There are a ton of great restaurants, bistros and food trucks throughout Seattle. You could wear a blindfold and point on a city map to locate your next destination and it will probably be good – if not great.
The same can be said for Seattle brunch options. I have probably enjoyed breakfast or brunch in more than 50 eateries across our city and have rarely been disappointed. Yes, there can be waits of 20-60 minutes to get a table on a busy weekend but isn’t that part of the allure of going out to a brunch spot?
Here, for long-time Seattleites and newbies, I bring you some favorite brunch spots around the city. Sure, you could likely name 50 that are good but here’s a fantastic five to start (alphabetically):
GOLDFINCH TAVERN
If you’re looking to impress family or a special someone, there are arguably no better places to enjoy brunch than Goldfinch Tavern (99 Union Street, downtown Seattle) in the Four Seasons Hotel. Part of Ethan Stowell’s local restaurant empire, Goldfinch offers some high-end brunch beauties – lemon ricotta pancakes, Dungeness crab cakes and classic eggs benedict – as part of a brunch ($55) that includes endless appetizers, one entrée and bottomless mimosas. (A 20% surcharge is added to each check, of which about 65% goes towards the server and bartender and the balance to other hourly employees.) Weekends, 10am-2pm.
PETE’S EGG NEST
Locals love big platters of well-cooked, hot and tasty breakfast favorites and Pete’s Egg Nest (7717 Greenwood Avenue North, Greenwood) is as good as you get in home cooking. This is not a brunch spot as much as it’s an all-day breakfast hangout. Each plate of food comes with huge portions – a platter of three eggs, corned beef hash, toast and hash browns (pictured), for example. I can’t think of another place that offers such value for money: a three-pancake meal for under $8 or chicken-fried steak, gravy with three eggs any style, biscuits and hash browns for less than $13. Come hungry. Leave happy. (Not to be confused with the local chain of Patty’s Egg Nest eateries.) Open 7am-2:30pm weekdays (except Monday) and 7am-3pm weekends.
SALTY’S
The king of Seattle brunch – in my humble opinion – is Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor Avenue Southwest, West Seattle). The breadth and depth of egg dishes, baked goods, meat, seafood and desserts is staggering. Benedicts, made-to-order omelets, Belgian waffles, brioche French toast, crepes, pancakes, slow-roasted prime rib, oysters on the half-shell, steamed Dungeness crab, chilled Alaskan crab legs seafood chowder, salads, fresh fruit, mac & cheese… Okay, you get the idea. All for about $60 each. There’s also a full bar with a variety of Bloody Mary’s, mimosas and other adult beverages. Open Saturdays, 9:30am-1:30pm and Sundays, 8:45am-1:30pm. Reservations suggested. Ask for a table with a view of Elliott Bay!
SOI
For something completely different, check out this Thai restaurant that offers an uplifting brunch option. How do these items sound: coconut waffles, banana pancakes, massaman (curry) French toast and steak & eggs? Then add more traditional northern Thai cuisine such as grilled pork collar and eggs, sausage with stir-fried rice and egg, and curry noodle soup. Teas are usually served French-press style. Prices range about $12-$18. SOI (1400 10th Avenue, Pike/Pine) offers a brunch that is both filling and fun. Weekends, 11am-3pm.
THE WANDERING GOOSE
If you like your food presented and prepared big and bold, then you’ll love The Wandering Goose (403 15th Avenue East, Capitol Hill). This is Southern/Creole homestyle cooking at its best. Biscuits are the specialty of the house, with great texture and more amazing when doused in one of the Goose’s signature gravies (sausage or mushroom) or eaten as a sandwich with either chicken, ham or egg. Yum! Looking for some heat? Try the pan-seared pork loin, fiery gravy and grits. Pure Southern comfort. And their desserts and pastries are just killer! Open daily, 7am-4pm. (Also, open Fridays, 5-9pm, for one entre – three-piece buttermilk fried chicken, three side dishes and a biscuit for $25.)
As you can see, this part of America has all the traditional breakfast favorites … and a whole lot more. What are you waiting for? Make that reservation!