4/20 in Seattle!

Written by Daniel Pacheco

Seattle has always been a fairly marijuana friendly city, but with the unofficial 4/20 holiday approaching you can expect slightly hazier and cloudier weather.  If you have partaken of marijuana before, starred in a Cheech and Chong movie, hated the devil’s lettuce, always been curious, or did a Bill Clinton and “didn’t inhale” that one time in college, hopefully you will learn something new or helpful.

While marijuana is still illegal federally, the government has allowed states to pass their own laws regarding its use. Keep in mind that National Parks are federal land so marijuana is banned completely in those areas. Different forms of medical marijuana have been legal in Washington state since the 1990s and in 2012 recreational marijuana was legalized. In the summer of 2014 recreational marijuana stores officially opened for business in Washington and have since made over 3 billion dollars in sales and over 1 billion dollars in tax revenue.

As with alcohol consumption, there are a few rules and laws to follow when it comes to recreational marijuana usage. You don’t need to be a Washington resident, but you will need a driver license or passport to show that you are at least 21 years old. You are allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of usable marijuana (the plant form people typically call “weed”), smoking paraphernalia, 16 ounces of solid marijuana infused products (cookies, brownies, etc), or 72 ounces of marijuana infused liquids (lotions, etc.). You will receive a receipt when purchasing products and it’s best to keep that with your goods as proof that it was purchased at a licensed retailer.  You must be 21 to purchase or possess marijuana, you can not drive and consume marijuana, you can still get a DUI for driving while “stoned”.

The 3 most common products you will see people using are “flower” which is the term used for plant material, vape cartridges which turn marijuana infused oil into vapor like an electronic cigarette, and edibles which are different types of food infused with marijuana. The law states that you may not consume marijuana in public view, and almost all hotels and vacation rentals do not allow smoking in their properties, so your best bet would be to try an edible.

If you haven’t tried marijuana before, think of it as drinking for the first time. Drinking an entire bottle of vodka and then hitting the town would be a terrible idea. Similarly, smoking or eating a bunch of marijuana products is a terrible idea. With edibles, 10mg is the most common standard serving size you will see. If you have never had marijuana, or if you have smoked but never tried an edible, playing it safe is the way to go. Eat half of a serving, wait 60-90 minutes, see how you feel, and use that to gauge whether or not you should eat the other half.

If all of this sounds extremely overwhelming or intimidating I have some great advice….just ask questions. The list of recreational stores below all employ extremely helpful staff who can answer any questions you may have and guide you in the right direction.

Have a Heart in Belltown

115 Blanchard St. Seattle, WA 98121 Open daily from 8am to 11:45pm

Have a Heart’s Belltown location is one of the highest selling stores in the state and has a friendly experienced staff

501 15th Ave E | Seattle, WA 98112 Open daily from 8am to 11:45pm

Uncle Ike’s in Capitol Hill has a small parking lot and a vending machine with free goodies.

Diego Pellicer

2215 4thAve S Seattle WA 98134 Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 11pm, Sundays 9am to 9pm.

Diege Pellicer is a high end recreational store that was also recently featured in Buzzfeed. While offering lots of high end specialty products, they also have plenty of deals as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkrHDQ6Lufc

Sky’s the limit in Seattle!Whether you’re here for a festival, holiday, or just a few days away with your friends, let the experts at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals help you find the perfect vacation home to call your own while you’re here. Our team is happy to help you find a customized property that matches your taste and style while keeping you right in the heart of downtown. Contact us today to start planning!


featured

The Top Four Reasons to Spend Valentine’s Day in Seattle

Remember when you were young, and Valentine’s Day meant your parent or grandparent helped you make cupcakes or cookies and you had to make sure you had something for every person in your class? And the most exciting part was wondering if your crush picked out that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle card especially for you?!? There are times when I wish things were that simple again. As an adult, this particularly odd February holiday can be stressful, for singles and couples alike. Regardless of how you feel about cupid and his arrow, our city has something for everyone – from gourmet chocolate to local wine to insect feasts that include our tiny friends in both food and beverage, (Yes, it’s a real thing! The Atlas Obscura Society Valentine’s Insect Feast is on the 14th at Darrell’s Tavern in North Seattle) if you can’t find something do to, you’re just not trying.

Seattle, Washington beckons travelers to its vibrant city limits in droves each year. While it’s an exciting place to visit year-round in the name of urban entertainment, outdoor adventure and delectable dining, February 14th transforms the Emerald City into an oasis of love and romance. It’s hard to find a better place to spend time with the one you love most with opportunities to indulge in the language of love lingering on nearly every block. Here are the top 4 reasons you’ll want to spend Valentines Day 2019 in Seattle.

The Chocolate

There’s nothing like chocolate to set a romantic scene. A stay in Seattle over Valentine’s Day is best experienced when it includes a trip to Seattle Chocolate. This combined flagship store and chocolate factory is a tasty icon of the Pacific Northwest that encourages guests to indulge in local melt-in-your mouth flavors. Pick up a variety of chocolate delights with the understanding that they are best enjoyed when shared. Take a tour of the factory to see how these delicious creations get their start, then spend time enjoying truffle bars until your heart is content. Even more, guests get to keep spreading the love well beyond Valentine’s Day with a portion of every sale going directly back to local food banks.

The Spa

While a day at the spa holds the potential to turn everyday into your best day, Valentine’s Day calls for a spa experience that brings an inclusive touch along with the luxury. Tucked inside the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is The Penelope and Beauty Bar. An ideal Valentine’s Day destination in Seattle, this spa carries some of the most exclusive brands on the market while offering up wonderful couple’s massage options. Take time to relax in style but more importantly, together when you book a session at this lovely locale. Haircare, waxing and skin treatment services are readily available for those couples looking to indulge in a day of pampering as opposed to a few hours.

The View

While any other day of the year may categorize a tourist-heavy stop as standard, visiting the top of the Seattle Space Needle on Valentine’s Day comes with an element of romance that’s hard to resist. Make your way up to the observation deck to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding waterways from an incredible vantage point. Away from the bustling crowds below, you’ll find an intimate moment to cuddle close to the one you love and soak up a view unlike any other while you’re at it.

The Dinner

If the language of love is best spoken through delicious dining opportunities, then Seattle is the perfect place to be on Valentine’s Day. A reservation made at Cascina Spinasse is sure to inspire love and a pleased palate. This upscale restaurant complete with elegant lighting and a rustic ambiance will leave you feeling as if you’ve been swept away to the Italian countryside in no time at all. Serving up Prosciutto, Capunet and Trota in style, guests have endless opportunities to enjoy hand-made pastas alongside a meticulously curated wine list. Fashionable and flavorful, Cascina Spinasse is the ultimate Valentine’s Day destination when it comes to fine Seattle dining.

A Romantic Seattle Stay

When you’re here in the name of romance, make sure the team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals has you booked in a beautiful downtown location. We’ll keep you close to the venues that speak to a celebration of love while providing unsurpassed views as the city comes to life during the day and well into the night. Contact us to start planning your Valentine’s trip!

 

 


featured

Visit Seattle’s Iconic Smith Tower

Having grown up in West Seattle, I am very familiar with the skyline of my beautiful city – I was lucky enough to live where we had a view of downtown. Over the years, I’ve watched the city mature – building taller buildings, adding attractions like the Seattle Great Wheel on the waterfront, and now the removal of the viaduct for a tunnel. But for all the change, some things have stayed comfortingly consistent; like the Smith Tower.

In 1909, Lyman Cornelius (LC) Smith came to Seattle, looking for a place to build a skyscraper. LC made his fortune selling typewriters and firearms in New York, but his wife had fallen in love with our great city on a previous trip and convinced him to build here. He purchased the land at 2nd and Yesler and began plans for a 14-story building. His son Burns suggested that he should build something much taller, to steal the title of “tallest building West of the Mississippi” from Tacoma – so he did.

Construction began in 1911 and was completed in 1914, opening to the public on July 4th.  It towered above everything around it, measuring an impressive (for that time) 469 feet, and over 4,000 Seattleites road the Otis Elevator up to the 35th floor to observe the amazing 360-degree view of the Puget Sound. Unfortunately, LC died in 1910 and did not get to see his tower. But I think he would have been proud! It kept the ‘tallest building West of the Mississippi’ title until the building of the Kansas City Power & Light Building in 1935 and remained the tallest building in Seattle (and the entire West Coast!) until the Space Needle was built in 1962.

A couple of fun facts: the architectural firm Gaggin & Gaggin from New York was selected to design LC’s tower, even though they had never worked on a building taller than 5 stories. It was their first and last skyscraper.  And in the 35-floor Observatory sits the “Wishing Chair” gifted to Smith by China’s Empress Dowager Cixi before she died in 1908. Rumor has it that if you are single and sit in it, you will be planning your wedding within a year!

The ground floor of the building has a gift shop as well as historic exhibits that tell the history of the building. At the top floor of the tower is an Observatory with an open-air observation deck and 360-degree views of downtown Seattle, the Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. If the sky is clear, to the Southwest you will be able to see Mt. Rainier, the tallest mountain in Washington state. While up there you can enjoy craft cocktails and seasonal appetizers in the bar, and if barrel-aged liquors are your thing, they make their own in house! Sip on a classic Manhattan or Old Fashioned while learning the colorful history of Prohibition in Seattle.

The Smith Tower Observatory and bar is open Sunday – Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – midnight. They offer two different tours, The Legends of the Smith Tower before 9 pm and Straight Up By Night from 9 pm – 11 pm. Tickets for the Legends tour are available online and are $20 for adults and $16 for Military/Student and children aged 5 – 12 years. Tickets for the later tour are $12 and can only be purchased in the Main Lobby. They also offer tickets for $10 during their Weekday Happy Hour, Tuesday – Thursday from 4 pm – 6 pm. Pro Tip: Buy your tickets for the Legends tour in the Main Lobby day of and you will pay the Locals rate of $12!

Planning Your Stay

 If you are looking for accommodations in Seattle, consider booking one of our vacation homes. We offer rentals in the heart of downtown Seattle, many of them within walking distance of the Smith Tower, as well as in some of the city’s best neighborhoods. All of our rentals are updated homes with modern decor, high thread count linens, and high-quality appliances. Make breakfast and some coffee in your kitchen and then step out on your private balcony for stunning views of the mountains, Puget Sound, or downtown Seattle. For more information on our vacation homes or to book a rental, please contact us today and we will help you find the perfect home.


featured

Good Bye Viaduct!

This January, Seattle is Undergoing an Epic Renovation!

Perhaps surprisingly, January is a great time to make a trip to the Emerald City.  Seattle has great eats and world-class museums. Crowds are small, and lines are short!  Weather, while rainy, is rarely freezing so getting around is easy.  Downtown Seattle has the flagship Nordstrom as well as many other great little stores as well as an upscale shopping mall. Even in January, the Pike Place Market is still vibrant and active, with lots of vendors active year-round.

With that said, on January 11 traffic and commuting in downtown Seattle is going to get a lot more challenging, at least temporarily. Why? Because the Alaskan Way Viaduct, that large freeway between the tall buildings of downtown and the Seattle waterfront will close forever!!!!

It’s being replaced by a brand-new tunnel that will run under downtown, but there is a three-week gap between when the old viaduct closes and the new tunnel can open.  This isn’t a scheduling glitch; there are last minute construction tasks that can’t be completed until the viaduct is closed.

Locals are apprehensive about the upcoming traffic apocalypse, and as a visitor there are a couple things you should be aware of if you are visiting us in the month of January:

Currently, about 90,000 car trips a day go over the Viaduct. Many of those cars will migrate to I-5.  That means that the already dreadful I-5 headache will start earlier, end later, and be even slower.   Be aware of this if you are driving into Seattle or renting a car at the airport and try to plan your arrival before or after rush hour.

Public transportation will not save you here.  Busing or riding light rail WILL help by keeping yet another car off the roadway, but still be aware that buses and trains will be extra full, and in the case of buses, you will be stuck on the same roads as everyone else, so allow extra time.

Metro (Seattle’s bus system) is adding buses during the closure, and a second water taxi (so exploring Alki will be easier than ever, as a surprising benefit).

The great thing about staying with Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals is that once you are here you won’t have to deal with any of these traffic issues! Staying in one of our Belltown locations will guarantee you close access to all of the famous Seattle sights. Leave your car in our free parking spot and walk or bike to shopping, restaurants, the Seattle Center, Pike Place Market and more.

 

 


featured

Seattle’s Best: Ice Cream and Sweets

.

Seattle Sweets: The City’s Best Ice Cream and Sweet Shops

Vacation is about exploring, trying new things and indulging in local culinary pleasures. Why not make your vacation to Seattle all the sweeter by visiting one of these fabulous local ice cream and treat shops? All are located within walking distance or just a short ride from our vacation rentals.


Shug’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream
https://shugssodafountain.com/
1525 1st Avenue (Pike Place)
This old school soda shop, features classic sundaes made with local ice cream and house-made syrups and toppings like roasted marshmallows. For a truly decadent experience, try the Viva la Champagne Float with peach sorbet floating in a glass of champagne topped with a Toshi Amarena sour black cherry.

Gelatiamo
https://www.gelatiamo.com/
1400 3rd Avenue (Downtown)
For a smooth, rich treat, head to Gelatiamo for Seattle’s best gelato. This frozen indulgence has less buttercream and less air than ice cream making it incredibly rich and creamy. Their gelato is made fresh daily and features flavors like lavender and honey in addition to classics like chocolate and pistachio. If baked goods are more your thing, sample some of their fresh Italian pastries and biscotti to pair it with a robust cup of Caffe Umbria coffee.

Holy Cannoli
https://www.holycannoliseattle.com/
2720 3rd Avenue (Belltown)
Holy Cannoli is a pastry lovers dream. These crispy treats filled with luscious cream come in a variety of flavors and in small and large sizes. The Traditional is always a good bet or try one of the rotating flavors such as Nutella, Limoncello, or the Salted Caramel topped with crushed nutty pecans. Pair the cannolo with a cup of their strong coffee imported from Italy.

Cupcake Royale

108 Pine Street (near Pike Place)
Known for it’s decadent cupcakes like the Key Lime Cheesecake and Tiramisu, Cupcake Royale is a Seattle gem with 6 locations sprinkled throughout the city. A fave cupcake is The Big Dipper; deep chocolate cake topped with fluffy meringue, chocolate and a candy pearl. Cupcake Royale also serves up Seattle’s Best Ice Cream by the scoop, in shakes or in a decadent sundae. For a bit of heaven, try the red velvet cupcake ice cream.

Frankie and Jo’s
https://frankieandjos.com/
1010 East Union Street (Capitol Hill)
This chic little shop serves vegan, plant-based ice cream in inventive flavors. The ice creams are made with sprouted cashew nuts or using coconut milk. Our favorites include the Roasted Banana Super Cookie and the Chocolate Mint Brownie. A must try is the odd-colored but incredibly tasty Salted Caramel Ash (grey ice cream anyone?) For anyone with a gluten intolerance, their waffle cones and brownie bites are gluten-free, therefore guilt-free.

Molly Moon’s
https://www.mollymoon.com/
917 East Pine Street (Capitol Hill)
This local chain of quaint shops is known for their silky ice cream in a bunch of unique flavors. For a classic treat try the sweet cream or be a bit adventurous and sample one of their seasonal offerings like the Black Sesame or the Vegan Matcha Peach Sorbet. 1% of all sales of Molly Moon’s ice cream is donated to their Milk Fund which donates dairy to local food banks, so not only will their ice cream make you happy but has the potential to bring joy (and milk) to someone in need.

Candi Canncel is Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals interior designer and when she is not shopping for our next fabulous vacation rental property, she is a food writer and world traveller

.


featured

Seattle Pride! A Party for Everyone!

Nationwide, June is Pride Month for most cities. It is a time for people from all generations, all walks of life to come together and celebrate. It is a time to truly embrace all colors of the rainbow. Primaryly,  Pride is a time for Gays and Lesbians to celebrate being out and proud. Being a rather progressive city, Seattle does not disappoint. So if you want to get out and enjoy the festivities, here is what you need to know!

Trans Pride

Friday, June 22 nd – 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cal Anderson Park

The kick off of Pride Weekend and not just for Trans people! Allies are very welcome to join. Music with Live Singers and Vendors selling all different type of merchandise.
Your Trans Pride Tip:
If you are not Trans, remember not to stare. For some it may be a new experience seeing Trans people and as interested as you may be about everything, remember that staring can make people feel weird.
Best practice, go up to people and introduce yourself. Say Hi, my name is “NAME” and I use “he/him” or “her/she” or “They/ Them” pronouns. Let them know you are happy to meet them. You can then politely ask “How should I address you?”.
Now if you are a shopper and want to check out the Merch. Make sure you are prepared with some CASH. Yes, many are taking credit cards now. Yet, some people are still on the old cash only system. Need to pull some cash out of your bank? Just hope on over to Dicks Drive In for the Credit Union ATM OR you can run around to the corner of E Olive Way to US Bank.

Queer Bar Pride

Friday, June 22 nd – 4:00 PM – LATE NIGHT

1518 11 th Ave
Welcome to the New Queens on the Block, Queer Bar!
The formerly Purr Cocktail Lounge now Queer Bar is stepping up the game for Pride. Packing a full 3 Days of Entertainment!
This is new as of 2018, so really can not give you much insight other than it looks to be packed full of local Queens and Celebrity Queens. Many of the famous RuPaul Drag Queens are on the line up. For more Details, check out https://www.thequeerbar.com/pride-home/

Pride Fest: Capitol Hill

Saturday, June 23 rd – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Now in its 5 th year, Pride Fest Capitol Hill is the locals Pride. Shutting down Broadway from Olive up to Roy Street. Packed with Vendors, Food and Entertainment Stages.
You can gather a lot of great free merchandise from all the local merchants trying to get your business or just show off what they do. Restaurants are open and you can catch many Drag Shows at differentstages up and down the entire street.
While the event starts at Noon, I would recommend waiting an hour or so. As we all know, most gays are running on drag time. We all love to show up fashionably late. This event is proof of it. If you hit the street at noon, it is very quiet with only a few people. Plus vendors are still setting up.
Part of the joy of this event is to just walk up and down, checking out all the interesting people, attire and shows. You will see everything from Performing Queens, Dancing Ferries and even Nudists. One of my favorite parts is the local food and the BEER GARDENS…. Yes, you can find beer and sometimes we all need it to handle the chaos of Pride.

Queer Geeks and Gamers
June 23 rd – 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
June 24 th – 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center

Last year was the start of the new Queer Geeks and Gamers. Located in the heart of the Seattle Center at the Fisher Pavilion. A great spot to duck out of the blazing sun and relax. They have everything from board games, console games, panels, comics, cosplay contest, exhibitors and more. Two of the best things about this set up….. FREE!!! Yeah, that is right… It is FREE!!!
Plus, they have a Beer Garden for those 21 and up. Oh yeah, the Beer is NOT Free… Sorry, but you gotta pay up for the goods.

Pride Parade

June 24 th – 11:00 AM – 2:00(ish) PM

The start of it all… The reason Pride Events have become Festivals… The Pride Parade!
You must be ready and know what you are doing to enjoy the parade the right way. Experience has its benefits. Luckily, you have me to give you some insights!

First, if you want a good spot upfront on the curb, get there EARLY! And I do mean EARLY. This is like camping out for your favorite concert tickets. Every year, people put out couches and canopies the night before to save their spot and to have a comfy set up.
The parade will start at 4 th and Union, heading up 4 th Avenue. The parade can take a bit to get down to the other end of 4 th Avenue. So, bring something to keep yourself occupied. I personally recommend being towards the end of the parade. WHY? Because once the parade ends, everyone at the start will get up and walk to Seattle Center for the Pride Fest. Yet many are not considerate about the parade or those watching. They will walk down the street and pretty much take over the end of the parade.

If you are driving in the area. Pick a side! This parade is so long in length and time that you can literally be STUCK where you do not want to be stuck. If you can leave your car for the day, do it. Then walk to everything. So keep in mind if you want to go up to Capitol Hill, you need to park on the east side, 5 th Avenue or Greater. If you want to head to the water front or highway 99, park on the west side from 3 rd or lower. The police will be at every intersection on 4 th Avenue and they are strict. Even if you are a resident on 3 rd , 4 th or 5 th Avenue.
You can find multiple locations down 4 th Avenue that will have announcers. Often, they are Drag
Queens. If you ever been to a Drag Show, you know that Queens can be LOUD. So, keep that in mind as you pick your location to camp out and watch the Parade. If you are too close, you might have a headache by the end of the parade. Too far, you barely will be able to hear anything.
Also, remember to bring your Sunglasses, Sun Block and WATER… LOTS of WATER… Far too often people pass out from Heat Stroke or Dehydration. You can get supplies from the local stores, yet lines can be long, prices high and sometimes sold out.

June 24 th – 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
PrideFest 2018: Seattle Center

After the Parade, head over and check out the Festival. You will find some merchant vendors, lots and lots of food vendors. Literally, it is like going to the county fair. Heck, they even had Alligator at one stand. So, bring your appetite if you love Fair Food. In addition, there is lots of music coming from a couple different stages. Performances by Bands, Singers and Drag Queens. Not to mention the Hot GoGo Boys Dancing too!

One of the fun parts of Seattle Center is the Big Fountain. Many people will play in the water and strip down to almost nothing. Often you see people in underwear because they didn’t think to bring shorts or a suit. So, if you want to play in the water, plan ahead! Or wear cute underwear at least! We are tired of seeing the old nasty tightly whities.

The center can get rather crowded… Food will have lines, Bathrooms too. Just remember, the day is supposed to be fun. So if it gets to be too much, stop in and one of the beer gardens to cool of with a nice drink. Usually, my trick is to take the loop around the center to check out the merchants, see the people and then head out for food away from the Festival. More affordable away from the event and less lines.

The Cuff Street Party
1533 13 th Ave
This is the Party of All Parties! Truly the Finale of the Weekend!
The Cuff is a Leather/Kink Gay Bar that over the years has also become a Dance Club for ALL. Each year, they shut down 13 th Avenue from Pine to Pike and also use the large parking lot across the street. Beer Booths up and down the Street, plus you can get Drinks inside.
This is the party that will be PACKED and is only for those 21 and Up. And by packed, I do mean the entire street is nothing but people having a good time, listening to music and performers from the stage at the end of the street.
The biggest tip for this event… Get your Bracelets in the MORNING!! YES, the Morning!!! So that means getting you tired self from all the fun the night before, up and out of bed. They usually open the line around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM, you will want to check their site in advance at
https://www.cuffcomplex.com.
Bracelets will cost about $25 and the reason you want to go early. You typically wait about 20 minutes in the morning through the line for the bracelet. Then you head off to the Parade. When you return from the Parade, you are able to walk right through the gate showing your Bracelet. NO LINE. Or if there is a line, it is very small. If you wait till after the parade to get your bracelet, you will be waiting in a line that wraps around the entire block to the other side, about 3 hours or more!
Another good tip! Beer lines can be long… So, do not get a pitcher and glasses to share with friends. Get a pitcher and drink right from the pitcher. They always use short and wide plastic pitchers that have handles. You can easily put your hand around the pitcher under the handle and use it like a mug. This will save you from multiple tips to the beer line. Plus, BRING CASH.
The Street Party will be hot and going by 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM, then will slow down after 6:00 PM as people will have had a long day in the sun. Plus many work the next day. If you are smart, take that Monday OFF to recover!

Well folks, that is a lot of information about a fun filled Pride Weekend. Remember to be safe, drink in moderation, have LOTS of Water and Food. Plus plan your rides! Use Uber, Lyft or Walk.

HAPPY PRIDE!


featured

Seattle’s Best Brunches

.

Linger over any one of these excellent weekend brunch locations, all convenient to downtown Seattle and our vacation rentals.

Seattle is definitely a foodie town. It has an array of restaurants crammed into every neighborhood that feature cuisines from around the globe. The most delicious part of being on vacation is the ability to sleep in, linger over coffee and then head out for a leisurely brunch to fortify yourself for a day of sight-seeing in this fun, eclectic city. We’ve rounded up some of Seattle’s best brunch spots that are all within walking distance of our vacation rentals, a short uber ride away or absolutely worth the schlep.

CJs Eatery
2619 1st Avenue (in Belltown, near our AVA and Belltown Court properties)
https://www.cjseateryseattle.com/
CJs is a classic diner that serves up consistently good breakfast at affordable prices. Known for their comfort food you can get a huge variety of brunch classics from eggs benedict to jam-packed omelets to East Coast favorites like latkes and blintzes. Their mimosas feature fresh-squeezed juices or organic strawberry-lemonade at only $5.50 a pop. Because their menu is so extensive, this is a good bet when traveling with kids. Note that weekends can be packed with tourists and locals alike so be prepared to wait, though the line usually moves along quite swiftly.
Open 7:00AM-3:00PM daily with breakfast served all day and lunch items starting at 11:00AM

Café Campagne
1600 Post Alley (adjacent to Pike Place Market and near our Newmark Tower properties)
https://cafecampagne.com/
Toted as a classic Parisian brasserie in Seattle, Café Campagne outdoes the French flair with their scrumptious breakfasts. Their “French French Toast Brioche” is simply out of this world. The thick, airy bread is soaked in a brandy batter, fried until fluffy and golden and topped with fresh fruit. Another good bet is the “Omelette Choisy”— a rolled omelet stuffed with an herb-infused chevre, served with a juicy sausage, roasted potatoes and a hunk of warm baguette. A tasty dish that is a lighter option is the Quiche du Jour featuring vegetables and Comte cheese in a light egg batter, served with a green salad. For a truly decadent experience that almost transports you to France, order the “Oeufs en Meurette”—a dish of poached eggs with a red wine and foie gras sauce. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday 8:00AM-4:00PM.

Tilikum Place Café
407 Cedar Street (in Belltown)
https://www.tilikumplacecafe.com/
This cozy spot features fabulous food on a quaint street by the Space Needle. They’re known for their Dutch Babies—a dense, baked pancake that’s served either sweet with lemon and powdered sugar, carrots and crushed pineapple with a cream cheese frosting or savory; stuffed with lamb and feta cheese. They also have a great Baked Eggs dish that features butternut squash, caramelized onions and goat cheese. The café only has 12 tables and a small bar, so weekend brunch wait times can be exceedingly long. If you’d like to try this Belltown favorite, our tip is to make a reservation well in advance to ensure that you get to experience this local gem. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday 8:00AM-3:00PM.

Wakefield Bar
2318 2nd Avenue (in Belltown. Down the street from both our Moda and Belltown Court Properties)

Wakefield is the type of restaurant/bar that every neighborhood should have. It offers great food that is reasonably priced in a warm, friendly and laid-back atmosphere. Their specialty is Chicken Fried Steak that features a buttermilk-breaded tenderloin topped with a silky caramelized onion gravy. For a truly indulgent vacation meal, try the Bananas Foster French Toast. Although it may add to your waistline, priced at $12.00, it won’t take away too much from your food budget. Looking for a heathy alternative? The Veggie Scramble and the Avocado Toast are consistently good. For a flavorful twist on a classic, order the side of Herbed Latkes with chive yogurt. Their tasty libations include a fantastic Bloody Mary and the rich Beantown Coffee made with Madagascar vanilla-infused vodka. Brunch is served 10AM-3PM Saturday and Sunday.

Lowell’s
1519 Pike Place (in Pike Place Market)
https://eatatlowells.com/
Don’t let Lowell’s motto: “Almost Classy since 1957” scare you off. The Market restaurant serves up delectable dishes made with local ingredients. Located in the center of the main arcade, it features three floors with spectacular Puget Sound views. For breakfast they offer tasty favorites like their much-raved about World Famous Dungeness Crab Omelet made with seafood fresh from the market (https://eatatlowells.com/press/). Try their Alderwood Smoked King Salmon Eggs Benedict served on fragrant rosemary bread or their light and airy Lemon Zest Ricotta Pancakes. Our tip is to head to the second floor to see the hostess to get a table by the window. If there’s a wait, you can grab a seat at the bar and enjoy one of their hand-crafted cocktails like the tangy Market Mule or one of their exceptional Bloody Mary’s that feature smoked salmon or bacon. Breakfast is served only until 11:30AM.

Monsoon
615 19th Avenue East (in Capitol Hill)
https://www.monsoonrestaurants.com/seattle/
If your idea of brunch is more adventurous and features items like steamed dumplings and Pho, then Monsoon is a perfect spot for lingering over their flavorful Vietnamese cuisine. Their Dim Sum Brunch features shrimp and chive wontons and vermicelli noodle dishes in addition to the curious-named “drunken chicken.” They also have two outstanding ban mi sandwiches stuffed with pork or chicken, a friend egg and loads of pickled vegetables. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday 10:00AM-3:00PM.

Salty’s
1936 Harbor Avenue SW (in West Seattle)
https://www.saltys.com/brunch-seattle/
For a serious Pacific Northwest brunch experience, take the water taxi from the Seattle Waterfront to West Seattle to Salty’s on Alki Beach. This iconic Seattle restaurant offers the most extensive brunch buffet on the water. You can choose from an array of classy breakfast staples like eggs benedict and omelets. Or indulge in a spread of fresh seafood including Dungeness crab legs, peel and eat prawns, steamed clams and mussels and all the oysters you can eat from Washington’s own Taylor Shellfish. Then after you’ve eaten til your hearts content, coddle your sweet tooth with Salty’s chocolate fountain. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday until 1:30PM. Reservations are required.

Candi Canncel is Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals interior designer and when she is not shopping for our next fabulous vacation rental property, she is a food writer and world traveller

.


5 Nightlife Hot Spots Not to Miss in Belltown!

While the Capitol Hill neighborhood has become arguably the most popular Seattle destination, Belltown still offers plenty of options with no need for driving or an Uber. Dive bars, live music venues, craft cocktails, speakeasies, and and EDM night club are all within walking distance.

The Upstairs is a stone’s throw from our Belltown Court property on 2nd Avenue between Bell and Blanchard. From the horse’s mouth, “Perched quaintly atop a flight of stairs in a century-old building, The Upstairs is a bar with a laid back, speak-easy type atmosphere (hidden) in the middle of Belltown. With an eclectic mix of seating, The Upstairs is a bar that is meant for chill imbibing.” Couple the laidback vibes with an awesome happy hour and you’ve got the perfect location for kickstarting your night on the town, or enjoying a more relaxed night out. Fair warning, there are Spanish tapas provided from Bar Abajo, but a very minimal food menu more suited for snacking. Personal favorites are the Bee’s Knees or the Diablo’s Revenge if you want try try something spicier.

The Crocodile has been a staple on the Seattle music scene for over 25 years. Since 1991 The Crocodile has hosted an eclectic range of artists including Nirvana, The Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam, R.E.M, Tom Morello, Yoko Ono, The Melvins, Talib Kweli, The Head and The Heart, Toro Y Moi, and the list goes on and on. Seattle has a wealth of venues to see live music, but The Crocodile is a great place to see national and international touring musicans in an intimate setting. Get in not too long before doors open, head upstairs, and you can snag the perfect spot between the bar and the railing thats directly above the stage. The Crocodile also has the Back Bar area serving food and drinks 7 days a week.

Showbox at the Market is another spot in Belltown that is perfect for catching a show while in Seattle without catching a cab. The original “Show Box” opened all the way back in 1939, and has been going strong for almost a decade. Duke Ellington, Pearl Jam, The Ramones, Prince, The Roots, Frank Ocean, Muddy Waters, and The Foo Fighters are just a few names who have graced the stage of The Showbox. As long as everyone in your group is at least 21 years old, you can skip the long line before a show. Kern’s Music Shop directly next to The Showbox opens 2 hours before doors open, and gains you priority access into the venue. If you don’t want to deal with the crowd the bar area has tables and chairs that are slightly elevated offering a perfect view of all the action.

Shorty’s is your destination if you are looking for no frills food, strong drinks, arcade games, a juke box, and the quintessential dive bar setting. When I say no frills I’m talking hot dogs and nachos, and drinks that are a bit more clear rather colorful. Located smack dab in the middle of a stretch of new and old Belltown bars on 2nd Ave, Shorty’s is always sure to provide some interesting memories to your Belltown and Seattle adventures.

Bathtub Gin and Co is basically the complete opposite of Shorty’s. If you are looking for something a bit classier than a dive bar, and drinks that take a little longer to be made, Bathtub Gin may be more suitable for you. Bathtub Gin and Co is a speakeasy style bar so you will have to do some searching, but it isn’t to hard to find. Located in the alley between 1st and 2nd Ave, between Blanchard and Bell is a door with a small plaque. Seating is very limited so its better for small groups, and the door man will turn you away if there isn’t space, so getting there early is best. Bathtub Gin has amazing craft cocktails, but remember they will take a little longer than your average drink. You can let the bartender know what types of flavors and booze you like, and they are pretty damn good at turning those flavor profiles into a drink.

Post banner photo credit The Crocodile.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience.
By using this site, you agree to all cookies in accordance with ourCookie Policy