then.
by Edgar for Pres on Apr 27, 2010 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed - you do generally need them to stay longer, but worth it
I am an Aussie with a young family, been here 2 1/2 years, so when we have guests it is usually for more than weekend. Had guests on 9 occasions or so with the average stay of about 10 days. So when a “small” stay, they want to see the things they have heard of in Seattle. When I get them for longer I take them San Juans, Olympic mountain ranges, all the other stuff, and they surprised at how beautiful Washington is as a whole. Yeah – but if only 3 days and never here before they want – Pike Place, maybe Boeing, Space Needle etc etc.
by aussie_m's_fan on Apr 27, 2010 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I feel like trying to show somebody what Seattle is in a weekend is just tough
and it is going to look like any other medium sized city out there with similar but different things. The northwest is an amazing place. Seattle is a very nice city that is in the northwest. That’s how I see it.
by Edgar for Pres on Apr 27, 2010 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
One of my favorites on the cheap tour of the Seattle area
Is hitting Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill. The Conservatory is pretty cool, but the view from the top of the water tower is hard to beat. It’s like the Space Needle without the food or absurd pricing.
Also, there is something relaxing about the locks in Ballard and the park that surrounds them.
And right next door is Lakeside Cemetary if you're a Bruce Lee fan
Another famous grave is Jimi Hendrix’s in Renton at the Greenwood Memorial Park
And Brandon Lee as well.
And most of the city founders of Seattle (Dennys, Yeslers, etc). It’s a fantastic old cemetery.
Protip:
On the weekends only one staircase in the observatory is open and they don’t tell you the other is closed. And those are a lot of stairs.
by Aaron Campeau on Apr 27, 2010 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Check out downtown Tacoma
You’ll absolutely love it!
Especially on a weekend...
it gives the authentic Old West experience of inaction and tumbleweeds rolling through the streets. Plus, you can look at glass. We Tacomaites did have light rail before the rest of you, so ha! We’ve been riding with stinky bums three years before you did.
I'm not sure if this is sarcasm or seriousness.
Tacoma sucks.
by harkening on Apr 27, 2010 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
For people looking for accomodation...
The hotel next to Safeco is pretty good, think it was a doubletree? The room rates aren’t the cheapest, but you can request a room with a view of Safeco, which is pretty neat if you are there for the first time and wish to savour the awesomeness of our ballpark.
Floating Bridges are cool - often really good views, too
I’d park on Mercer Island (on the lid on the west side) and walk the mile over and back.
The Evergreen Point bridge “is the longest freshwater floating bridge in the world” or some such thing – no walking, be sure to drive across at a non-rush-hour time.
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