Seattle Recommendations?

[comfortstarr]

I'm going to Seattle today and will be there through Thursday night. Any recommendations for good food/drink establishments, perhaps music clubs and musical instrument stores? I haven't been in a long long time. Last time there I went to the Aligator Cafe (?) and enjoyed some good beer and relatively good music.

I'm staying in the Westin downtown (god bless priceline) and don't plan to have a rental car.

Thanks in advance.

[danielson]

I think I could point you to a few good places here in Seattle.

You're almost definitely talking about the Crocodile Cafe (http://www.thecrocodile.com/) on 2nd Avenue in Belltown. It's easily one of the premier small, local venues for live music.

There are lots of great music venues in Seattle. The larger venues are easier to find... The Moore, The Showbox, The Paramount, etc. Some of the smaller venues that attract good talent are Chop Suey (http://www.chopsuey.com) on Capitol Hill; Neumos (http://www.neumos.com) on Capitol Hill; and the High Dive (http://highdiveseattle.com/) in Fremont. There are tons more, but these are some of my personal favorites. Looking at the Chop Suey schedule, some friends-of-friends in a band called Stereofuture (http://www.thestereofuture.com) are playing there tonight. Also, if you're into gear, the High Dive has invested in a great sound system (Midas Venice FOH board, good mics, good speakers, etc), so even the less experienced bands get a boost at sounding good.

Food is another favorite subject of mine. My first recommendation is a place called the Market Grill in Pike Place Market. It's a small grill with just a counter and about a dozen stools that serves Salmon/Halibut/Chiken sandwiches and chowder. No joke, I believe this the best salmon and clam chowder in the city, not to mention that it's a fair price. My recommendation is to get the Salmon Sandwich, blackened with all the fixings (rosemary mayo, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato), and a small chowder. I think they're open from 10 to 5. Find your way to the famous fish stand where they throw the fish, and head north into the long hall with all the vendors. The Market Grill will be on your right after about 4 or 5 booths. Other restaurant favorites in downtown Seattle are the Alibi Room (essentially underneath the Pike Market), The Palace Kitchen (on 4th next to the Cinerama), and Matt's in the Market (a tiny space with a small but great menu that's in the building between Pike Market and 1st Ave). There are dozens of great restaurants all over.

A few cool bars around town... The Cyclops on 1st Ave in Belltown can be fun. The Green Room, attached to the Showbox, can also be fun and has live music occassionally. The Alibi Room, again, it can be a little on the trendy side, but it's still a cool space. If you want to venture into Capitol Hill, there are a number of cool spots. One of the see-and-be-seen spots for the music crowd is the Cha-Cha, a great spot if you want a dark room, loud music, stiff drinks and Pabst on tap. Oh, and next to the Cha-Cha is Bimbos Bitch'n Burritos, which has, um, bitch'n burritos. Linda's, about 2 blocks East of the Cha-Cha is a good spot as well.

Music stores. A local favorite is Trading Musician (http://www.tradingmusician.com/) near the University District. I've had good experiences there, but I know a few people that don't care for it. Some feel the staff can be a little intimidating. The gear can be very cool and at times plentiful, but the prices are mostly at market value (which can seem high to some). Definitely worth checking out IMO. American Music in Fremont is another good store with about 70% new and 30% used gear. I also like Emerald City Guitars in Pioneer Square. These have been mainly instrument stores. If you want pro audio, you might check out Pacific Pro Audio (http://www.pacificproaudio.com/) and Seattle Pro Audio (http://www.seattleproaudio.com/). I've never had a chance to go into either place, but I believe I've heard nice things about Pacific Pro Audio from engineers I know.

If you want more, just say the word. I love Seattle, but like anywhere, you just need to know where to go. Have fun and let me know if you liked any of the spots I recommended.

-Dan

[comfortstarr]

You sir are a gentleman and a scholar. After reading the post I walked over to that Market Grill and yes, yes indeed, that is some fine chowder. You were also correct in that I was referring to the Crocodile, not the Aligator--it was closed last night, I walked by.

I realize I'm dreadfully lucky in that I've been here and there's been no rain (after something like 27 months in a row), but damn what a beautiful city.

[bplr]

OK, I'll recommend a few things. I work at the Baltic Room on Pine a block up from Interstate 5, though I wouldn't recommend it on the nights you'll be here. Check out the Bleu Bistro on Broadway for a rinky dink tight little bar with loads of character.

Holy crap ... Helio Sequence is at Chop Suey on Thrusday. I might have to go to that.

Get good coffee at Monorail Espresso on Pike or Pine around 4th. Or get a really good crepe with your coffee at Joe Bar on Roy across from the Harvard Exit theater at the end of Broadway on Capitol Hill. Or come over to my place and smoke a b*wl ... I got nothin to do tomorrow but mix.

Yes, you're lucky. These nice days are a Godsend after the decent into dark wetness.
Justin