PAX is upon us. Geeks and Gamers will be taking over downtown Seattle for the weekend, and I could not be more thrilled. If you’re attending, there will be times that you’ll want to grab something to eat, and you may have no idea where to go. Cheesecake Factory and Gameworks may sound like good ideas, but they will be BEYOND packed the whole time.
So… where does one go to get good food and atmosphere in the Seattle area? Here are a few of my favorite places:
Cafe Mox
Ballard, Shuttles available from Convention Center
Attached to Card Kingdom in Ballard, Cafe Mox is a beautiful and tasty bar/restaurant made for geeks and gamers. Grab a game from Card Kingdom and sit down for a bite while you play. This isn’t walking distance from PAX, but they will be providing free shuttles back and forth. Talk to the folks at the Card Kingdom booth for details.
Icon Grill
5th and Virginia
Icon Grill has the most amazing dressed up comfort food. If you want something a bit nicer, but want to make sure you get your fill, this is the place.
List
1st, Between Bell and Blanchard
List is a swanky, tiny locale in Belltown that’s perfect for a quick bite and a bottle of wine. I recommend you stop by anytime on Sunday or Monday: they have all day Happy Hour then, which includes 1/2 off food and $14 bottles of house wine. I always go for their grilled caesar salad and burger.
Mexico
Pacific Place
This is extremely close to the convention center, so it may be a bit packed, but it’s worth it. If you want fresh, delicious mexican food and some giant margaritas, this is your place. I’m obsessed with their veggie fajitas.
Molly Moon’s
Downtown, Capitol Hill
If you’re looking for a quick dessert break, Molly Moon’s ice cream will hit the spot. Depending on your location, you can hit the Capitol Hill or Downtown location. The Downtown spot is a short walk from the convention center inside of The Chocolate Box (near Pike Place Market).
Rob Roy
2nd and Battery
Just looking for a quiet place to grab a well-made drink? Check out Rob Roy. These bartenders know what they’re doing. Don’t order your standard, instead let them recommend something great for you. The first time I went in here, they were playing the Scott Pilgrim Soundtrack, so they get bonus points for that.
Po Dog
10th and Union
If you make your way up to Capitol Hill for any of the parties and need a quick meal or late-night snack, Po Dog is your place. They have hot dogs in every style–be adventurous! A meet up (complete with gaming truck) will be held there on Sunday from 11am-2pm, so I’d recommend checking it out then.
Do you have other restaurant recommendations in Seattle? Leave them in the comments!
Might I also suggest Six Arms (corner of Pike and Melrose). It’s a McMenamins pub, has good beer, decent prices, late night happy hour, and is only a few blocks walk up the hill from the Convention Center.
You forgot AFK Tavern @1510 41st Street. It’s probably no where near the convention center, but when we visit Seattle we always end up there. It is build with gamers in mind. There are beautiful murals in tribute to various games. You’re allowed to just sit around at various tv’s and play video games or take up a long table all day to play an tabletop RPG. They’re menu us funky too. I tried the Flying Spaghetti Monster and my husband had the Orc burger. They have great drinks and music as well. It’s worth the look!
here’s their webpage! http://www.afktavern.com/
Thomas, great suggestion: I’m a fan of all McMenamins! You’ve got to get their tots, cajun style.
Ashlee: AFK Tavern is indeed awesome! A bit of a drive from downtown Seattle, but worth it if you bring a group and a fun game. Their drink list is AMAZING!