“The Center of the Universe”
Regarded as “the Center of the Universe” by locals, Fremont is an artsy and eccentric neighborhood located north of Lake Washington. Whether it’s visiting the Troll under the Aurora Bridge or strolling through a Sunday’s Farmer’s Market’s, this bohemian community boasts a quirky and distinctive character that you’ll never forget. Stay here a few days and you’ll find the true meaning of both convenience and style as the local amenities truly provide everything you need, while the owners keep the decor true to their unique identities and that famous Fremont aesthetic. Need to commute somewhere else in the city? Luckily there is easy access to I-99 and I-5 for easy travels North, South, or to downtown!
- Manolin: The iconic U-shaped bar is perfect for dates or solo eating and provides some great dinner entertainment as you watch the chefs masterfully whip up your meal. If you like seafood, this is the place for you!
- Fremont Bowl: This Japanese eatery may sound like it’s actually home to a retro bowling alley, but instead you’ll be surprised to find steaming teriyaki, homemade soy sauce, and mouthwatering poke bowls!
- Kamonegi: Looking for soba noodles and tempura? This is the place for you! Just make sure to make a reservation because sometimes the seating can be a bit cramped!
- Swel: This neighborhoods go-to pizza shop has everything you need for a relaxing night out on the town with great wine options, as well as some delicious flatbread pies.
- El Camino: El Camino Mexican restaurant & cantina has been a trusted mainstay in Seattle’s famed Fremont area. El Camino delivers authentic, handcrafted Mexican cuisine that honors the lively, fresh tastes of Oaxaca and southern Mexico. If you want a meal full of flavor this is the place for you!
- Lucky’s Pho: As a mystery to the entire neighborhood, this place is usually empty, but all that means is there’s a short wait for your delicious food! This is a classic example of Vietnamese dining with great pho and vermicelli bowls, but the real prize is their banh mi.
- Milstead & Co: Here you can dine with your eyes as well as your mouth with walls of artwork lining the entirety of the shop, keeping you more than entertained as you wait for you soul-warming cup of coffee.
- Fremont Coffee Company: Just because has the name of the neighborhood doesn’t always mean it’s a local favorite – but this time is does. Artisan roasted, Fair Trade, and organic coffee perfect for the Fremont crowd.
- Café Con Todo: Café Con Todo isn’t like any other coffee shop. They offer Slate Coffee, Steepologie teas, delicious and nutritious smoothies, kombucha, a variety of healthy foods and warm hospitality in a unique atmosphere.
- Lighthouse Roasters: A very popular and highly rated cafe known for its in-house coffee bean roasting and sweet corner location. If you’re looking for a fresh cup of Joe, look no further!
- Espresso to Go: Welcome to your local record label/coffeehouse – a hipster theme fit for Seattle! Purchase some sweet tunes and turn tables or grab a hot coffee to go along with some bottled cold brews!
- Russell’s: Friendly staff, cushy wooden booths, and the signature red retro refrigerator are just a couple of the things that make this place such a fun and memorable bar.
- Bar Charlie: From the decor to the drinks, Bar Charlie is unique and memorable as it gets. With walls of maps, and lights hanging from knotted ropes, it’s the perfect setting for knocking back an Old Fashioned and digging into some twice-baked poutine!
- Rockcreek Seafood & Spirits: Unless you feel like unleashing your inner Bear Grylls, it is unlikely you’ll have a better opportunity to eat extremely fresh fish in a nature-like setting. Everything is pretty good here, but the seafood is absolutely on point.
- Barrel Thief: We can think of 475 reasons to visit this awesome watering hole, and that’s just starting off with their whiskeys and wines by the glass. Stop by anytime and you won’t be disappointed! Don’t forget your Whiskey or Wine Passport! (Check off what you’ve tried in order to earn a discount or get drinks for life!)
- Shilling Cider House: You may have grabbed a six-pack of Schillings from your local grocery store without realizing it has its very own local tasting room. Now you can make your own cider flight from 32 choices! Note: they don’t serve food here so factor that into the plan.
- The Backdoor: Reminiscent of a prohibition-era speakeasy, this bar is one of the best places to grab a drink in Fremont. Loaded with vintage decor and a timeless ambience, travel back in time and enjoy a long list of classic cocktails, or let the bartender whip you up something special just for you!
- Fremont Canal Park: Sited along the famous Seattle shipping canal, this park offers great water views along with various walking trails and the occasional seasonal event!
- B.F. Day Playground: Family friendly park with plenty of green space along with a baseball/soccer field and a playground/picnic area. Everything you need in your local neighborhood park.
- Gas Works Park: This former oil plant has been converted into a 20-acre park and is privy to some of the best views of downtown Seattle. Home to numerous yearly events, and with a variety of seating areas (covered or uncovered) it is no mystery as to why this has grown into one of Seattle’s most popular parks.
- Ross Playground: A scenic area boasting basketball courts, baseball fields, a play structure, in addition to a sheltered picnic area.
- Trolls Knoll Park: Just west of the world-famous Fremont Troll, this small park is the new model for sustainable green space and also serves as a critical land bridge for Fremont pedestrians. The open lawn, manicured gardens, and abundant seating space are frequent stopping points for anyone passing by.
90 – Walkers Paradise: Daily errands do not require a means of transportation
64 – Good Transit: There are many nearby public transportation options that travel in virtually every direction.
79 – Very Bikeable: Robust biking infrastructure with convenient commutes or fun trails in almost every direction