El Camion

Taco Truckriffic!

by Jessica Baxter

There are a lot of good taco trucks in Seattle, but El Camion is one of the best. This isn't your standard three-taco deal. Their selection is massive. It's basically a restaurant on wheels. Taco-wise, they offer ELEVEN different fillings. If you're not in a taco mood but still want something south-of-the-bordery, they have a about a million other dishes from burritos to tortas to special plates. They make their tamales fresh every day (fillings vary). Breakfast burritos are served all day. If a ... Continue

The Rat and Raven

Rat and Rave

by Jessica Baxter

On The Rat and Raven has a very Clever Dunne's vibe. Apparently, that's not a coincidence. When frat annex, the Irish Immigrant, closed, the owners of the beloved Cap Hill Irish bar brought their cozy dive aesthetic to the U.D. There's lots of space to spread out here. Big, cushy booths provide a stress-free environment for large impromptu gatherings or just watching the match. Shuffleboard is more interesting on their extra ... Continue

Serious Pie

Not Serious Enough

by Karen Watson

You've disappointed me Tom Douglas. After bringing us so many creative, exquisite signature dishes I wanted to be wowed by your pizza. Not to say that Serious Pie is terrible, but it's definitely not in the same league as the neighboring joint, Dahlia Lounge. Does Seattle even really need a signature style of pizza? New York, Chicago, and Naples have pretty much written an exhaustive book on pie making after all. Serious Pie's version is o ... Continue

Zenith Supplies

Get Your Hippie On

by Kelsey Albro

Whether you're searching for just the right astrologically-themed birthday card for your best friend, need to restock your stash of ear candles, or are looking to buy 50 pounds of bath salts, Zenith Supplies is the place for you. For non-hippies out there, this place might be a little overwhelming, but after acclimatizing yourself to the paintings of Egyptian gods on the walls, you'll find that there are some great deals on quality stuff here. Priced for bulk-purchase by spa-owners and the like, ... Continue

Peaks Frozen Custard

Peak Out

by Jessica Baxter

Molly Moon can't be everywhere at once. And that's just fine because my neighborhood has frozen custard. It's like ice cream but smoother and, thanks to an egg yolk infusion, probably worse for you. That's also what makes it so damned tasty. It's slow churned to eliminate ice crystals and maximize silkiness. They have to make it fresh every two hours. This delicate process makes frozen custard a little more special. Even if you think their ... Continue

Island Soul

Bring the Heat

by Karen Watson

If you've never been to Seattle's version of an outer borough, Columbia City, now you have a stellar reason--Island Soul. Serenading steel drums provide the island rhythms for your chow down and whether you choose a traditional goat curry, jerk chicken, or coconut shrimp you won't be disappointed. On the liquid side, a Dark and Stormy is a personal fav' and these versions of Caribbean treasure are made with homemade ginger beer. I think they used up all the spice for the curry though because it ... Continue

Steelhead Diner

Northwestern to the Max

by Kelsey Albro

If sitting in a coffee shop, working on your post-modern novella and watching the rain drizzle down the windows is either: a) not quintessentially Seattle enough for you, or b) just too damn depressing, you need to get yourself to the Steelhead Diner. Located just off of Post Alley up the street from the Pike Place Market, the Steelhead consistently serves up seafood that's preparation is as fresh as the catch. Even if seafood isn't your thing--hey, this is Seattle, but these people still exist- ... Continue

Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar

Fishing for Sauce

by Karen Watson

Where I'm from, the only time you eat tartar sauce on seafood is at McDonald's on a Filet O' Fish. Otherwise it's all about the cocktail. Sauce, I mean. Thankfully I discovered Seattle's oyster bar, Emmett Watson's, where they aren't stingy with the red stuff. It's not unheard of for me to require four to five condiment cups worth for an appetizer plate of steamed shrimp. The shrimp are like a crane hook bringing the spicy to my mouth. Another huge plus of Emmett Watson's--the no frills, casual ... Continue