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Call us biased, but Seattle might be our favorite spot for everything from independent boutiques to craft cocktails, the great outdoors, and delicious dining—our emerald-hued corner of the country really has it all. We rounded up the top spots for hanging out in Garmentory's hometown, including the can't-miss shopping stops. Take a tour, below.
Frye Art Museum
The best way to spend a rainy afternoon in Seattle? Wandering the galleries of the Frye (bonus: it's the city's only free art museum!). The core collection of 19th- and 20th-century European art is beautifully displayed alongside rotating exhibits of local and global artists exploring our modern world. The gift shop is also excellent, and the cafe is great for lunch.
Ferry Rides
As for our favorite activity when the sun is out (though it's still lovely in a drizzle), taking a ferry is a quintessentially Seattle experience. Drive on and go explore Bainbridge, Vashon, or Whidbey Islands, or walk on for a quick joy ride. Keep your eyes peeled for our resident orca pods frolicking in the Puget Sound.
Seattle Aquarium
Recently opened after a multimillion-dollar expansion, the Seattle Aquarium's Ocean Pavilion includes a 500,000-gallon tank filled with eagle rays, thousands of fish, and an Indo-Pacific leopard shark. And while the new Ocean Pavilion sure is splashy, don't miss the sea otters, harbor seals, and touchable tide pools showcasing the incredible sea life of the Pacific Northwest.
FARIS
The flagship store of one of our favorite jewelry brands is a destination in itself. In addition to the collections of gorgeous architectural and sculptural baubles, FARIS stocks giftable goods from other independent designers.
Otherworld Wine
Part bottle shop, part wine bar, Otherworld Wine is the hippest spot in town for unique pours backed by weekly DJ sets and exclusive tastings from unique producers. The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and extremely kind, meaning that well-aged winos and newbies alike will find a welcoming space with something to love.
Baker's
This petit bar in Ballard is named for The Gentleman's Companion, something of a cocktail memoir and culinary treatise written by Charles H. Baker in 1939. Cocktails range from perfectly executed classics to inventive, seasonally rotating originals paired with a tasty menu of snacks. If you happen to be around on the first Sunday of the month, don't miss their famous burger night.
Bait Shop
Eclectic and down-to-earth, Bait Shop on Capitol Hill has a nautical theme, tiki-bar vibes, and a frozen cocktail that rotates daily. They're big on munchies (grab the $5 bag of Doritos topped with queso at happy hour) as well as their playful rotation of glassware. If you've arrived with a crew, order a shared cocktail that just might come out in a fish bowl. This place is all fun.
Rob Roy
Located in Belltown, Rob Roy is a mainstay in the Seattle cocktail scene. The Mad Men-esque bar has a cozy lounge feel and an extensive menu. It also might be the only place in town where you can order Goldfish crackers alongside your Manhattan. If you're in Seattle in December, don't miss Rob Roy's transformation into the kitschiest, merriest Christmas extravaganza.
Espresso Vivace
You may have heard that we're into coffee in Seattle, but please don't assume we're all Starbucks all the time. Espresso Vivace is one of the city's OG coffee shops, open since 1988. Place your order and watch as Vivace's seasoned baristas craft a beautiful cup of latte art.
Harry’s Beach House
Cross the bridge to West Seattle on a Saturday or Sunday for our favorite brunch (though Harry's is also excellent for lunch and dinner). The seafood-focused menu has a good balance of breakfast and lunch options—just make sure you order the cinnamon roll for the table. We recommend making reservations, but you can always take a stroll along the waterfront while you wait.
Spinasse & Artusi
Frankly, this entire guide could be a love letter to the hand-cut tajarin pasta at Spinasse. This romantic Capitol Hill spot consistently delivers delicious comfort food inspired by Italy's Piemonte region. It's also one of the most coveted tables in town, so reservations are a must. If you didn't manage to snag a reso, Spinasse's sister restaurant, Artusi, is right next door and just as good. Visit Artusi on a Sunday or Monday for their special pasta and wine night where you'll get two plates of pasta and a bottle of wine for just $45.
Walrus and the Carpenter
In addition to Nirvana, rain, and a wall covered in chewed gum, Seattle (and the Pacific Northwest at large) is known for amazing seafood, especially oysters. The Walrus and the Carpenter exists exclusively to showcase the sea's incredible bounty around here. Their all-day happy hour, Sunday through Thursday, is the perfect opportunity to slurp down a dozen bivalves for $10 off alongside a glass of Muscadet.
Deru Market
If you find yourself on the eastside (in this case, Kirkland) in need of a solid breakfast or lunch, there's no place better than Deru. Everything is homemade, from the heirloom apple bread to the chewy wood-fired pizza. Take a box of baked goods to go, and don't be surprised if they're gone before you get back to the city.
Location
Open Monday–Tuesday 11:00–7:00
Wednesday–Friday 11:00–9:00
Saturday 10:00–7:00
Sunday 10:00–7:00
With a prime location on Ballard Ave., Prism is a Seattle boutique with an inventory that spans women's and menswear, lifestyle goods, art books, accessories, and more. Prism works to curate items that are practical and covetable—gifts you buy for others but keep for yourself.
Location
Open Monday–Saturday 11:00–7:00
Sunday 11:00-6:00
Located in the heart of Seattle’s Fremont district, Pipe and Row offers a diverse stock of effortless, unique pieces that are sure to become your new favorite staples. Curated with a selection of local artists, international designers and everything in between, P&R celebrates and empowers individual style.
Location
Open Monday–Saturday 11:00–7:00
Sunday 11:00-6:00
Slow Dance features an edited selection of vintage and modern independent designers. Located on Capitol Hill in Seattle, Slow Dance is the sister store to Prism in Ballard.
Location
Open Tuesday–Saturday 11:00–5:00
Mondays by appointment only
Emry is a charming Seattle shop specializing in artisan goods and thoughtfully curated clothing from emerging and independent designers like Anine Bing, Staud, Mother, and Doen. Located outside one of the city's best parks, Emry provides a welcoming space for those seeking unique, timeless pieces to enhance their everyday living.
