Seattleites love to play outside, no matter what the weather. The fresh breeze off Puget Sound and the crisp, pine-scented air of the nearby Cascades make this a true four-season outdoor destination. But we also enjoy nothing more during the chillier months than gathering with friends for drinks or a meal at a warmly decorated wine bar, neighborhood bistro, or charming coffeehouse. Head to these beloved spots that embody the city’s cozy spirit.
Book Nooks
Ada's Technical Books photo credit Felix Tran
Drop by these captivating local bookshops to pick up the perfect read for whiling away a winter afternoon.
With its vaulted ceilings and ionic columns, Arundel Books (322 First Ave S) is a beautiful place to browse in Pioneer Square. Left Bank Books (92 Pike St) has specialized in politically minded lit for more than a half-century—it’s one of a few excellent bookshops in Pike Place Market. Queen Anne Book Company (1811 Queen Anne Ave N) stands out for its passionate staff, frequent author talks, and lovely outdoor seating area.
The city’s largest independent bookseller, Elliott Bay Book Company (1521 10th Ave) stocks an encyclopedic selection of titles in virtually every imaginable category as well as an inviting cafe. Just up the street, celebrate your inner geek by pursuing the science-driven inventory at Ada’s Technical Books and Cafe (425 15th Ave E), which also presents workshops and discussions on a wide range of thoughtful topics. With a mission to celebrate diversity and promote social justice, Estelita’s Library (241 Martin Luther King Jr Way S) serves as an inclusive shop, reading room, and community space.
In a handsome storefront near Ravenna Park and the University of Washington campus, Third Place Books (6504 20th Ave NE) carries both used and new titles and has a lovely cafe. Check out additional locations in Seward Park and Lake Forest Park. Stop by culinary-focused Book Larder (4252 Fremont Ave N) to discover cookbooks to up your holiday decorating and cookie-baking game. A longtime fixture of Ballard’s bustling retail district, Secret Garden Bookshop (2214 NW Market St) has titles for every taste, including a superb selection of children’s books.
Romantic Rendezvous
Plan a magical date night at these alluring restaurants.
Pink Door photo credit Feed It Creative
Pink Door
Each of the dining spaces in this beloved Pike Place Market Italian-American eatery exudes romance, from the warmly lighted dining room in which cabaret acts, jazz trios, and trapeze artists perform to the trellised wooden deck with amazing views of Elliott Bay.
1919 Post Alley
thepinkdoor.net
Spinasse
Sample some of the Northwest’s most sophisticated modern Italian cuisine in this casually elegant Capitol Hill trattoria decked with contemporary artwork and wooden tables. Seating at the marble bar provides a front-row view of the staff hand-crafting pasta in the open kitchen.
1531 14th Ave
spinasse.com
Kamonegi
In this intimate, unfussy dining room, the gorgeously plated Japanese food—consider lamb in a fermented-beet katsu sauce or kabocha squash “wings” in a duck demi-glace—is the star of the show. Share a slice of soufflé-style cheesecake with yuzu curd for the ultimate sweet ending.
1054 N 39th St
kamonegiseattle.com
Canlis
Inside a striking midcentury modern building with giant windows overlooking the Lake Washington Ship Canal, this upscale locale specializing in lavish multi-course feasts has been a date-night go-to since 1950.
2576 Aurora Ave N
canlis.com
Momiji Sushi
Soak up views of the Space Needle and the adjacent greenery through the soaring windows of this mod-
industrial restaurant in the Amazon Nitro tower. It specializes in exquisite Japanese small plates, like seven-spice grilled king crab and garlic-soy short ribs.
731 Bell St
momijislu.com
Il Terrazzo Carmine
For 40 years, couples have celebrated anniversaries and special occasions at this classic Pioneer Square Italian restaurant hung with shimmering chandeliers. Prime steaks, rich sauces, and rare imported wines impart a luxurious ambience.
411 First Ave S
ilterrazzocarmine.com
Seabird
Part of what makes this dapper bistro so romantic is getting there. From downtown Seattle you’ll take a picturesque ferry ride with magical sunset views of the Olympic Range. Your reward? Fresh-caught raw, poached, and smoked Northwest seafood.
133 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island
seabird.fish
Driftwood
Drift over to West Seattle’s breezy Alki Beach to dine at this casually chic restaurant with a hyper-seasonal menu that changes according to what’s fresh and always offers several tantalizing vegetarian options. The counter seats at the window offer sweeping water views.
2722 Alki Ave SW
driftwoodseattle.com
Tomo
Don’t let the unassuming exterior of this former video store in White Center fool you. Tomo is a beautiful space and the perfect backdrop to appreciate the refined, globally inspired cuisine of James Beard–
nominated chef Brady Ishiwata Williams.
9811 16th Ave SW
tomoseattle.com
Hearth & Soul
Gather around the fire at these bewitching bars and restaurants.
mbar photo credit Reva Keller
mbar
Sip martinis around the firepits at this see-and-be-seen 14th-floor rooftop bar with dazzling skyline vistas.
400 Fairview Ave N
nadimama.com/mbar
Fireside Room at Hotel Sorrento courtesy Hotel Sorrento
Fireside Room at Hotel Sorrento
Old-world grandeur infuses this gracious lounge anchored by a tile fireplace and comfy upholstered chairs.
900 Madison St
hotelsorrento.com
The Lounge at Salish Lodge
It’s hard to find a more inviting space—especially on a crisp winter day—than the fireplace-warmed lounge in this romantic hotel beside dramatic Snoqualmie Falls.
6501 Railroad Ave, Fall City
salishlodge.com
Mulleady’s Irish Pub
Savor a pint of Guinness and hearty shepherd’s pie in this traditional Irish pub with two stone fireplaces.
3055 21st Ave W
mulleadysirishpub.com
Bar Moxy
Comfy seating, occasional live music, foosball and shuffleboard, and a gleaming glass fireplace make this airy watering hole in the Moxy hotel a favorite with both locals and visitors.
1016 Republican St
moxyseattle.com
Il Nido
Set in a rustic century-old log cabin in West Seattle, this upbeat Italian trattoria has a festive bar anchored by a rock fireplace with a massive log mantel.
2717 61st Ave SW
ilnidoseattle.com
Sabine
At this Ballard standby for Middle Eastern brunch and dinner, fireplaces are inside and on the covered terrace.
5307 Ballard Ave NW
sabineseattle.com
Skål Beer Hall
The brick walls, ceiling beams, glowing fireplace, and old-fashioned lantern lights of this convivial taproom capture the infectious spirit of a Viking mead hall.
5429 Ballard Ave NW
skalballard.com
Edgewater Hotel
Relax with a glass of wine before the stone fireplace in the lobby of this retro-swanky hotel with views of Elliott Bay.
2411 Alaskan Way
edgewaterhotel.com
Toasty Toasts
Warm your spirits with a craft cocktail, a glass of wine, or a pint of beer.
Méitier Brewing photo credit Feed It Creative
Cocktails
Needle and Thread (1406 12th Ave) is a dimly lit speakeasy inside Tavern Law. Paper Fan (601 E Pike St) is tucked inside Biang Biang Noodles and specializes in aromatic tea-infused cocktails, and Boat Bar (1060 E Union St) is a handsome space inspired by France’s seafood bistros. Palm-shaped ceiling fans and tropical flowers lend a welcoming vibe to Pho’cific Standard Time (1923 Seventh Ave).
Wine
Among the more than 115 wineries in nearby Woodinville, JM Cellars (14404 137th Pl NE, Woodinville) stands out for its enchanting indoor spaces, but you can also relax around the outdoor firepit, perhaps after strolling through the 7-acre evergreen-shrouded arboretum. Seattle has plenty of inviting tasting rooms, such as the sleekly designed House of Smith Jet City (H1136 S Albro Pl) and friendly Structure Cellars (3861 First Ave S), with its outdoor firepit.
Beer
Hoist a mug at Métier Brewing (2616 E Cherry St), with its glass-walled taproom. The new Columbia City Urban Beer Garden (3808 S Edmunds St) is the latest location of Fremont Brewing, whose flagship space (1050 N 34th St) is also terrific. Also drop by Old Stove Brewing Co (1901 Western Ave) at Pike Place Market and Prost! (7311 Greenwood Ave N) in Phinney Ridge.
Convivial Cafes
A mug brimming with coffee or tea can truly hit the spot on a chilly morning.
Valentina's photo credit Charity Burggraaf
Valentina’s
Inspired by Mexico City’s vibrant coffee culture, this warmly lighted coffeehouse with exposed-brick walls serves boldly flavored drinks like habanero mochas and coconut-cream lattes, plus decadent tres leches cake.
5405 Leary Ave NW
valentinascafe.com
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
With its stylish light fixtures and polished wooden furniture, this alluring Capitol Hill space is an inviting spot to sample single-origin coffees, unusual espresso and tea flavors, and tasty sandwiches and desserts.
1124 Pike St
starbucksreserve.com
Olympic Bar
Step back in time and experience the courtly tradition of afternoon high tea in this two-story, wood-paneled space at the 1924 Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Served on fine china, this exquisite repast consists of dainty sandwiches and scones with marionberry jam.
411 University St
fairmont.com
Storyville Coffee
At Pike Place Market, this fireplace-warmed cafe with leather sofas and timber walls provides a calm vibe. Try the mocha with house-made chocolate sauce and a caramel cookie topped with Maldon sea salt.
94 Pike St
storyville.com
Armistice Coffee
A short stroll from Green Lake, this light-filled, contemporary space has a patio with a firepit and plenty of comfy indoor seating too. Warm up with a Turkish coffee or lavender latte.
6717 Roosevelt Way NE
armisticecoffeeco.com
Hello Em
Few things warm the soul more on a winter afternoon than the ethereal egg cloud espresso drinks, pressed bánh mì, and durian cake rolls served at this art-filled Vietnamese-American cafe in the Chinatown-International District.
1227 S Weller St
facebook.com/helloemcoffee
Vita at KEXP
Listen to great music, browse records at Light in the Attic music shop, or watch live broadcasts at the KEXP radio studios while you enjoy a cardamom-rose latte or a smooth nitro cold brew in this spacious Seattle Center branch of the beloved local coffee chain.
472 First Ave N
caffevita.com
The Scene in South Park
This friendly, community-driven cafe near Georgetown is a wonderful place to connect with friends or meet new ones. Try a slice of quiche and the sweetly spicy cayenne-cinnamon latte.
1249 S Cloverdale St
instagram.com/thesceneinsouthpark
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