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Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven

I Know A Place: @seattlemaven

By I Know A Place April 26, 2021 Food & DrinkNeighborhoods

There is a Seattle beneath the surface that is just waiting to be discovered. It’s hidden, sometimes in plain sight, sometimes two flights up in the Market. It’s the best kept secrets, insider tips, secret menus and local favorites that make people love this city, even if you can never entirely know it.

We have invited Ann Peavey, food & travel blogger, PNW wanderer, and self-proclaimed Seattle Maven to share some of her favorite spots and insider tips with us. Tag along on her Seattle adventure and discover more at iknowaplace.org. Then be sure to share your own Seattle favorites by tagging #IKnowSeattle.

Slo-Mo-Shun hydroplane exhibit at MOHAI Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
Museum interior with wooden floors and high ceilings. A welcome sign with instructions is in the foreground. A suspended, curved object and display cases are in the background. Exhibition lighting highlights the displays. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A person holds a beige pouch with a zipper, adorned with hedgehog illustrations. The pouch has a strap with a metallic clasp. A website URL is visible on a small white label attached to the pouch. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven

MOHAI

I’m so excited that MOHAI has safely reopened to bring the story of Seattle beginnings to life. Stand in an interactive sculpture within the planks of the 65’ Wawona sculpture and imagine what life was like when this 1890s schooner once floated in Lake Union. Gawk at the original Starbuck’s sign or watch the uber-kitchy Great Fire operetta on the second floor. Local tip: MOHAI’s stellar collection of locally-curated items in their gift shop is always the perfect spot to find future gifts for special friends.

Three sailboats docked at a wooden pier on a clear blue lake under a sky dotted with fluffy clouds. The boats have tall masts, and the background shows a shoreline with buildings and greenery. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A modern urban park with grassy areas and pathways is in the foreground. People are walking and enjoying the sunny day. Behind the park are glass buildings, including one with a prominent Google logo. Trees and benches are scattered throughout. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven

Center for Wooden Boats

The Center for Wooden Boats ran their ‘Cast Away’ program for more years than I can remember. Locals and visitors lined up early every Sunday morning to get coveted spots for their free 1-hour sail. Pandemic times have called for new ideas, thus the CWB now offers 1-hour rowing trips for free (by reservation) any day they’re open!

A glass of rose wine sits next to a plate with a sandwich filled with shredded chicken and green onions, accompanied by potato chips. The setting is a wooden table by a window, offering a view of urban scenery outside.

Taylor Shellfish

Craving crab? Taylor Shellfish features a delicious Dungeness crab roll (our PNW version of the east coast lobster roll) and is one of my favorites! It’s packed with fresh lump Dungie meat, mayo, a smidge of jalapeno, green onions and is served on a delicate brioche roll. Pair this with a cold rose or a hoppy, local Seapine IPA,  and you’ve got the perfect lunch! Local tip: Pop next door to Glasswing Shop and peruse their plants, household goods and gorgeous clothing and accessories in Melrose Market.

A slate platter with cured meats, cheese, olives, and nuts is on a wooden table. Nearby, there's a pint of beer, a glass of whiskey, a cocktail, a bottle of water, and a bowl of bread. The setting is a cozy bar or restaurant. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A waiter wearing a gray shirt and apron serves drinks in a dimly lit pub. He holds a tray with a beer and another drink while offering a jar with a cocktail to a customer. Shelves with bottles are visible in the background. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A cocktail in a coupe glass garnished with a skewer and an olive, placed on a black napkin on a wooden table. In the background, there's a glass and a water bottle, with a blurred bar setting. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A hand holding a glass of dark cocktail with a large ice cube and an orange peel garnish. A pint of beer sits on the wooden table nearby, with blurred chairs and a bar area in the background. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven

Herb and Bitter

Herb and Bitter sits right off Broadway on Capitol Hill and not only has some of the city’s best people-watching, but also boasts one of the city’s top-notch bar programs. Not sure what you feel like? Ask about their ‘Bartender’s Whimsey’—they’ll match your craving and create a perfect cocktail. Hungry? Their charcuterie plate is one of the best I’ve found!

A gourmet sandwich with smoked salmon, pickled onions, and greens on a seeded baguette is served with a side of potato chips on a white plate. A tall glass of orange juice is in the background beside a metal chair in a garden setting. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven

Brimmer & Heeltap

Brimmer & Heeltap has been a favorite of mine since I first stepped in their door nearly 8 years ago. Their inviting garden patio is a beautiful Ballard-neighborhood respite—serving breakfast and lunch daily, or dinner Thursdays through Sundays. My tip: Order their bread! It’s one enormously-thick slice that’s toasted-to-order, served with butter, salt and pepper. Simple, but crazy-delicious! Have extra time? Pair this gem with a stopover after an afternoon at Ballard’s Stoup or Aslan brewing!

A close-up of a hand holding a cup of coffee in a black Anchorhead Coffee Co. cup, with a blurred cafe counter in the background. The scene suggests a cozy coffee shop environment. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A cozy coffee shop interior featuring a counter with a glass display of pastries. The decor includes hanging lights, potted plants, and stylish overhead details. Prominent branding on the metal counter reads "Anchorhead Coffee Co. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven

Anchorhead Coffee

Anchorhead Coffee’s spicy chai is something that brings me through their doors again and again. Coupled with their “quaffle” (essentially a croissant married with a waffle iron served with fresh maple syrup), you simply can’t go wrong with one of the city’s quickest pick-me-up breakfasts!

A table setting with a plate of pizza topped with greens and a small dish of sauce. Nearby is a bowl of food being forked, a glass of water, and a cocktail, against a blurred window background. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
Two cocktails on a wooden table in front of a window displaying the words "COCKTAILS & KITCHEN" with outdoor string lights and trees in the background. The setting appears relaxed and inviting. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A bowl of baked dish with red sauce and cheese beside a plate of savory pancakes topped with greens and a small bowl of brown sauce. A glass bottle of water and a cocktail are on the wooden table by a street-view window. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A hand holding a coupe glass filled with an amber-colored cocktail, garnished with a lemon twist. The background is softly blurred, suggesting a cozy indoor setting. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
Overhead view of a brown cocktail in a glass with a lemon twist garnish on the rim. The background is a wooden table. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven

The Gerald

For shopping and people-watching at its best, it’s hard to go wrong with Ballard Avenue. With dozens of unique shops and restaurants, you’re sure to find that “special something” you didn’t even know you were missing. Stop at The Gerald for fabulous craft cocktails and inventive Korean menu. Their gooey, unctuous Tteokbokki is sweet, spicy, and loaded with white cheddar and pepperjack—the epitome of Korean street food!

A table on a rooftop with a view of the city and water. On the table are a glass of white wine with ice, a pint of beer, a plate of flatbreads, and a black dish with red dip and green dip, garnished with herbs. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven

mbar

Best known for their stellar SLU views, mbar’s middle eastern fare—enjoyed from a perch high above the south end of Lake Union—is the perfect spot for shareable mezze plates with friends or their ‘Big Sexy’s’ menu for a full-on dinner. Tip: Call or book rezzies online—these spots are highly coveted!

A rustic bar interior featuring a wooden counter and shelves lined with liquor bottles. A neon Shiner Beers sign and antlers mounted on an animal hide are on the wall. A fire extinguisher and various bar tools are visible. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A bottle of Evan Williams bourbon, a jar labeled "Shake before use" containing an orange liquid, a bowl of cherries, a glass with ice cubes, a jigger, and a Jack's BBQ bag are arranged on a countertop. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven

Jack’s BBQ

Jack’s BBQ has a handful of locations in the Seattle area, but their SLU spot is the best when you’re in the city. Grab ‘The Picnic’ to go and enjoy Jack’s famous low-and-slow smoked brisket, chicken, jalapeno/cheddar sausage (from Texas!)  and wander down to South Lake Union park to enjoy it with one of the city’s best views. Local’s tip: Grab a cocktail to-go, or head down to their SODO location for a full-on cocktail kit to enjoy with others.

A person wearing glasses and a mask stands indoors, holding two loaves of artisan bread. They are dressed in a black shirt and olive green apron, with a colorful poster on the wall behind them. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A glass of coffee with latte art on a wooden table. Below, a pair of sneakers stands on a concrete floor, pointing towards a blue arrow made of tape indicating a direction. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven

Tougo Coffee

Love a morning walk for your coffee? Take an adventure to Pill Hill’s Tougo Coffee! Grab a picture-perfect cortado (and a loaf of chef Brian’s fresh sourdough for later in the day). Savory sips mix nicely with the whimsical public art just outside on Yesler Way

A cozy cafe with modern decor, featuring hanging lights and dark furniture. A person holds a mug of latte with latte art, while relaxing with sandals on a table. Colorful mural in the background. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A modern hotel room features a compact glass-enclosed shower and a minimalist bathroom with a double sink. Beyond the partition, there is a cozy bedroom with a neatly made bed, two black wall lamps, and a large window with a city view. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven
A croissant on a white plate, a glass of yogurt with granola and berries, and a white mug sit on a dark table. In the background, there's a white tiger sculpture on a wooden table and a blue chair. Ann Peavey, @seattlemaven

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

The new citizenM Seattle South Lake Union is just perfect for a quick overnight! Rooms are super-modern and extra-cozy with everything needed for comfort, and a techie app that does everything from setting up your room key and adjusting curtains to finding a great movie and adjusting the heat. Bonus points for their huge living room (which I practically had to myself) with all the comforts of home. Their team is genuinely welcoming and more than willing to jump in if you need anything.

About the Author

I Know A Place

Looking for more ways to adventure in Seattle? We've asked some of Seattle's underground experts to give us their favorites. CHECK OUT THE SERIES >>

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