My friend and I are going to Seattle in February. I went to the University of WA so I know the tourist sights. However, as a student I mainly ate on campus or at fast food joints. This time through I like to try some interesting, moderately priced restaurants. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you
Laura

Try Deux Tamales in Columbia City. Fantastic and unusual Mexican food, small, great decor, best margaritas in town.
Capitol Club on Capitol Hill is a unique bar/restaurant, sort of Mediterranean style.
Chinois on Queen Anne has good sushi and japanese food.

There is a wonderful family owned restaurant in the U-district called Mama Melinas (206) 632-2271. Excellent food and reasonable prices.

The best place I know is reasonably priced and serves excellent food in an eotic like decor. It is called OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! They make you believe you are in the Australian outback and use phrases like "shrimp on the barb!!! Really cool. Try their speciality called the Bloomin Onion. It is hard to describe but is really cool. You will love this place!

Deux Tamales is an excellent suggestion, or their sister place, Les Tamales (French/Mexican fusion - great) in W. Seattle.

Near the UW is another fun Mexican oriented place, Agua Verde, right on Portage Bay at the foot of the Ave.

Don't know when you left the UW, but the Denny Regrade and Belltown are full of trendy places, many of which are quite good. Broadway is slumping IMO, and Fremont is being transformed into something resembling Kirkland, although there are still some good places in that area.

For moderate priced eateries my favorite is Le Pichet in Beltown. Very inexpensive French bistro food. I also love Mama's Mexican also in Beltown. For sushi Ototo on Queen Anne is the freshest, most artistic and definately the least expensive.

Some places have great happy hours where you can get a bargain on food! Wasabi Bistro, The Met and McCormick's all come to mind.

Have fun,

Wendy

Hey John, I think Les Tamales closed! A friend of mine in West Seattle said it closed, and a new restaurant took its place . . .

Evidently it's shut. Sad, but at least all is not lost...

Forgot to mention Panos Kleftiko near Seattle Center. Tiny place, fab Greek food, amazing atmosphere.

Agree w/Wendy on Le Pichet. Bon appetit!

its been awhile but last time i was there i ate at a place by the pier. i think it was called the wild ginger. is it still there - i loved it.

Here's another vote for Outback Steakhouse. They are consistently good throughout the USA.

Oh..Mama Melina's is a great suggestion! We make a trek to Seattle every year and always end up with at least one evening there. It's good Italian food, fun atmosphere and reasonably priced.

If you like seafood, any of the McCormick & Schmick's restaurants are good. I especially like their Harborside (sp?) on Lake Union which also has beautiful views. Sometimes I just order an appetizer and it's plenty for me. Also, some other good inexpensive places are Paragon on Queen Anne and several small places by Pike Street Market.

Along this same line would one need a reservation to have appetizers in the bar at Chez Shea on a Friday night? Do they have any music? Does Kells always have music on weekends? What about jazz at the Four Seasons?

I don't think you can make reservations for the bar at Chez Shea, just show up and wait for a table in the bar if need be.

Kells always has entertainment as done Owl and Thistle which is another great Irish bar.

John if you don't stop telling people about Panos Greek Taverna I won't be able to get a table anymore!! grrr! haha!

Wendy