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Secret gems of Aurora (and north seattle)?

I now live in close vicinity of Aurora Ave. (Southern Shoreline Prefecture), and frequently drive that scenic highway, as well as other northern byways such as Greenwood, Westminster and Holman.

Now that Aurora is my new ecosystem, as it were, I want to explore my feeding options. I often see odd restaurants that look like shit, or at the very least middling, but could in fact be amazing. Similarly with other types of businesses (no hotel recommendations needed though).

Do you have any favorite places up north that you could recommend? I am thinking mainly of restaurants, hence the category, but would also be interested in other types of establishment.

Addendum: Places with vegetarian options are a greatly valued

Bion Satir asked in Eating Out 9 months ago | Report

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  • Gold-head_small
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    Fnarf

    Taqueria El Sabor, 15221 Aurora (just south of Sears and Central Market) is really good. Maybe not so vegetarian (though their refried beans are heavenly, but maybe have lard in them). Actually, a good rule of thumb is ANY Mexican restaurant located in a former Taco Bell is going to be pretty good.

    Amazing Korean up around there, too -- try Old Village across the street, or Hoo Soon Yi waaay up at 238th SW in Edmonds.

    Best pho in town is at Than Brothers, between 77th and 78th. You might see me there.

    If you like your groceries crunchy-granola style, PCC is where it's at. Little-known secret: five of the six most gorgeous checkers in the entire city work there, not that I'm a pervert or anything, but jeez.

    Also right around there are some very useful holes to drink in -- Ueber for German beer, St. Andrew's for Scotch, and Kangaroo & Kiwi for mad-as-hatters Aussies and New Zillanders. Skip the Fosters and have a Cooper's Sparkling Ale. You'll thank me. All between 73rd and 76th. I've never been in Duck Island, alas.

    The Jack in the Box at 85th can usually supply all your crack cocaine and meth needs; if no one is around, dash across Aurora through traffic to the Arco station. Shari's is also good if you want to lose faith in humanity; I once watched a waitress there attempt to sweep a little tub of cream that had fallen to the floor into one of those dustpans with a long handle FOR TEN SOLID MINUTES.

    Aurora is my favorite street in Seattle.

    Fnarf answered in Eating Out 9 months ago | Report
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  • Boba_small
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    Lucy Ethiopia puts almost every other Ethiopian restaurant out there to shame and the majority of their food is veggie based.

    For pho I would have to say Pho Tick Tacoma is the best on Aurora.

    For Tortas, Barria Llegena cannot be beat, not sure about their vegetable-friendliness.

    person man answered in Eating Out 9 months ago | Report
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  • Cats_small
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    If you'd like to cook Asian food you can stock up on supplies at the HT Oaktree Market. I think one of their yelp reviews describes them as what Uwajimaya was like a long time ago: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ht-oaktree-market-seattle.

    internet_jen answered in Eating Out 9 months ago | Report
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    Tracy M

    FU MAN DUMPLING HOUSE (it's about 145th on Greenwood Ave N, so maybe further north than you're hoping). Small little restaurant in a stripmall-ish area. Fantastic food. Pot stickers and dumplings are made fresh daily. The green onion pancake is my favorite food in the world. And their garlic sauce is amazing. Sometimes it is pretty crowded, especially as it only seats 25 or so, but totally worth it. If you show up closer to closing time and there aren't tables available, you can generally still place an order to go. Worth it!! http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/1720/restaurant/Broadview-Bitter-Lake/Fu-Man-Dumpling-House-Seattle

    And while you're this far north, Central Market (155th and Aurora) is my FAVORITE grocery store. It seems the perfect giant blend of Healthy/Organic Market (like PCC/Whole Foods), regular grocery store (so you can buy your doritos or whatever, as well as your organic spelt bread), and Asian market. It is a BIG store. And their prepared foods are tasty and offer a nice variety, as well. Plus, this location added a fresh tortilla station, which is wonderful. Great wine selections, too. http://shoreline.central-market.com/newSite/shoreline/home.php

    Tracy M answered in Eating Out 9 months ago | Report
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  • Dscf6268_for_web_small
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    Cyndy's House of Pancakes in Bitter Lake at NW corner of 105th and Aurora is a JOINT. Open for b-fast and lunch, you can't beat the chicken-fried steak, or the Dutch babies. (One Yelp-er said recently that they are closed [again], but I think they may have just 86'd the weekend openings.)

    I like to stop at Cyndy's en route to Highland Ice Arena, where by the way, you can get a damned fine cup of vending machine hot chocolate.

    mister_fusspot answered in Eating Out 9 months ago | Report
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  • 369449_1037165877_175720541_n_small
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    Aurora Ave is classic, but there are as many or more nice options along Greenwood.

    Bick's (10555 Greenwood) is a cozy place for good comfort food. Manna Smoked BBQ (10410 Holman Rd) is very fine BBQ -- you won't believe it from all outward appearances, but trust me on this one. 74th Street Alehouse (74th & Greenwood) is basically the first gastropub in Seattle, and has some of the city's best soups du jour (along with excellent salmon and chicken sandwiches). Carmelita (7314 Greenwood) is one of the better vegetarian restaurants in the city and has some fine cocktails to boot. If you're in the mood for fine, small plates and a good craft cocktail, Oliver's Twist (6822 Greenwood) is very nice.

    Finally, The Baranof (8549 Greenwood) is not particularly recommended for its food, but it is an epic neighborhood dive and has a small part in Seattle gastronomic history as the former location of Marie's, source of the still popular Marie's salad dressings.

    Peter Andrijeski answered in Eating Out 4 months ago | Report
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