Visiting Seattle and Mt Rainier this summer! Does anyone have any good restaurant and off the beaten track tourist recommendations? This will be my second time in the city.

Question

Caro · Answer

la marea marisqueria: the most amazing seafood tostadas made by the nicest people. bo is a master of his craft and liz has the warmest demeanor. it has become one of my favorite spots in the city! try it if you have the chance. the tuna tostada with salsa macha is my favorite.

Coofandy · Answer

La Tarasca Centralia: Easy to get to off I-5 in Centralia, 90 min south of Seattle on the the way-ish to Mt Ranier. I’ve almost never skipped the chance to stop here on the way to Portland.  In my opinion the only great Mexican food in Western Washington up til maybe 5 years ago when we finally got taco trucks. This is still the only place where the tortillas and tamales are made by an abuela, and that makes all the difference and more.

Sealligator · Answer

Wood Fired Pizza - The Carlson Block: depending on which part of Rainier you’re headed to, a stop in Wilkeson for pizza at Carlson Block and to skate - or just run around - Bacon & Eggs skate park (designed by John Hilding) is a hard to beat side quest

Rita Zwiefel-Macdonald · Answer

holy mountain brewing: Loved this brewery by the train tracks!! Excellent beer and vibe.

Noelle · Answer

Temple Pastries: Some of the best pastries in the city. Get the bacon-egg-English muffin sandwich and any of the sweet treats. If you come on a weekend morning, the line will be long, so plan accordingly. It’s bright and airy inside, but you could also take your goodies down to the shore of Lake Washington. (I’m sitting at Temple as I type this 😂)

Brandi · Answer

Thai Tom: Hole in the wall cash-only spot in Seattle's University District that's been slinging legit street-style Thai food since 1994. When I lived in Seattle, there was usually just one dude manning a giant wok that cranked out dishes lightning-fast. Fair warning: they take their spice level seriously here.

Cate Hurwit · Answer

Wayland Mill: We are a town of incredible bakeries! This one is also a banger of a breakfast/brunch spot and is heavily influenced by the owner’s Japanese heritage and hits all the notes—comforting, surprising, and of course, delicious. Doesn’t hurt that it’s chic as hell, too. Get any of the sandwiches, the Japanese breakfast,  and a slice of the shoyu-peanut butter pie if they have it.

Emily · Answer

big tom’s: If you pass through Olympia otw to Rainier, you MUST go to Big Tom’s, the love of my life!!!!

Emily · Answer

Baiten: Inside Tamari Bar is Baiten - try their soft serve!

Emily · Answer

Cafe Hagen: Get a København latte ☕️

Multiple locations, I like the Queen Anne one.

Emily · Answer

Ping’s Dumpling House: I think they may still be cash-only, but worth a trip to the atm.

Steve M · Answer

Driving Down the 101 Visiting Random Beaches: My sister and I did this loop after visiting Mt Rainier where you go through Tacoma westbound until you hit the 101 and you loop up and around the Reservation through Forks, Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, and back into Seattle. Now this is quite a drive and is a one day trip at least if you just want to casually drive for the aura and beaches. Not sure how this will fit into your travel plans.

Our trip went from Tacoma > Olympia > connect to the 101 > Kalaloch beach (there's many public access points to choose from) > Forks > west to Rialto beach > back onto the 101 up to Port Angeles > Seattle.

Amy · Answer

Flaming Geyser State Park: Out on the way to Mt Rainier - it’s great for swimming in the Green River