Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

I Know a Place: @antoniocdsmith

By I Know A Place June 11, 2021 Food & Drink Neighborhoods

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 invited travel, style, and fashion blogger Antonio Smith to share some of his favorite spots and insider tips with us. Tag along on his Seattle adventure and discover more at iknowaplace.org. Then be sure to share your own Seattle favorites by tagging #IKnowSeattle.

A person wearing a mask and sunglasses stands holding a cup outside Mr. West Cafe Bar. They wear a dark jacket, beige pants, and white sneakers. The cafe’s sign is visible above, and the entrance is surrounded by plants.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

A cozy coffee shop interior featuring a menu board with coffee prices on a brick wall. Potted plants and decorative lights are in the foreground. A customer in a yellow jacket and mask is reflected in the mirror.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

Mr. West Cafe Bar – Downtown

I’m really big on the aesthetics of eateries I frequent. Nine times out of ten, if the interior looks good, the food is going to be good. Mr.West is not an exception to the rule. As one of my favorite cafes, Mr. West, has fresh and local foods made daily, for morning, afternoon and evening.

A multi-story parking garage with a red "Parking" sign sits at a street intersection, with a tall skyscraper in the background. Cars are on the road, and a pedestrian crossing sign is visible. Trees line the street, and the sky is overcast.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

Sinking Ship Parking Garage

Okay, have you ever seen a parking garage that looks like a sinking ship? I didn’t think so. Not only is the Sinking Ship Parking Garage a good spot for Instagram photos, it’s also a small part of Seattle history and it offers a view of old town architecture.

Interior of a café with large windows letting in natural light. People sit at tables with laptops and chairs. Outside, more people are visible under umbrellas. The café has wooden furniture and a casual atmosphere.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

A knife cuts into a sunny-side-up egg with a runny yolk, placed on top of a piece of toast. The toast appears to have melted cheese and tomato sauce on it, and is served on a white plate.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

Café Presse

If you’re looking for a little slice of France, I’d recommend Cafe Presse. Cafe Presse has spaced outdoor and newly expanded indoor seating. Their menu is full of items like baguettes sandwiches, pomme frites and salads. My favorite menu item is their Croque Madame. It’s always good. How do you say “delicious” in French?

Please note: Owners have announced that Café Presse will close permanently in February 2022.

Sign for "Trey Leonard's Jerk Shack" against a backdrop of green tree leaves and a cloudy sky.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

A takeout box containing a sandwich topped with green sauce and sliced tomatoes, accompanied by a side of seasoned french fries. A small container of sauce is placed next to the fries.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

Jerk Shack

If you like a mouth full Caribbean spices, I’d recommend the Jerk Shack. Some of my favorite items on their menu are the Jerk chicken, plantains and ginger yams. The Jerk Shack is the perfect spot to eat with friends this summer because of their outdoor patio. Here’s a pro tip: order the corn meal pound cake. It’s not on the menu but they are selling them all summer long. It’s delicious!

View from a ferry deck showing the wake left in the water as the vessel moves forward. The railing is painted green, and the deck has a weathered appearance with some yellow markings. The surrounding water is calm and expansive.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

Two people stand on a ferry, gazing out of large windows at a calm body of water. The distant city skyline is visible under a cloudy sky. A trash bin is in the foreground.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

Ferry to Bainbridge Island

Be sure to take advantage of Seattle’s easiest way to get on the water: the Bainbridge Ferry! For only $8 round trip, you can walk on the ferry right from the waterfront and you’re just a 35-minute boat ride from Bainbridge. Pro tip: time your ride so you’re coming back into Seattle at sunset for a unique view of Seattle you won’t forget.

Storefront window with the words "SUM BY SUM STYLE" visible. Inside, clothing is displayed on racks, and sunflowers are placed at the base. The reflection of trees and buildings is seen on the glass.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

Sum Style

What I enjoy about Sum Style is their blend of street style fashion mixed with Korean influence. This shop has a unique vibe you can only find there. If you’re looking to elevate your style, Sum Style is a good place to start.

A clothing store interior with neatly stacked fabric rolls, assorted jackets on racks, and a counter with drawers. A red neon "K" sign is mounted on the wall. A mannequin wears a jacket and shirt. A large poster with sunglasses is on one wall.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

Kuhlman Clothing

Kuhlman is a one stop shop for clothing. Not only do they feature clothing from Seattle, Europe and Japan; they also do in-house suits and tailoring. If you want something unique that you can’t find elsewhere in Seattle, you’ve got to check this place out. This is definitely a ‘IYKYK’ kind of spot.

A trendy clothing store interior with a mannequin dressed in a patterned shirt and white pants. Racks of clothes, bags, and plants decorate the space, which features brick walls and a cozy, industrial vibe.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

Glasswing Shop

Glasswing started 10 years ago with a goal of being the concierge for the city of Seattle and I feel like they have achieved just that. This shop carries clothing, plants, furniture, jewelry and more. Many things you’ll find in the store are collaborative designs made special for Glasswing and you won’t find them anywhere else.

An image of Gas Works Park in Seattle, featuring rusted industrial structures against a cloudy sky. A grassy field surrounds the machinery, with walking paths and distant views of a water body and urban skyline. A few people are in the distance.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

A grassy hill under a cloudy sky, with people relaxing and walking at the top. In the foreground, a rabbit sits amidst the grass, blending in with the surroundings.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

Gas Works Park

This quirky park is one of my favorites because of how it’s uniquely built. Set on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company, it’s a great place to have a picnic, look at views of Lake Union, see beautiful sights of downtown Seattle and the Space needle. If you’re lucky, you might see a few rabbits too.

Entrance of The State Hotel, featuring a grand archway with intricate stonework and columns. A black awning displays the hotel name in bold white letters, and there's a glimpse of the street and cityscape in the background.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

A person smiling, standing in front of a scenic view of a waterfront city. Behind them, there's a Ferris wheel and buildings, including a sign for "Public Market Center." The sky is clear with a few clouds.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

View from a window showing a cloudy sky over a waterfront. A Ferris wheel and a red neon sign reading "PUBLIC" are visible on top of a building. The scene includes buildings and a body of water in the background.

Antonio Smith, @antoniocdsmith

State Hotel

If location is important to you, the State Hotel simply can’t be beat. Just steps from the Pike Place Market, this newly restored boutique hotel offers modern convenience with a unique PNW style. Don’t leave without taking a trip to the 8th floor for a rooftop experience you won’t forget.

About the Author

I Know A Place

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