Mobile Navigation menu control
Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

I Know a Place: @jordanloves.life

By I Know A Place September 8, 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.

Woman smiling at the camera in front of the Seattle skyline at sunset from Ella Bailey Park in Magnolia

Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

We invited Seattle photographer, illustrator and designer Jordan Nicholson 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 cozy cafe with four people seated at a rustic wooden table, enjoying drinks. The interior is decorated with plants and shelves filled with various items. A barista is working in the background near the counter. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life
Customers line up inside a cozy café with Asian decor. Some people wear masks. A person at the counter interacts with a barista. Various items are on the counter, and a door at the back leads outside. The atmosphere is warm and bustling. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life
A person smiling and holding a drink in front of Seattle Best Tea Co. They are wearing a cap and a camera is hanging around their neck. A group of people is gathered outside the shop, with one person wearing a jersey with the number 24. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

Seattle Best Tea

This is my favorite bubble tea spot! The classic black milk tea with tapioca is my go-to. Perfect flavor, great texture, and the staff are the nicest ever!

A small restaurant named "Philly's" with a sign advertising the "Best Cheesesteak in Town." The exterior is cream-colored with blue accents. A person in a red shirt sits on a nearby bench under a tree. The restaurant window displays various signs. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

Original Philly’s

I’ve been coming to this spot since I was in middle school—it always hits the spot! Their Philly cheesesteaks are flavorful and big. Also, make sure to try the cheesesteak fries.

A cozy coffee shop interior with wicker chairs and a leather couch around a wooden table on a geometric rug. Hanging lights illuminate the counter, where a barista is working. Large windows and rustic decor create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life
Cozy coffee shop interior with wicker chairs, a long wooden table, and red pendant lights. A mural on the left wall features coffee-related text. Exposed wooden beams and an industrial ceiling enhance the warm, inviting atmosphere. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

Hello Em

This is a newer place created by the family who also runs the legendary Pho Bac restaurants. I’ve only been a handful of times but it has already become a new favorite! The very popular iced egg coffee doesn’t disappoint. And if you get hungry, they also have a bunch of awesome banh mis and snacks!

Exterior of a restaurant named Musang, featuring a rustic wooden facade and stone pathway, with bamboo plants on the right. A stairway leads to the entrance of the building under a clear blue sky. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life
A cozy cafe interior with wooden furniture and a polished floor. The bar area is visible in the background where staff are working. Large windows let in natural light. The walls are decorated with framed art and mirrors. A door leads to an outdoor area. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

Musang

Musang is a Filipino restaurant by the amazing chef (and also my friend), Melissa Miranda. Her takes on classic Filipino dishes are divine. It’s a must visit!

A warmly lit restaurant interior with wooden tables set for dining, featuring small sauce bottles and dishware. The space is cozy with several diners visible in the background, and modern light fixtures hang from the ceiling. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life
A cozy restaurant interior with dim lighting. A brightly lit blue aquarium is against the wall, containing fish and decorations. There are wooden dividers, wall art, and various papers posted on the walls and shelves. A chandelier hangs above. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

Jade Garden

Everybody loves dim sum, and this is the place to go if you need your dim sum fix. Legendary spot.

A restaurant counter with a staff member wearing a cap, surrounded by rustic wooden decor. Behind the counter are Coca-Cola dispensers and a menu sign. The wall displays various burger-themed decor and clothing items. Warm, ambient lighting fills the space. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

Lil Woody’s

I’ve actually been shooting photos for Lil Woody’s for the past 8 years. Nobody has tried more of their specials than me. And yet, all these years later, their burgers are still so good to me! Big fan of the Pendleton—their chicken sandwich—and also their black bean burger. The fries are killer too!

A cozy restaurant interior with a counter displaying menus and signs. A bulletin board shows specials, and small tables are set for dining. Warm lighting and decorations create a welcoming atmosphere. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

Thai Curry Simple

I feel like there are some folks who sleep on this place. It’s one of my favorites though! They have red curries, yellow curries, and green ones too. Just know whatever you get, it’ll be sure to make your tummy happy.

A busy café scene with people seated at wooden tables. Some are enjoying meals and drinks, while others are conversing. The space is warmly lit with ceiling fans, hanging round lights, and a long bar counter on the right. A stroller is visible in the foreground. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

Pho Bac Sup Shop

You can’t talk about food in Seattle without talking about pho. You can’t talk about pho without talking about Pho Bac! It’s a staple in the community. If you’re looking to try pho in Seattle, this is the spot!

A well-lit comic book store interior featuring a long wooden display case, posters on the walls, and a circular rack filled with comic books. The room has a polished concrete floor and a counter with chairs in the background. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life
A spacious game store features long tables with chairs, a glass display case, and colorful posters on the walls. Various board games and collectibles are visible. The room has a warm, inviting atmosphere with dim lighting. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

Tabletop Village

Pokemon cards have become extremely popular again in recent years; so if you’re looking to dive into that world, look no further than Tabletop! They’ll take good care of ya.

A small boutique with a tropical theme displays colorful clothing on hangers and tables. T-shirts, a grill, and decorations create a relaxed atmosphere. A sign reads "Paradise Avenue Souf," and a small model house adds charm to the setup. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

Paradice Avenue Souf

Paradice is a clothing store I run with a few friends! We all grew up in South Seattle and wanted to make a brand that pulled from our experiences growing up here. Come check us out! Best clothing brand of all time.

A person is wrapped in a white comforter, sitting on a teal couch with red and yellow pillows. The background features a black and white patterned wallpaper and framed artwork. They appear cozy and snug. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life
A person with curly hair is partially covered by a white comforter, only their eyes and hair visible. They are lying in bed, surrounded by several pillows, with a wooden headboard in the background. Jordan Nicholson, @jordanloves.life

The Maxwell Hotel – A Staypineapple Hotel

The Maxwell Hotel was wonderful!! The bed was very comfy, the decor was super fun, and the location was absolutely perfect. Had all the food spots right next to it!

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 >>

More Posts By I Know A Place

Share This Article

Related Posts

Advertisements

No comments yet.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SEATTLE LOCALIST

Seattle’s best every month in your inbox

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Book Your Trip

Advertisements