Sometimes you just have to break the rules!
I’m not suggesting speeding recklessly in a school zone or failing to return that book you borrowed six weeks ago from Seattle Public Library. I’m talking about the “rule” against feasting on a late-night meal just before bedtime.
You know the scenario: A night of drinking and dancing. A late arrival into Sea-Tac Airport with colleagues following a long day of flying. A bunch of friends want to go for food after a Huskies victory. They all lead to the same question: Where should we go grab some food at a late hour? I’ve got five good suggestions for you.
The 5 Point Café – 415 Cedar Street, Belltown
Let’s start with one of the most traditional haunts in all of Seattle. The 5 Point is said to be the longest-running family eatery in the city – celebrating 90 years in business. It offers crazy-cheap food with traditional faves – anytime breakfast, chicken, liver, deep-fried cheese curds, sandwiches, salads – and specials ($10 steak night on Tuesdays) in one half of the venue and a dimly lit, music-filled bar in the other. (The bar is closed 2am-6am.) Plus, dine al fresco on the patio when the weather cooperates. This place – while small – has a personality all Seattle. Its motto: Alcoholics serving alcoholics since 1929. The best part of the place? It never closes – not even for Christmas! This is one of the friendliest (and sometimes craziest) eateries you will ever visit. No Seattle Freeze here!
13 Coins Restaurant – 255 South King Street, Pioneer Square
If The 5 Point is for the masses, 13 Coins is for the more discerning diner – but both are always open to everyone. 13 Coins (history lesson) is known for its high-backed booths and chairs, smartly dressed servers, encyclopedic menus, cocktails and top-quality fare (beef stroganoff, jambalaya, prime rib), huge salads and incredible desserts. Live music filters from the lounge on some evenings. Located just west of King Street Station, 13 Coins is close to the stadiums (for after that big night game), with other outlets in Bellevue and SeaTac (5 minutes from the airport). Keep your eyes open for celebrities seeking a late-night bite – just like you!
Lost Lake Café & Lounge – 1505 10th Avenue, Capitol Hill
Within feet of clubs, hot dog carts and the popular bar scene, Lost Lake is a natural nightcap when out enjoying the Hill. A quintessential diner, Lost Lake has established itself as a foody fixture even though a) it has been in business for less than a decade and b) the service and plates can be somewhat inconsistent. Late at night, after a bit of drinking, singing and/or dancing, you probably don’t mind a little inconsistency when with your friends, as long as the food is tasty and filling. Always open. (You can also eat, drink and be merry in the accompanying lounge.)
Rocco’s – 2228 2nd Avenue, Belltown
Let’s be clear: Rocco’s is a bar first and foremost. Sitting on a popular 2nd Ave. stretch in Belltown, it offers excellent cocktails, shrubs and a robust list of local brews. But if you’re a bit hungry after midnight, this place offers tasty, scratch-made pizza (whole, 50-50 or by the slice) and salads. A nice, friendly haunt to visit anytime. Open until 2am.
Sizzling Pot King (no website; Yelp.com) – 660 South King Street, International District
There are a number of late-night eateries in the ID but this one is among my faves. Come for the fresh, authentic Hunan-style dry hot pot, a communal and customizable meal of meat, veg or both. Order the medium size pot for 2-3 people or large for four or more, determine the spice level (chili can blow your socks off!) and sauce type. Wow! Leave fulfilled and ready for bed. What a great antidote to a night of partying. Open until 2:30am. (There’s a second location in Bellevue open until 10:30pm.)
What eating places do you enjoy after midnight? Let’s crowdsource more suggestions and I’ll write more about our area’s hot spots.