Not For Tourists Guide to Seattle (2016)

West & South Seattle

Map 36

The charm of this part of town is that they seem to have one foot in the 1950s while the other foot steps bravely into the 21st century. A large elderly population thrives amongst a strong influx of young families seeking kid-friendly goods and services. Snap the ideal panoramic photograph of Seattle’s skyline from Harbor Avenue or up steep Admiral Way. There’s really nothing pretentious in this neck of the woods. A coffee stop at Java Bean in Luna Park is worth the detour.

✵ Seacrest Park ✵ 1660 Harbor Ave SW

206-684-4075

Scuba divers galore. Elliott Bay Water Taxi to downtown leaves from here.

✵ Diva Espresso ✵ 4480 Fauntleroy Way SW

206-937-5225

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

✵ Java Bean ✵ 2920 SW Avalon Way

206-938-5665

Since 1989: organic, shade grown, fair trade.

✵ Uptown Espresso ✵ 3845 Delridge Way SW

206-933-9497

Self-proclaimed “Home of the Velvet Foam,” but the coffee underneath is just so-so.

✵ The Bridge ✵ 4439 35th Ave SW

206-402-4606

Attempts to bridge the gap between West Seattle and the rest of the world.

✵ Skylark ✵ 3803 Delridge Way SW

206-935-2111

Real Seattle rock-n-roll happens here. No cover.

✵ West Seattle Bowl ✵ 4505 39th Ave SW

206-932-3731

A dying breed.

✵ Buddha Ruksa ✵ 3520 SW Genesee St

206-937-7676 ✵ $$

Enlightenment attained.

✵ Chaco Canyon Organic Café ✵ 3770 SW Alaska St

206-937-8732 ✵ $$

A voyage into the Raw Food Universe.

✵ Chelan Cafe ✵ 3527 Chelan Ave SW

206-932-7383 ✵ $

Solid blue collar greasy spoon.

✵ Luna Park Cafe ✵ 2918 SW Avalon Way

206-935-7250 ✵ $

Plenty of fun for the kids; mimosas and piles of eggs for the adults.

✵ Marination Ma Kai ✵ 1660 Harbor Ave SW

206-328-8226 ✵ $

Grown-up shave ice and korean tacos with a water view that can’t be beat.

✵ Pho Aroma ✵ 5605 Delridge Way SW

206-932-4343 ✵ $

Way better than the Tacoma Aroma.

✵ Salty’s on Alki Beach ✵ 1936 Harbor Ave SW

206-937-1600 ✵ $$$$

The brunch is a must at least once in your lifetime.