Things to do in the greater Seattle area before and after North Cascades hiking trip

[Leftyt]

We are taking a hiking trip to the Sahale Glacier camp and Pelton Basin camp in mid July and have 3 days on the front side and 2 days on the back to explore the Seattle/Tacoma area. I assume we will visit the fish market but no other solid plans as of now. What do you have for ideas?

[Buster Highmen]

Breakfast or lunch at the Athenian in the market. If around the market for dinner, Maximiliens has a great view, decent bistro food (moules marniere). Walk on ferry rides from Seattle to Winslow, Brainbinge Island are worth every penny.

Rolling from Wallingford/Fremont, there's the Pacific Inn for fried fish and a great beer selection, some decent food at Le Coin. Head out to Ballard via Leary to walk Leary, then out to Shilshole for sunset dinner/drinks at Rays Boathouse (foods not that great, but the view is killer). For picnic, beach time and hill above: Golden Gardens.

A classic Seattle tavern tour would include the Sloop out in W. Ballard, Sully's Snow Goose (La Boheme) up on Phinney Ridge, The Comet (though gentrified) on Capitol Hill and my favorite and the best preserved of the old peanut shell sticky floored taverns is The Blue Moon on 45th, just off I-5 in the U district.

West Seattle is nice and more beachy stuff down on Alki.

the Seattle Art Museum back by the market is sort of a let down. Pioneer Square is touristy. Davidson Gallery has some cool prints and art.

Tacoma by the train station downtown is ok, Point Defiance and Zoo are worthy.

[TahoeJ]

The outdoor seating at Maximiliens at Pike is legit so +1 on that. Bainbridge Island's downtown area is nice with some really good restaurant options as well. Not a ton to do there other than window shopping and art galleries but it's a nice spot (have a friend who lives there so I've spent a lot of time). Mostly go for the great views of downtown Seattle across the water and the food. Very relaxed vibes.

[oftpiste]

Pike Place Mkt, go on a weekday in the morning. then hit the Athenian for lunch. Sundays the Ballard Farmer's Market and Fremont Market.

Comet has made my no go list since I got charged $12 for a pint there. +1 on the Pacific Inn.

[Buster Highmen]

Comet has made my no go list since I got charged $12 for a pint there.

::sad::, so goes Seattle.

[PNW Lifer]

I'll be in Pelton Basin the night of 7/18, hit me up if we overlap.

Adding on to Buster's list above, I would skip Ray's but grab sandwiches or rice bowls from Un Bien and picnic at Golden Gardens.

[Leftyt]

I'll be in Pelton Basin the night of 7/18, hit me up if we overlap.

Adding on to Buster's list above, I would skip Ray's but grab sandwiches or rice bowls from Un Bien and picnic at Golden Gardens.

We will see you there!