Portland Mercury

What to Do in Seattle

This list was compiled from The Stranger's readers' and editors' top picks.

Restaurants and Dining

94 Stewart Street (Bar, Restaurant)

4.50000/5 Stars.

(based on 14 reader reviews)

94 Stewart St Seattle WA 98101
206-441-5505

sj says: This is among my favorite places to eat. The food is outstanding and unique and there is always something new to try. The staff is attentive and warm (and sexy!) and they always make me feel at home. I don't More...

Amore (Bar, Restaurant)

4.62000/5 Stars.

(based on 21 reader reviews)

2301 Fifth Ave, Suite 101 Seattle WA 98121
206-770-0606

toughest critic in town says: I went to Amore on friday the 14th of September, and WOW is about all I could utter after the show I saw and the food I ate. they had a real live cabaret and vaudeville show complete with burlesque, More...

Aoki Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar (Restaurant)

4.56000/5 Stars.

(based on 9 reader reviews)

621 Broadway E Seattle WA 98102
206-324-3633

elswinger says: Aoki gets a big thumbs up by me because they use real crab in their California rolls. The service has always been friendly and quick and the presentation impeccable. More...

Araya's Vegetarian Place (Restaurant)

4.53000/5 Stars.

(based on 15 reader reviews)

1121 NE 45th St Seattle WA 98105
206-524-4332

Grace says: My favorite thai restaurant in Seattle. The buffet is awesome and so is their menu. More...

Art of the Table (Bar, Restaurant)

4.70000/5 Stars.

(based on 10 reader reviews)

1054 N 39th St Seattle WA 98103
206-282-0942

Kate says: I took my girlfriend here for our anniversary. Chef Dustin and Laurie made it so special--they decorated the tables with artichokes and rosemary from the herb garden and welcomed us to their place like we were honored guests in their More...

Bad Albert's (Bar)

4.57000/5 Stars.

(based on 14 reader reviews)

5100 Ballard Ave NW Seattle WA 98107-4856
206-782-9623

Homer says: This place has it all: a nice little beer and wine selection, consistently good service, tasty breakfasts on the weekends with all manner of eggs Benedict, and prime rib on Fridays that rivals anything you've had at the fancy places More...

College Inn Pub (Bar, Restaurant)

4.69000/5 Stars.

(based on 13 reader reviews)

4006 University Way NE Seattle WA 98105
206-634-2307

Drew N says: Looking to get away from the annoying fratty college kids in the U District that populate bars further north on the AVE? The College Inn is just what you are looking for. A great beer selection, with several rotating weekly More...

Dahlak Eritrean Cuisine (Restaurant)

4.67000/5 Stars.

(based on 18 reader reviews)

2007 S State St Seattle WA 98144
206-860-0400

violet_dagrinder says: Best Ethiopian I've had. The vege combo is a thing of beauty. The people are friendly. They bring you a wetnap when you're done. Just go. More...

Fightin' Cock Roaster (Restaurant)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 12 reader reviews)

2609 Thorndyke Ave NW Seattle WA 98199
206 282-2663

Jon B says: I had lunch here today - the food was awesome ($5 sandwich???) and the people are real friendly. Thanks! More...

Georgetown Liquor Company (Bar, Restaurant)

4.50000/5 Stars.

(based on 14 reader reviews)

5501 Airport Way S Seattle WA 98108
206-763-6764

suki says: The GLC is awesome - a great place to go for lunch, or snacks, or whatever - the polenta, the sandwiches, mmmmm... just thinking about it makes me hungry! More...

Juliano's Pizza (Restaurant)

4.67000/5 Stars.

(based on 40 reader reviews)

1211 Pine St Seattle WA 98101
206-625-9922

Sunshine says: stormy gray and no smiles to be found I stumbled upon some vegan holy ground. I came in with no exceptions, then the carrot showed me Juliano and his perceptions. Love in the food and a grin in my tummy More...

Madison Park Cafe (Restaurant)

4.86000/5 Stars.

(based on 7 reader reviews)

1807 42nd Ave E Seattle WA 98112
206-324-2626

Rose G. says: What a great find, tucked away in Madison Park! The ambiance is like going to a good friends house for an awesome dinner. The food is solid, well prepared bistro fare, and the service is warm and friendly. The wine More...

Mai Phim (Restaurant)

4.62000/5 Stars.

(based on 8 reader reviews)

94 Columbia St Seattle WA 98104
206-624-2979

J says: I go to the Westlake location though since I don't work in Pioneer Square anymore, tastes just as good (if not better) as the Columbia one. Place isn't as packed (usually) so you get to chill at a booth or More...

Mighty-O Donuts (Cafe)

4.50000/5 Stars.

(based on 12 reader reviews)

2110 N 55th St Seattle WA 98103
206-547-0335

DOUG. says: The Don King is the best donut ever created. More...

Noc Noc (Bar)

4.56000/5 Stars.

(based on 9 reader reviews)

1516 Second Ave Seattle WA 98121
206-223-1333

CommonKnowledge says: Very cold A/C and great drinks, too.

Paseo (Restaurant)

4.71000/5 Stars.

(based on 7 reader reviews)

4225 Fremont Ave N Seattle WA 98103
206-545-7440

hulagirl says: As Paseo junkies are aware, the service is wretched...downright rude at times. On my last visit I was informed that "most of the finer restaurants in Seattle only accept cash, and we are no exception". This, of course, is nonsense More...

Pasta Freska (Restaurant)

4.62000/5 Stars.

(based on 8 reader reviews)

1515 Westlake Ave N Seattle WA 98109
206-283-1515

Dave and Sheila Saxton says: This is an experience you do not want to miss. Michael and his staff will give you a dinner to remember. You will love it too. More...

Piroshki on Broadway

4.78000/5 Stars.

(based on 9 reader reviews)

128 Broadway E Seattle WA 98102
206-322-2820

courtlyn in pennsyltucky says: Holy crap this is good. My friends and I couldn't even sit together the last time we stopped by but I so didn't even care. I was too busy making yummy noises at my spinach and mushroom doughy pocket of More...

Sitting Room (Bar, Restaurant)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 7 reader reviews)

108 W Roy St Seattle Washington 98119
206-285-2830

broadcast says: best bartenders and staff! great happy hour. more lively than you'd ever expect. going to make a <3day reservation, asap. More...

Suthanya Thai Renaissance Bistro (Restaurant)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 15 reader reviews)

21630 Seventh Pl South Des Moines WA 98189
206-878-1205

T J. Lenni says: Exquisite Thai Culinary treats, featuring the freshest ingredients and the most sophisticated balance of flavors, are waiting to be discovered at the Suthanya: Thai Renaissance Bistro in Des Moinse. More...

Taste of India (Restaurant)

4.54000/5 Stars.

(based on 13 reader reviews)

5517 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle WA 98105
206-528-1575

Triple X says: My mouth salivates just thinking of their Butter Chicken...what is their secret??? I challenge you to let me know where I can find better! More...

Tilth (Restaurant)

4.50000/5 Stars.

(based on 10 reader reviews)

1411 N 45th St Seattle WA 98103
206-633-0801

Blown away says: Humpty, below, has it right. This place is a well kept brunch secret. Four of us tried it one day. Only one in our group had been to Tilth before, for dinner. We were all blown away. Everything was excellent. More...

Victory Lounge (Bar)

4.86000/5 Stars.

(based on 7 reader reviews)

433 Eastlake Ave E Seattle WA 98109
206-382-4467

Peter W says: Let's be honest... It's not hard to say that the Victory is an improvement over the Lobo. So I'm not going to dwell on that (But I will say I'm not afraid to touch the door or walls in the More...

Viengthong (Restaurant)

4.62000/5 Stars.

(based on 8 reader reviews)

2820 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S Seattle WA 98144
206-725-3864

Linda in Bellevue says: My friends and I love to go eat at this restaurant. Papaya salad, bbq chicken, lab gai and sticky rice are so delicious. I also like their Phad Lao noodle and Lao beef jerky. Price is good and it's ok More...

Vino Bello Wine Bar (Bar)

4.92000/5 Stars.

(based on 12 reader reviews)

636 SW 152nd St Ste F Burien WA 98166
206-244-VINO

Todd Johnson says: I needed a gift, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable, my gift was perfect. More...

Bars and Clubs

Can Can (Bar, Cabaret, Restaurant)

3.14000/5 Stars.

(based on 14 reader reviews)

94 Pike St, Suite 11 Seattle Washington 98101
206-652-0832

Eurotrash says: This was such a refreshing form of entertainment. Wow Wow Wow. I felt like I was in some kind of illegal merchant bar carved out of a cliffside in a dirty harbor somewhere far away. Johnny looks like his name More...

Comet (Bar, Club)

4.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 3 reader reviews)

922 E Pike St Seattle WA 98122
206-322-9272

stinkity says: Is there a better bar in Seattle for doing nothing but staring at a TV and drowning yourself in oblivion? More...

Contour (Bar, Club, Restaurant)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 1 review)

807 First Ave Seattle Washington 98104
206-447-7704

Ronan says: Probably one of the best Happy Hours in Seattle -- incredibly cheap, and always good. Business seems to really pick up around that time, so I'd advise you don't show up late. A fine selection of drinks, and a decor More...

Crocodile (Bar, Club)

3.33000/5 Stars.

(based on 3 reader reviews)

2200 Second Ave Seattle WA 98121
info@thecrocodile.com

Sound is me says: I am willing to predict that U.S.E. is going to sound amazing w/ the new sound system!! More...

El Corazon (Bar, Club)

1.58000/5 Stars.

(based on 19 reader reviews)

109 Eastlake Ave E Seattle WA 98109
206-381-3094

Blake says: My friend just played his first gig there on the 27th. They did awesome, and as small as El Corazon is, it was fun. More...

Funhouse (Bar, Club)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 5 reader reviews)

206 Fifth Ave N Seattle WA 98109
206-374-8400

transplantsonamission says: The funhouse is just perfect the way it is. Basketball in the back which no one can really shoot after a few drinks so go for it. Drinks poured strong and quickly. Music loud and decidedly punk rock. LOVE IT! More...

Havana (Bar, Club)

2.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 3 reader reviews)

1010 E Pike St Seattle WA 98122
(206) 323-CUBA

I'mMoving says: Your best bet at Havana is during the week. The weekend crowd is a little rowdy and strange. Try HotelMotel on Tuesday nights for a killer dance party. The drinks are reasonable, the place is beautiful, and the staff is More...

Historic University Theater (Club, Movie Theater, Theater)

5510 University Way NE Seattle WA 98105
206-352-8291

Jazz Alley (Bar, Club, Supperclub)

2033 Sixth Ave Seattle WA 98121
206-441-9729

King Cat Theater (Club)

2130 Sixth Ave Seattle WA 98121
269-7444

Little Red Hen (Bar, Club)

4.50000/5 Stars.

(based on 2 reader reviews)

7115 Woodlawn Ave NE Seattle WA 98115
206-522-1168

514 says: When I get a little nostalgic for my days in rural Missouri I go to the Little Red Hen. The sight of cowboy hats and boots doesn't elicit fear and concern of getting my ass kicked like it did in More...

Neumos (Bar, Club)

925 E Pike St Seattle WA 98122
206-709-9442

Re-bar (Bar)

1114 Howell St Seattle WA 98101
233-9873

Rendezvous (Bar, Cabaret, Club, Movie Theater, Restaurant, Supperclub, Theater)

3.89000/5 Stars.

(based on 9 reader reviews)

2320 Second Ave Seattle WA 98121
206-441-5823

Steve Hildreth says: I've been to the Rendezvous a couple of times and had a blast, really strong drinks and good food(calamari, pork loin, burgers) Good bartenders that seem to have a pretty loose attitude and will put you in your place if More...

See Sound Lounge (Bar, Club)

4.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 4 reader reviews)

115 Blanchard St Seattle WA 98121
206-374-3733

Jenny says: I agree with the other review, Qool is the best happy hour in Seattle. The bump the music loud and have great food and cheap happy hour drinks! I love it! The DJ is really hot also! More...

Showbox at the Market (Ballroom, Bar, Club, Movie Theater, Theater)

3.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 2 reader reviews)

1426 First Ave Seattle WA 98101
628-3151

Scrabbleship says: I don't expect beer to be cheap at concerts unless it's at my friends house. I don't expect cocktails to be cheap, either. It's because I live in a city in the year 2009. But, I've bought less cocktails for More...

Studio Seven (Bar, Club)

4.75000/5 Stars.

(based on 4 reader reviews)

110 S Horton Seattle WA 98134
206-286-1312

omega88 says: I like going to a club without all those FSU guys. Unlike El Corazon. More...

Sunset Tavern (Bar, Club)

5433 Ballard Ave NW Seattle WA 98107
206-784-4880

The Bit Saloon (Bar)

4.25000/5 Stars.

(based on 4 reader reviews)

4818 17th Ave NW Seattle WA 98107
782-1680

peepeetime says: Ever since Ed bought the bar, it's gained 3 and a 1/2 stars in my opinion. Great bands/music, awesome bartenders and Ed rocks! PS The new Elvira Pin Ball machine kicks ass! More...

ToST (Bar, Gallery)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 1 review)

513 N 36th St Seattle WA 98103
206-547-0240

Emeraldcityserendipity says: I've only been to their Poetry Slam once (which occurs Wed. night from 9-11) and loved it. I'll definitely be back. The bartender gave me a free drink after making me wait too long and the crowd was my type More...

Tractor Tavern (Bar, Club)

3.75000/5 Stars.

(based on 4 reader reviews)

5213 Ballard Ave NW Seattle WA 98107
206-789-3599

tallman1972 says: Saw Marc Broussard 2 nights ago at the Tractor. Great show! Very WEAK opening act. The guy who opened for Marc was Matt Hires. Wanna be country boy. Horrible voice, great guitar player and EXCELLENT whistling skills(out of the side More...

Trinity (Bar, Club)

3.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 2 reader reviews)

111 Yesler Way Seattle WA 98104
206-447-4140

Cindy Mcgough says: This place is amazing usually playing 3 genres of music with 2 floors. The card room and blue room are cool and the main dancefloor is huge and packed on Fridays and Saturday. I always go here because the security More...

Triple Door (Bar, Cabaret, Restaurant, Supperclub, Symphony Hall, Theater)

3.60000/5 Stars.

(based on 5 reader reviews)

216 Union St Seattle WA 98101
206-838-4333

shermanswhiplash says: While it was expensive it is a great palce ot see a show. I went for SIFF this year and had a blast. The staff was very accomadating and polite. The drinks were great too. More...

Vera Project (Club)

305 Harrison St, Seattle Center Seattle WA 98109
206-956-8372

Underage

As this crazy year of music quickly comes to a close, it's hard to imagine a story more phenomenal than the rise of Seattle's Hardly Art record label. In the course of this year, the small revivalist-leaning label has dropped More...

War Room (Bar, Club)

3.80000/5 Stars.

(based on 5 reader reviews)

722 E Pike St Seattle WA 98122
206-328-7666

m says: Best sounding dance hall in the city. The DJs on Thursdays spin grooves so full that you can't help yourself. *****Give in. More...

Theater and Performance

5th Avenue Theatre (Theater)

2.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 1 review)

1308 Fifth Ave Seattle WA 98101
206-625-1900

ACT Theatre (Arts Center, Theater)

700 E Union St Seattle WA 98101
292-7676

Annex Theatre (Theater)

1100 E Pike St Seattle WA 98122
(206) 728-0933

Balagan Theatre (Theater)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 4 reader reviews)

1117 E Pike St Seattle WA 98122
718-3245

analia says: I went to see the Full Monty last Sunday and I had so much fun! I laughed, I cried, and danced on my seat... So much talent is shown there by the actors/singers and musicians, and a wonderful production with More...

Can Can (Bar, Cabaret, Restaurant)

3.14000/5 Stars.

(based on 14 reader reviews)

94 Pike St, Suite 11 Seattle Washington 98101
206-652-0832

JesseJB says: Get there early...this place fills to the brim during performances. I love the decor at the Can Can, I love the entertainment and energy of the place. The food is okay and the service can suck during shows but that's More...

Chop Suey (Bar, Club, Movie Theater)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 1 review)

1325 E Madison St Seattle WA 98122
206-324-8000

aleus says: As a frequent patron of live music shows in Seattle (electronic to rock typically), my favorite place to see a band is Chop Suey. The sound there is just great, very "full", best in Seattle IMO. The venue is just More...

Columbia City Theater (Theater)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 2 reader reviews)

4916 Rainier Ave S Seattle WA 98118
206-723-0088

juan says: What a jewel! This is a great, intimate place to see a show and have a cocktail. Candle-lit tables, brick walls, velvet curtains. The sound is really good and they have a multitrack recording studio and video production capability too. More...

Live Girls! Theater (Theater)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 2 reader reviews)

2220 NW Market St Seattle WA 98107
800-838-3006

Lungard says: Fantastic late night alt-comedy comedy show every Friday night at 11 at Live Girls. All-ages plus they have a bar?! More...

Market Theater (Theater)

1428 Post Alley Seattle WA 98181
206-587-2414

New City Theater (Theater)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 1 review)

1404 18th Ave Seattle WA 98122

Ki Gottberg says: The theater is on 18th and Union. The map shows it on Broadway. Wrong. More...

On the Boards (Theater)

100 W Roy St Seattle WA 98119
206-217-9888

Twenty-One Things I Learned at My First HUMP! Ever

For all the details on HUMP! times and tickets, click here. Although I've been associated with this dirty, filthy rag for a few years now, I have so far stayed away from HUMP!, the annual amateur-porn contest and jewel in More...

Open Circle Theater (Theater)

2222 Second Ave Seattle WA 98121
206-382-4250

Rendezvous (Bar, Cabaret, Club, Movie Theater, Restaurant, Supperclub, Theater)

3.89000/5 Stars.

(based on 9 reader reviews)

2320 Second Ave Seattle WA 98121
206-441-5823

A Classic Greatly Improved says: Yeh - I remember too: stepping in human shit while loading in / watching a guy get beat up with a tire iron by crackheads in the back alley / having only a tiny amount of usable space on stage More...

Seattle Children's Theatre (Arts Center, Auditorium, Movie Theater, Theater)

4.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 1 review)

201 Thomas St Seattle WA 98109
206-441-3322

kirklander says: This was a very unexpected "EXPERIENCE" at the Seattle Children's Theatre. Definitely geared toward the older child (12+) and all adults. It was an introduction to the dynamic culture and expressive art of Iran, but could have been from any More...

Seattle Public Theater (Theater)

7312 W Green Lake Dr N Seattle WA 98103
206-524-1300

Seattle Repertory Theatre (Theater)

155 Mercer St, Seattle Center Seattle WA 98109
206-443-2222

Seattle University Lee Center for the Arts (Arts Center, Gallery, Theater)

901 12th Ave Seattle WA
296-2244

Showbox at the Market (Ballroom, Bar, Club, Movie Theater, Theater)

3.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 2 reader reviews)

1426 First Ave Seattle WA 98101
628-3151

SOIL (Gallery, Movie Theater)

112 Third Ave S Seattle WA 98104
206-264-8601

Teatro ZinZanni (Cabaret, Circus Tent, Supperclub, Theater)

222 Mercer St Seattle WA
206-802-0015

Theater Off Jackson (Theater)

409 Seventh Ave Seattle WA 98104

Theater Schmeater (Theater)

4.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 1 review)

1500 Summit Ave Seattle WA 98122
206-324-5801

Neal Simon says: I enjoyed the play. It made me think & laugh. Great performances by all. More...

Triple Door (Bar, Cabaret, Restaurant, Supperclub, Symphony Hall, Theater)

3.60000/5 Stars.

(based on 5 reader reviews)

216 Union St Seattle WA 98101
206-838-4333

Toot Sweet says: After many a magical evening spent at this venue, I profess my undying love. The Triple Door, pairs terrific musical talent with fine dining and manages to pull off both, beautifully. It’s hard not to be seduced by the venue More...

Velocity Dance Center (Arts Center, Movie Theater, Theater)

915 E Pine St, Ste 200 Seattle WA 98122
206-325-8773

Washington Ensemble Theatre (Gallery, Theater)

608 19th Ave E Seattle Washington 98112
800-838-3006

The Arts

Ambach and Rice Gallery (Gallery)

5107 Ballard Ave NW Seattle WA 98107
206-789-6242

ArtsWest (Gallery, Theater)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 2 reader reviews)

4711 California Ave SW Seattle WA 98116
206-938-0339

Jocelyn Viig says: Great looking show. Very talented photographers! They all have a very unique perspective and creativity. More...

Bluebottle Gallery (Gallery)

415 E Pine St Seattle Washington 98122
206-325-1592

Crawl Space Gallery (Gallery)

504 E Denny Way, #1 Seattle Washington 98122
206-201-2441

Easy Street Records (Cafe, Club, Music Store)

3.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 1 review)

4559 California Ave SW Seattle Washington 98116
206-938-3279

Francine Seders Gallery (Gallery)

6701 Greenwood Ave N Seattle Washington 98103
206-782-0355

Frye Art Museum (Cafe, Museum)

704 Terry Ave Seattle WA 98104
622-9250

Garde Rail Gallery (Gallery)

110 Third Ave S Seattle Washington 98104
206-621-1055

Greg Kucera Gallery (Gallery)

212 Third Ave S Seattle Washington 98104
206-624-0770

Henry Art Gallery (Auditorium, Bookstore, Cafe, Gallery, Museum)

4100 15th Ave NE Seattle WA 98195
206-543-2280

Howard House (Gallery)

604 Second Ave Seattle Washington 98104
206-256-6399

James Harris Gallery (Gallery)

312 Second Ave S Seattle Washington 98104
206-903-6220

OHGE Ltd. (Arts Center, Gallery)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 2 reader reviews)

831 Airport Way S Seattle WA 98134
261-2315

VI Costy says: I have followed Alex Ohge as an artist and as the manager of the Lawrimore Project. He is a talented man and it is good to see him venture out in his own gallery. The gallery has a great web More...

Olympic Sculpture Park (Museum, Park)

2901 Western Ave Seattle WA 98121
206-654-3100

Open Satellite (Gallery)

989 112 Ave NE Ste 102 Bellevue WA 98004
425-454-7355

Photographic Center Northwest (Arts Center, Gallery, School)

900 12th Ave Seattle Washington 98122
206-720-7222

Platform Gallery (Gallery)

114 Third Ave S Seattle WA 98104
206-323-2808

Seattle Asian Art Museum (Museum)

1400 E Prospect St Seattle WA 98122
206-654-3100

Seattle University Lee Center for the Arts (Arts Center, Gallery, Theater)

901 12th Ave Seattle WA
296-2244

SOIL (Gallery, Movie Theater)

112 Third Ave S Seattle WA 98104
206-264-8601

Suyama Space (Gallery)

2324 Second Ave Seattle Washington 98121
206-256-0809

ToST (Bar, Gallery)

5.00000/5 Stars.

(based on 1 review)

513 N 36th St Seattle WA 98103
206-547-0240

Velocity Dance Center (Arts Center, Movie Theater, Theater)

915 E Pine St, Ste 200 Seattle WA 98122
206-325-8773

Western Bridge (Arts Center, Gallery)

3412 Fourth Ave S Seattle WA 98134
206-838-7444

William Traver Gallery (Gallery)

110 Union St #200 Seattle Washington 98101
206-587-6501

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