When you think of Seattle, you probably think of 1) rain, 2) the Seahawks or 3) coffee. However, Seattle is home to some of the most unique (and delicious) speciality restaurants in the country that are hard to find anywhere else. Here’s a list of six of them to keep you busy on your next visit to the Emerald City!
1. Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery
Photo courtesy of Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery
Hot Cakes is a Seattle landmark, with one location in Capitol Hill and another in Ballard. While they’re main specialty is what they’re named for, they have everything you could want for dessert, from bread pudding that is to die for (trust me, I have never understood how bread could be a dessert, but these people make it work), to a grilled chocolate sandwich (yes, you heard that right), your sweet tooth will always be satisfied.
#SpoonTip: Go for the Black and Tan hot cake. The chocolate can get a little overwhelming in their signature Dark Decadence hot cake, but the Black and Tan offers more of a milk chocolate flavor that is lighter on the stomach.
2. Dick’s Drive-In
Photo courtesy of Darwin Bell on Flickr
If your family is from Seattle, chances are that your parents, grandparents, and maybe even great-grandparents have eaten at Dick’s Drive-In. Established in 1954 in the Wallingford neighborhood of north Seattle, Dick’s has expanded to seven locations throughout the greater Seattle area over the past sixty-two years. While it’s been quite some time since their establishment, their prices remain low, with the most expensive item on the menu, the Deluxe Burger, ringing in at a mere $3.10.
#SpoonTip: Don’t fret if you don’t eat meat. I’m a vegetarian, and still stop by for their tasty fries and milkshakes!
3. Top Pot Hand-Forged Doughnuts and Coffee
Photo courtesy of Top Pot Hand-Forged Doughnuts and Coffee
The name says it all- Top Pot is top-notch. While we all need a Krispy Kreme once and a while, Top Pot doughnuts are in a whole other league. From the moist dough and perfect proportion of icing to doughnut to the massive size and unique flavors, these are doughnuts that you don’t want to miss.
Fun Fact: President Obama heard such great things about Top Pot doughnuts that he stopped by and bought two dozen on a trip to Seattle in 2010.
4. Molly Moon’s Ice Cream
Photo courtesy of Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream
Molly Moon’s ice cream is not something you’ll find anywhere else. Established in 2008, Molly Moon’s has grown to seven locations and become a staple of the Seattle food scene. Not only are their flavors unique, with ones that range from Honey Lavender to Balsamic Strawberry, but the ice cream is made by hand every day at each of their shops.
#SpoonTip: It’s hard to imagine what some of the flavors taste like (most people have never taste lavender before), so ask the employees if you can try a sample- they’ll be more than happy to let you!
5. Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Photo courtesy of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
If you don’t already love cheese, Beecher’s will make you fall in love with it. While the cheese itself is exceptional, their cheese products are really what take the cake. Their mac and cheese and grilled cheese, both made with Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar, will take your tastebuds places they have never been before.
#SpoonTip: If you want to see cheese being made from scratch, go to their location in downtown Seattle across from Pike Place Market where you can watch the process while you eat!
6. Portage Bay Café
Photo courtesy of Portage Bay Cafe
If you haven’t had brunch at Portage Bay Cafe, you’re missing out. While the menu is kept small, their flavors pack a punch. The focus of the menu is on classic staples such as scrambled eggs, pancakes, and french toast, but they manage to put a unique spin on all of their dishes that take them from average to exceptional!
#SpoonTip: If you order french toast or pancakes, you get to take a trip (or trips if you’re like me) to the famous breakfast bar, where you can pile your plate high with fresh berries and other fruit, nuts, syrup, and whipped cream.