Columbia City & Rainier Valley

Explore

Columbia City Gallery (4864 Rainier Ave S) presents juried exhibits and local collaborations. Take in a movie at the Ark Lodge Cinemas (4816 Rainier Ave S) and live music at the Columbia City Theater (4916 Rainier Ave S). On Lake Washington, wander through enchanting Seward Park (5900 Lake Washington Blvd S), home to an old-growth forest, hiking trails, and majestic bald eagles. Stroll amid the maples and hydrangeas, calm ponds, and arching red footbridges at Kubota Garden (9817 55th Ave S).

Eat and Drink

For sublime Northwest cuisine, head to Off Alley (4903½ Rainier Ave S). Maa Kiin Seattle (4909 Rainier Ave S) is a favorite for Thai cooking, while La Medusa (4857 Rainier Ave S) serves first-rate Southern Italian fare, and Backyard (3820 S Ferdinand St) is known for flavorful brisket birria tacos in a convivial sports-pub setting. Rainier Valley’s King Donuts (7820 Rainier Ave S) is known for sweet-savory bacon-maple bars and Pizzeria Pulcinella (10003 Rainier Ave S) for wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies. In Rainier Beach, enjoy brunch by Lake Washington at the Stonehouse Cafe (9701 Rainier Ave S) and well-crafted gastropub fare at Jude’s Old Town (9252 57th Ave S).

Shop

Peruse upscale fashion at Gather Consignment (4863 Rainier Ave S) and colorful children’s attire at Chrysanthemum (4860 Rainier Ave S, Ste A). At hip Empire Roasters and Records (3829 S Edmunds St), browse LPs while sipping a ginger-snap latte. Pick up the latest reads at woodsy Third Place Books (5041 Wilson Ave S).