I've lived in Seattle most of my life and just discovered my new favorite place a month ago. The Blaine Street Stairway in the Eastlake neighborhood is really popular among locals as the steps are used for training and working out. I personally like to climb them slowly and enjoy the amazing (and free!) view.
I usually park on Lakeview Boulevard E., the street directly below the stairs. Halfway up the stairs, there's a beautiful garden that a local Seattle couple donated to the city almost 20 years ago. Streissguth Gardens is the perfect spot to catch your breath, take in the magnificent view of Lake Union and the Space Needle, and see the different seasonal flowers on display.
When I get to the top of the stairs and see the sun setting on the Olympic mountains, I feel beyond lucky that this is the city I get to call home.
Find your way with 94 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Fremont Coffee Company" is by far the biggest coffee shop I've come across in Seattle. It's built inside a house. I love the multi-level patio outside!
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"ETG Coffee" Seattle isn't the place to work for hours on your laptop. But if you want a quick, delicious espresso & a pastry for the way, look no further.
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"Stone Way Café" Seattle truly has it all. Incredible food for cheap? Check. Local beers on tap? Check. Cozy community atmosphere? Check. Small lines, too
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"The Neptune Theatre" in Seattle used to be a cinema and now is a city landmark of a multi-use art and concerts venue! I love going up to the mezzanine...
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"Royal Grinders" in Seattle makes some amazing sandwiches. They're huge and come for cheap for such a hearty meal. Check out their beer 'display case'!
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"Preserve & Gather" in Seattle has strong coffee, a modern/industrial atmosphere and otherworldly food. Just try their ricotta toast w/ honey. No wi-fi!
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"Easy Street Records" in West Seattle has been named one of the best US record shops by both Rolling Stone & Time Magazine. Top notch employee curations.
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"Seattle Pops" makes some of the best sweets you can find around. It brings me the same joy I remember as a child. Pro-tip: have yours dipped in chocolate.
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"Cafe Con Todo" in Seattle (est. mid-2018) is an extension of a salsa dance studio and has occasional dance evenings. Perfect neighborhood cafe ambience.
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"The Octopus Bar" is by far the best watering hole in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood. The decor should be tacky (in theory), but it's effortlessly cool
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"La Marzocco" in Seattle is the perfect place to sip coffee, flip open your MacBook and lose yourself in your work. It's in the same space as KEXP...
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