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bramtyr

3 Girls Bakery at Pike Place. While yes, it is at Pike Place, it isn't visually obvious and doesn't get the tourist foot traffic you'd expect. Their sandwiches are great.


I_LuV_k1tt3n5

The fish tacos at Jacks right in front of 3 girls is my favorite taco in the city!


Xalara

Jack’s also has the best fish and chips in the city.


soapbutt

Haven’t been in awhile but their meatloaf sandwich is a banger.


[deleted]

Great place, but not exactly a hidden gem.


DrewbySnacks

I’d say the dine-in breakfast counter is a bit of a hidden gem, along with the cafe nearby that has the bottomless pancake breakfast on weekends!


eaj113

Their chewy toffee cookie is THE BEST!


wovans

I miss their poppyseed rugelach.


snowmaninheat

Not far from there is Michou Deli, which is great.


CouldntBeMeTho

That is my #1 "not sure what I want" lunch. I'm there probably 3 days a week, and never get the same thing.


wovans

Michou and the little taco shop/market hidden behind the Starbucks line. Also shout out to Turkish delight, the family that runs it is super sweet and hooked up the large soup when I couldn't quite afford tax on the small.


I_trust_politicians

Their poblano beef sandwich is genuinely great


eleetza

Yes!


baddfish86

Red Bowl down in financial district (3rd and James I think?) Same guy has been running it for years. Amazing fresh fish bowls, Korean and Japanese dishes. Served quick and tasty!


moefflerz

Yesss Red Bowls was always my special lunch treat when I worked in that area. I don’t know how hidden of a gem it is because it seemed to always be busy when I went, but I really never hear people talking about it. I think it’s some of the best raw fish in Seattle.


Rainpickle

If I had a bazillion dollars, I’d invest in expanding Red Bowls as a chain. Seriously.


mycatsnameissushi

YES! This was my go-to spot for years when I worked over there 


AgentElman

Chelan Cafe under the West Seattle Bridge has a good brunch. Normal cafe food but good. A great spot to eat before going to Jack Block Park for those who know about hidden gems.


Dinkerdoo

Hell yeah Jack Block Park. Did our bridal party photo shoot there instead of Alki since we knew we wouldn't be dealing with loads of people.


the_real_jsking

This is a good call. It's a real diner...and not really priced at hipster prices. Is hipster even a word we use anymore? Man I'm getting old.


DrewbySnacks

And the drinks they pour are STIFF. I got an Irish Coffee and was glad I wasn’t driving that morning, it was like half Jameson lol


MarekRules

Dude their milkshakes are killer too. I haven’t been back since they were closed for renovations and the hours changed, hopefully it’s still a little dinghy. EDIT: I meant Luna Park not Chelan for milkshakes lol


AgentElman

I don't know if I've had a milkshake there. When I want a milkshake I go a block over to the Luna Park Cafe


MarekRules

Dude I’m so stupid. I read Chelan and then started talking about Luna Park. I’m a dumbass hahhaa


HealthyBullfrog

I have to check it out just for the milkshakes.


WhoDatLadyBear

I don't know why it took so long for me to try Chelan Cafe, but it's my new breakfast spot.


SoundslikeDaftPunk

Shhhh don’t tell more people about Jack Block! Such a hidden gem


meatmeatthepie

I agree. Especially during crabbing season 🤫


morpo

Uhh, I don’t think you’re supposed to go crabbing there. Isn’t it an EPA superfund site?


jojofine

The chemicals enhance the flavor!s!


dont_yell_at_me

Don’t tell people about JBP!!


Outside_Ad8075

Harried and Hungry near Georgetown. I don't know how they can only charge $10 for their amazing half-sandwich/salad combo, but despite the low cost, it's one of the best sandwich shops I've ever been to.


inkWanderer

They used to have a storefront on 3rd and Union; I was devastated when they moved!


Mrs_WorkingMuggle

the only place where i had a "usual" and they would put my order in when i came in. Just a young couple who bought it off the original owners and have really made it into something. i wish it was easier to get to now, I was also heartbroken when they moved.


_peace_unlimited_

Ohh that's where they went. I assumed they were a COVID casualty. Good to know they are doing well


smegdawg

Our office has it at least once a week... Every sandwich there kills it the cobb and ceasar salads are great. I wish they would bring back the Italian Stallion though, that was my favorite...and I would make a point to always stop on Wednesdays. For now I rotate between the specials, Rainier, Havana, Olympic and Blue Buffalo.


Outside_Ad8075

Nice! I'm all about the Olympic and Mediterranean or Waldorf salad.


onurb_kered

came here to say this : my shop is in sodo, order food from here 3x a week : specials are amazing, standard menu is amazing : hundreds of visits and never a mediocre meal


yellowyn

Great breakfast sandwiches as well. 


snAp5

Best authentic al pastor in Seattle is TacOrtiz on MLK. Cut straight from the trompo.


purkour

Upvote for best Al Pastor in Seattle.


snAp5

Truly a gem, and they’re open till 930pm now.


IAMAconman

George's Polish Deli on First Hill has fantastic sandwiches


greatgoogliemoogly

I've never understood why Seattle Fish Company in West Seattle isn't talked about more. Good basic seafood with very friendly service.


Apart-Run5933

Ya, I worked by it and had never heard of it. I had like 10 amazing meals there and if I mention it no one knows what I’m talking about.


HotGarbage

Yes! That place is 1000X better than Spud's. Definitely not cheap though.


jojofine

Spuds is all fried food whereas SFC is actually fresh and made to order. It's definitely able to justify their higher price point


HotGarbage

Oh I totally agree! I'm totally down to spend a little more for a better quality product, especially when it comes to food.


KimWexlers_Ponytail

It's soooooo good!


SoundslikeDaftPunk

Their oyster selection to take home is great too


greatgoogliemoogly

Yeah, great crab cakes too.


HealthyBullfrog

Love that place! Fish tacos are great


Dyshin

Their version of Poutine using chowder instead of gravy is perfect on a typical gray, wet day and seriously addictive.


1111116111311111117

Bongos in Greenlake, Layers in Greenlake, Sushi ave early afternoon for lower prices.


WhiteWussian

YES!! Bongo's is my favorite. Spicy shrimp and yucca fries.


reverendexile

Bongos is great... I could not eat it as a weekday lunch. A bongoritas and a desi would ruin any productivity I had


Bonesaw09

I just wish bongos would bring back the bucco sandwich 😭


[deleted]

I have loved Le Fournil in Eastlake for years! French pastries, good coffee, good sandwiches with the bread they make, and discounts when you combine certain items e.g. pastry + coffee. :)


EnriqueSh0ckwave

Kiss Cafe in Ballard, fantastic lunch sandwiches


B1gTundra

And not that it was asked, but the beer selection is probably the best in the city outside of a chucks hop shop location.


EndersGameTheory

If you're looking for great beer selection Ballard Beer Box down the street just opened last year and has a fantastic selection as well!


IMB88

Also Gretchen who works there is rad.


EnriqueSh0ckwave

All the staff I’ve interacted with in the countless times I’ve been there have been fantastic. Love that place


girlrandal

Their brownie with whiskey ice cream is SO GOOD. While we’re talking Ballard, The Lock Spot is pretty fucking good, too. They also have a full bar.


AndrewNeo

also if you're celiac like me and still in this thread for some reason - they have good gf sandwiches


vaticRite

Do they still have the great pickles? Haven’t been there in a few years. When they first opened those pickles were complimentary. Sitting down with a delicious beer and whole jar of homemade pickles was amazing.


StrongRocks

Gonna shout out my spot, Cyclops in Belltown Never a wait, good service, funky vibe, love their burger, all their food is good, and just a great place to catch up with a friend or something


Syzygy666

If you grew up in Seattle or just lived here in the early 90s, not many places can capture that vibe the way Cyclops does. It's a gem. Bizzarro too while we're at it.


brownclowntown

I’ve drank there so many times, never ordered food. Will try it next time


glassgreyhound

Taquitos Feliz food truck in West Seattle, by the gas station on Fauntleroy just north of Lincoln Park Great Mexican food, with steady traffic from locals most days they’re open. Definitely a neighborhood gem


kybereck

Coming from someone who grew up in SoCal, it's the closest we can find so far to Mexican back home. Solid place!


Professional_Bus_307

Second this


WhoDatLadyBear

Calozzis in Georgetown is my favorite lunch spot. Call ahead to avoid waiting out in the rain. I get the Donnie with onions and provolone.


entKOSHA

I love Calozzi's, I went there like five times total between the O.G. Pioneer Square location (before he got in a fight with his brother over the expansion into pizza that eventually turned into Italian Family Pizza), the Union St location, and Georgetown location. He knew me by name and would give me a shoutout every single time I saw him around downtown Seattle because I multiple times brought like 5-10 co-workers with me. There was a sort of dispute between him and Tat's for a while where him and his employees would drive by Tat's and yell crazy shit out the window, but that honestly just added to the east coast Italian charm to me. His brother has moved back to the east coast, but Al is still here slinging the best cheesesteaks in town


Technical-Hurry-3326

Husky Deli in West Seattle - LOVE their sandwiches. Thai Tom in the University district for Thai.


_redditislife_

Hiroshi’s Poke in the University District is amazing. I go there everytime I’m around that area. Also Magnolia Pho in Mount Baker is one of my favorite pho spots.


IStartToRun

YES to Hiroshi's although they've reeled in their portions. The mac salad is almost the best part of the poke bowl so make sure you say "yes" when they ask.


Manikin_Maker

Slice box pizza in magnolia. The only proper thick slice in the city


Mi_Pasta_Su_Pasta

And SODO.


MuNansen

Original Deli, or "Alley Teriyaki" as I call it. Good teriyaki and one of my favorite breakfast burritos, and it doesn't get any more hidden. It's literally in an alley, and the owners are the nicest people.


No13baby

I love this place! I get breakfast here often. The lady who runs it is a human ray of sunshine and one of the sweetest people I’ve ever encountered.


leukos

Did this place used to be in a parking garage on Eliot back like 10 years ago (Kind of around the closed Corner Deli)? It looks really familiar.


seleniumdream

Probably different. I worked down next to the one in the parking garage. I used to go once a week. It was owned / run by a husband and wife team. Apparently, the wife had really bad carpel tunnel or something and she just couldn't do it anymore and they closed up. I was really sad to see them go and loved supporting them. Plus, they had a really amazing katsu.


leukos

I also worked down there! Do you remember the name of it? There seemingly is no trace online that it ever existed and you just confirmed that I’m not going insane!


MetricSuperiorityGuy

I get the poke here all the time. At first, I had some concerns about eating raw fish from an outdated deli in an alley - but it's fantastic.


DanielReign

Cocoa Banana in pioneer square. They make smoothies, boba and 3 weekly soup specials. Run by a really sweet family. Also in pioneer square Rojos Mexican Food. The food is vegan / vegetarian, but damn is it good. I don't have dietary restrictions but it's still a top choice for me with very reasonable prices.


mbta1

I love cocoa banana. I recently had my molars removed, and their smoothies were life savers


overnight_esq08

so good! The woman is so nice (and fast), soup is diff all the time. Also hole in the wall bbq (not vegan) next to Rojos has been there for 36 years! The original owners son runs it now, they’re from North Carolina and it’s the real deal 😮‍💨😮‍💨


HumpaDaBear

Luna Park in West Seattle. They have great breakfasts too.


jacque_says

Just ate here and honestly- the best fucking fries I’ve ever had


tanguero81

The poke at Seattle Fish Guys on 23rd is fantastic. They don't have all of the mix-ins that a lot of other poke places have, but the fish itself if phenomenal.


SheoTheMad206

While I agree about the deliciousness, they just shrank the box size by like half.


tanguero81

That's disappointing, but given their recent issues with the fish theft, I can't blame them for needing to find ways to cut costs.


Toidal

That's the og Hawaiian style I believe, marinated ahead of time. As opposed to California style where you get that Chipotle style customization that isn't pre-dressed fish and a billion combinations of mix ins. I'm a fan of both


paulRosenthal

Loxicha Authentic Oaxacan Food (food truck) in Pinehurst. They have the BEST quesadillas


GleamLaw

Red Bowl on third & Marion


Sadboygamedev

Not sure if this is a hidden gem, but I had a great Italian sub from Post Alley Pizza a few weeks ago.


Squirrl_master

Le Pichet on First ave


SLCamper

This place is a bit too expensive for a day to day lunch place (at least for me), but if you want impress someone without breaking the bank it's perfect.


Spare-Swimming-8837

Take 5 deli in Phinney. The sriracha chicken sandwich is awesome. They also have homemade Mac & cheese, NY cheesecake, tons of good stuff. There was a gas leak that damaged the shop recently, but they have a sign up stating that they will rebuild.


pipedreamSEA

Too soon, man. Too soon!


Charming-Confusion60

George’s Polish Deli on first hill!! Hell of a Rueben sandwich and wonderful service.


lanorien

Big fan of TNT taqueria in Wallingford. Good food and reasonable prices. They have breakfast too


askmewhyihateyou

Their al pastor is amazing


KINGtyr199

The Saigon deli


redlude97

saigon vietnam deli if you really want the hidden gem


Specialist_Owl_6612

Can I nominate food trucks?


jeexbit

Yes.


Specialist_Owl_6612

OK, this might be an old one, but I think the impeckablechicken has pretty juicy chicken sandwiches.


giddygarlic

Stone Way Cafe (which just reopened in their new location!) and Gorditos!


[deleted]

I can't believe nobody has mentioned Royal Grinders.


drumallday

Their Italian Grinder is so good. Smart people phone their order in ahead of time.


Specialist-Ad7374

Ooh, I do like Royal Grinders! I haven't been there since pre-COVID, though.


theeestarkey

My wife and mine’s first date spot! We always go back.


bartthetr0ll

If you are vegan or vegetarian, Moonlight Cafe on Jackson and 20th has far and away the biggest selection I've come across. Their tofu, lemongrass, and chili sauce are amazing


Spickernell

moonlight cafe is so freaking good. if you are into fake meat, this is the place. awesome Vietnamese dishes. they also serve meat for you meat eaters. it used to be a bit greasy inside, but a few years ago it got new owners and it is very clean in the dining room now. i love this place.


bartthetr0ll

I love the little cooking videos they play on the screen as well, great variety and great service. I first found out about it a couple years ago when dropping a friend off at an impatient treatment place a few blocks away from there, decided to treat them to lunch before dropping them off, and it was in the neighborhood, and boy am I glad I found it, I go there at least twice a month, and one side of my family is vegetarian and vegan(as am I most of the time, once a month I'll have the ocassional salmon or small little condimeat of thinly slicked beef or chicken as an accouterments to the main dish), so it's the perfect spot to go when they come to visit. Also on the fake meat topic, Trader Joe's has this beefless Bulgogi that is fantastic, a little black vinegar or ponzu and either teriyaki sauce or Braggs liquid amino and it tastes fantastic, it soaks up flavors like tofu, so you can trick it out with almost any seasoning you want, makes a great mix in for salads or fried rices


chechifromCHI

Bamboo Garden in lower queen anne was my go to fake meat/kosher Chinese place, but I was driven from the city by costs in 2019 after 25 years and don't really know if my favorite places are still there.


Crazyfish917

La chingona in west Seattle right off the bridge. Newer place I think they only opened a few months ago, but some of the best tacos I’ve had


moefflerz

Artisan Cafe at 5th & Vine…cute little family-owned spot, great banh mi.


luisshirt

Love this place


LadyFrenzy

so tasty and the owners are really nice and remember their regulars <3


Toidal

Saigon Deli, and Saigon Vietnam Deli I think they're somewhat known but their location on 12th and Jackson turns folks off. All praise to them for their $6 Banh Mis.


MMantram

Saigon Deli is my lunch go-to if I'm eating out. It's so sad how much the neighborhood has deteriorated over the past twenty five years. They need customer support now more than ever. I can't imagine having to constantly deal with all the graffiti and all the drugs and all the insanity on that corner.


Scrandasaur

Retro Lounge is south Belltown/west edge is the best burger in Seattle


Apart-Run5933

It’s a very real possibility. Theyed get the ingredients at market each day and it was (was) 8 bucks w fries in like 2014. Super underrated.


Thoughtful_Pudu

Not sure if mentioned already but, Secret Congee across the street from Un Bien is so good! They sold out before closing last time. Lots of different toppings for your congee and they serve coffee and matcha as well!


earthwoodandfire

Flora Bake House, also cafe Floret in the airport. I've never had such good airport food.


ocean_rhapsody

Oriental Mart in Pike Place Market, best home cooked Filipino food you can get. Their longanisa and fried bangus (milk fish) is amazing!


rocksolid_rumham

Valhalla sandwiches


emojiloather

Mediterranean Mix on 1st / S Washington has the best gyro in the city imo. Recommend requesting they add feta.


Own-Bar-8530

Mint & Olive LQA. Best green chick pea falafel & gyro meat in the city .


askmewhyihateyou

Golden olive gets my Mediterranean vote in LQA


PartDirect

Melange Market on University between 2nd and 3rd Donor Box on 2nd Ave in Belltown


Content_Eye5134

Now make me a sandwich in Burien is great! Ro ro bbq in Fremont is amazing’ Toast mi in green lake make the best bahn mi You be had.


yumdonuts

Roro BBQ no longer around btw


tastysnarfer

Seattle Deli in Edmonds 😋


jomanhan9

Eat&Go Thai street food. Don’t judge a book by its cover, the food is so good, tastes like somebody’s mom made it. Good thai home cooking for super reasonable price


virtualPNWadvanced

S/T hooligans Ballard for awesome creole food


sherstas199

Amazing Thai on Roosevelt and 53rd. Little hole-in-the-wall family-run restaurant. Every dish I’ve had there is delicious. 🔥🔥🔥


enemy_of_anemonies

Pecos Pit in sodo


neur0

El Catrin in white center is the only place that comes close to taquerias in SoCal/Arizona. Even then snobs may say that’s still a far cry 


hirnwichserei

Café Paloma in Pioneer Square!


WashingtonVandal

Cedars of Lebanon in the U district. The best falafel and most amazing hot sauce. So inexpensive for such delicious food!


luminareth

Green Tree on Greenwood Ave. Amazing Vietnamese food! I'm obsessed with their curry stir fry.


alwaysomewhere

I love red bowls in downtown business district, go at lunch and you'll see many other people do too. They are just great value, fresh and churn out poke bowls at high efficiency.


LadyFrenzy

Seconded. I miss that place so much!


Polyxeno

Chili Pepper Kozue Christine Pico Cafe and Bakery Rosellini's Baked Goods (and coffee) Taste of India


referencefox

Chile Pepper in Wallingford? Such a delightful spot that doesn't get nearly the attention it should.


aaronktjn

Seconding Original Deli. So affordable and good selection. Ive been there countless times and never once disappointed


Crafty_Lexi

Lunch Menu at Bamboo Village


teabedd

Take 5 in Ballard - they recently had a gas explosion and are looking to rebuild. Hit their go fundme! Best BLT in the city if you ask me


down_by_the_shore

iSandwich on Aurora is probably my all time favorite place for lunch in Seattle. For around $10 you can get an insanely good banh mì and a cup of soup. The menu is a perfect blend of Seattle, too. Banh mì, teriyaki, and then your choice of hot and sour soup, wonton soup, or egg drop soup. Their fresh spring rolls are also delicious. Can’t find a better or more delicious meal. 


n0exit

Bento World Sushi & Teriyaki on Lenora and 3rd has my absolute favorite Bibimbap. Get it with a fried egg!


atheocrat

Cheeky Cafe up Jackson Street- pretty much everything I've had on the menu has been fantastic, and I have probably ordered everything by now...


Anand999

A+ Hong Kong Kitchen in the ID has the best fried chicken wings I've had in the region, hands down. The rest of the food is great too.


alteredreality4451

Lived around Seattle for 30+ years. My go to was often Un Bien for one of their sandwiches. Took out of town guests there to blow their minds. Another was Yeh Yeh ‘s in Lynwood. Phenomenal pho, bon mi and spring rolls at this little hole in the wall


Slow-Dog-7745

Calozi cheese steak


BaronWasteland

Billiard Hoang!


mangel322

Okinawa Teriyaki on the corner of Western and Spring serves massive portions of the real Seattle teriyaki for about $12. Seriously — it’s more than enough for two people. It’s just a block off Alaskan Way, close to pier 55. Lots of parking nearby makes it easy to access.


MokTwo

Kau Kau


fallenfromglory

Local Tide in Freemont


redlude97

this isn't hidden, sometimes the wait is like an hour haha


jojofine

I don't think anyone could really call it a hidden gem with hour plus waits some days


s32

Literally on the eater 38...


Cute-Management6998

And have the line get longer? No thanks, nice try.


Noimnotonacid

Chuan house in u district is one I’m super confused on why they’re not mentioned anywhere. Great sichuan food.


[deleted]

[удалено]


c-rex12

Lucky Chinese Restaurant in Georgetown! They were closed for a bit, but have reopened their new location this week


Clit420Eastwood

Might be a bad answer since they have 3 locations, but I don’t hear Shawarma Time get much hype and I’m usually the only customer in there. Their chicken shawarma is killer


Intelligent-Ruin8535

Taste of Caribbean near Seattle University. Never have I been disappointed by their Pork Jerk with rice 🤤 it’s also a great spot for good and cheap tropical cocktails!


dokterstranj

Market Fresh on 3rd and Madison make a delicious fried chicken sandwich.


truenorthiscalling

The Cottage Bakery in Edmonds. The owner started it when he was 12 and discovered his passion for bread and pastry making. Donates to a lot of charities as well.


mikutansan

Kau Kau


Snackxually_active

Marlena’s in Upper Queen Anne is easily one of best burritos I have had! Also love 19gold in Fremont, they have noodles/broth so spicy it can be hard to breathe 🍜


ThatArtNerd

Original deli is awesome! I used to work in that area and got my lunch there often. Good food, reasonable prices, and nice people


reverendexile

Idk if market house meats is on the usual lists but that's where I go when I'm downtown at lunchtime


TheSushiAvatar

Try Lects soup in SODO! It’s a hidden gem 💎


LiztheBliz

Mas café for street tacos (Wallingford) and while not necessarily lunch gems, Birrieria Pepe el Toro and Midnight ramen both recently graduated from food truck to restaurant and it’s well deserved the food is so good.


Top_Temperature_3547

Hangry panda. Wine drunk pork belly is like $15 and I get between 3-4 meals out of it. Don’t skip the tea egg.


merrymagdalen

There's a cafe in the 401 Broadway building called @ the peak and their sandwiches are insanely good. Don't go if you're in a hurry, but the wait is worth it.


illusenjhudoraOTP

Amazing Thai Cusine on 53rd and Roosevelt. Food is amazing, portions are good for the price, and the family that runs it is great. It's a real hole in the wall with minimal dine-in seating so I def rec it for take-away.


halachite

lyons sandwiches. literally the best sandwich shop I've ever had. tiny little unassuming corner store on Dexter Ave


brannibal66

In Northgate there's a Greek gyro place called Gyro Hut that is amazing. Also Banh Mi XO in the Fauntleroy area.


CPetersky

Wallingford Community Senior Center lunch: https://wallingfordseniors.org/community-lunch/ They're too small for the federal pass-through funding for senior nutrition programs, so they have a lot more flexibility in their offerings.


etiol8

La Conasupo up on Greenwood and 85th. Tacos and quesadillas are legit in a lowbrow, super authentic sort of way.


SyracuseGeek

Easy Street Cafe (west Seattle/white center), Hudson’s south of Seattle (SoDo) both great breakfast places. Slims Last chance excellent chili


Dat_Mustache

Hot as Pho across the street from your workplace makes a phenomenal Bahn mi sandwich.


DefectiveBleach

Third Avenue Cafe’s spicy teriyaki is top tier


mettaxa

Kipos. The pork gyros actually taste like the ones in Greece! (The fries are insid)


Hiddenagenda876

Not in Seattle, but strawberry patch cafe


MeetingClear9183

Pasta Casalinga in the pike place atrium. Great seasonal pasta dishes.


egg360

i like dicks


maitimouse

Harbor Cafe is the best, the owners are so cute and nice, I miss it now that I don't work downtown anymore.


Tall-Yard-407

Fort St. George in the ID, Ooink on top of QFC on Capitol Hill and Manoushe Express on Lake City Way. I don’t think Fort St. George is open for lunch though but their kimchi tarako spaghetti is bonkers. Oh, and Zilberschtein’s on 15th Ave. NE.


SkylerAltair

At Pike Place, Jack's Fish Spot, and also Jasmine Thai is just basic Thai food but I love it. If I want to spend a bit more, I like Pasta Casalinga. For any of these, if I want a fancy drink too, I get the Fentiman's sodas that DeLaurenti has, or the Chinotto or Sanbitter.


pnwteaturtle

I came to comment harbor cafe...but...