Discover Seattle's Hidden Gems: Insider Tips from Travel Blogger @wanderingbackpack
There is a Seattle beneath the surface that is just waiting to be discovered. It’s hidden, sometimes in plain sight, sometimes two flights up in the Market. It’s the best kept secrets, insider tips, secret menus and local favorites that make people love this city, even if you can never entirely know it.
We invited Washington based travel blogger Veronika Patrashko to share some of her favorite spots and insider tips with us. Tag along on his Seattle adventure and discover more at iknowaplace.org. Then be sure to share your own Seattle favorites by tagging #IKnowSeattle.
Lake Washington at the T Dock
Lake Washington at the T Dock is one of the best places in Seattle to catch a sunrise all year round. From this dock you have a view of Mount Rainier, The Leschi Marina, and the city of Bellevue skyline. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful morning by yourself. During the day, in the summer, this dock gets busy with many people sunbathing and jumping into Lake Washington to cool off.
Hello Robin
When you can’t decide whether you’d rather have a chocolate chip cookie or a scoop of ice cream, head to Hello Robin. Here, you can get a chocolate-chip-cookie-ice-cream sandwich. The cookies are freshly baked and are absolutely delicious. The ice cream is a local favorite – Molly Moons. I love to get the regular chocolate chip ice cream sandwich with vanilla ice cream.
Spinasse
Spinasse is well known for their homemade egg yolk pasta. It’s very simple but tasty. My favorite item from their menu is the bruschetta! Be sure to make a reservation because they don’t take walk-ins. Currently, they have lovely outdoor seating on the sidewalk as well as a few tables inside.
Hot Cakes
One of my favorite dessert spots in Seattle! The combination of a delicious molten chocolate cake along with a scoop of ice cream is to die for. They have a few different flavors of the molten cakes and ice creams, including a vegan option. Make sure to check out the Capitol Hill location as it offers lots of indoor and outdoor seating. They also have a new molten cake flavor every month so you can never get bored with this place. My go-to order from here is Dark Decadence.
Union Coffee
One-of-a-kind coffee shop that has a good variety of baked goods, delicious coffee drinks, and other beverages. The interior is beautiful, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. I love stopping by here anytime I’m in the area. Currently, they don’t have any indoor seating but there’s a lovely outdoor seating area with a couple of tables.
Rachel’s Ginger Beer
Rachel’s Ginger Beer is handcrafted in Seattle. It is hands down the most delicious ginger beer I’ve ever tasted. As they state on their website, “simple ingredients are key”. They use fresh lemons, strong roots, and organic cane sugar. My favorite flavor is Pink Guava.
General Porpoise
Hands down the best doughnuts in Seattle! They’re usually sold out by late afternoon, way before their closing time. These doughnuts are filled with custards, creams, and seasonal jams. I like visiting the Pioneer Square location. They currently have open indoor seating, and the interior is lovely. It’s a good spot to enjoy your doughnuts, a cup of coffee, and grab the perfect Instagram photo in front of their white brick wall.
Bell Street Pier Rooftop Deck
One of the best views of Seattle downtown, waterfront & beyond, located in the heart of the city. There are lots of benches and open space to sit down and enjoy the view. The rooftop deck is fully open to the public from 7am-10pm. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a take-out meal with a view.
The Fog Room Sky Lounge and Terrace
at The Charter Hotel
The Fog Room is a panoramic indoor-outdoor rooftop bar located on the top floor of the Charter Hotel Seattle. The food and the drinks are unique, delicious, and picture-perfect. They are currently open Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm until midnight. You can book a reservation around the sunset time and enjoy a perfect evening in the city.
Fulcrum Coffee Café
Fulcrum Coffee Cafe is a place of discovery, surprise, and delight, inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s beauty, people, and stories. The coffee is delicious, the interior is modern, and they have rotating art installations. I love their lattes and pour overs. They currently have a couple of tables open for indoor and outdoor seating.
Meet The Moon Café
Meet the Moon is an all-day American eatery adjacent to the Leschi marina. I love coming here both for brunch and lunch. I love their eggs benedict, avocado toast, and truffle fries. At the moment, they have plenty of outdoor, sidewalk seating, as well as a few tables inside. They’re also very pet friendly.
