If anyone heads out of Seattle during their stay, a must place is The Rock. They have 2 locations north of Seattle, 8 south of Seattle, and one in Canada. The atmosphere is awesome, as it's all rock-music themed. They do "wood fired pizza" and also have sandwiches and Italian food on the menu. But honestly, one of the biggest reasons to go is the drinks. (The Bucket is a must-have, with 5 different rums, a fruity flavor, and it comes in a frickin sand bucket!)
If you like cold cut sandwiches, Jimmy John's is THE place to get them. Forget Subway and Quiznos. The quality of Jimmy John's sandwiches outdoes these every day of the week. The closest Jimmy John's is in the City Centre building, just over a block south from the convention center.
Also in City Centre (hey, I work in the building, I know the food joints) is Palamino, which is a pretty nice, yet fairly inexpensive Italian place. If I recall, they also have a fireplace to sit next to and chill while you eat or just have drinks.
OMG on the bucket.. how could anyone drink all that an live!
OK added more entries to the list and decided it is easier to just maintain 1 copy on google docs than it is to update the google docs copy then paste here. Makes it look cleaner to so please check the link in the OP for the listing.
Okay, so here's something I don't understand. The Crab Pot is an arguably inferior tourist-version of a regional east coast specialty that's been around for a couple hundred years: the Chesapeake Crab Boil. Arundel Seafoods in Maryland does one my favorite one, and the whole bucket-of-seafood-on-a-table-covered-in-paper thing is East Coast, not Seattle. It would be like someone in New York serving alderwood smoked salmon and calling it a 'New York Specialty.' If I want a real crab boil, I go to Maryland or North Carolina.
Why is the Crab Pot considered a 'Seattle' restaurant? Am I the only person from Seattle who's been to Baltimore and noticed the misapplication here? I'm not being snarky, I really want to know (because I feel like I'm taking crazy pills every time someone mentions 'Crab Pot' and 'Seattle' in the same sentence). Please enlighten me.
Hey I've never heard of them before They have that "cool" TV show thingy too! I just go by what people suggest and avoid what I know is a large chain type place you can get to anywhere. I'm also not so sure you can deny Seattle being a big fish place. Maybe they didn't make up the pile of crab on the table thing but what's wrong with them doing it?
I don't mean to infer that there's anything wrong with the place - I've eaten there and it's touristy, but fine. It's a chain out of California. What I'm (respectfully) asking is why people associate that cuisine with Seattle. To use another analogy, it would be like someone going to Fargo, ND and profiling a mexican restaurant as a city original. Seriously - I was confused when it aired on Man v. Food and now that it's come up on this thread, I'd like to ask my peers because I really want to know. Not being snarky, I swear!
You find a seafood restaurant to be out of place in a port city? I think it makes good sense. No one said it was founded there... Just because it's done better in other places doesn't mean people visiting Seattle can't enjoy it!
I am going to go back and add phone numbers where I can find them to the list and as I have time. They should start slowly showing up probably this weekend. Are there any other details that make sense to add before I go back through them again?
Adam Richman heads to Seattle's historic waterfront to take on The Crab Pot's signature Seafeast. Armed with only a bib and a mallet, Adam takes down the city's freshest seafood.
1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
Red Mill Burgers
Adam partakes of the Red Mill's award-winning burgers. With 11 different burgers on the menu, the hardest part is picking just one.
312 North 67th St., Seattle, WA 98103
eth's Cafe
Adam takes a crack at the Southwestern Exposure challenge: 12 eggs packed with chili, salsa, sour cream and cheddar cheese.
7311 Aurora Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98103
Pike Place Fish Market
Adam visits this Seattle landmark and tries his hand at some fish-tossing.
86 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98101
Chicken Coop
Adam stops by a local chicken coop to gain some support for the omelet challenge.
4432 38th Ave. Southwest, Seattle, WA 98126
I know some are mentioned prior, just figured some of it may help Elmo on his database.
Timaeus on
Hotel [X] Pax Ticket [XXXX] plane ticket [working on]
The extra X's are just a sign of happiness. =P
Adam takes a crack at the Southwestern Exposure challenge: 12 eggs packed with chili, salsa, sour cream and cheddar cheese.
7311 Aurora Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98103
Beths is by no means easy to get to since its on a long divided part of Aurora (you'll miss it the first time you pass and it will take 15 minutes to navigate the residential on your right to get back to it). There are some very nice(r) places in the Zoo district to try out. Went last fall and its just your typical greasy spoon, if you are diehard for it- go for it. If you are looking for something special, you may come up empty handed (conventional diner-fare). I'd compare it to a mom & pop Waffle House.
Also in the area of the Zoo, avoid the Chupacabra (near Red Mill). That was the saddest excuse for tex-mex I've ever had, the torta made me cry. Someone put wet refried beans on it instead of guacamole, the bread fell apart.
For decent burritos, tacos, pozole, and other Mexican food, Rancho Bravo at 10th & Pine on Capitol Hill is good. And it's cheap. $.
Further on the taco note. Taco's Gringos near Olive and Bellevue (across the street from Clever Dunne's Irish bar, for those doing a bar crawl) is the best taco's i've had in city. They are only open from 8pm-2pm on Friday and Saturday and occasionaly Sunday. $.
Pho Than Brothers on Broadway on Capitol Hill is pretty good for pho, without going to International District. Filling for cheap and you get cream puffs. $.
Also, if you go to International District (about a 5 min bus ride from westlake station) you can get all sorts of great asian food. Especially recommend Saigon Deli at 14th and Jackson for excellent Vietnamese sandwiches for less than 3 bucks.
Lesee... it's a little far from the convention center but it's a short bus ride away through the tunnel. In the Int'l District there's a little place on S King St near Uwajimaya called Fu Lin that serves an amazing tonkotsu (pork) ramen and delicious potstickers. It's comparable to Samurai Noodle but the portion seem larger and there's a LOT more places to sit.
When it comes to sushi, there's a lovely little place on Post and Spring called Nijo and it's my favorite place. It's best for a dinner outing, and not so much a quick bite.
For breakfast, I love the Crumpet Shop but in the last few months they've been doing earthquake renovations over at Pike Place and they closed up temporarily. I haven't checked recently if they're open yet. They -should- be open by the time PAX rolls around.
eMDee on
The unorthodox and the unlikely - it's what I do, it's what I'm good at.
For breakfast, I love the Crumpet Shop but in the last few months they've been doing earthquake renovations over at Pike Place and they closed up temporarily. I haven't checked recently if they're open yet. They -should- be open by the time PAX rolls around.
Was in the area after going to the Aquarium on Tuesday, they still have it papered up with a promise that it will be ready soon.
I highly recommend Mediterranean Kitchen...this place is a couple blocks from my apartment and seriously has the best shawarma I've ever tasted. Their baklava and baba ghanoush are super tasty too. I've always gone during dinner and can say their meals at dinner offers lots of food for a reasonable price. You may even have leftovers...that is, if you can resist the urge to eat it all!
Name: Mediterranean Kitchen
Address: 1009 Boren Ave (just north of Madison)
Distance: 0.6 mile (you can shave off some distance by cutting through Freeway Park)
Food Type: Mediterranean
Cost: $
Hours: Mon-Sat 11 am - 8:30 pm
URL: http://www.mediterraneankitchenseattle.com/
Since we're all gamers, I think it's well worth mentioning AFK Tavern, a new gamer-themed bar and grill up in Everett. It's a bit of a field trip from downtown, but worth the drive if you consider yourself a gamer nerd.
For the vegetarians/vegans out there, Cyber Dogs in the convention center building is pretty decent as far as vegetarian/vegan "hot dogs" go (I recommend trying the "Mama Tatiana"). If you find yourself sans-computer, they also have a couple computers in the cafe and you get a certain allotment of internet surfing minutes with your purchase.
Name: Cyber Dogs Internet Cafe
Address: 909 Pike Street
Distance: 0.1 Mile (convention center building, accessed from the exterior at 9th & Pike)
Food Type: Vegetarian/Vegan (Hot Dogs)
Cost: $
Hours: Daily 11am-12am
URL: http://www.cyber-dogs.com/ (Note: They have a limited menu during PAX)
I also recommend adding the Capital Hill location for Dick's Drive-in to the list. No indoor seating like the Queen Anne location (and is a wee bit farther distance-wise from the Convention Center), but is still relatively close and good for a quick bite to eat if you happen to find yourself in Capital Hill.
If I could recommend one place for anyone coming to Seattle to eat, it would be Salumi on 3rd (up a bit from Qwest field). Its a hole in the wall sandwich shop and even though its a bit of a journey from the PAX site, its more then worth it. The place is owned and run by Mario Batali's parents, and its one of Anthony Bourdain's 13 "places to eat before you die". In the whole world.
The sandwiches are about ten bucks each, and they fill you up. Its one of my favorite places to eat in the world, and I suggest you make time to try it.
Heres the address:
Address
309 Third Ave South
Seattle, WA 98104
(between Main and Jackson, across from Seattle Lighting)
If anyone heads out of Seattle during their stay, a must place is The Rock. They have 2 locations north of Seattle, 8 south of Seattle, and one in Canada. The atmosphere is awesome, as it's all rock-music themed. They do "wood fired pizza" and also have sandwiches and Italian food on the menu. But honestly, one of the biggest reasons to go is the drinks. (The Bucket is a must-have, with 5 different rums, a fruity flavor, and it comes in a frickin sand bucket!)
YES! This needs to happen. Do you get to keep the sand bucket after too?
I also want to echo the opinion of people who has spoke about Piroshky Piroshky. I've gone there the past three years and each time it gets better & better. The beef & cheese is by far my favourite, but unless you're lucky they sell out of them quickly. Not too big of a shame though, all the others I've had are amazing as well.
I also want to echo the opinion of people who has spoke about Piroshky Piroshky. I've gone there the past three years and each time it gets better & better. The beef & cheese is by far my favourite, but unless you're lucky they sell out of them quickly. Not too big of a shame though, all the others I've had are amazing as well.
Piroshky Piroshky is quite good, sometimes the salmon ones can fall flat depending on who makes them. 10x better than Hot Pockets and come in more flavors. I loved the cardamom roll they did, it was like a more savory cinnamon roll.
Anyone been to Laredos on Aloha? I am trying to find a good torta and sopapilla/churros.
Specialty's Cafe & Bakery
1400 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Espresso place and Bakery, they serve excellent stuff for breakfast (like croissants with ham and cheese baked in the middle). About average price for a coffee shop, and it is right near to the Red Lion In on 5th and Pike.
Zankabo on
Better a witty fool than to have a foolish wit....
I have been to all of these restaurant's with the exception of one (Baguette Box), and that one came highly recommended by a trusted source. I have lived in Seattle for almost five years and have any more recommendations if people want them.
Specialty's Cafe & Bakery
1400 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Espresso place and Bakery, they serve excellent stuff for breakfast (like croissants with ham and cheese baked in the middle). About average price for a coffee shop, and it is right near to the Red Lion In on 5th and Pike.
As much as I love Specialty's, I'm not sure how "local" the OP wants to keep the list and it should be noted that it is a San Francisco based chain restaurant with locations in California, Illinois and Washington.
If Specialty's does get added to the list, be sure to add its other downtown locations and include in the notes that you can order via their website for pickup or delivery.
My group always gets Taco Del Mar for breakfast in the convention center. Not many people eat tacos for breakfast so it makes for a short line. And obviously its close.
No. Just...No. This is Foodie Destinations. Not subpar huge burritos.
mrt144 on
0
mrt144King of the NumbernamesRegistered Userregular
Okay, so here's something I don't understand. The Crab Pot is an arguably inferior tourist-version of a regional east coast specialty that's been around for a couple hundred years: the Chesapeake Crab Boil. Arundel Seafoods in Maryland does one my favorite one, and the whole bucket-of-seafood-on-a-table-covered-in-paper thing is East Coast, not Seattle. It would be like someone in New York serving alderwood smoked salmon and calling it a 'New York Specialty.' If I want a real crab boil, I go to Maryland or North Carolina.
Why is the Crab Pot considered a 'Seattle' restaurant? Am I the only person from Seattle who's been to Baltimore and noticed the misapplication here? I'm not being snarky, I really want to know (because I feel like I'm taking crazy pills every time someone mentions 'Crab Pot' and 'Seattle' in the same sentence). Please enlighten me.
Crab Pot is the only place in Seattle that really does this. It's not that it's a Seattle speciality by any means, it's the Crab Pot's specialty. It'd be like going to a place in NYC that specializes in alderwood smoked salmon and associating the restaurant with what they serve, not the city itself. Which is what everyone is doing in this case.
Also I'd argue that what the Crab Pot does is closer to a clam bake than a crab boil because of the amount of mussels and clams in it and the fact they actually steam it.
Also, it's completely preposterous to limit food you eat based on where the most authentic and original source comes from. Like, are you not going to eat Seattle crab cakes made with dungeness crab because they're not the original form of crab cakes? Like, I'm a fucking vicious food snob but saying that "hey, this place in Seattle that does clam bakes is invalid cause it's not authentic to the region" is even too much for me.
The only, only, only time I find this even remotely reasonable is when it comes to red snapper on the West Coast which is in fact red rock fish.
That being said, it is a chain and it really shouldn't be included on the list in my eyes. Like, it's fine to go to (I just went last Sunday for a birthday) but it's not a foodie destination unless glutton is code for foodie.
mrt144 on
0
mrt144King of the NumbernamesRegistered Userregular
edited May 2011
Same goes for Elephant and Castle. Anything they offer there (Food and Drink) can be had elsewhere and is better. It's a chain so it's not like, OH SNAP ONLY ONE CHANCE TO GO HERE.
mrt144 on
0
mrt144King of the NumbernamesRegistered Userregular
I highly recommend Mediterranean Kitchen...this place is a couple blocks from my apartment and seriously has the best shawarma I've ever tasted. Their baklava and baba ghanoush are super tasty too. I've always gone during dinner and can say their meals at dinner offers lots of food for a reasonable price. You may even have leftovers...that is, if you can resist the urge to eat it all!
Name: Mediterranean Kitchen
Address: 1009 Boren Ave (just north of Madison)
Distance: 0.6 mile (you can shave off some distance by cutting through Freeway Park)
Food Type: Mediterranean
Cost: $
Hours: Mon-Sat 11 am - 8:30 pm
URL: http://www.mediterraneankitchenseattle.com/
I love this place but I have to say that the one in Bellevue is better even if the only relation between them is name and owner's being related to one another.
mrt144 on
0
mrt144King of the NumbernamesRegistered Userregular
For decent burritos, tacos, pozole, and other Mexican food, Rancho Bravo at 10th & Pine on Capitol Hill is good. And it's cheap. $.
Further on the taco note. Taco's Gringos near Olive and Bellevue (across the street from Clever Dunne's Irish bar, for those doing a bar crawl) is the best taco's i've had in city. They are only open from 8pm-2pm on Friday and Saturday and occasionaly Sunday. $.
Pho Than Brothers on Broadway on Capitol Hill is pretty good for pho, without going to International District. Filling for cheap and you get cream puffs. $.
Also, if you go to International District (about a 5 min bus ride from westlake station) you can get all sorts of great asian food. Especially recommend Saigon Deli at 14th and Jackson for excellent Vietnamese sandwiches for less than 3 bucks.
Rancho Bravo also has tamales but only limited quantities.
Posts
Twitch: akThera
Steam: Thera
If you like cold cut sandwiches, Jimmy John's is THE place to get them. Forget Subway and Quiznos. The quality of Jimmy John's sandwiches outdoes these every day of the week. The closest Jimmy John's is in the City Centre building, just over a block south from the convention center.
Also in City Centre (hey, I work in the building, I know the food joints) is Palamino, which is a pretty nice, yet fairly inexpensive Italian place. If I recall, they also have a fireplace to sit next to and chill while you eat or just have drinks.
Will add more places as I think of them.
OK added more entries to the list and decided it is easier to just maintain 1 copy on google docs than it is to update the google docs copy then paste here. Makes it look cleaner to so please check the link in the OP for the listing.
Okay, so here's something I don't understand. The Crab Pot is an arguably inferior tourist-version of a regional east coast specialty that's been around for a couple hundred years: the Chesapeake Crab Boil. Arundel Seafoods in Maryland does one my favorite one, and the whole bucket-of-seafood-on-a-table-covered-in-paper thing is East Coast, not Seattle. It would be like someone in New York serving alderwood smoked salmon and calling it a 'New York Specialty.' If I want a real crab boil, I go to Maryland or North Carolina.
Why is the Crab Pot considered a 'Seattle' restaurant? Am I the only person from Seattle who's been to Baltimore and noticed the misapplication here? I'm not being snarky, I really want to know (because I feel like I'm taking crazy pills every time someone mentions 'Crab Pot' and 'Seattle' in the same sentence). Please enlighten me.
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Man_V_Food/Episodes_Travel_Guides/ci.Seattle_1.map Has a map of locations and minor little desc:
The Crab Pot
Adam Richman heads to Seattle's historic waterfront to take on The Crab Pot's signature Seafeast. Armed with only a bib and a mallet, Adam takes down the city's freshest seafood.
1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
Red Mill Burgers
Adam partakes of the Red Mill's award-winning burgers. With 11 different burgers on the menu, the hardest part is picking just one.
312 North 67th St., Seattle, WA 98103
eth's Cafe
Adam takes a crack at the Southwestern Exposure challenge: 12 eggs packed with chili, salsa, sour cream and cheddar cheese.
7311 Aurora Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98103
Pike Place Fish Market
Adam visits this Seattle landmark and tries his hand at some fish-tossing.
86 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98101
Chicken Coop
Adam stops by a local chicken coop to gain some support for the omelet challenge.
4432 38th Ave. Southwest, Seattle, WA 98126
I know some are mentioned prior, just figured some of it may help Elmo on his database.
The extra X's are just a sign of happiness. =P
Beths is by no means easy to get to since its on a long divided part of Aurora (you'll miss it the first time you pass and it will take 15 minutes to navigate the residential on your right to get back to it). There are some very nice(r) places in the Zoo district to try out. Went last fall and its just your typical greasy spoon, if you are diehard for it- go for it. If you are looking for something special, you may come up empty handed (conventional diner-fare). I'd compare it to a mom & pop Waffle House.
Also in the area of the Zoo, avoid the Chupacabra (near Red Mill). That was the saddest excuse for tex-mex I've ever had, the torta made me cry. Someone put wet refried beans on it instead of guacamole, the bread fell apart.
It's close located 700 E pine st., that has incredible hand made pizza, and my personal favorite: pesto pizza (what?!? green pizza?!?!)
Further on the taco note. Taco's Gringos near Olive and Bellevue (across the street from Clever Dunne's Irish bar, for those doing a bar crawl) is the best taco's i've had in city. They are only open from 8pm-2pm on Friday and Saturday and occasionaly Sunday. $.
Pho Than Brothers on Broadway on Capitol Hill is pretty good for pho, without going to International District. Filling for cheap and you get cream puffs. $.
Also, if you go to International District (about a 5 min bus ride from westlake station) you can get all sorts of great asian food. Especially recommend Saigon Deli at 14th and Jackson for excellent Vietnamese sandwiches for less than 3 bucks.
When it comes to sushi, there's a lovely little place on Post and Spring called Nijo and it's my favorite place. It's best for a dinner outing, and not so much a quick bite.
For breakfast, I love the Crumpet Shop but in the last few months they've been doing earthquake renovations over at Pike Place and they closed up temporarily. I haven't checked recently if they're open yet. They -should- be open by the time PAX rolls around.
Was in the area after going to the Aquarium on Tuesday, they still have it papered up with a promise that it will be ready soon.
Name: Mediterranean Kitchen
Address: 1009 Boren Ave (just north of Madison)
Distance: 0.6 mile (you can shave off some distance by cutting through Freeway Park)
Food Type: Mediterranean
Cost: $
Hours: Mon-Sat 11 am - 8:30 pm
URL: http://www.mediterraneankitchenseattle.com/
Since we're all gamers, I think it's well worth mentioning AFK Tavern, a new gamer-themed bar and grill up in Everett. It's a bit of a field trip from downtown, but worth the drive if you consider yourself a gamer nerd.
Name: AFK Tavern
Address: 1510 41st Street, Everett
Distance: 28 Miles
Food Type: Bar & Grill
Cost: $$
Hours: Weekdays 3pm-3am; Weekends 11am-3am
URL: http://www.afktavern.com/
For the vegetarians/vegans out there, Cyber Dogs in the convention center building is pretty decent as far as vegetarian/vegan "hot dogs" go (I recommend trying the "Mama Tatiana"). If you find yourself sans-computer, they also have a couple computers in the cafe and you get a certain allotment of internet surfing minutes with your purchase.
Name: Cyber Dogs Internet Cafe
Address: 909 Pike Street
Distance: 0.1 Mile (convention center building, accessed from the exterior at 9th & Pike)
Food Type: Vegetarian/Vegan (Hot Dogs)
Cost: $
Hours: Daily 11am-12am
URL: http://www.cyber-dogs.com/ (Note: They have a limited menu during PAX)
I also recommend adding the Capital Hill location for Dick's Drive-in to the list. No indoor seating like the Queen Anne location (and is a wee bit farther distance-wise from the Convention Center), but is still relatively close and good for a quick bite to eat if you happen to find yourself in Capital Hill.
Address: 115 Broadway E
Name: Paseo
Address: 6226 Seaview Ave NW AND 4225 Fremont Ave N (Two Locations)
Distance: 4 miles
Food Type: Cuban (Mainly Sandwiches)
Cost: $
Hours: Daily 11am-12am
URL: http://www.paseoseattle.com/
The sandwiches are about ten bucks each, and they fill you up. Its one of my favorite places to eat in the world, and I suggest you make time to try it.
Heres the address:
Address
309 Third Ave South
Seattle, WA 98104
(between Main and Jackson, across from Seattle Lighting)
http://www.salumicuredmeats.com/
YES! This needs to happen. Do you get to keep the sand bucket after too?
I also want to echo the opinion of people who has spoke about Piroshky Piroshky. I've gone there the past three years and each time it gets better & better. The beef & cheese is by far my favourite, but unless you're lucky they sell out of them quickly. Not too big of a shame though, all the others I've had are amazing as well.
Piroshky Piroshky is quite good, sometimes the salmon ones can fall flat depending on who makes them. 10x better than Hot Pockets and come in more flavors. I loved the cardamom roll they did, it was like a more savory cinnamon roll.
Anyone been to Laredos on Aloha? I am trying to find a good torta and sopapilla/churros.
1400 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Espresso place and Bakery, they serve excellent stuff for breakfast (like croissants with ham and cheese baked in the middle). About average price for a coffee shop, and it is right near to the Red Lion In on 5th and Pike.
Link: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=lola-breakfast
Baguette Box
For pub food:
Rock Bottom Brewing
An easy bus ride up the hill or into SODO The Elysian Brewing
Gastropubish Quinn's (seriuosly get the wild boar sloppy joe)
Italian:
Also an easy bus ride up the hill Pane Vino
El Salvadorian:
Pizza:
Seafood/Sushi:
Nijo
Late night:
And my favorite...Pubs/Taverns/Bars:
Also small but awesome speakeasys Bathtub Gin and Knee High Stocking Co.. Both are very small, so reservations are recommended. Knee High takes reservations by text messages
In Belltown The Cyclops and Shorty's
I have been to all of these restaurant's with the exception of one (Baguette Box), and that one came highly recommended by a trusted source. I have lived in Seattle for almost five years and have any more recommendations if people want them.
As much as I love Specialty's, I'm not sure how "local" the OP wants to keep the list and it should be noted that it is a San Francisco based chain restaurant with locations in California, Illinois and Washington.
If Specialty's does get added to the list, be sure to add its other downtown locations and include in the notes that you can order via their website for pickup or delivery.
I'm not rewriting all those entries so a link to last years might be helpful.
New Entries I'll write about (I'll think of more):
The Unicorn
Maximillen
Sazerac
Toulouse Petit
Tacos Gringos
Fantastic updates:
Von's Lunch
No. Just...No. This is Foodie Destinations. Not subpar huge burritos.
Crab Pot is the only place in Seattle that really does this. It's not that it's a Seattle speciality by any means, it's the Crab Pot's specialty. It'd be like going to a place in NYC that specializes in alderwood smoked salmon and associating the restaurant with what they serve, not the city itself. Which is what everyone is doing in this case.
Also I'd argue that what the Crab Pot does is closer to a clam bake than a crab boil because of the amount of mussels and clams in it and the fact they actually steam it.
Also, it's completely preposterous to limit food you eat based on where the most authentic and original source comes from. Like, are you not going to eat Seattle crab cakes made with dungeness crab because they're not the original form of crab cakes? Like, I'm a fucking vicious food snob but saying that "hey, this place in Seattle that does clam bakes is invalid cause it's not authentic to the region" is even too much for me.
The only, only, only time I find this even remotely reasonable is when it comes to red snapper on the West Coast which is in fact red rock fish.
That being said, it is a chain and it really shouldn't be included on the list in my eyes. Like, it's fine to go to (I just went last Sunday for a birthday) but it's not a foodie destination unless glutton is code for foodie.
I love this place but I have to say that the one in Bellevue is better even if the only relation between them is name and owner's being related to one another.
Rancho Bravo also has tamales but only limited quantities.
I listed pretty much everything you had in last years in the spreadsheet
Awesome!
I'd kill people for it.