Hey all,
Heading to Seattle for Christmas and a few days, and I’ve started planning and thought I would ask for your help! We’re a small group coming from SF and LA. We’ll have a car and not much plans other than eating and exploring. Staying about a mile from Pike Place. We want to get a sense of the Pacific Northwest, love pristine shellfish, and we’re not looking for Asian or Mexican food on this trip. We don’t care for communal dining tables, so no Corson Building.
Below is a prelim itinerary I’ve made, as I noticed that people plan early here - availability at some places is already quite limited! Of course that might have to do with the holidays, but I’ve made a few reservations and mental notes for places to visit, but thought I’d ask here for any suggestions, changes, what am I missing, what is overrated? I’ve done a little homework but I’d value your input.
Thursday, 12/24 Christmas Eve (arrive)
Lunch: something casual, walk-in like Gnocchi Bar or a sandwich from Rainshadow Meats (is the porchetta a must-order?). Open to suggestions here!
visit: Seattle Art Museum…what else is there to do? We don’t like tours, but like art and sightseeing, nothing too out in the woods, please.
Dinner: Sitka & Spruce (is this still great?)
Drinks & Snacks: Canon for whisky and late-night bites, as we’re meeting someone here late ~11pm. Any practical tips I should know?
Friday, 12/25 Christmas Day - I know not much is open. Other than dinner, a little unsure on what to do
breakfast/brunch/lunch - open here…not sure what is available
visit: Olympic Sculpture Park
Dinner: Goldfinch Tavern, it’s open and it’s in the hotel, but menu looks not bad so I’m “cautiously optimistic,” for lack of a better term
Saturday, 12/26
Early Brunch: Bar Sajor
visit: Pike’s Place Market, shopping
Happy Hour Snack ~4:00pm open: The Walrus & Carpenter, Barnacle Bar next door. Is this the place for the best oysters? Pristine oysters are one of the goals for this trip.
Later Dinner: Altura I know this is a ways from Ballard, but we have several hours in between. Is there something along the lines of Altura’s food that’s a better option?
Sunday, 12/27 (Leave)
Breakfast: The London Plane. Looking for something relaxing, and the decor seems fitting here. Food sounds in line with what we’re generally looking for, too, but open to any suggestions on other places we might try.
Sometime during our stay:
- Coffee: Slate, Analog. Where else has good coffee and decor - Anchored Ship, Milstead & Co?
- Ice Cream: Molly Moon
- Bars: Canon for whisky, Needle & Thread for cocktails (any practical tips for here?)
Any input would be much appreciated! Thanks.