Kyle James Kirwan

Kyle's List: Seattle

A list of nice things I discovered in my one year living in Seattle. Updated on 2020-01-02.

Coffee/tea

KEXP (bottom of Queen Anne) is an amazing open space to sit and read, work, or chat. You can watch the live KEXP DJ and get great coffee from the resident shop (was La Marzocco at the time).
Vivace (Capital Hill) One of the makers of 3rd wave coffee in the US. Phenomenal espresso drinks, old-school feel.
Stumptown (southern Capital Hill) What can I say, I love Stumptown in Portland and this is the closest thing in Seattle.
Miro tea (Ballard) Delicious tea and soothing atmosphere.
Milstead & Co. (Fremont) New-school feel.
Storyville (all over) Nice coffee, but read about “Mars Hill Church” before going (or not going).
Starbucks Reserve Tasting Room (Capital Hill) Very unique (and large) space with some drinks you can’t get at any other Starbucks.

Bars

Canon (Capital Hill) Over the top, but so well done.
Zigzag An ancient Seattle location (bartender moved to Canon?)
Rob Roy My favorite spot for waiting for seat at Shiro’s.
Navy Strength Solid Tiki.

Pizza

Masonry (bottom of Queen Anne) Great pizza and greater beer.
Patxi’s (Ballard) Ordered deep dish from here when I needed some Hayes Valley comfort.
Sizzle Pie (Capital Hill) Grungy, good.

Ramen

Danbo (Capital Hill) Lots of choices. A good bowl of noodles.
Arashi (Ballard) Fairly traditionla izakaya style place.

Tacos

Chukis (Capital Hill) Al pastor with pineapple on top, a Tecate, perfect.
Neon Taco (Capital Hill) Some interesting menu items, but a great spot for a taco and a beer.

Sushi

Musashi’s (Wallingford) Cheap, good, great portions.
Shiro’s (Belltown) Pricey but nice omakase. Relaxed atmosphere.
Kashiba (Belltown) Where you can actually find Shiro. Very-pricey but very-nice…
Menaki (ID/Chinatown) Great family-run Japanese (not sushi), cheap!

Farmers markets

Queen Anne Thursdays (June-Oct only)
U-District on Saturdays
Ballard on Sundays

Misc

Kerry Park (Queen Anne) famous view, 2 blocks away
SIFF Cinema (bottom of Queen Anne) is fun
Panda Lab (bottom of Queen Anne) For developing film
Volunteer Park (Capital Hill) Has a Noguchi sculpture (which inspired a Soundgarden song)
Elliott Bay Book Co. (Capital Hill)
Cafe Presse (Capital Hill) Great lunch spot.
Uneeda Burger (Fremont) For when you just need a burger and a beer.
No Bones Beach Club Vegetarian, fun, beach/tiki themed.
Shake Shack Downtown (Because sorry, Seattle, but Dick’s is…not good).
Jade Garden (ID/Chinatown) for dim sum.
Tune Hi-fi (Belltown) Nice people, care about audio.