Seeking: downtown recs, a murder mystery improv show, and a hot new cafe

+ celebrity sightings in Seattle

Today I was forced to ask myself a truly Seattle question: is that just a hipster guy, or is that Macklemore?

I’m 95% sure it was him, which means that a square of my Seattle bingo card has now been fulfilled.

I also once saw local actor and comedian Joel McHale on the Vashon ferry. And Thomas Dambo, the troll artist, on his way to erect the Vashon troll. And our resident foodie, J. Kenji López-Alt, at one of his often-recommended spots, Post Alley Pizza.

Have you ever had a celebrity sighting in the city? Local or otherwise? Tell me about it in the comments!

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💎 Local gems

In order from left to right:

• Henry Art Gallery | U District | When I went to the gallery this past weekend, only 3/5 exhibits were ready for viewing. But I loved the James Turrell Skyspace that’s always on display, and I thought the new exhibit Mutant Optics by Lucy Kim was really interesting (she screenprinted the designs using genetically modified bacteria cells that produce melanin).

• Bonito Cafe y Mercadito | Capitol Hill | This new cafe is clearly where all the hot / cool people hang out in Seattle! There’s a photo booth, a cute mercadito stocked with products from local artisans, and an upper level where you can conduct your people-watching. I missed out on the conchas, but the chai horchata ($8) was bomb.

• MochiThings | Downtown | I’m a stationary nerd and have often come across MochiThings in my internet searches for various things. I knew they were local, but I was stoked to see that they had opened a storefront downtown. If you love planners, paper, stickers, or pens — this is your heaven.

• Post Pike Bar & Cafe | Georgetown | If you’re looking for an ideal hangover meal, head to Post Pike for one of their bagel sandwiches. I got the classic with bacon and I really appreciated how they chopped up the bacon and mixed it with the cheese so you got it in every bite. They have a location in Capitol Hill as well, but this one is new and could use some local love.

• Olympia Coffee | Downtown | I’m a regular at the West Seattle location because it’s right by my yoga studio, but after seeing a TikTok of their gorgeous downtown location in the US Bank lobby, I knew I needed to make the trek. There are lots of seating options, so it’s great for coworking, a coffee date, or taking a meeting.

• Pike Place Overlook Walk | Downtown | Change happens slowly in Seattle, but it has been cool to see things progress recently — especially the efforts that are being made to revitalize the waterfront. This new addition just makes sense and it helps Seattle feel like a “real city” that has infrastructure and is easier to navigate by anyone who visits. Highly recommend grabbing some lunch and taking it to the overlook to enjoy (like my next rec!). Here’s a guide from The Seattle Times about the overlook + how to experience it.

• Post Alley Pizza | Downtown | This is one of the better slices ($5+) in the city and the home of one of Kenji’s favorite sandwiches ($18). The bread is what makes it SO good. It’s also perfect to split and the specials are always changing.

👀 On my radar

The Emerald City Slasher | Fremont

Steal this date night from me: get dumplings and cocktails at Stampede and then walk next door to catch this murder mystery improv show. I haven’t been yet, but I’ve heard it’s good!

there aren’t many photos of it yet, so I got this one from a Google review

Karoo Cafe | Downtown

On a recent solo Seattle day, I walked past this bar that looked very fun and colorful inside. I looked it up later to find out that it’s a new South African cafe + bar. Cocktails are expensive ($18 and up), but it’d be a fun treat.

@ashleymargaretmayOne of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Washington 👀 📍 Swan House Farms in La Conner #laconner #laconnerwashington #farmtotable #farmdinner #sanfermo #seattle #seattlewashington @Cheyenne Brandt

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Swan House Farm | La Conner

I’m bookmarking this for next summer: it’s a farm to table dining experience from San Fermo that looks incredibly romantic. Tickets are $350 for two which includes arrival refreshments, a 5-course paired wine dinner, sales tax, and service. Seems pretty reasonable for a special evening! You can also arrive early to walk the grounds and visit the farm stand — the whole experience lasts about 3 hours. I’ll remind you when they start booking next year 😊

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Intentionalist Awards | Belltown

Judy Lee sent me this event happening next Tuesday and if I didn’t already have another event on the books, I’d definitely be going! We’re lucky to have an org like The Intentionalist supporting local small businesses and this awards event is a celebration of the small businesses making a positive impact in our community.

📆 Weekend events

• Chophouse Row's Last Art Walk | Thursday, 10/10 | Capitol Hill | Free

• Rain City Showcase: LA Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers | Friday, 10/11 | Uptown | $40+

• World Ballet Company: Swan Lake | Saturday, 10/12 | Downtown | $40

• Autumn Moon Night Market | Saturday, 10/12 | Magnuson | $15

• West Seattle Applelooza | Sunday, 10/13 | West Seattle | Free

🚨 ICYMI

A dog-centric third place called Coby’s Cafe just opened in North Queen Anne. A fancy ramen joint KAYAVA also opened its doors in Fremont. A new kombucha taproom is coming to Capitol Hill. The best drives to see fall foliage. I need to try Umami Kushi’s new chicken curry potato chips.