3 Places to Try in Seattle This Weekend

Every Friday, you probably ask the same question: “Where should I eat and drink?” Welcome to your weekend planner, where Eater Seattle editors and contributors recommend brunch, dinner, booze, and everything in between, whether they’re trendy and new, or old, reliable standbys. Got a suggestion?Drop us a line.

The latest CDC guidance for vaccinated diners during the COVID-19 outbreak ishere; dining out still carries risks for unvaccinated diners and workers. Local officials recommend that everyone, whether vaccinated or not,should wear masks inside restaurantswhen not eating or drinking. Many bars and restaurants in Seattle (but not all)are also now requiring customers to provide proof of vaccinationor a recent negative COVID test for indoor dining; for the latest restrictions, check restaurant websites or official social media pages. Find a local vaccination sitehere. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

August 13, 2021

For Dungeness crab noodles, short rib bowls, and other Korean snacks: Revel

After temporarily moving to South Lake Union in 2018,Revel— from award-winning chefs Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi — returned to its original turf last year, setting up shop in the new Cedar Speedster building. And it hasn’t missed a beat. Though the brunch is excellent, you shouldn’t sleep on some of the Korean-influenced dinner items, such as the satisfying Dungeness crab noodles in red curry sauce and the short rib rice bowl with sambal daikon and mustard greens (the fatty meat melts in your mouth). The extensive cocktail list is a treat as well, and I recently had a refreshing Lazy G, made with cucumber-infused gin, ginger, fresh mint, and lime bitters, which is available in a convenient to-go container (although there is ample seating on an outside, covered patio as well).— Gabe Guarente

For an old Seattle favorite in a sparkly new location: Jackson’s Catfish Corner

After a bumpy seven-year hiatus, historic Central DIstrict institution Catfish Corner is finally back in biz — and it’s landed in its original neighborhood. Restyled asJackson’s Catfish Corner, the revered counter service spot celebrated its grand re-opening on Juneteenth togreat fanfare. New owner Terrell Jackson is the grandson of founders Rosemary and Woodrow Jackson, and he’s slinging the same famed catfish, snapper, and chicken recipes from back in the day, now from the corner of 23rd and Jackson, just a mile away from the original shop. What a relief. While the other items on the menu are worthy, as someone who went to high school next to the old location in the ‘90s, that fried catfish brings back fond food memories and is still the dish to order.— Meg van Huygen

For delectable Thai food in the U District: Wann Yen/Mark Thai Food Box

There are so many great Thai restaurants in the U District that choosing just one can be overwhelming. But counter service gem什麼時候日元/馬克泰國Food Boxwith a convenient takeout window is not a bad place to start, serving a variety of crowd pleasers, such as khao mun gai and pad see ew. I recently dug into the roasted duck fried rice as well, which was a terrific meal on its own or good for sharing on the new blue picnic tables set up around the area outside, part of the neighborhood’s new street cafe efforts. The shop serves refreshing lemonade and sells quite a few items for the pantry via owners Mark and Picha Pinkaow’s retail brand, so make sure to stock up on some of its wonderful curries or hot sauces while you’re there.— Gabe Guarente

August 6, 2021

For a comforting boozy brunch in Interbay: Champagne Diner

Now that rain is (finally) in the forecast for the Seattle area, a relaxing brunch with coffee and maybe even a cocktail or two sounds like it might hit the spot. In that respect,Champagne Dinerin Interbay rarely disappoints, with its minimalist retro aesthetics, friendly staff, and menu of well-crafted comfort food plates, including a satisfying breakfast, and some stellar biscuits served with seasonal fruit jam. Mimosa fans can order a bottle of cava with a carafe of orange or pineapple juice and just chill for a bit. Note that the restaurant,like many others lately, requires proof of vaccination for entry.— Gabe Guarente

For wonderful arepas and chicharrón in a lively setting: El Parche Colombiano

Pinehurst’s mom-and-pop favoriteEl Parche Colombianodeals in arepas, empanadas, and platters of grilled meats in various combinations — usually with patacones (fried plantains) incorporated somehow. The menu’s secret side dish jewel, though, is the chicharrón: a giant, inch-thick slab of smoked bacon that is chucked in the deep fryer and tastes absolutely heavenly. El Parche has a full bar as well, serving pisco and aguardiente, among other South American drinks, and there’s usually live Colombian music and dancing on the weekends. It’s fun in there.— Meg van Huygen

For a quick sweet treat in Fremont: Simply Desserts

In the middle of bustling Fremont Avenue is the unassumingSimply Desserts,一批餅幹、蛋糕和蛋糕that make for a nice little treat on the go, particularly after a long day strolling around the Sunday Street Market nearby. I recently had a mind-blowing slice of red velvet, but the black bottom cupcakes are delightful as well, best paired with the shop’s excellent cappuccino. Those planning a special occasion can order a whole cake, and you may also want to order a bunch of fudge chip cookies for snacking on throughout the week (the shop only accepts cash or checks, but there’s an ATM around the corner if you’re low on bills).— Gabe Guarente

July 30, 2021

For satisfying sandwiches in Crown Hill: Tres’ House of Cheesesteaks at Goofy’s

For most of its long existence, Goofy’s Sports Bar in Crown Hill was the kinda dive that only had microwaved hot dogs and chicken tenders on its food menu, and only because it was required to serve food — but that was before Tremaine Battle moved in. The Philadelphia native has been runningTres’ House of Cheesesteaksout of the bar’s kitchen since May, having graduated from the food truck life, and these gorgeous gut bombs often sell out before the night’s over. The mushroom and swiss and the pulled pork belly BLT cheesesteaks are terrific — in addition to the Philly classics, of course — and the prime rib bacon cheeseburger is a whole life experience unto itself.— Meg van Huygen

For a taste of Cambodia in White Center: Apsara Palace

White Center residents were understandably disappointed when Khmer favorite Queen’s Deli closed in 2019 — but another promising restaurant recently emerged in its place that leans heavily on Cambodian fare, with other Southeast Asian influences.Apsara Palaceserves a wonderful array of homestyle dishes in its modest but welcoming dining room that’s already drawing a steady stream of customers. I particularly enjoyed its comforting amok: fillet of steamed fish served in a banana leaf bowl topped with a delicate curry. And an order of the crispy fried rolls stuffed with peanuts and taro is a must as well, best washed down with some stellar Thai iced tea.— Gabe Guarente

For whole animal cooking in Columbia City: Off Alley

Like many restaurants that made their debut in 2020, Columbia City’s tinyOff Alleyfrom chef Evan Leichtling and his partner Meghna Prakash (an offshoot of their former pop-up Fowl and Offal) had been in a constant state of flux. Though the takeout fried rabbit sandwiches were great, the restaurant has now found its footing for onsite service, first with some well-conceived tasting menus, and now with a la carte items that provide delightful surprises with each visit. There’s an appreciation for the possibilities in offal (smoked venison hearts, for instance), the wine list from Prakash is always on point, and diners should save room for amazing desserts like the s’mores made from Italian meringue. There’s finally some outdoor seating, and the restaurant requires proof of vaccination for those who want to go maskless inside the narrow, brick-filled space.— Gabe Guarente

Off Alley

Rainier Avenue South, , WA 98118 (206) 488-6170 Visit Website