Back in the 1850s early settlers built sawmills to use the available timber resources and moved the logs by “skidding” them down steep hills in the area, hence the name Pioneer Square-Skid Road Historic District in downtown Seattle. Often an afterthought, Pioneer Square is becoming one of Seattle’s most interesting foodie neighborhoods. There is much depth to this neighborhood with many restaurants and historic places to explore. Here are a few:
Photo: Delicatus/Facebook
This lovely delicatessen, complete with a bar, is open for lunch, gathering hour and dinner. With over 30 thoughtfully prepared and scrumptious sandwich choices, you are bound become a regular at Delicatus. A few of our favorites are: The Duwamish (shaved ham, tender pulled pork, swiss, jalapeno-lime aioli), The Seattle Cure (Cured Albacore tuna bresaola, salmon lox, lemon caper aioli, piquillo peppers) and The Ciscoe (roasted Poblano peppers, spinach, avocado, pea sprouts, tomato jalapeno-lime aioli). During gathering hour, you can enjoy $2 off any nosh or appetizer along with special deals on cocktails, wine and beer.
Photo: The Lodge/Facebook
The Lodge has six locations, and the Stadium location in Pioneer Square is just steps away from CenturyLink and Safeco fields. Most people enjoy the dozens of beers on tap and the full bar. Lunch and dinner, complete with sandwiches, burgers, salads and soups, are served. During happy hour, you can get a great deal on sliders, fried pickles, flatbread, fish tacos, popcorn shrimp, quesadillas and drinks.
Photo: Manu's Bodega/Facebook
Tucked away below the construction on Yesler Way (AKA Skid Road) and Prefontaine Place South, Manu’s Bodega is a secluded Latin hideaway. We love that it is locally focused, serving only Carlton Farms pork, Northwest grass fed beef, Mad Hatcher Farms poultry and Pike Place Market produce. On a hot summer day, sit on the outdoor patio and devour the cool and flavorful Watermelon Gazpacho. The Empanadas (beef picadillo or yam and smoked gouda), Puerco Asado sandwich and the Cuban Dip are truly authentic Latin dishes.
Photo courtesy of Taylor Shellfish
Seattle is well known for its array of fresh seafood. Taylor Shellfish is one establishment that every Seattleite, as well as every tourist, should experience. Although the oyster assortment shuffles daily, all oysters are from Washington or British Columbia. Not sure about what type of oyster to sample? Here are a few recommendations: Kumamotos (beach grown in Shelton, Washington), Skigoku (Pacific tide-tumbled, also in Shelton), and Kusshi (Pacific barrel-tumbled in Vancouver Island, BC). Not interested in oysters? Taylor Shellfish also offers fresh Dungeness crab, chilled seafood, soup, sandwiches and steamers.
Photo: Sprout Salads/Facebook
Especially on hot summer days, you don’t want a heavy meal to get you through the workday. Sprout is a healthy alternative for your body and mind. Focused on healthy dining options, Sprout’s menu is comprised of salad and wrap options as well as fresh squeezed juice and frozen yogurt. For a lower calorie vegan lunch, try The Far East salad prepared with edamame, tofu, purple cabbage, kale and spinach, and topped with sesame soy sriracha dressing. A more substantial caloric option is the Top Cobb made of turkey, avocado, hard boiled eggs, pea sprouts, spinach and yogurt gorgonzola dressing.
