13 Seattle restaurants you should be visiting

Another week flies by and once again it’s Thursday. This can only mean that it’s again time for the fabulous, exciting and mostly painless Thursday 13 meme. We continue this week with the reader selected lists. Past weeks have shown us what not to put in our butts, how to spot a gay and how to know that you’re gay before you’re 13. This week we’ll take a look at a more serious topic, 13 Seattle restaurants that you should visit. Dining out is a frequent activity amongst our circle of friends, so I’ve hit many places around town and have opinions on everything from greasy burgers to fine dining.

Not participating in the Thursday 13 meme? Well it definitely sucks to be you then. I recommend that you either leave the internet now before you further embarrass yourself or you join in on the fun. It’s so easy even a mental midget such as myself can accomplish it most weeks. Just head over to the meme hub and put the link to your list of 13 items in the comments section. Sit back and watch millions of new readers visit your blog.

Hungry? Well you’re in the right place, because these are 13 Seattle restaurants you should be visiting:

Disclaimer: we’ve made it a habit over the years to avoid chain restaurants. You may find a local chain or two in this list, but those are strictly defined as being a local restaurant with multiple locations in the Seattle metro area.

1. Chinook’s at the Fisherman’s Terminal ~ they don’t take reservations, but are well worth the wait. Watch for the seasonal specials from the drink menu to the dessert menu. Some of the best Manhattan Chowder I’ve ever eaten. A favorite seafood spot for Bryan and I and high on the list of places to take out of town guests.
2. Dick’s Drive-In ~ greasy burgers and fries with amazing shakes, how can that be wrong? Five locations around Seattle and all open until 2AM. Not only is the food great, but they have a great pay scale with benefits for their employees. My order? A Deluxe, a fry and a vanilla (if I’m being really bad).
3. Sam’s Sushi ~ not the best sushi in Seattle, but it’s tasty and local. Over the years it’s turned into the go-to sushi place for our crowd, it’s always crowded so if you’re more than a two or four top expect to wait. Decent prices and good service keep us coming back.
4. Stumbling Goat ~ a great bistro in the Phinney Ridge/Greenwood neighborhood. They have a very limited menu, but what they do they do well. They support local farmers and source much of their fare through the many local farmer’s markets in Seattle
5. House of Hong ~ of the many places in the International District, this is our favorite for Chinese food and dim sum. The food seems authentic, not the Americanized stuff you get other places and the service is always great. No burgers and fries on the menu here so be sure that everyone in your party digs the food.
6. Romio’s Pizza ~ a Greenwood pizza joint that delivers right to the house. We love their pizza and have also enjoyed some of their pastas, sandwiches and calzones. Their cheese sticks are great.
7. Pasta Freska ~ Italian food with a twist. Can’t decide what to order? No worries in this restaurant there is no menu, your courses are prepared by the chef and paired with wine according to his moods. After several courses you may be tempted to skip the dessert course, but don’t it’s as amazing as the rest of the food.
8. La Isla ~ Puera Rican food that is almost as authentic as what I’ve eaten in San Juan. I love their tostones (fried plantains) dipped in the garlic sauce. Add in a cool, refereshing mojito or four and I’m good for the day.
9. Le Panier ~ when I’m at the Pike Place Market and start to get hungry I head for Le Panier. I love their sandwiches, my favorite being the Brie sandwich. Nothing but thick slices of brie on their chewy baquette.
10. Coastal Kitchen ~ the menu and cuisine change every quarter so a trip to Coastal Kitchen is an adventure. A great place to try different types of food without having to try out a restaruant that you aren’t familiar with. On the upside if you don’t like that quarter’s menu just wait a few weeks and it will be different.
11. Red Mill Burgers ~ great onion rings and “the best burgers” in Seattle. They don’t take plastic and they’re not open on Mondays so be prepared. Also, be prepared to wait in line and not have a place ti sit down and eat.
12. Kozue ~ a new sushi place for us, but definitely one we’ll be back to. It’s small with very few tables so be prepared to wait, but it’s worth it. The fish was very fresh and they have more appetizers than just they typical gyoza and edamame.
13. La Carta de Oaxaca ~ crowded, loud and communal tables contribute to the dining experience here. Come for the tapas and margaritas, not to mention the salsa bar. Great mexican food.