Not For Tourists Guide to Seattle (2016)

Eastside

Map 42

Once a mild-mannered dairy farm community, they soon turned that milk into gold and now Mercer Island is home to Seattle’s rich and/or famous. This is the ‘hood where Paul Allen sleeps, dreaming up new ways to show off his money. Regular folks are welcome too, as long as they know their place and enter around back.

✵ The J Cafe ✵ 3801 East Mercer Way

206-232-7115

The place for nosh inside the Stroum Jewish Community Center.

✵ Bennett’s ✵ 7650 SE 27th St

206-232-2759 ✵ $$

Deli by day, fine dining by night.

✵ Phobulous ✵ 3033 78th Ave SE

206-232-0828 ✵ $

Pho and bubble tea on Mercer Island.

✵ Pon Proem ✵ 3039 78th Ave SE

206-236-8424 ✵ $$

They don’t mess around with the chilies here.

✵ Roanoke Inn ✵ 1825 72nd Ave SE

206-232-0800 ✵ $$

Nuzzle up to the cozy fire in the company of millionaires.

✵ Roberto’s ✵ 7605 SE 27th St

206-232-7383 ✵ $

A pizza place with salads that are actually tasty.

✵ Seven Star ✵ 2775 78th Ave SE

206-230-8665 ✵ $

More like two stars, but who’s counting?

✵ Island Books ✵ 3014 78th Ave SE

206-232-6920

Neighborhood independent bookstore, still kicking.