Flying into Seattle on Christmas Day probably wasn’t the best idea—almost everything was closed when I landed around 5 PM. Still, I was excited to revisit the city. My last trip in 2006 had been all about the tourist spots—visiting the Space Needle and the original Starbucks at Pike Place. This time, I wanted to explore beyond the typical attractions.
The city was rainy, quiet, and serene. I checked into the Ace Hotel, which offered rooms at $99 per night with shared bathrooms, complimentary breakfast, and Stumptown coffee. The hotel was conveniently located a few blocks from Pike Place, avoiding the tourist buzz while being close to great local bars and hangouts.
Genghis Khan: My Christmas Dinner
After wandering around 1st Ave, Pike St, and Pine St for nearly 45 minutes, I decided on Chinese food for dinner. I ordered sesame chicken ($8.95), potstickers ($5.95), and a side of rice ($1.25) from Genghis Khan. I also grabbed a giant can of Sapporo from a nearby store and headed back to my hotel.
Back in my room, I spread out the food and turned on the TV. The potstickers, with their crispy thin wrappers, were surprisingly good. The sesame chicken, however, tasted more like orange chicken—still decent but far too much for one person. I ended up with leftovers, along with half a can of Sapporo.
Macrina Bakery: A Morning Treat
The next morning, I ventured to Macrina Bakery, located conveniently across from my hotel. Running on East Coast time, I was up early and ready for brunch by 9:30 AM. If you visit, make sure to write your name on the clipboard at the door to secure your spot.
Sitting at the counter, I ordered the Marina fried egg sandwich: eggs cooked over-medium, topped with spicy tomato sauce, muenster cheese, roasted onions, and Dijon, all served on grilled potato bread with a side of herb-roasted potatoes. Watching the chef work in the small open kitchen was mesmerizing—effortlessly efficient as she turned out one dish after another.
When my sandwich arrived, it exceeded all expectations. The eggs were perfectly runny, the cheese added a rich flavor, and the salsa brought a fresh, tangy balance. The roasted potatoes were seasoned to perfection, with just the right hint of rosemary. By 10 AM, I was stuffed and ready to explore.
Piroshky Piroshky at Pike Place
At Pike Place, I couldn’t resist the smell wafting from Piroshky Piroshky. Known for their giant sweet and savory pastries, the line moved quickly despite being out the door. I opted for an apple cinnamon piroshky, which looked beautiful but unfortunately was served cold and slightly stale. While the flavors were good, I wished it had been heated.
Samurai Noodle: Ramen Cravings
Later that day, I walked 1.6 miles in the rain to Samurai Noodle in the International District. Despite the weather, it was worth the effort. The packed restaurant had a smart system: you place your order while waiting for a table. After about 10 minutes, I was seated with a steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen in front of me.
The broth was the star—rich and flavorful. While the noodles could’ve been cooked a bit longer, the tender pork and mushrooms complemented the dish perfectly. At $7, it was an incredible value compared to NYC ramen prices.
Sake Tasting and the Picasso Exhibit
On my way to the Seattle Art Museum for the Picasso exhibit, I stumbled upon Sake Nomi, a cozy sake bar offering tastings. For $5, I sampled five varieties of sake, guided by the knowledgeable owner, Johnnie. Slightly tipsy, I headed to the museum, where the Picasso exhibit was the perfect blend of art and wine-induced introspection.
Ending the Night at Alibi Room
I wrapped up the day at the Alibi Room, a hidden gem near Pike Place. The cozy, dimly lit bar offered a great selection of craft beers. I enjoyed two pints of Hale’s Wee Heavy Winter Ale and ordered the Pizza con Carne. While the pizza was loaded with meat and had a crispy crust, it lacked flavor. Still, it was a solid end to an eventful day.
Day one in Seattle was nothing short of epic. With great food, cultural experiences, and plenty of walking, I never felt hungry for a moment!
