Laid-back coastal living.
Overview
This hilly residential community is one of the nicest and most secluded areas of Seattle. Found on the South West outskirt of the city, this bustling business scene provides a unique ability to experience peace, quiet, and serenity, as well as a taste of city life. Home to breath taking views of Puget Sound, top parks, amazing beaches, and two flourishing business centers, West Seattle is the perfect location for anyone looking for a quaint neighborhood with access to all the perks of larger community. It’s time to live by the ocean!
Food
- Marination Station: Starting from the humble beginnings of a food truck, this Korean/Hawaiian fusion restaurant has grown into a mini empire with sister locations and city-wide popularity.
- Salty’s on Alki: Great place to take family or friends if you’re looking to impress! A little on the pricey side, the but brunch buffet and views of Seattle are well worth it!
- il Nido: Created by Mike Easton, star chef of the critically-acclaimed II Corvo in Pioneer Square, this historic location has been reimagined and converted into lovely Italian restaurant one again leaving critics in awe of Easton’s magic touch.
- Itto’s Tapas: A Spanish and Moroccan tapas bar serving tasty and artistic food from a compact menu. (Smaller the menu, the better the food). Hosted in an intimate setting, this place is perfect for a cozy date night!
- The Swinery: Not only does this classic butcher shop sell exceptional cuts of raw meat, but it also has some of the most scrumptious sandwiches in Seattle. Highly recommend the deep-fried cured pork and pesto on ciabatta – but they are all good!
- La Rustica: Possibly the best Italian bistro in all of Seattle. From the aesthetic, to the owner, to the food and drinks, few other venues are able to match the authenticity of the taste and atmosphere.
- Buddha Ruksa: Pretty much every neighborhood has at least one go-to Thai restaurant , and this is defnitely the best West Seattle has to offer. We recommend ordering the sample platter at least one to let the Thai-native owners and chefs show you what they can do!
Coffee
- Bird on a Wire Coffee: This local neighborhood favorite has a fantastic and friendly vibe, home to welcoming baristas and one of the sweetest cups of coffee in town!
- Olympia Coffee Roasting: Come try Olympia Coffee Roasting’s most favored espresso mix located in the heart of West Seattle. The ingredients may change with the seasons, but the flavor remains consistent. With aromas of sweet chocolate and luscious cherries, this delightful coffee shop is jam-packed with flavors.
- Freshy’s: Looking for coffee, a sandwich, and a fun gathering spots for friends? Freshy’s is the place for you. Great atmosphere, solid food and drinks, and (for all you coffee enthusiasts) this is one of the only places in West Seattle serving Victrola Espresso!
- West Seattle Grounds: West Seattle Grounds is a locally owned and sourced coffee shop in West Seattle’s Admiral neighborhood. West Seattle Grounds, has a vibrant and contemporary spin, and plenty of seating, outlets, and cozy vibes, this customer-obsessed focused coffee shop provides the ideal environment for working or relaxing.
- Bebop Waffle Shop: A full coffee bar and part flower shop. Talk about a picturesque setting to sit back and sip on a well blended espresso while watching the traffic roll by on Admiral. Friendly service, big windows – everything you need!
- Ampersand Coffee: A personal favorite for coffee lovers in West Seattle, the views of Alki are unbeatable and the staff is super friendly. Set up shop outside on the patio, or take it all in from the cozy interior – whatever suits you! Don’t forget to order a freshly baked cookie!
Drinks
- Elliot Bay Brewery Pub: This West Seattle staple is the perfect place for a refreshing cold glass of beer. Serving a wide variety of brews, IPAs, and ciders, there’s a drink to match any mood and some great food to go along with it.
- The Matador: This Mexican-themed bar is certain to spice up your night with a warm lively interior that boasts indoor fireplaces, a full bar, and some great food choices too! Order a strawberry mojitio, fish tacos, a basket of nachos, and you’re all set!
- Prost!: This European-style pub teleports you from the shores of West Seattle into the Bavarian hills of Germany. Great beers, or biers, and amazing German cuisine served in an awesome brick venue.
- The Bridge: West Seattle’s most essential sports bar. If you want to see the definition of the 12th man, stop by on a Seahawks Sunday to witness true city pride. Awesome communal vibe with great drinks and food! (Maybe not the place fore a 49ers fan)
- El Chupacabra Alki: Another Mexican themed bar, but this time with a hipster twist! This edgy watering hole is ready to accommodate all with vegan and vegetarian options as well as satisfy all your drink needs. The name is also just fun to say.
Parks
- Lincoln Park: Start out at the breathtaking beach (especially on a sunny day) and then venture down towards the southern playground or to the north if you’re looking for a longer walk! Kid friendly, but there’s plenty to do for adults as well!
- Hiawatha Playfield: This park boasts easy access to the field and track outside the community center, as well as a well shaded wading pool! A local favorite year-round, but especially the happening place during the summer.
- Ecrolini Park: Probably the most popular park and playground in the area – especially for kiddos. Centrally located and basked in sunlight, this is a great place to have a picnic or to let the young runs expend some energy.
- Alki Beach Park: The gathering spot for joggers, rollerbladers, volleyball players, sunbathers, bicyclists, and even the occasional “jazzercisist”. The water is a little on the cold side, but it’s perfect for cooling of on a hot summer day. With miles of beachfront, backed by a plethora or shops and restaurants, you can easily spend an entire day here.
- Jack Block Park: A 15 acre park offering public beach access, a children’s play area, as well as a 45-foot observation tower privy to a 360 degree view of West Seattle, the Sound, and beyond!
Schools
WalkScore
67 – Somewhat Walkable: You will always be able to accomplish at least some errands without transportation.
46 – Some Transit: There are a few nearby public transportation options but you have have to take a transfer in order to get to your final destination.
42 – Somewhat Bikeable: There is minimal biking infrastructure that travels all along the entire neighborhood, but there are still biking friendly areas.
