Westward
There's no denying the nautical theme at Westward, but when you're cranking out seafood this good, it doesn't matter what the inside of the restaurant looks like. In fact, you don't even have to enjoy the excellent fare — influenced by both Northwest and Mediterranean cuisine, with many items making a stop in the wood-burning oven — inside, thanks to a large deck, fire pit, and beach area. Oh, and the cocktails are pretty terrific, too, making this an ideal spot to park your boat — they have a 150 ft. dock — and step inside for an afternoon refreshment.
Ebbets Field Flannels
It's one thing to be on the lookout for handcrafted, vintage sports apparel. It's another to be able to buy it from the same place it's made. And that's exactly what you can do at Ebbets Field Flannels. Their new flagship store houses not only a shop but also a production room where they cut, sew, press, and otherwise build the fantastic items available up front — which include faithful reproductions of historic baseball jerseys, caps, and jackets, as well as tees and accessories. Oh, and be sure to pay attention to the gymnasium bleachers, lockers, and locker room benches, all of which were salvaged from a local high school.
Canon
A play on words — canon, meaning an authoritative list, and cannon, the weapon, being the logo — it's obvious from the name that Canon has a good sense of humor. This urban drinkery bills itself as a "whiskey and bitters emporium", and claims to house "the western hemisphere's largest spirit collection". We're not 100% sure about that, but we are sure that you can easily lose track of time gazing at the hundreds of different spirit bottles on display, while trying to make a selection from the hardcover menu that sports over 100 cocktails and a variety of small plates. Between the stellar mixology, the dignified interior, and the door rules (no parties larger than 6) meant to keep noise to a minimum, it's an ideal place to escape for a drink or three.
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
Looking to get yourself in a properly spooky mood? Head down to Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. Opened in 1899 by a collector of odd artifacts, this unusual store sells everything from replica shrunken heads and zombie posters to touristy trinkets, but is better known for its incredible displays of shrunken heads, taxidermied or otherwise preserved creatures, and a pair of mummies with unknown origins. The only downside? The most interesting stuff isn't for sale.
The 5 Point Cafe
Most dive bars have one or two things that help them standout from other local bars. The 5 Point Cafe has more than we can count. "Cheating tourists and drunks since 1929", as the neon sign in the window proudly states, it's the oldest bar in Belltown and the longest run family eatery in the city. It's got terrifically greasy food available at all hours of the day and night, happy hours that run for both the breakfast and after-work crowds, a tacky, sign-and-stuff covered interior, stiff drinks, a killer jukebox, a second slogan — "alcoholics serving alcoholics since 1929" — that might be better than the first, and a periscope above the urinal in the men's restroom that provides a clear view of the Space Needle.
Big Picture
One of the huge drawbacks of going out to a theater is the potential for a crowd full of obnoxious teens too busy texting — or talking — to enjoy the film. No such worries at the Big Picture. This first-run theater is 21 and up, removing the possibility that your evening will be ruined by younglings. And since it's adults only, you can also get a cocktail to go along with your signature white cheddar popcorn. You can even pre-order a drink and have it delivered at your specified time during the movie — and with only 100 seats, they should have no problem finding you.
Radar Hair and Records
Let's say you only have a small bit of free time over the weekend, and you'd like to get your hair cut, check out some vintage threads, and pick up a few new LPs. Impossible, right? Not if you head to Radar Hair and Records. This incredibly unique SODO shop features a salon offering cuts, colors, and styles, as well as vinyl LPs and 45s, a selection of vintage audio gear, vintage clothing, and an array of random knick-knacks and artwork that any self-respecting geek would be proud of.
Georgetown Trailer Park Mall
Part flea market, part hippie commune, part new-age commerce, the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall is one of the most unique shopping experiences in the Pacific Northwest. This unusual arrangement sees a number of retro trailers — including a vintage Airstream — used as storefronts for various businesses selling everything from vintage clothes and accessories to art, housewares, and even the occasional gadget. Open on Saturdays and Sundays, but if you happen to forget and show up on a typical Thursday afternoon, at least you can get some food from Where Ya At Matt.
Tavern Law
Sure, you can get a beer, wine, or cider at Tavern Law — but that's not why most people go there. Instead, the draw is the handcrafted specialty cocktails. The menu boasts a solid array of fizzes, flips, sours, and punches, as well as seasonally-inspired selections, and as you'd imagine, an extensive drink list comes with a large selection of liquors, as well. There's also food available, which comes from a small but tasty list that includes pub go-tos like burgers, mac & cheese, potatoes, and fried chicken. Looking for something even more elegant? Head upstairs to Needle and Thread, where you simply describe what you'd like your drink to taste like, and the barkeeps take it from there.
Lot No. 3
Normally we're happy to find a place that has great comfort food, respectfully-made classic cocktails, or a good selection of craft beers. Lot No. 3 offers all of the above and more. This downtown spot offers up such rib-sticking meals as grilled cheese or sloppy joes for lunch, meatloaf or chicken and waffles for dinner, and pork belly benedict for brunch, with sides like a plate o' bacon and house-made kettle chips. Add in the extensive list of classic and original cocktails, craft beers, and high-end spirits, and you have an ideal spot for a satisfying evening out. [Scouted by Kory]
Happy Grillmore
Clever, actually decent Adam Sandler movie-referencing name aside, Happy Grillmore didn't earn its stellar reputation with funny names. Instead, its following comes for the delicious, more-than-a-mouthful burgers served on toasted ciabatta bread. They mostly have movie-inspired monikers, like the Chubbs, a 1/3 beef patty with tillamook, spinach, arugula, roasted red pepper aioli, and spicy mustard, the "You can do it" — basically the Chubbs, but add BBQ sauce and onion rings — and, of course, the Happy, which boasts gorgonzola crumbles and bacon, and are joined on the menu by salt & pepper, sweet potato, and garlic fries, a pulled pork sandwich, a salmon dish, and pork fries, an evil (in a good way) combination of salt & pepper fries, pulled pork, honey chipotle aioli, and queso fresco. Sure beats the Sizzler.
Capelli's Gentlemen's Barbershop
Who said your barbershop had to look old to offer old-school service? Capelli's Gentlemen's Barbershop looks a swank as any high-end library or cigar lounge, but offers time-honored services that recall the heyday of small-town barbershops. Those include straight-razor shaves, personalized haircuts, and beard trimmings, as well as camouflage coloring, ear and eyebrow waxing, manicures, head shaves, and scalp massages. And while the South Lake Union shop is the newest, the locations at 4th and Madison and in the US Bank Centre both offer most of the services in a similarly slick atmosphere.
