Seattle visitor ideas?

[Canice]

Alas, not for me but for DBF, and my search has gotten me only part of what I'm looking for.

He'll be there Friday through Monday, staying somewhere central/"downtownish" though I don't know exactly where. He'll have a car and is free Friday-Sunday.

After I came up with some restaurant recommendations he said he wants to go casual, low-key and skip the more "upscale" places this time around. Does anyone have restaurant or other visitor ideas that would fit in with:

He loves Chinese and Japanese art/culture/cuisine.
Is not a vegetarian but likes vegetarian fare.
Appreciates good food but isn't a "foodie".
Doesn't drink.
Is a bibliophile and has never met a bookstore he didn't like.
Likes history, art, and science; all kinds of music.
Likes places like Aveda and Lush.
Not interested in generic touristy spots.

I guess that leaves a lot open! :rolleyes: But any and all ideas are welcome - never hurts to roll into town with a few ideas of things to do!

[Jsmith82]

A great restaurant in Seattle is Matt's in the Market. It's a tiny place (a few tables and counter seating) hidden away in the market (hence the name) with wonderful food and great service. We went for lunch during a trip to Seattle last year.

94 Pike St Corner Mrkt Building Ste 32
(206) 467-7909

Ideas for things to do: arboretum (has a nice Japanese garden), wineries and locks (http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/PublicMenu/Menu.cfm?sitename=lwsc&pagename=mainpage).

[RobinC]

If he is the bibliophile that you say he is, he should consider making the 3 hour drive to Portland (straight shot down I-5) to go to Powell's books. http://www.powells.com/ It's a full city block - and them some - of books.

Eating in Seattle. Here are some places I enjoyed.

icon Grill
1933 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 441-6330
(across the street from the Westin Hotel)

The restaurant is very pink and filled with Dale Chihuly glass art. Great comfort food. Some of my friends think they have the best meatlof in town. The fried chicken is also great. My favorite is the double cut porkchop with warm chunch applesauce.


Kingfish Cafe
602 19TH Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 320-8757

I haven't been here, but I've heard really good things about it. They have southern comfort/soul food. Oh, I just found out the Gary Payton (former Seattle Supersonic now LA Laker) is a partial owner - but don't hold that against the place.


Bad Albert's Tap & Grill
5100 Ballard Ave Nw
Seattle, WA 98107
206-782-9623
(not far from downtown)

It looks like a dive, but has really good food. The Monday special is Chicken Fried Steak. I've had the pasta special and have always enjoyed it.

Lombardi's
2200 N.W. Market St.
Seattle, WA. 98107
206-783-0055
(also in Ballard)

"Good pasta, robust preparations & lots of garlic" They serve heads of roasted garlic with the bread. Lot's of garlic, but not anywhere near as overdone as at The Stinking Rose in SF.

[Canice]

I didn't realize it was only three hours to Portland! But he already has a Powell's "problem" so I think I'll hold off mentioning it to him :p . He'll be back in Portland soon...

Thanks for the suggstions so far!

[tbb113]

Canice:
He doesn't need to drive to Portland. There is a huge bookstore in Pioneer Square called Elliots Blurb below is from Yahoo Travel (I think).


One would never guess from the "READ BOOKS" window sign that this is Seattle's most elegant independent bookstore. With wood floors and brick walls this store is very much a part of its historic Pioneer Square surroundings. The building once housed Seattle's first hospital. Today, it holds more than 150,000 well-chosen new and used titles. After browsing the bookshelves and making your selection, head downstairs to the HoneyBear Bakery for an espresso and pastry to enjoy while reading.


There was also a cool magic store in Pioneer Square.

Can't help with the restaurants...I didn't stay in Seattle proper since I was there on business and I ate by my motel for dinner.

[karamel]

Hi Canice,
Your DBF is in luck because we're having an amazing summer weather-wise up here!
A few ideas for fun things for him to do/see:
The new Seattle Public Library - a site to see! (http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_central&branchID=1)- might be fun for him to check out (and won't cost him a cent!). There was a lot of talk about this library when it opened - last spring I think.
Seattle Art Museum's Van Gogh to Mondrian Exhibit (http://seattleartmuseum.org/) - I've heard that this exhibit is verrrrry good! It's on my list of "things to do" this summer.
Seattle Asian Art Museum (http://seattleartmuseum.org/visit/visitSAAM.asp) - this museum is up on Capitol Hill, located in beautiful Volunteer Park. The museum building is very art deco - gorgeous!
Hope he has a good trip!

[Canice]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! He got home last night and had a great trip.
So far I know he went to:

The Library (RAVED about it )
Elliott Bay Book Co.
The Asian Art Museum
Seattle Art Museum
Sci-Fi Museum
Pike Place Market

I forget where he dined except, of course, Wild Ginger.

He also stayed at (and loved) this unusual B&B on Bainbridge Island - said it was exactly like being in Japan:
http://www.futonandbreakfast.com/index.html

Thanks again for your ideas - I'm awaiting the download on where he ate! :D

[RobinC]

Oooh, I really enjoyed Wild Ginger. The lettuce cups are fabulous! :) I had one of the best crab salads ever there. Mmmmmm...Seattle dining.....must make a trip up north. :)

[karamel]

Glad he enjoyed his trip Canice! :)