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Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

I Know a Place: @wanderingbackpack

By I Know A Place June 6, 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 invited Washington based travel blogger Veronika Patrashko to share some of her 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 sits peacefully on a dock, gazing at a stunning sunset over a calm lake. The sky is filled with vibrant hues of orange, purple, and blue, reflecting beautifully on the water's surface. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A wooden pier stretches out into a calm lake under a vibrant sunset. The sky displays a blend of orange, pink, and purple hues reflected on the water's surface, creating a serene and picturesque scene. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

Lake Washington at the T Dock

Lake Washington at the T Dock is one of the best places in Seattle to catch a sunrise all year round. From this dock you have a view of Mount Rainier, The Leschi Marina, and the city of Bellevue skyline. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful morning by yourself. During the day, in the summer, this dock gets busy with many people sunbathing and jumping into Lake Washington to cool off.

Two hands holding cups of ice cream with wooden spoons in front of a store window decorated with colorful images and the text "Hello Robin." The cups have playful designs, and cookies are visible on top of the ice cream. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A woman in a red striped dress sits on a wooden bench outside an ice cream shop. She is holding a cup of ice cream and smiling, with the shop's colorful window display in the background. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

Hello Robin

When you can’t decide whether you’d rather have a chocolate chip cookie or a scoop of ice cream, head to Hello Robin. Here, you can get a chocolate-chip-cookie-ice-cream sandwich. The cookies are freshly baked and are absolutely delicious. The ice cream is a local favorite – Molly Moons. I love to get the regular chocolate chip ice cream sandwich with vanilla ice cream.

A woman sits at a wooden table in a restaurant, smiling. In front of her are plates of pasta, broccoli, and risotto, along with two glasses of white wine. The background features light walls with minimal decor. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
Two plates of pasta and risotto are arranged on a wooden table, accompanied by a dish of vegetables and drinks. The setting includes wine glasses and water, suggesting a cozy dining experience. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
Sidewalk café with a rustic wooden table and colorful chairs, set against a city street backdrop. Nearby are storefronts, parked cars, and a covered seating area. A partly cloudy sky completes the scene. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

Spinasse

Spinasse is well known for their homemade egg yolk pasta. It’s very simple but tasty. My favorite item from their menu is the bruschetta! Be sure to make a reservation because they don’t take walk-ins. Currently, they have lovely outdoor seating on the sidewalk as well as a few tables inside.

A modern indoor café with high ceilings, large windows, and shelves displaying bottles and snacks. A hanging lamp illuminates the counter area. Plants add a touch of greenery to the space. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
Two wooden boards with chocolate lava cakes topped with ice cream and crumbs are on a table. A cappuccino with latte art is placed nearby. A napkin with a spoon rests to the side. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A woman in a floral dress stands against a checkered wall at a location with the name "hot cakes molten chocolate cakery" displayed. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

Hot Cakes

One of my favorite dessert spots in Seattle! The combination of a delicious molten chocolate cake along with a scoop of ice cream is to die for. They have a few different flavors of the molten cakes and ice creams, including a vegan option. Make sure to check out the Capitol Hill location as it offers lots of indoor and outdoor seating. They also have a new molten cake flavor every month so you can never get bored with this place. My go-to order from here is Dark Decadence.

Aerial view of a modern coffee shop with a barista preparing drinks. The space features white countertops, wooden chairs, a large menu board, and greenery. Large windows provide natural light, and there are indoor plants decorating the interior. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A cozy coffee shop with a large window, offering a view of a street with cars and trees. Inside, there are menu boards, plants, a few stools at a counter, and hanging lights creating a welcoming atmosphere. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A woman in a red dress stands inside a modern café, holding a cup. The café features a sleek white counter, menu boards on a dark wall, plants, and large windows showing trees and parked cars outside. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

Union Coffee

One-of-a-kind coffee shop that has a good variety of baked goods, delicious coffee drinks, and other beverages. The interior is beautiful, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. I love stopping by here anytime I’m in the area. Currently, they don’t have any indoor seating but there’s a lovely outdoor seating area with a couple of tables.

A hand holding a plastic cup filled with pink ginger beer. The cup has the label "Rachel's Ginger Beer." In the background, there are vibrant pink flowers, slightly out of focus. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
Woman in white dress sitting at a cafe counter holding a drink. The interior features plants on the counter, round hanging lights, wall art, and a menu board in the background. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

Rachel’s Ginger Beer

Rachel’s Ginger Beer is handcrafted in Seattle. It is hands down the most delicious ginger beer I’ve ever tasted. As they state on their website, “simple ingredients are key”. They use fresh lemons, strong roots, and organic cane sugar. My favorite flavor is Pink Guava.

A woman with long dark hair sits alone at a large white marble table, holding a mug and looking to the side. There are pastries in front of her. The background features a white brick wall and hanging industrial lights. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A marble table in a spacious cafe displays a pink mug filled with a beverage next to a white plate of pastries. The background features glass doors, high ceilings, and scattered seating. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
Modern café interior featuring high ceilings with exposed beams and geometric light fixtures. Large windows provide natural light, illuminating marble-topped tables and a marble counter. The space is decorated in a minimalist style. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

General Porpoise

Hands down the best doughnuts in Seattle! They’re usually sold out by late afternoon, way before their closing time. These doughnuts are filled with custards, creams, and seasonal jams. I like visiting the Pioneer Square location. They currently have open indoor seating, and the interior is lovely. It’s a good spot to enjoy your doughnuts, a cup of coffee, and grab the perfect Instagram photo in front of their white brick wall.

A person in a white dress stands on a balcony overlooking a city skyline with tall buildings and a marina. The sky is partly cloudy, and the water is calm, reflecting the blue of the sky. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A marina with boats docked in calm water, a city skyline with tall buildings, and a Ferris wheel in the distance under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

Bell Street Pier Rooftop Deck

One of the best views of Seattle downtown, waterfront & beyond, located in the heart of the city. There are lots of benches and open space to sit down and enjoy the view. The rooftop deck is fully open to the public from 7am-10pm. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a take-out meal with a view.

A plate of toast topped with mushrooms, greens, and flowers on a table, accompanied by fries and a glass of water. The setting includes a high-rise view of city buildings and a body of water in the background. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A person holds a cocktail in a stemmed glass, with a cityscape view in the background. Tall buildings line a bustling street as dusk falls, creating a vibrant urban atmosphere. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A bowl with a cooked lamb shank garnished with herbs and small purple flowers sits on a table. The background features tall city buildings viewed from a balcony on a sunny day. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A hand holding a glass of coffee with a frothy top near a balcony railing. Tall city skyscrapers and a river in the background under a clear blue sky. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

The Fog Room Sky Lounge and Terrace

at The Charter Hotel

The Fog Room is a panoramic indoor-outdoor rooftop bar located on the top floor of the Charter Hotel Seattle. The food and the drinks are unique, delicious, and picture-perfect. They are currently open Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm until midnight. You can book a reservation around the sunset time and enjoy a perfect evening in the city.

A modern cafe counter with a wooden backdrop and two hanging lights. The counter displays pastries, cups with logos, and a sanitized dispenser. A menu board is visible in front, with large windows showing a tree and building outside. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A hand holding a cup of coffee with latte art against a background of green vines and pink flowers. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A person with light blue nail polish holds a cup of coffee with latte art, featuring a heart design. The person is sitting on a green slatted bench, and their white sleeve is partially visible. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A person in a white dress sits at a green table outside Fulcrum Coffee, holding a blue cup. The café's sign is visible above. Urban buildings and trees are reflected in the window behind. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

Fulcrum Coffee Café

Fulcrum Coffee Cafe is a place of discovery, surprise, and delight, inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s beauty, people, and stories. The coffee is delicious, the interior is modern, and they have rotating art installations. I love their lattes and pour overs. They currently have a couple of tables open for indoor and outdoor seating.

Cozy cafe interior with a wooden floor and a light blue bar counter. A wooden table with four chairs is in the foreground. The bar is stocked with various bottles and glasses, and there are lights hanging from the ceiling. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
Two people sitting at a wooden table with burgers and fries on white plates, accompanied by dipping sauces. A smartphone and two glasses of soda are placed on the table. They are reaching for the food and drinks. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack
A woman is seated at a wooden table in an outdoor restaurant. She is smiling, with food and drinks in front of her. The background shows an indoor bar area with additional seating and plants hanging above. Veronika Patrashko, @wanderingbackpack

Meet The Moon Café

Meet the Moon is an all-day American eatery adjacent to the Leschi marina. I love coming here both for brunch and lunch. I love their eggs benedict, avocado toast, and truffle fries. At the moment, they have plenty of outdoor, sidewalk seating, as well as a few tables inside. They’re also very pet friendly.

About the Author

I Know A Place

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