I love this farmers market! There are so many vendors offering produce, hot foods, flowers, and…read moremore. Some grocery stores really stretch the definition of "local" to somehow mean selling fruits from California, but this market enforces a tighter definition of local meaning exclusively from Washington state farmers. The market is well spaced so that while it's busy, you're not packed cheek to jowl, and there's room to form orderly queues. The only downside of this market and the main reason I don't visit more often is that getting here poses some challenges. The light rail doesn't go here (I'm still waiting for a legitimate ETA for the Ballard Link Extension, really, how long can 8 miles take??) and finding parking is a nightmare. The other reason is that I'm always so tempted to over buy the hot foods and bakery goods since everything smells so amazing here!

Ballard Farmers Market was my favorite farmers market in the greater Seattle area for many years…read more Recently, the booth count seems to be less than before, with restaurants occupying the street space (understandably) along two blocks. Subsequently, I lost some interest since I don't live nearby. While I was in Ballard on a recent Sunday, I rushed to the market to see if it was still open. Officially, it was not; they closed at 2pm. But they were still packing up. I believe they are not allowed to sell after the official closing time; I asked one vendor, they declined. The staff wants the streets to reopen as soon as possible. As I walked the two blocks, several vendors still have some items on display on their tables. With a bit of wink, wink, accidentally dropping cash on the table and accidentally taking things off the table, I walked away with goodies. I won't say what I bought to avoid anyone getting into trouble. Street parking was easy enough nearby on a Sunday.

I visited chophouse row for the first time yesterday for the fashion show and it was so fun! There…read moreare so many fun shops around here and a cute Photo Booth too. I will definitely be back here to explore!

Long overdue Yelp post as I have been an admirer of Chophouse Row and its collection of various…read moreonsite and adjacent businesses. It uniquely links 11th, 12th, with Pike on Capitol Hill since 2018 (5/30/23). I am fond of urban architecture, but in ways that helps preserve the historical bones of the structure and continues to contribute to the neighborhood. Best summed up from an excerpt from the Dunn & Hobbes website, "Chophouse Row puts the "mixed" in "mixed-use", featuring state-of-the-art creative office space, an extensive retail marketplace and residential penthouses in the heart of the Pike-Pine neighborhood of Capitol Hill. The project combines the historic Chophouse building, built as an auto parts store in 1924 and used for decades as iconic band practice space, with a new office tower that features open plan workspaces with floor to ceiling windows and exposed steel structure. Salvaged materials were used throughout and the building features highly sustainable energy and water systems. A pedestrian mews and mid-block courtyard connects Chophouse Row through to Dunn & Hobbes' other 12th Avenue Marketplace properties." I do miss shuttered businesses such as Amandine, By Tae, Petti-Rosso, and Kurt Farm Shop, but I enjoy revisiting to see what new businesses have taken their place and newer ones to wander through. A big plus is the juxtaposition of the surrounding mixed materials and the sky above. It brings out my inner photographer. Also, the open courtyard is a great getaway especially during warmer months with their variety of outdoor seating and even during crisp autumn evenings when the firepit is lit.

Stores have come and gone at the Wallingford Center, former school now retail and food destination…read morefor 35 years. Ahhh the UW college days... Worthy of an occasional visit with its a convenient ATM, customer parking lot, and located on a major Metro bus route. My recent visit yesterday included Crackerjack Contemporary Crafts and Trophy (6/23/18). I have stopped in also to Yazdi to browse and to dine at Chutney's. Sometimes got to shake it up from malls, outlet centers, box stores and online e-commerce...discoveries await you with a visit to Wallingford Center.

A sweet, quaint and cozy center with a handful of boutique shops. The building is reminiscent of an…read moreold schoolhouse, converted to host shops and a cafe, restaurant downstairs. It's quiet and cozy and seems that the shops are quite specialized, many items feeling more like small gifts you may wish to give rather than items one would purchase and keep in their own possessions. Shop staff were friendly and greeted us warmly as we peruses their specialty selections.

Art- ART-AND MORE ART!!!! Wooohoooo- this is a literal playground for me! I made my way carefully…read morearound the shop, admiring all the various creations & following various artists who had their IG posted with their art. I snapped up a few things, including a singular piece of pottery. Even john found goodies as gifts! Sincerely nothing better than shopping small, shopping artisan/fine arts! Shout out to the young lady who rang me up- quick bonding and swapped follows!

This store is very cute, and has a lot of great gift options. I will say however, I decided to just…read moreget a sticker because I didn't have a lot of money to spend, and I got a vibe that they were annoyed about it because I asked for a little bag (since I was also carrying one of the free Jimothy prints they were giving out) and they got quiet and then told me bags are only for bigger purchases. I saw paper sleeves sitting out on the counter so I don't know why I couldn't have at least gotten one of those for my sticker? It just made them seem snooty and like they only appreciate customers who spend a lot of money. I work retail myself and would never say no to a bag for someone, even if it was just 1 sticker, so this was a little confusing to me? Overall great store, but customer service could be better.

A convenient one stop shop for Metropolitan Market, Bartell Pharmacy, a handful of fast food places…read moreand more. Also conveniently located along bus route to Ballard and downtown Seattle. And in a pocket of cute residential area.

This place is large, clean, and they have a great deli, bakery, salad bar, and a good selection of…read morehot fresh soup there. The selection of sushi is nice too. They had a small package of salmon sashimi there in a small pack with two pieces in it for $3.49. The produce section was nice too. The beer & liquor selection is huge, but they don't have any light beer a available there. Weird. They sell fresh flowers and plants there too. The cashier was friendly. He wrapped up the soup in rubber bands so it wouldn't spill. There are more stores in this shopping center as well as some teriyaki place upstairs. I think that this place is open 24/7, or late at least.

This review is focused primarily on the Exhibit Coffee shop within this larger business…read more The shop is small but mighty. First, they have the best weekend hours in the area. I desperately needed a fresh coffee in the late afternoon on a Sunday and this was the only place open. Little did I know how lucky I was! They use Fulcrum coffee so you know it's legit. The customer service was amazing and ridiculously friendly. The barista really seemed to enjoy the work they were doing... more than just making coffee and punching the clock. The flavor was bold and smooth. The barista even proactively place one single ice cube in my drink to make it easier to sip from the onset. High quality service and keen attention to detail, indeed. Check it out! Prices are very fair and the setting is incredibly unique. The service will provide an excellent experience and then you can stay to browse the museum treasures for a while. Enjoy!

Didn't know what I would expect but this exceeds every of my expectations!…read more If I were to explain this, this is a cafe/thrift/artisanal art store/creative hangout typa place! And THIS IS MY KIND OF PLACE this feels like Monica's apartment on Friends. Pop of colors here and there, truly a work of art every corner I turned. I mean, the dog's having a nicer Sunday than most of mine. Definitely a true gem of Pioneer Square.

I stumbled upon Robot vs Sloth down by at Pike Place Market. They have super cute Seattle themed…read morerobot, sloth and other whimsical animal items at various price points. That location was out of the shirt that I wanted, but they found it in stock at this location. Everyone at both locations were super helpful and friendly.

What a fun, creative store! The cashier, Alejandra, was wonderful. She told me about the artists in…read morethe collective and showed me some of her favorites. Nine Lives goobers really grabbed me, especially the large ones on the wall! I would have loved to buy some cards with pictures of them. Alejandra showed me the one original 2"x3" painting and I had to have it. The pillow printed with the Pikes Market scene was another example of creativity. So many works of art and t shirt to choose from.

Fun place to come hangout. They have a happy hour as well from 4-6 pm with some decent options…read more There are listening parties too...there was a Pearl Jam event the day we were there. The vinyl record store next door is great ruth lots of options!!

Easy street records and cafe is one of the last standing record shops selling vinyl records and…read moreCDs. This is a very popular breakfast place in West Seattle. Now, Easy Street Records and cafe still has the old style charm of open booth seating with every bit of sitting space used. There's always music playing and the staff has the quirkiness you would expect as they're to hold on to an old record shop that remains a popular place in the area. I am typically on the go in the morning, so I call ahead to get the Dolly Parton. The cafe is always accurate about the prep time of the food and the wait is minimal for pickup. The staff greets you with a smile that is believable and works to keep the tradition of the place going. The Dolly Parton is two pancakes, 2 pieces of bacon, and eggs any style. The pancakes are fully, but slightly spongy. The works with the syrup. I always get the scrambles eggs and typically don't get the bacon. The eggs could be cooked with a twist of salt and pepper. I hope Easy Street Records and cafe remain in West Seattle as part of the history and tradition of an old style cafe the rocks with music.