Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Pink Door
ITALIAN/LATE-NIGHT Pike Place Market's better
restaurants tend to be well hidden, and if we didn't tell you about this one, you'd
probably never find it. There's no sign out front—only the pink door for which
the restaurant is named (look for it between Stewart and Virginia sts.). On the
other side of the door, stairs lead to a cellarlike space, which is almost always
empty on summer days, when folks forsake it to dine on the deck with a view
of Elliott Bay. What makes this place so popular is as much the fun atmosphere
as the Italian food. You might encounter a tarot card reader or a magician, and
most nights in the bar there's some sort of Fellini-esque cabaret performer
(accordionists, trapeze artists, and the likes). Be sure to start your meal with the
fragrant roasted garlic and ricotta-Gorgonzola spread. From there, you might
move on to an Italian classic such as lasagna or something made with fresh
seafood from Pike Place Market.
1919 Post Alley.
&
206/443-3241.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $15-$20. AE, MC, V. Tues-Sat
11:30am-10pm; Sun 5-10pm.
Shea's Lounge
NORTHWEST/INTERNATIONAL/LATE-NIGHT
Convenient, casual, economical, romantic. What's not to like about this hidden
jewel in Pike Place Market? This is the lounge for the ever-popular Chez Shea,
and it's one of the most sophisticated little spaces in Seattle. Romantic lighting
and a view of the bay make it a popular spot with couples, and whether you just
want a cocktail and an appetizer or a full meal, you can get it here. The menu
features gourmet pizzas, combination appetizer plates, a few soups and salads,
and several nightly specials such as chicken stew with spicy chorizo sausage and
chipotle pepper or risotto cakes with spinach and roasted fennel. You can even
order dishes from the main restaurant's menu. The desserts are divinely deca-
dent. This is a great spot for a light or late-night meal.
Pike Place Market, Corner Market Building, 94 Pike St., Suite 34.
&
206/467-9990.
Reservations not accepted.
Main courses $15-$28. AE, MC, V. Tues-Sun 4:30pm-midnight.
INEXPENSIVE
Noodle Ranch
PAN-ASIAN This Belltown hole-in-the-wall serves
Pan-Asian cuisine for the hip-yet-financially-challenged crowd. It's a lively, bois-
terous scene, and the food is packed with intense, and often unfamiliar, flavors.
Don't miss the fish grilled in grape leaves with its nice presentation and knockout
dipping sauce. In fact, all of the dipping sauces here are delicious. The Mekong
grill—rice noodles with a rice-wine vinegar and herb dressing topped with grilled
pork, chicken, catfish, or tofu—is another dish not to be missed. You'll also find
the likes of Laotian cucumber salad and Japanese-style eggplant. In fact, you'll find
lots of vegetarian options. Although the place is frequently packed, you can usu-
ally get a seat without having to wait too long.
2228 Second Ave.
&
206/728-0463.
Main courses $7-$12. AE, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri
11am-11pm; Sat noon-11pm.
QUEEN ANNE & SEATTLE CENTER
VERY EXPENSIVE
SkyCity at the Needle
NORTHWEST Both the restaurant and the
prices are sky-high at this revolving restaurant, located just below the observa-
tion deck at the top of Seattle's famous Space Needle. However, because you
don't have to pay extra for the elevator ride if you dine here, the high prices start
to seem a little bit more in line with those at other Seattle splurge restaurants.
Okay, so maybe you'd get better food somewhere else, and maybe you can dine
Finds
