Not For Tourists Guide to Seattle (2016)

Central Seattle

Map 20

Eastlake is one gem of a neighborhood with an ideal location—a short bus ride from the U District and a hop-skip-jump from downtown. Being nuzzled up to Lake Washington makes the 'hood that much more desirable. It's old, funky, and a touch European, with its brightly painted homes and homespun shops. Once a more industrial section of town, residential buildings have sprung up near Eastlake's idyllic and thriving houseboat community.

✵ Voxx Coffee ✵ 2245 Eastlake Ave E

206-324-2778

A welcoming shop with tons of outlets. Take off your coat and stay a while.

✵ Babirusa ✵ 2236 Eastlake Ave E

206-323-7531

Crafted cocktails and yum small bites/dishes from Blind Pig folks.

✵ Eastlake Zoo Tavern ✵ 2301 Eastlake Ave E

206-329-3277

Those grizzled old bartenders also own the joint.

✵ Roanoke Park Place ✵ 2409 10th Ave E

206-324-5882

Drown another Husky football loss in their good beer selection.

✵ Ship Canal Grill ✵ 3218 Eastlake Ave E

206-588-8885

Nautical-themed sports bar. Nothing says "football" like "fish n' chips."

✵ 14 Carrot Café ✵ 2305 Eastlake Ave E

206-324-1442 ✵ $$

Typical breakfast fare that's, well, typical. Popular anyway.

✵ Abay Ethiopian Cusine ✵ 2359 10th Ave E

206-257-4778 ✵ $$

Probably the best Ethiopian food you've ever tasted, unless your mother is Ethiopian.

✵ Blind Pig Bistro ✵ 2238 Eastlake Ave E

206-329-2744 ✵ $$

Chalkboard foodie place, classing up that weird Eastlake mini strip mall.

✵ Cicchetti ✵ 121 E Boston St

206-859-4155 ✵ $$$

Tapas via Venice courtesy Serafina sibling restaurant.

✵ Le Fournil ✵ 3230 Eastlake Ave E

206-328-6523 ✵ $

The best bakery in town with shockingly humble prices.

✵ Little Water Cantina ✵ 2865 Eastlake Ave E

206-397-4940 ✵ $$

Mediocre, overpriced "modern" Mexican. And such small portions.

✵ Louisa’s Café & Bakery ✵ 2379 Eastlake Ave E

206-325-0081 ✵ $

Baked goods, espresso, counter service.

✵ Mammoth ✵ 2501 Eastlake Ave E

206-946-1065 ✵ $$$

Eat like a caveman who has never heard of the Paleo diet.

✵ Ravish ✵ 2956 Eastlake Ave E

206-913-2497 ✵ $$

Wine bar with small plates.

✵ Sebi’s Bistro ✵ 3242 Eastlake Ave E

206-420-2199 ✵ $$

Did you hear the one about the Polish restaurant?

✵ Serafina ✵ 2043 Eastlake Ave E

206-323-0807 ✵ $$

Rustic and charming Italian. A very loyal Eastlake following.

✵ Sushi Kappo Tamura ✵ 2968 Eastlake Ave E

206-547-0937 ✵ $$$

Fancy pants sushi that's worth conning someone into paying for.

✵ Everyday Music ✵ 1520 10th Ave E

206-568-3321

Two floors of used CDs, DVDs, and LPs. Your wallet is screwed.

✵ The Flower Lady ✵ 3230 Eastlake Ave E

206-325-5751

Finally out of the parking lot and into her own shop—delightful flowers within budget.