Not For Tourists Guide to Seattle (2016)

North Seattle

Map 32

Ravenna is a residential wasteland that lies just north of the U District. It is populated largely by grad students and young families. However, the densely green surroundings and the amazing woodland bubble of Ravenna Park lend a refreshing, non-suburban ambiance to the area.

✵ Wedgwood Rock ✵ 28th Ave NE & NE 72nd St

It’s a bad sign when a neighborhood’s major landmark is a rock.

✵ Cowen Park Grocery ✵ 1217 NE Ravenna Blvd

206-525-1117

Cafe attached to lovely Mom & Pop grocery with friendly baristas, Le Fournil pastries and Manny’s on tap.

✵ Diva Espresso ✵ 8014 Lake City Way NE

206-525-5920

Local chain with unpredictable service. I guess it’s kind of like ordering coffee from a diva.

✵ Espresso Express ✵ 6500 15th Ave NE

206-524-6326

Also food.

✵ Herkimer Coffee ✵ 5611 University Way NE

206-525-5070

Roasting great coffee.

✵ Muddy Waters Coffee Company ✵ 2258 NE 65th St

206-729-7587

Some places just get grandfathered in.

✵ Rooster’s ✵ 7809 Lake City Way NE

206-632-6351

Open early. Cock a doodle doo.

✵ Knarr Shipwreck Lounge ✵

5633 University Way NE

206-525-3323

Play pool and shuffleboard with grizzled Seattleites.

✵ The Pub at Third Place ✵ 6504 20th Ave NE

206-523-0217

Board games and wood decor make you feel comfortably snowed in.

✵ Ravenna Alehouse ✵ 2258 NE 65th St

206-729-9083

A decent neighborhood pub.

✵ Bagel Oasis ✵ 2112 NE 65th St

206-526-0525 ✵ $

Boiled bagels! Just like Bubby used to make.

✵ Cafe Kopi ✵ 8056 Lake City Way NE

206-523-6197 ✵ $

Cuteing up Lake City with pastries and yummy rice bowls.

✵ Chiang’s Gourmet ✵ 7845 Lake City Way NE

206-527-8888 ✵ $$

You don’t have to be Chinese to eat here, but it sure helps.

✵ Frank’s Oyster House & Champagne Parlor ✵ 2616 NE 55th St

206-525-0220 ✵ $$

Funky Montana meets the 80’s decor.

✵ Gaudi ✵ 3410 NE 55th St

206-527-3400 ✵ $$$

Just like Spain (except the early closing time).

✵ Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine ✵

2255 NE 65th St

206-588-0650 ✵ $$

Lebanese cuisine, cocktails, and belly dancing.

✵ Heidelberg Haus ✵ 2122 NE 65th St

206-466-5369 ✵ $$$

The uber German experience.

✵ Kidd Valley ✵ 5502 25th Ave NE

206-522-0890 ✵ $

Hey, at least they have veggie burgers.

✵ Mamma Melina ✵ 5101 25th Ave NE

206-632-2271 ✵ $$

An Italian experience that will get you laid.

✵ Mr. Villa Mexican Restaurant ✵

8064 Lake City Way NE

206-517-5660 ✵ $$

As friendly and authentico as they come.

✵ Pair ✵ 5501 30th Ave NE

206-526-7655 ✵ $$$

Small, seasonal plates—you guessed it—”paired” with wine. NFT approved.

✵ Persepolis Grill ✵ 5517 University Way NE

206-524-3434 ✵ $

Soups, stews and BBQ at ancient Persian prices.

✵ Pizza Pi Vegan Pizzeria ✵ 5500 University Way NE

206-343-1415 ✵ $

Who says vegans have to compromise? All vegan, all the time.

✵ Queen Mary Tea Room ✵ 2912 NE 55th St

206-527-2770 ✵ $$$

Snack on proper British crumpets and tea. Don’t forget to raise your pinky.

✵ Salare ✵ 2404 NE 65th St

206-556-2192 ✵ $$$

Farm-to-table with influences from all over.

✵ Tempero do Brasil ✵ 5628 University Way NE

206-523-6229 ✵ $$$

A thrilling mix of cuisines is the remedy for “what-to-try-next” syndrome.

✵ Vios Café ✵ 6504 20th Ave NE

206-525-5701 ✵ $

Beautiful Greek dishes. Wines for the adults, play area for the kiddies.

✵ Wayward Vegan Café ✵ 5253 University Way NE

206-524-0204 ✵ $$

Vegan comfort food with a punk vibe.

✵ Zeek’s Pizza ✵ 2108 NE 65th St

206-285-8646 ✵ $$

Pizzas with pizzazz, like the Thai version with peanut sauce.

✵ Zouave Restaurant ✵ 2615 NE 65th St

206-525-7747 ✵ $$

Small but eclectic menu in an adorable hole-in-the-wall bistro.

Entertainment-wise, Ravenna isn’t quite a destination. But if you live there and feel ‘hoodbound, there are some options: board games and wood decor at The Pub at Third Place will make you feel snowed in at a ski lodge, Ravenna Alehouse is a decent enough neighborhood pub, and Knarr is a comfortable dive. The restaurant scene is looking good with the excellent Pair leading the way, along with Gaudi.

✵ Cowen Park Grocery ✵ 1217 NE Ravenna Blvd

206-525-1117

Your friendly neighborhood mini mart. Fresh Korean tacos spring-summer!

✵ Planet Happy ✵ 2914 NE 55th St

206-729-0154

See a baby hedgehog who lives in an old converted TV while you buy toys.

✵ Ravenna Third Place Books ✵ 6504 20th Ave NE

206-525-2347

Revitalized neighborhood bookstore; bar downstairs.

✵ Recess ✵ 5235 University Wy NE

206-729-5099

Designer casual hoodies, hats and sneakers for the urban man.

✵ Rising Sun Farms & Produce ✵ 6329 15th Ave NE

206-524-9741

So cheap and delicious, you’ll feel like you’re scamming them.

✵ Spotted Owl Berger Variety Shop ✵

5502 University Way NE

206-632-1611

Creative and original glasswear for, you know, your “coffee table.”

✵ Vegan Haven ✵ 5270 University Way NE

206-523-9060

Ethically-minded consumers shop at the only 100% vegan store in WA.