Seafood / Oyster Bar · Ballard · James Beard Semifinalist
Renee Erickson's beloved Ballard oyster bar. Pacific Northwest seafood and muscadet in a lively, intimate space on Ballard Ave. Walk-in focused with a great happy hour.
94
2
Taylor Shellfish Farms
Seafood / Oyster Bar · Capitol Hill
Family-owned since 1890 — the oldest shellfish farm in Washington state. Capitol Hill outpost serving pristine oysters, Dungeness crab, and geoduck straight from their farms.
90
3
Ballard Pizza Company
Pizza / Italian · Ballard
Ethan Stowell's Ballard pizzeria — Roman-style pizza by the slice or whole, craft beer, and a lively neighborhood vibe on Ballard Ave. Sister locations in Frelard and Woodinville.
86
4
Cactus Kirkland
Mexican / Southwestern · Kirkland
Kirkland waterfront park-adjacent Mexican-Southwestern — margaritas, tableside guac, and a lively patio. Been a Kirkland Friday-night default for 25+ years.
85
5
Pecado Bueno
Mexican · Fremont
Fremont neighborhood Mexican with house-made tortillas and a big tequila/mezcal list. Tacos, burritos, margaritas. Sister location in Eastlake. Community-rooted, frequently fundraises.
85
6
Brave Horse Tavern
American / Pub · South Lake Union
Tom Douglas's lively SLU tavern — wood-fired pretzels, craft burgers, 30+ beers on tap, and shuffleboard courts. The default lunch and after-work spot for the Amazon campus.