It seems like only yesterday but this month marks a year
since I moved to West Seattle. While it’s
not long enough to claim full-fledged West Seattleite status, it has afforded
me an in-depth look at why so many Seattleites choose to call this portion of
the city home.
Below is a list of a few of my favorite spots in West Seattle.
C&P Coffee
C&P is a great place to get a taste of what West Seattle has to offer. The shop is home to dog lovers, entrepreneurs, and corporate types. This eclectic mix creates an interesting environment for people watching. C&P is super laptop friendly and is open to four legged friends.
Website: http://www.candpcoffee.com/
Metropolitan Market – Admiral
Slightly more expensive than most grocery stores in the area, Metropolitan Market is a temple for those who love good food. Produce and products change with the seasons, offering up new options throughout the year. Metropolitan Market also has a killer deli. Check out its Pork Loin sandwich. You won’t be disappointed!
Website: http://metropolitan-market.com/locations/
Alki Beach
Similar in feel to a beach town, Alki is a perfect escape from the hustle of Seattle’s urban core. With stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay it’s easy to quickly forget your location and shift into vacation mode. Alki is fairly easy to access from fall to early spring but becomes packed during the summer time. While walking the street be sure to check out the monument dedicated to the Denny Party and the founding of Seattle.
Website: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=445
Admiral Theater
Admiral Theater is a historic two screen movie palace with a navy theme. It shows a mixture of contemporary, artsy, and cult films. In addition to its normal showings the theater also shows Rocky Horror on the first Saturday of each month and hosts films from SIFF and the Lesbian and Gay Film Festivals.
Website: http://www.farawayentertainment.com/admiral.html
The Junction
While there is no official center to West Seattle, the Junction serves as a vibrant anchor to this portion of the city. With shops running up and down California Avenue for a number of blocks, it’s easy to fulfill most of your everyday needs here. The area also features a number of grocery stores nearby including QFC, Trader Joe’s, and Safeway.
Website: http://wsjunction.org/
Schmitz Park
This 53 acre park has remained virtually untouched for years and features some of the city’s only remaining old growth forest. A collection of dirt trails run through the park offering up great options for hiking and biking. Schmitz Park’s lush tree canopy also creates a natural escape from the heat during the summer and is significantly cooler than other parts of the city.
Website: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?id=465
Marination Ma Kai
Relatively new to West Seattle, Marination Ma Kai is a welcome addition. Similar to its Capitol Hill outpost, Ma Kai brings the delicious taste of Marination’s food truck to a traditional restaurant setting. Many of the menu options are the same but it also features beach side themed dishes including fish tacos and fish and chips. Its location offers patrons a striking view of the Downtown Seattle skyline.
Website: http://marinationmobile.com/ma-kai
West Seattle Water Taxi
The Water Taxi is a cheap scenic trip which quickly transports you from Downtown Seattle’s busy waterfront to the calm shores of West Seattle. Once you arrive you'll be able to take a free shuttle bus to many of West Seattle’s main attractions including the Junction and Alki beach.
C&P is a great place to get a taste of what West Seattle has to offer. The shop is home to dog lovers, entrepreneurs, and corporate types. This eclectic mix creates an interesting environment for people watching. C&P is super laptop friendly and is open to four legged friends.
Website: http://www.candpcoffee.com/
Metropolitan Market – Admiral
Slightly more expensive than most grocery stores in the area, Metropolitan Market is a temple for those who love good food. Produce and products change with the seasons, offering up new options throughout the year. Metropolitan Market also has a killer deli. Check out its Pork Loin sandwich. You won’t be disappointed!
Website: http://metropolitan-market.com/locations/
Alki Beach
Similar in feel to a beach town, Alki is a perfect escape from the hustle of Seattle’s urban core. With stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay it’s easy to quickly forget your location and shift into vacation mode. Alki is fairly easy to access from fall to early spring but becomes packed during the summer time. While walking the street be sure to check out the monument dedicated to the Denny Party and the founding of Seattle.
Website: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=445
Admiral Theater
Admiral Theater is a historic two screen movie palace with a navy theme. It shows a mixture of contemporary, artsy, and cult films. In addition to its normal showings the theater also shows Rocky Horror on the first Saturday of each month and hosts films from SIFF and the Lesbian and Gay Film Festivals.
Website: http://www.farawayentertainment.com/admiral.html
The Junction
While there is no official center to West Seattle, the Junction serves as a vibrant anchor to this portion of the city. With shops running up and down California Avenue for a number of blocks, it’s easy to fulfill most of your everyday needs here. The area also features a number of grocery stores nearby including QFC, Trader Joe’s, and Safeway.
Website: http://wsjunction.org/
Schmitz Park
This 53 acre park has remained virtually untouched for years and features some of the city’s only remaining old growth forest. A collection of dirt trails run through the park offering up great options for hiking and biking. Schmitz Park’s lush tree canopy also creates a natural escape from the heat during the summer and is significantly cooler than other parts of the city.
Website: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?id=465
Marination Ma Kai
Relatively new to West Seattle, Marination Ma Kai is a welcome addition. Similar to its Capitol Hill outpost, Ma Kai brings the delicious taste of Marination’s food truck to a traditional restaurant setting. Many of the menu options are the same but it also features beach side themed dishes including fish tacos and fish and chips. Its location offers patrons a striking view of the Downtown Seattle skyline.
Website: http://marinationmobile.com/ma-kai
West Seattle Water Taxi
The Water Taxi is a cheap scenic trip which quickly transports you from Downtown Seattle’s busy waterfront to the calm shores of West Seattle. Once you arrive you'll be able to take a free shuttle bus to many of West Seattle’s main attractions including the Junction and Alki beach.
Prost!
Leave your passport at home beer lovers. This pub features a number of German beers and dishes. Serious beer drinkers can participate in the establishment’s loyalty program and have their name engraved on a custom mug they can use during visits. Prost has sister pubs throughout Seattle including Feierabend in the Cascade neighborhood.
Website: http://www.prostwestseattle.com/
Luna Park Cafe
This classic diner gets its name from Seattle’s original Luna Park – a West Seattle theme park. Luna Park Cafe features burgers, shakes, and other Americana favorites. The restaurant has many pieces of the old Luna Park on display. Stickers from Luna Park Cafe can also be found throughout West Seattle on cars and buildings.
Leave your passport at home beer lovers. This pub features a number of German beers and dishes. Serious beer drinkers can participate in the establishment’s loyalty program and have their name engraved on a custom mug they can use during visits. Prost has sister pubs throughout Seattle including Feierabend in the Cascade neighborhood.
Website: http://www.prostwestseattle.com/
Luna Park Cafe
This classic diner gets its name from Seattle’s original Luna Park – a West Seattle theme park. Luna Park Cafe features burgers, shakes, and other Americana favorites. The restaurant has many pieces of the old Luna Park on display. Stickers from Luna Park Cafe can also be found throughout West Seattle on cars and buildings.
Website: http://www.lunaparkcafe.com/
Actually, Metropolitan Market is surprisingly one of the cheaper stores in the neighborhood. DNDA did a study a couple of years ago and for staples, it was actually cheaper than Safeway. You can buy the expensive stuff - and it often gets me - but, if you look lower on the shelves you will find Western Family brand and cheaper prices. I also have found that often the non-organic produce and stuff like gum is cheaper. I have lived in the area for 7 years now and have spent time exploring this :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Check out Freshy's coffee across from Haiwatha Park
Olivia Robinson
I'll look for the study you mentioned. I love shopping at Metropolitan Market because they're local and have an excellent section. It's hard to convince people to give it a try because of the perceived extra cost.
DeleteI actually go to Haiwatha frequently with my dog. Great park. I'll be sure to check out Freshy's - heard they have awesome soup.
Thanks for reading Olivia! I'm digging West Seattle. Great vibe and neighbors.