I went to Seattle in April of 2023 to see my dear friend Sarah while she had a travel nurse contract out there. This was my first time on the west coast & I was truly amazed by being able to see snowcapped mountains and the sea at the same time. I was charmed by the artsy feel, local markets, crisp air, & of course craft food & drank! Three days wasn’t enough time to do everything, but I felt like I saw so much, while taking it very easy to just enjoy time with an old friend.

       Day one 

I flew in early, but naturally we dilly-dallied spending a few hours catching up while getting ready to go out. 

When we eventually left the house, the first place we went to was the Starbucks Reserve—a must do! It was so much more than an everyday Starbucks. In a huge, airy building, they serve a variety of food options like pizza, sandwiches, salads, & coffee beverages unique to the reserve and also—wait for it—espresso martinis!! That’s right– they have a bar, so we got the olive oil espresso martini’s, which may sound odd, but WOW they were so buttery and amazing & definitely caffeinated. They also serve them in a cutesy flight AND serve pumpkin spice tinis in the fall!! J

We made our way down to Pike’s Place Market, the iconic market known for its fish-throwing theatrics, but also home to loads of local produce and flower booths. Located on the sweet cobble stone Pike street, you could spend a few minutes walking the entire area, but it’s likely you’ll stay in the area for a few hours to fully explore the market, stores, & well-known food and beverage options. We even returned the next morning!

If you buy something to eat from the market, go sit on the deck in the back, where you’ll have unobstructed views of Puget Sound & the Olympic Mountains. If you’re in the mood for a beer, go to the Old Stove Brewery, right below the deck, that has the same gorgeous views.

While we were in the area, we went to the infamous gum wall, which is both gross and a fascinating work of art.

For dinner we went to Momiji for sushi and oh my, this place is *insert fire emoji * and actually reasonably priced for the quality and atmosphere.

Day two

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In the morning, we walked around the Georgetown neighborhood, known for it’s street art, coffee shops & breweries—aka my kind of place. We were in Seattle after all, so naturally we had to try a few coffee places that morning. We started at Voi Cà Phê, where I had my first Vietnamese coffee, mmm mmm mmm. Then we went to All City Coffee, so I would warm up with a dirty golden milk latte <3.

After we got uncomfortably caffeinated, we went down to the ferry which we took out to Bainbridge island for the day. Going out to Bainbridge makes for a quaint and quiet afternoon. We walked around a bit enjoying the Northwest coast scenery and then got beer flights at Bainbridge Brewing and Alehouse. We caught the sunset ferry back into the city, which was naturally a high of the trip.

For dinner we went to Dough Zone in Chinatown for some comforting late night dim sum & dumplings & boiii this place did not disappoint—I’m getting hungry thinking about it! Seattle has a huge Asian cuisine influence, so if you don’t go here, be sure to check out another similar option. Side note: we walked from the ferry, but in hindsight if I were you, I would Uber when it’s dark just because the area in between the two can be a bit sketchy at night.

Day Three

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For our third and last day together in Seattle, went spent the whole day in the Ballard neighborhood. We didn’t plan to spend the whole day here, but it is so cute with so many shops, food and beverage options, we just never felt like leaving!

For brunch we went to Sabine, a café serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired dishes (um yes please!) & yummy breakfast beverages. Between the healthy hearty meal & the colorful, lighthearted atmosphere, this was the perfect breakfast place to jump start our cute day J

From here, we walked down Ballard Ave, stopping in all the shops. I bought some souvenir gifts at Standard Goods. Sarah bought a pair of shoes at the dreamiest European inspired shoe store, resoul. I bought a gorgeous hand-crafted ring at BEGIN, and every day I look at it and think of Seattle. And I didn’t buy anything here, but go into September, it’s so cute. There are also wonderful vintage and thrift stores in the area.

We stopped for a sweet treat a Salt & Straw. I didn’t realize at the time, but this ice cream brand is a smaller chain on the west coast, but holy moly I wish it was an east coast chain as well because I dream of the Arbequina Olive Oil ice cream—the richest most buttery, velvety ice cream I’ve ever had * insert drooling emoji.* Which I am now realizing I clearly love olive oil in unexpected treats.

At happy hour we went to Matador for margaritas (mine with mezcal, of course!) Then we went to  Parish NW for gorgeous & refreshing cocktails. To round out the drinking tour, we went to the Pike Taproom for some beers.

For dinner we went to Gracia, a restaurant serving well done traditional Mexican cuisine. I got 3 a la cart tacos, Sarah got enchiladas & we were thrilled with all the delicious flavors. We decided to be responsible & skip drinks, but their cocktails also looked amazing! 5/5 stars!!

I’d love an excuse to make it back to Seattle to go back to these places again & explore the city further J