The Oasis

Okay, so as a homeboy, I don't get out much. And when I do, I generally don't go very far. But, in my limited excursions, I have stumbled across a number of places where one can get food or fun and sometimes both. Having discovered these places, I usually frequent them often, to the point of it becoming a rut. But then, what's wrong with ruts (try to say that ten times fast!)? The Oasis is where I review some of the best of these places. Granted, if you're not anywhere near Seattle, this probably means nothing to you and is of limited value. But, if you ever do come to Seattle, these are the places to go. Trust me. But if you don't want to take my word for it, I've included links to other reviews of the same places, if I found any.
FOOD	Food is one of the things in life that I really enjoy; and good food is one of the few things that just about every culture has. Of course, I'll eat just about anything if it's cooked right, so I'll try to be sensitive to different tastes and describe these places objectively.
Aoki's Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar	Located on Broadway Avenue on Capitol Hill, this is a good place to get sushi and other Japanese cuisine. More upscale than Hana, it's also a little more expensive. When I worked on Broadway (no, not as an actor) this was one of my favorite places to go for lunch. For something light yet filling, try the salmon ochazuke. The california rolls are also big and quite good. Other reviews: seattle.citysearch.com
Bacchus	Also on Capitol Hill, this Mediterranean restaurant is located on Roy Street across from the Harvard Exit theatre. Another place I used to frequent for lunch, the food is quite good -- I usually got the mousaka (a lasagna-like dish with eggplant), although other people I know lived off of their Greek salad. The interior of the restaurant is also quite interesting with large murals on the walls. The service is sometimes slow during the lunch hours, though. Other reviews: CuisineNet
Coastal Kitchen	Yet another restaurant on Capitol Hill (beginning to see a trend?), the Coastal Kitchen is located on 15th Avenue, a few blocks East of Broadway. This restaurant offers an ever-changing menu and good food. The last time I was there, they were doing a rotating menu thing where they'd feature a particular region's cuisine (French, Spanish, Mediterranean, etc.). However, during lunch, my rut usually consisted of their beer batter fish & chips. Other reviews: CuisineNet
Delcambre's Ragin Cajun	I am certainly no expert when it comes to Cajun food, but I know what I like. Perhaps the only Cajun restaurant I've been in (in Seattle), Delcambre's Ragin' Cajun is located inconspicuously on 1st Avenue near the Pike's Place Market. It's very small, so finding a table could be difficult. However, the food is quite good. My favorite is the jambalaya and the red beans & andouille sausage dishes. They are just a little spicy, although not so much to be uncomfortable (unless you really don't like spicy food), and can make one... uh... gaseous, if you know what I mean. Other reviews: CuisineNet
Dixie's Barbecue	Have you met The Man? Yeah, Baby! Dixie's Barbecue is the trendy spot to get barbecue on the East-side (of Lake Washington). Wanna know where all those Microsoft employees go when they crawl out of their holes after a marathon programming session? Dixie's. It's claim to fame is "The Man", the hot sauce that is so hot it's become a test of masculinity among some circles. It won't put hair on your chest, but it may take some off! But, if you don't like hot food, you don't have to have any. The brisket is good by itself, and Dixie makes a mean lemon cake to boot. But, if you've never been there before, get someone who has to take you -- you'll never find it, otherwise (it's in the back of what looks like (and used to be) an auto service garage). Other reviews: The Stranger, seattle.citysearch.com
Espresso Vivace Roasteria Cafe	Hmmm... does coffee count as food? You bet! This is Seattle, after all. But forget about Starbucks -- that's for the tourists. If you want really good coffee, you have to go to Vivace's. Located on Denny Avenue and on Broadway Avenue on Capitol Hill, they serve what most people I know agree is the best lattes (although I don't drink lattes, so I can't vouch for this personally). But, I can say that their americanos and mochas are good. During the winter, they'll sometimes do a hot spiced cider that is also quite yummy. And if you're looking for a real jolt, try their Cafe Decadence: a quad shot mocha with caramel. I had this once a few years ago and am still wired!
Ezell's Fried Chicken	Oprah Winfrey approved, Colonel-Sander's-butt-kickin' fried chicken, Ezell's is located on 23rd Avenue in the Central District across the street from Garfield high school. Probably the best fried chicken out there that I've had (although I'm no connoisseur), Ezell's unfortunately hasn't expanded successfully (they had a brief, but unsuccessful, run at the University District a few years back). Other reviews: CuisineNet, The Stranger
Gravity Bar	Feeling guilty about all the crap and junk food you've been shoving down your gullet? That's okay, you can do your penance at the Gravity Bar. Located on Broadway on Capitol Hill, this is the hip and trendy juice bar and vegetarian restaurant. They even do vegan, for you food atheists. Seriously though, their food is good, if a little expensive. I usually go for the Green Lotus Plate (brown rice, tofu and broccoli with a spicy sauce) or the Bathing Rama (brown rice, spinach and a peanut sauce) accompanied by a fruit drink. Of their fruit drinks, I like the Mr. Rogers, Pearly Dewdrop, Fireball and Egyptian Punch the best (I don't eat much citrus, but I like to drink it). Their soup du jour is also really good sometimes. There used to be another Gravity Bar (owned by the same people) downtown somewhere, but I'm not sure if it's still open. Other reviews: CuisineNet, RoadTrip America, seattle.citysearch.com
El Greco	Located on Broadway Avenue on Capitol Hill, El Greco inhabits a spot that, for awhile, seemed doomed to change hands forever. At one point, it was a Tarot reading center. Then came El Greco and the string of loser enterprises came to a halt. A screeching halt. Serving Greek/Mediterranean cuisine, the vegetarian platter is quite good, but I prefer the pasta. They also usually have some really yummy-looking desserts, although I've never broken down and gotten any. And if you like the art that's on the walls, ask about them -- it rotates often and is usually for sale (I think). Other reviews: CuisineNet, seattle,citysearch.com
Hana Restaurant	Sushi is often a real expensive undertakin, costing several bucks a piece. Thankfully, for those of us on tight budgets, there's Hana. Here you can get sushi for about a buck apiece, and a six-piece california roll for about $3. They also have a bento box (combination lunch) that is a good deal at about $6. I also know some of the people who work there, so be sure to leave a good tip -- they really are nice people, honest! Oh yeah, and Hana is located on Broadway Avenue on Capitol Hill, also. Other reviews: seattle.citysearch.com
House of Hong	For quick, relatively inexpensive dim sum, the place of choice between my friends and I is usually House of Hong located on Jackson Street in the International District. There's usually a number of people pushing carts filled with pastries around so you don't have to wait long for food to appear. Often they'll be by before you've taken your coat off! Other reviews: CuisineNet, seattle.citysearch.com
Hurricane	What's so great about the Hurricane? It's open all night. This is the hang-out of choice of teenagers and post-concert-goers. The milkshakes are also good, and if you're dying for an omelette, they make them. If you can put up with the teenangsters, this is a cool place to chill after a concert or after the bars close. Other reviews: seattle.citysearch.com
I Love Sushi	One of the few restaurants I've found on the East-side (of Lake Washington) that I like, I Love Sushi is a great place to get sushi. I've only been there once (so far), but it's quite good. Sitting at the sushi bar wasn't crowded, and ordering from the sushi chef was really easy. Of course, it's relatively expensive, but comparable for sushi. For about $15 (including tax and tip), I had 5 pieces of sushi, a california roll and a spicy tuna roll (which was actually spicy!). Plus, you get miso soup, salad and green tea for free. There's another I Love Sushi along Lake Union and owned by the same people, but I haven't been there and so can't comment on it. But, if you want to know more, go to the I Love Sushi Homepage (yeah, they have their own website). Other reviews: CuisineNet,
Kitto's	Another Japanese restaurant, Kitto's focuses on noodles rather than sushi. Their donburi is also pretty good. My favorite thing at Kitto's, though, is ohitashe, an appetizer. This is like a marinated bundle of spinach that opens like a flower and is really good (if you like spinach, that is). Usually one order is enough for a table of three or four, though (assuming you're going to have something else, too). Well, of course, restaurants come and go like butterflies and this one seems to have fluttered on (or was pinned to someone's wall). In any event, Kitto's is no more. Like Ezell's, only the good die young!
Mama's Mexican Kitchen	Located in Belltown (on 2nd Avenue, I think), Mama's is another trendy place that is often crowded. But, it has pretty good food and really big burritos. It's also located across the street from Wall of Sound -- a cool music store specializing in world and experimental music. Other reviews: CuisineNet
Nikko's	Located at the foot of the Weston Hotel on 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle, Nikko's is a ritzy Japanese restaurant that features all-you-can-eat sushi. Initially a bargain at $10, it's still reasonable at about $12. The sushi is also quite good and there's a wide selection to choose from (even though the all-you-can-eat menu is smaller than the regular sushi menu). Plus, during Happy Hour (5pm-7pm, I think), they offer free california rolls and gyoza. Nikko's also has these cool little private rooms that you can get if you have a large group (5-6 people). Other reviews: CuisineNet, sidewalk.com
Noble Court	Although it's generally agreed that Vancouver, British Columbia has better dim sum than Seattle, it's also common belief that the best place to get dim sum in the Seattle area is Noble Court. Located, actually, in Bellevue (East of Seattle), Noble Court has really really good dim sum and a large seating capacity. Good luck finding parking, though! Other reviews: sidewalk.com
Pabla Indian Cuisine	Although there are a number of good Indian restaurants in the Seattle area, I think my favorite is Pabla Indian Cuisine on 2nd Avenue between Pike and Pine streets. I usually went there for lunch when I worked downtown, and they had an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for about $7 that was very good. The buffet selection was also larger than others I've been to. Other reviews: CuisineNet, Seattle Magazine
Red Mill Burgers	Okay, a burger joint is a burger joint, but Red Mill is worth mentioning because it sells onion rings. I get the feeling that people generally fall into one of two camps: those that like onion rings and those that don't. I'm part of the former. Located somewhere near the Woodland Park Zoo (okay, so I'm not clear what region it falls in), Red Mill does have good burgers, but they also have interesting onion rings. I haven't figured out what makes them different yet (something in the batter, for sure), but they are... different (and good). Kidd Valley also makes good onion rings sometimes, but the quality there seems less consistent than at Red Mill. Other reviews: CuisineNet
Simply Saigon	Recently, I discovered this small Vietnamese restaurant in Bellevue (on the corner of Main Street and 107th Ave SE). Although I'm not a connoisseur, it serves perhaps the best pho (noodle soup) I've ever had. Usually, I'm not a soup-eating kind of guy. That's because I like my meals to have a variety of flavors and textures. Soup is usually too boring -- however flavorful it is, there's only the one flavor. And you have a whole bowl of it. However, this is not the case at Simply Saigon. It's hard to explain what it is that makes it so good. although it's obviously something in the broth. Or maybe it's because the ingredients taste fresh and freshly cooked. Add to this a fresh plate of bean sprouts, basil leaves, jalapeno peppers and a lime wedge, and you've got a yummy, filling meal. And for about $6, it's a deal. The spring rolls are also very good -- packed with vermicelli, prawns, barbecued pork and herbs. Check out the Official Pho Webpage for more in-pho-mation.
Taste of Tokyo	Since I started working in Bellevue, Taste of Tokyo has become my favorite rut. Located on 116th Avenue, it offers a lunch special including teriyaki chicken (with rice, salad and potato salad), a california roll, and miso soup for about $8 (not including tax & tip). This restaurant is relatively new and has upped this lunch special by $1.50 since I first started going there, although it's still a pretty good deal. They are getting more and more crowded during lunch time, so don't be surprised if you have to wait for a table. Other reviews: sidewalk.com
Top Gun Seafood Restaurant	The best dim sum in Seattle is probably at Top Gun, now. For awhile, a number of other restaurants were pretty close to each other in quality, but Top Gun has recently risen above the others. Its regular dinner menu is pretty good, too. Located on King Street in the International District, Top Gun is a relatively small restaurant and is often crowded, so don't be surprised if you have to wait for awhile or share a table. Other reviews: sidewalk.com
Zula	I've only eaten here once, but it was really good. Zula features Ethiopian food in a small converted house on John Street on Capitol Hill. They aren't open for lunch so it's dinners only. Other reviews: CuisineNet, sidewalk.com
"But what about Chinese and Thai restaurants?" you ask. Well, as far as Thai restaurants go, there are almost as many of them as there are espresso carts in Seattle. And, unfortunately, none of them stand out in my mind. That's not to say that there aren't good Thai restaurants. Quite the opposite -- there are a lot of them. And what can I say about Chinese food. I'm Chinese and was born and raised on my mom's cooking, so Chinese food is no big deal to me. In fact, trying to judge which restaurant has the best Chinese food is like trying to decide whether McDonald's is better than Burger King. But, if you're looking for good Chinese restaurants, go to the International District and try any of the following: Green Village, Shanghai Garden, or Honey Court. They're all pretty good.
FUN	While it probably doesn't seem like it, I actually do get out every now and then to do more than eat and/or work. I'm not much into socializing and actively avoid the meat market singles scene so my choices of venues is pretty small. But, those that I do go to are listed below, with reviews by other sources, where I could find them.
211 Billiard Club	I like to play pool and one of the best places to go is the 211. Located at 211 on 3rd Avenue (just above the Speakeasy Cafe), the 211 is for serious pool players. If you're looking for a place to hang out, pick up chicks (or guys) and be boisterous, go to Temple or Belltown Billiards, instead. 211 is for pool. They also have some good/cheap pinball/video games if you need a break. Other reviews: sidewalk.com
Art Bar	Located downtown on 2nd Avenue between Pike and Pine streets, the Art Bar is another trendy hang-out that sports interesting decor, a couple of pool tables, and the occasional live band. I've also eaten there once and was pleasantly surprised (I had the ravioli). It does tend to get crowded, though, so I tend to shy away from it (I hate crowds). Other reviews: sidewalk.com
The Easy	The Easy is a male-friendly lesbian bar located on Pike Street on Capitol Hill. It has a well-stocked bar, a decent kitchen (try the monte cristo sandwich, then go on a diet, afterwards), and dancing. I've gotten drunk here with friends on numerous occasions. Is that a good thing? You bet! Other reviews: sidewalk.com
Garage	Another pool hall, Garage is located on Broadway on Capitol Hill in a renovated garage (imagine that!). It has a lot of tables, but tends to be crowded nonetheless. It also has a full bar and kitchen, but I haven't eaten anything there to be able to judge. This is probably my third favorite place for pool (after the 211 and Temple). Other reviews: sidewalk.com
Sit & Spin	The Sit & Spin is a fun combination cafe/juice bar/laundromat/concert club. It features a good selection of sandwiches, juice blends (the ginger ade is quite gingery!), and beers; and a collection of retro boardgames available to patrons to pass the time. The sound stage is small, but adequate for most bands. If you want a seat while watching a band, though, get there early. sidewalk.com
Speakeasy Cafe	The Speakeasy is what all of those little Internet cafes want to be. It has a good bar stocked with beer, sodas and teas a comfortable open atmosphere, and Internet access. It is also an Internet Service Provider, offering dial-up and telnet accounts. A friend of mine has her Lateral Line website hosted by them. Check it out. Other than that, the Speakeasy is a great place to mellow out. And if you get tired of that, you can always pop upstairs to the 211 for some pool. Speakeasy Website
Temple Billiards	Although Temple is getting to be trendier, there's something about it that I like better than Garage or the other truly yuppie hang outs (like Gillian's or Belltown Billiards). I also like the decor (or lack of it). Maybe it's the fact that it seems seedier or marginal (which it really isn't) that makes me like it. In any event, this is one of my favorite places to go. It also has a good bar -- try the Black Butte porter -- and a modest kitchen. The sandwiches are quite good, and I understand they do a lunch special which includes a sandwich, soda and half-hour of pool for a low price. Can't beat that! Other reviews: sidewalk.com

DONUTS	Do donuts count as food or fun? Both, I think, so they deserve their own category here. But, unfortunately, there aren't any great donut shops with any real character. The two best places that I've found are both in the University District. Westernco donuts on 45th Avenue is good. Plus, they gain bonus points because they once brought me a bag of free apple-fritters when I was working the graveyard shift in the gas station next door. Of course, I ate myself sick. The other place is called, I think, Super Donut and is located on the corner of 50th and University Avenue. Newer than Westernco, it has pretty good cruellers.

Last Updated: 07/26/00