External activities!

Erin The Red

Hey folks,

I'm trying to go to PAX this year with the wife. We're looking at getting there a few days early to look around and do fun activities etc.
Neither of us has ever been to seattle, so much of the things are unknown to us.
As such, I come to you all for advice!

What're the good places to go for food?
Where's the best drinking establishments?
Are there fun things to do around the town?

Thanks in advance!

dm_magic

Definitely visit Cafe Mox, a gaming bar that has tables for games and beer and mead! It's attached to a gaming store called Card Kingdom, which is a great place to grab some games.

As for bars, I'm a huge fan of Unicorn, Cyclopes, Mecca, Brave Horse, Auto Battery, Honey Hole, Victory, Grim's, Barca, and Innkeeper.

For classic games, hit John John's. For bowling, hit the Garage. And of course, for karaoke, you've got Ozzie's!

For great food, make sure and visit Hurricane Cafe, Mecca Cafe, Lost Lake Cafe, Deluxe, Stellar Pizza, and Dick's.

Also of note: The Gum Wall and the Fremont Troll. And if you haven't walked along Pike Place Market before, it's worth a visit!

bacon_avenger

Two places that I like to visit that are within a block or two of the centre are Mod Pizza and Elephant Castle (British style pub)

BouwsT

Hey, this is great! Three of us are coming to Seattle (badges or not) and hearing about some of the must-see places is hugely helpful. Please, keep them coming!

Erin The Red

Indeed. Thanks to everyone who's already provided info!

adias.angel

For breakfast in the morning my husband and I LOVE Le Panier french bakery and the Crumpet Shop in Pikes Market. We are usually still on Michigan time so we get up while everyone is still sleeping and sit down there with our food and a cup of coffee/tea. One of my favorite parts of PAX.

Erin The Red

My wife is all about the french baked goods, so she will be all over that

Nymphodorah

If you can make the trip, there's a fantastic bar/restaurant (underaged people ARE allowed) called AFK Elixirs & Eatery in Renton. They also have a location in Everett, but Renton is easier to get to (and bigger). They have delicious food, GREAT drinks, board and card games to play, and they should have a PC area set up and running by the time PAX rolls around.

Aside from that, you already have a big list of fun things to do. I second Unicorn bar. Their cupcake dropshots are to die for. Capitol Hill in general is a fun area with lots of food to try, quirky shops and boutiques, street art, and lots of bars within walking distance of each other. The Jimmy Hendrix statue is also there. If you like art, the Seattle Art Museum always has some great displays. EMP is awesome for people who love music (who doesn't?) and if you get a ticket to EMP you can also go to the Sci-Fi museum which has a bunch of props from movies like Star Wars, the Matrix, A.I. and shows like Star Trek and Doctor Who.

Pike Place is a big one. Wander the whole market from top to bottom (or vice versa) and wander the streets outside and you are bound to find tons of tasty treats and fun trinkets.

Take advantage of the many lovely trails and outdoor parks. My favorite part about living here is the beautiful scenery everywhere you go.

If you're into history, the Underground Tour is super fun. They have one for all ages and one for adults only. The ghost tour (near the underground tour, not the one by Pike Place) is also pretty cool too if you're into that sort of thing.

BouwsT

Nymphodorah wrote: »

If you're into history, the Underground Tour is super fun. They have one for all ages and one for adults only. The ghost tour (near the underground tour, not the one by Pike Place) is also pretty cool too if you're into that sort of thing.

The Underground Tour also puts on the Sub Seattle Bus Tour... 18+, is it actually entertaining? Worth the extra 35 bucks to combo the tours together? I'm super interested in that Underground Tour though.

Nymphodorah

BouwsT wrote: »

The Underground Tour also puts on the Sub Seattle Bus Tour... 18+, is it actually entertaining? Worth the extra 35 bucks to combo the tours together? I'm super interested in that Underground Tour though.

I actually haven't been on the Sub Seattle Bus Tour. I've been on the Underground Tour (the kid friendly version) and it's incredibly entertaining. I can only imagine what the 21+ version is like. It takes a great look into the creation of Seattle, our history with brothels, and the like. I would take a gander online for opinions about whether the bus tour is worth. For the most part, I've found that the online reviews are pretty honest.

Side note, I remembered that I should have recommended walking the pier!! Ye Olde Curiousity Shoppe is fantastic. They have a narwhal horn. That in itself is enough for you to check it out.

Quintious

I've got a "best of the Emerald City" spreadsheet laying around these forums somewhere that I'll dig up. It mostly just covers the best food in all its forms, but if I recall correctly I did put a few activities on it.

Tabletop pubs are the next big wave in this area. Someone mentioned Cafe Mox/Card Kingdom, which is excellent. There are also at least 2 AFK Taverns, the Raygun Lounge, Meeples, some new place in Issaquah that I can't recall the name of, etc. Tabletop's becoming huge around here. Related note: The day before PAX, there's a large dinner and tabletop charity event that runs from 5p-2a in the Columbia Tower Club, which is a spot not even most locals can ever experience, since you normally either have to be a member or know one to get up there.

Other mainstays: The Underground tour (mentioned), riding the Ducks (cheesy but amusing), the Experience Music Project, the Jimi Hendrix gravesite, Fremont Troll, we've got a great zoo and an interesting if uncharacteristically small aquarium. If you've got a car and don't mind burning most of a day, you can go up to Orcas Island and do some whale watching, etc.

In short, there's a tonne to do here - if you run out of things to do, you haven't tried looking.

Bantha

I'm a huge seafood fan and we make it a point to have dinner at The Crab Pot every year when we come up for PAX. It's busy, but damn if it ain't delicious. Also, last year we discovered a very cool German pub call Von Trapp's not too far from the Convention Center. Amazing beer selection, fantastic food and indoor Bocce.

adias.angel

Question about the international district. My husband and I LOVE Asian foods. Is the international district a good place to go food wise?

Spiritfire

I met up with a friend last year who lives in Seattle and suggested that we go to the International District for dinner. She looked at me dead set and said something along the lines of "No, the sun is down but you might be okay because you're a Chinese guy." That being said, she did say that she liked the food there (she is also ethnically Chinese if that matters), but she just didn't want to go there after sundown.

Quintious

adias.angel wrote: »

Question about the international district. My husband and I LOVE Asian foods. Is the international district a good place to go food wise?

So long as you can ignore the many, many, MANY (and blatant) health code violations, the International District is great eats. Of particular note is Kau Kau, renowned for their duck and BBQ pork. Green Leaf's spring rolls are not to be missed, and you can't swing a dead cat (and honestly, you'll probably be eating some) without hitting a good dim sum place.

And Spiritfire's friend who was afraid of that area after sundown has never lived in any sort of a major city before, clearly. Seattle has no violent crime to speak of. Seriously. It's ridiculously safe everywhere in this city. Just use common sense and be aware of your surroundings is all.

Spiritfire

I won't go too far beyond saying that I had a sinking feeling the post may ruffle some feathers. Crime reports for Seattle are available through their government site to let you make your own risk assessment. To say that any major American city has "no violent crime to speak of" is generally a hyperbole, is it not? There are areas in my own hometown of Milwaukee where I would suggest visitors away from at certain times of the day. Seattle is a wonderful place and I had an incredible time in 2012 when my wife and infant son came to join me after PAX. Last year my wife, pregnant with the second, stayed home and I further explored different areas of city on foot with my good friend. However, as a visitor to Seattle, would it not have been common sense to heed the advice of my friend who has lived there for many years rather than find myself in a location that looks worse after dark than it did in the afternoon?

Back on topic, I'm a sucker for Hawaiian food - especially a plate lunch of loco moco. Going back to my anecdote with my friend, we instead walked from the convention center over to Marination Station on The Hill for a very satisfying meal of Hawaiian-Korean tacos and kimchi rice bowls. The year prior, my small family and I stopped at Kauai Family Restaurant over in Georgetown on the way to the airport and were reminded of the quiet island of Molokai, the hospitality of the locals, as well as the genuineness of the food there. I wish I had known about 'Ohana - well within walking distance of the convention center. I had a couple good meals just down around the corner at Wann Japanese Izakaya. Still not sure how I feel about takoyaki...

Nymphodorah

Tossing my two cents in.

I've lived in Seattle for about 5 years now, and I haven't personally experienced any crime. However, to say that Seattle doesn't experience any violent crime would be largely inaccurate. Muggings, car theft, etc are pretty common here. I had to work the crime beat in Capitol Hill while in college and that really opened my eyes! That being said, use common sense as Quintious said. Don't go flashing your money, expensive Rollex, or whatever around. Certain areas are best explored during daylight hours (and I would agree that International District is one of these places) and other areas are so heavily populated that you'll be okay regardless of time (Pioneer Square would be one of these places).

International District has TONS of delicious food, especially at the hole-in-the-wall mom and pop joints. They aren't fancy, but they sure are authentic and tasty. Uwajimaya is a must visit!

adias.angel

Thank you guys. That's pretty much what I wanted to know but didn't want to come right out and ask.

Quintious

Every city, no matter how small, has "some" violent crime, but there is literally not a single area in the entire area here that either 1) I would be uncomfortable walking around in alone at night or (more importantly, since I've extensive training) 2) I would be uncomfortable hearing of my tiny-ass girlfriend walking around in alone at night - so long as she stayed out of the alleyways. Cities like Chicago have more murders in a few weeks than we get in an entire year. Most of the crime in this city falls under crimes of opportunity - vandalism, break-ins, theft, et al. All but a handful of our "muggings" are actually purse snatchings, etc. It is an absurdly, ridiculously safe city to be in - it's actually a little bizarre for those of us who are used to the grit and harshness of typical urban environments. In a metropolitan area of about 4 million people, there were only about 20 murders last year, 119 rapes, and 2,100 assaults (the vast majority of which are going to be domestic violence or bar fights). That puts your risk on any given day of falling victim to something like this even ignoring DV and drunken caveats, over the course of a year, at .056%

Incidentally, Pioneer Square is more dangerous to walk around in at night than the I-District, because the Square 1) is where most of the homeless congregate in the evenings and 2) has a lot of pubs in the area by which people get liquored up and do stupid things.

My point? Enjoy all the external activities you desire - the odds are super strong that you will be fine.

Hingo

Quintious wrote: »

I've got a "best of the Emerald City" spreadsheet laying around these forums somewhere that I'll dig up. It mostly just covers the best food in all its forms, but if I recall correctly I did put a few activities on it.

Tabletop pubs are the next big wave in this area. Someone mentioned Cafe Mox/Card Kingdom, which is excellent. There are also at least 2 AFK Taverns, the Raygun Lounge, Meeples, some new place in Issaquah that I can't recall the name of, etc. Tabletop's becoming huge around here. Related note: The day before PAX, there's a large dinner and tabletop charity event that runs from 5p-2a in the Columbia Tower Club, which is a spot not even most locals can ever experience, since you normally either have to be a member or know one to get up there.

Other mainstays: The Underground tour (mentioned), riding the Ducks (cheesy but amusing), the Experience Music Project, the Jimi Hendrix gravesite, Fremont Troll, we've got a great zoo and an interesting if uncharacteristically small aquarium. If you've got a car and don't mind burning most of a day, you can go up to Orcas Island and do some whale watching, etc.

In short, there's a tonne to do here - if you run out of things to do, you haven't tried looking.

I would trust @Quintious with my non-existent children. I can personally speak toward the Tabletop Charity Event since I went last year with my wife. Do it. If you know you will be in town Thursday night, go. Get tickets as soon as they're posted, wait anxiously for a month or two, and enjoy the hell out of the best view in the city while making new friends and trying new games (or old ones if you don't like the anxiety of learning something new). What could be more fun than petting a duck in a dungeon while dressed semi-formally on the 76th floor of a building for charity? Nothing.

Edit: Also, keep an eye out for the Limited Art Gallery to potentially have a special PAX show. Last PAX Prime they had a mash-ups show that I still keep talking about to my friends. Rydia from FFIV and the minions from League of Legends IN THE SAME PAINTING? Tron + PacMan ghosts? It was awesome.

Headhunter

Unfortunately they were out of town in 2013, but I checked out a Seattle Mariners game in 2012 at Safeco Field. GORGEOUS afternoon to night game with a scorching hot Mike Trout in his rookie season visiting with the Angels, cool stadium atmosphere and I got some neat trinkets (nothing like getting an eye roll from the merch booth when picking up a big bag of discounted Ichiro bobbleheads).

Turns out that a preseason Seattle Seahawks game was also going on nearby, I definitely plan to check out at least one of those again if I can get a pass to Prime 2014 + those teams are in town.

zerzhul

There was a home Mariners game on the Wednesday before Prime 2013, I know because I was there Keep your eyes on stuff around the con days too.

Headhunter

zerzhul wrote: »

There was a home Mariners game on the Wednesday before Prime 2013, I know because I was there Keep your eyes on stuff around the con days too.

Flew in on the Thursday, unfortunately. Looks like they'll be in town and facing the Nationals for 2014: if I can get a pass to attend the show, I'll definitely watch another game at Safeco.

I should check out more stuff in and around the show area too, though the closer hotel space compared to East tends to make hanging out more at PAX Prime events a lot easier.

SanDogWeps

A personal favorite of mine ANY time I visit Seattle is Purple Wine Bar. Down by the W Hotel where I usually stay, this place is absolutely amazing when it comes to their wine list, food, staff, and decor. You'll pay a bit of a premium, but totally worth it. Ask for Janice, and tell her the postcard Navy guy sent you. She will take EXCELLENT care of you.

Lowell's (sp?) at Pike Market is an awesome place to take care of that morning-after hangover. Their breakfasts are great, seating can be hit or miss, but I have always managed to find a spot at the bar.

Word of advice on coffee shops - you may be saying to yourself "Self - I am in SEATTLE!!! I am going to try a LOCAL coffee shop!" Be prepared to take your time. If you're a purist, go ahead - I will not pooh-pooh anyone's brew. But if you are looking to get in, order, and get out, Starbucks is generally your place to be.

WRT crime - Pioneer Square and Belltown areas can get a bit rowdy/sketchy during the witching hours. Hang in a group, and keep your hand on your wallet. Can likely offer the same advice for any city you are not familar with. YMMV.

+1 on the Underground tour. Very insightful, very witty. Worth the cost of admission, IMHO. Just not during PAX times - Thursday before or Tuesday after, TYVM.

More as I think of it. From there originally, and in San Diego now. Oh, one more thing... BUTTONS!!!!!!!

Nymphodorah

Adding one more thing! There's a pretty excellent geek shop in Pike Place Market. I believe it's called "The Golden Coin", but don't quote me on that. They have comics, board games, collectibles, and a bunch of other really fun stuff. There's a bookstore down there that is run by a pretty fantastic guy too (with excellent prices).

I suppose that's two things. Meh.

DustyStarr

Where is Pink Gorilla located in context with the convention center, if any of you guys know? And how much do the tours cost?

YoungFrey

DustyStarr wrote: »

Where is Pink Gorilla located in context with the convention center, if any of you guys know? And how much do the tours cost?

While the Pink Gorilla might be great, before PAX a majority of their merchandise is packed up for PAX. I went in 2013 and it was underwhelming. It is within easy walking distance though.

DustyStarr

I assume they have a booth at PAX then? Is the stuff marked up there?

YoungFrey

DustyStarr wrote: »

I assume they have a booth at PAX then? Is the stuff marked up there?

Not according to them. And it would be a good bit of effort to re-bag and reprice the hundreds of items they bring, so I trust them

However, it is in the International District so if you have any interest in Asian food/books/stuff it could still be worth going by.

DustyStarr

Yeah, i hear there is a really good place to eat there called Kau Kau or something like that. You been? And so the international district is within walking distance? Also good to know!

Man, there are so many things to do in this area outside of PAX, maybe I should only go three days... and spend one in town...

ctiwolf

DustyStarr wrote: »

Where is Pink Gorilla located in context with the convention center, if any of you guys know? And how much do the tours cost?

Don't forget there is a pink gorilla in west seattle and for the tours, you have to be more specific. Seattle has a lot of tourist which means a lot of tours i.e. Ride the duck, underground tour, argousy cruise, and a food tour which i havent done yet but sounds fun. But the prices of these tours will vary depending on if you get the tourist pack to see them all or just walk up to buy the tickets

DustyStarr

What is west Seattle?

Also, I was thinking of a Ghost Tour.

ctiwolf

West seattle is the area southwest of downtown seattle. You can see it if you look across the water from downtown. But the pink gorilla there is a little closer distance wise as it is only a few miles away from downtown than the u district one but it isnt quite as large. Ive never even heard of the ghost tour but it does seem interesting. Have fun and welcome to seattle if you make it here

TheWatchGuard

Anyone know of any must visit pizza places or some great food trucks?

Yakivegas

TheWatchGuard wrote: »

Anyone know of any must visit pizza places or some great food trucks?

MOD Pizza was mentioned above. Affordable and lots of toppings available. It is a thin, crisper crust, so be aware of that.

We love Pagliacci Pizza. They have locations around the Seattle area. They deliver to the Convention Center area from their Broadway location, but like most pizza, I think it is better if you eat at the shop.

I have to admit my complete ignorance of the food truck scene.

shadowscout

I'm sure the usual Food thread will appear once tickets have gone on sale etc however link to last years food thread - the-great-foodening-pax-food-destinations-2013

Brandobaris

TheWatchGuard wrote: »

Anyone know of any must visit pizza places or some great food trucks?

My personal favorite food truck in Seattle is Off the Rez, serving fry bread tacos, among a few other things. They're usually at 2nd & Pike for lunch on Thursdays and Capitol Hill late night Fridays and Saturdays.

YoungFrey

TheWatchGuard wrote: »

Anyone know of any must visit pizza places or some great food trucks?

I searched the food thread from last year and trucks were talked about. The main point is look here. It's from a small sample, but it sounded like a lot of Seattle's food trucks aren't great.

Nymphodorah

DustyStarr wrote: »

What is west Seattle?

Also, I was thinking of a Ghost Tour.

The Ghost Tour is fun, but make sure you go to the one that meets in front of Ye Olde Curiousity Shoppe. It's far superior to the one that meets at Pike Place (and others). They bring an iPad and let you listen to EVPs on location. Cool stuff.

TheWatchGuard wrote: »

Anyone know of any must visit pizza places or some great food trucks?

Mad Dawg Hot Dogs has some phenomenal hot dogs! I am a big fan of Hot Mama's Pizza in Capitol Hill; it's a cheap hole in the wall place with delicious, gooey pizza by the slice. Their green pizza (pesto pizza with feta cheese) is pretty much to die for. Mod Pizza, Zeek's, Pagliacci are all good too, thought a bit classier than Hot Mama's.

TheWatchGuard

Wow thanks guys from the sounds of it looks like I was definitely right about taking a week for this trip. Though it is surprising about the lack of "good" food trucks at least from research. I was told the west coast had some of the best. Oh and that Ghost Tour looks amazing I will definitely try that out.

Nymphodorah

TheWatchGuard wrote: »

Wow thanks guys from the sounds of it looks like I was definitely right about taking a week for this trip. Though it is surprising about the lack of "good" food trucks at least from research. I was told the west coast had some of the best. Oh and that Ghost Tour looks amazing I will definitely try that out.

We have tons and tons and tonnnnnns of food trucks. What you find to be "good" is pretty subjective, imo. We're actually having a big food truck festival this upcoming weekend because it's such a big thing here, so you aren't wrong. I would just say to be adventurous and if you pass by one, try it! That's pretty much how I've found anything here.