I am a huge fan of Toulouse Petite. Located at the bottom of Queen Anne Hill just up from Belltown. It has a very lively bar scene and is great for socializing. Has an insaine happy hour scene 3 times/day and the breakfast is to die for! http://www.toulousepetit.com/

Palace Kitchen has a HUGE eating bar and people rave about it...I like it for late night but it's worth checking out as well: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=palace-kitchen it's between down town and Belltown so might be convenient if you are staying at a hotel.

I have a soft spot for the eating counter at La Bete: http://labeteseattle.com/
Love their food, a little pricier that the rest of these places but a wonderful new addition to lower Capitol Hill

Two Delicious places that has supper talented chefs are Spur in Belltown http://spurseattle.com/

And Tavern Law http://www.tavernlaw.com/
on Capitol Hill and there is a secret bar upstairs that is worth picking up the old fashioned phone on the wall next to the safe. Some of the best drinks in Seattle hands down. Just Eat downstairs first!

These two are in Ballard so not specifically where you requested but it is a great neighborhood (I am biased, I live here) with a lot of great bars and other restaurants.

I like Bastille for the environment. The food is not mind blowing but better than decent! Love their Lamb Burger : ) http://www.bastilleseattle.com/

Not a fancy place at all but supper yummy Mexican food is Senor Moose http://senormoose.com/

Basically if there is an eating counter then there is a communal scene.

Hope this helps and HAPPY Dining!