I love music and concerts and all, but one downside is that not all venues serve food (although some do and it’s quality eats). At this point, “what am I going to eat for dinner?” should never be an afterthought.
I’m not saying that you have to make a big production of a sit-down meal, but something better than your local (national) fast-food chain might be nice. Luckily, the beautiful thing about cities is that venues are squished right next to great restaurants. In Seattle, music lovers known that there are a bunch of great venues right around the border of First Hill and Capitol Hill (Pike/Pine? Sorry, but that name needs some workshopping). That list includes Neumos, Métier, Q Nightclub, Lovecitylove, and more.
Oh, one other thing, I’m super cheap so these places will totally be great value for your dollar. Let’s go!
Rancho Bravo Tacos
Normally, I try and write my own descriptions of these places, but this time around I couldn’t beat Mackenzie H.’s Yelp review, “The outside looks like and old run down Burger King. And don’t get me wrong the inside also definitely looks like an old run down Burger King.”
She goes on to describe absolutely delicious tacos and smothered burritos, particularly the salsas, which are key players in any good Mexican dish. I have nothing else to contribute to that.
1001 East Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98122
Website
Marination Station
Fair warning, there’s minimal seating here, so eat and move on. But those shining moments when you wolf down your food will bring you pre/post show bliss. This place is a Korean-style taco joint with a Hawaiian twist. Hawaiian twist? That means you need to try the Kahlua tacos. Seriously. Nobody does pork quite like the Hawaiians.
Was that two taco places in a row? I’m not sorry.
1412 Harvard Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
Website
Ooink
This upstairs joint right next to Marination Station might be easy to miss from the street, but now that you’re reading about it, you gotta check it out (did I just sound like Guy Fieri in that sentence? Whoops).
Ramen is what they do here and all their broths come from a rich bone broth that they keep going all night. Well, most of them, you can get vegetarian options too. Most Japanese ramens are not known for their spice, but while you’re here, kick it up a notch and try their Spicy Kotteri Ramen with the housemade chili sauce.
1416 Harvard Ave
Seattle, WA 98122
Website
HoneyHole
If you go to this sandwich place, you have to try The Gooch, the HoneyHole version of the classic French dip. What makes it stand out? They add a bunch of horseradish to really wake up your senses.
There’s also a decent happy hour here and a divey, Christmas lit ambiance. It’s sure to put you in the mood for a show.
703 East Pike Street
Seattle, WA 98122
Website
Sunset Fried Chicken Sandwiches
In what seems to me like a perfect encapsulation of “Seattle,” in reading what other people have to say about this, there were at least three mentions of people ordering the fried chicken sandwich with a fried egg on top, and then pairing it with the kale salad.
Nice job. That balances out, right? It’s got that Southern love and comfort with a solid reminder that you’re still in Seattle. What a delightful combination.
The restaurant is located inside of Rachel’s Ginger Beer, so look for that when you’re stopping by. And try the ginger beer too while you’re at it.
1610 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
Website
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