Grubbin’ in Emerald City

The Great Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most scenic mountain landscapes on the western coast of the United States. The region is home to Seattle, Washington where technology, shipping commerce and deeply rooted culture collide. It’s home to the nation’s highest minimum wage, the original Starbucks and the headquarters for tech moguls; Microsoft and Amazon. The history of music runs deep through the city’s long list of jazz nightclubs as Seattle was also the birthplace of Jimi Hendrix and the origin of Nirvana, Foo Fighters and the alternative rock movement.

Aside from the incredible music and festival scene, Seattle is surprisingly one of the top cities in the U.S. when it comes to good eats. If you happen to be here during the summer, make sure to hit up the Seattle Street Food Festival for a full taste of what the city has to offer. From international dishes to downright delicious food trucks, Rad’s Top Street Foods in Seattle breaks down the best of the best in the Emerald City.

1. Chili’s South Indian Restaurant

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Fill your gut on the cheap..

Seattle has plenty of international eats to choose from but it can be so hard to choose where to begin. A solid start is at Chili’s where southern Indian cuisine blesses its customers with homemade griddled dosas at amazingly cheap prices. With over 20 years in the business, the menu at this Seattle gem can do no wrong. Their website looks like it was made in the 90’s but their food and reputation simply speaks for itself. Chili’s South Indian Restaurant was even elected in the 2018 Seattle Business Hall of Fame.

Rad’s Go-to Plate: “Masala Dosa” – wrapped with lightly spiced potato & onion masala, served with sambar & chutney

Location: 4220 University Way NE, Seattle
Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 11am – 9.30pm

2. Emerald City Fish and Chips

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Southern-inspired seafood at your fingertips..

Take your choice from freshly caught seafood picks such as halibut, salmon, catfish and cod before watching your fish friend get dunked into the fryer and coming out golden brown. Looking for more of a hearty meal? You can’t go wrong with their scrumptious gumbo or po’ boy sandwiches. Owner Steve Allen has been putting his southern take on this amazing Northwest twist of a menu for years. You’ve got no excuse to check out this place. It’s open 7 days a week!

Rad’s Go-to Plate: “Crab Puppies” – spice, sweet potato fries with spicy tartar & garlic vinegar

Location: 3756 Rainier Ave S, Seattle
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 11am – 9pm, Fri – Sat: 11am – 10pm

3. The Walrus and the Carpenter

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Shellfish galore!

Let’s be real, how could you not want to eat at place with this name? Seafood lovers will be happy to know that this tiny oyster bar serves some of the best shellfish in the West. This Old Ballard restaurant has received high praise from the New York Times and has become the go-to spot for piggin’ out on oysters. With a bar attached, you can wash it all down with a tallboy or handcrafted cocktail of your pleasing. The friendly vibe delivers a neighborhood feel with a cozy welcoming setting, fit for any seafood lover. Stop by this casual joint for delicious plates and flowing drinks.

Rad’s Go-to Plate: “Calm Cove Oysters” – from Hama Hama Oyster Co. in Olympia, Washington

Location: 4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 4pm – 10pm

4. Billiard Hoang

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A dive with go-to eats

Billiard Hoang makes the cut on our list of Seattle eats for two simple reasons. It is a fantastic dive bar and it serves great cheap food. What more can you ask for? Regulars line the bar stools, several pool tables line the back of the venue and the drinks are priced on the low. The entire menu is Vietnamese as are the owners and many of the bar’s clients. This Seattle pool hall is one of the most unexpected destinations for Vietnamese food during the day or when you just can’t knock those late-night cravings.

Rad’s Go-to Plate: “Lemongrass Chicken Vermicelli Bowl” – saucy yet tender chicken with fresh, pickled veggies.

Location: 3220 S Hudson St, Seattle
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 10pm

5. Coyle’s Bakeshop

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Pretzel and Croissant = Cretzel

Seattle foodies are proud to call their city home to the croissant-pretzel hybrid known as the cretzel. The delicious sweet treat is crisp yet flaky and oozes a buttery and salty flavor that tastes as if it were sent from the bakery gods. The menu boasts a solid lineup of pastries, desserts, coffee, tea, cakes and lunch plates. Coyle’s amazing flavors were influenced by English and American baking techniques that have created one of Seattle’s most beloved shops. Originally a pop-up shop in 2013, this bakery banger can now be enjoyed in their brick and mortar location on Greenwood Avenue.

Rad’s Go-To Plate: “Cretzel” – Just order it.

Location: 8300 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 7am – 4pm

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