#1641 #S969i - Azteca (Northgate), Seattle - 12/11/2011

Azteca is a local, family-run chain, that sells pretty much the definition of standard American Mexican food.  They were established in the greater Seattle area in 1974 and currently have 27 restaurants in Washington state, 2 in Oregon, and 5 in Florida.  This one is located on the north end of Northgate Mall and opened in late 2001.


Adventuresome or remarkable Aztecas are not, and foodies should pass. But for people who like -- or are just in the mood for -- this type of food, they have a wide array of affordable selections, which arrive in large portions. They are good for families, but usually have a cantina area, which again serve relatively bland standards.

401 NE Northgate Way, Seattle, WA 98125 - (206) 362-0066
Est. 2001 - Building constructed: 1950
Previous bars in this location: None known
aztecamex.com - yelp - urbanspoon  

#1640 #S969h - The Upstairs, Seattle - 12/10/2011

Update: The Upstairs closed Dec 10, 2017.

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The Upstairs is a rather hidden, semi-elegant cocktail parlor up the stairs in the former location of the McLeod Residence. It has something of the feel of the nearby Bathtub gin, and is a relaxing break from the Belltown streets, with dark wood, old brick, and some quite good craft cocktails.

2209 2nd Ave (2nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98121 - (206) 441-4013
Est. Dec 7, 2011 - Closed Dec 10, 2017 - Building constructed: 1910
Previous bars at this location: The McLeod Residence
theupstairsseattle.com - facebook - seattlemet - belltownpeople - thrillist (video) -

#1639 #S969 - Taste, Seattle - 12/7/2011

I'd had lunch here at this cafe under the Seattle Art Museum a few times before, and upon finally recollecting that it has a bar, I was thinking of it as just another bar to knock off on my Seattle list. Instead I had one of my favorite dining and drinking experiences of the year.

This was in large measure because we pulled up to the bar to the capable hands of Duncan Chase.  I somehow lost my notes and I'm writing several weeks after, so I do not recollect everything we tried.  But I do clearly remember much enjoying Duncan's Manhattan with fig infused Maker's Mark, another cocktail or two, and perhaps the most tender and tasty white fish (ling cod?) dish I think I have ever had.

I am not a fan of the bright and cold decor -- a fine bar should be dark and woody.  But the sheer deliciousness of the food and drinks, along an enjoyable chat with Duncan, will definitely have me coming back. 


1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 - (206) 903-5291
Est. 2007 - Building constructed: year
tastesam.com - facebook - blog - seattleweekly - seattletimes - seattledining - seattletimes - seattlepi - thestranger - seattlepi - gayot - yelp

#1638 #S969f - Tutta Bella (Stone Way), Seattle - 12/5/2011

Another in the local chain of Neapolitan style pizza places (certified by the Naples-based Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana), with good pizza, salads, and cocktails; this one located in an old, brick, Wallingford print shop.


4411 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103 - (206) 633-3800
Est. June 2009 - Building constructed: 1955
Previous bars in this location: None known
tuttabellapizza.com - seattletimes - seattledining - seattletimes - gayot - foundedproject - yelp

#1637 #S969e - Tutta Bella (Westlake), Seattle - 12/4/2011

Another in the local chain of Neapolitan style pizza places (certified by the Naples-based Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana), with good pizza, salads, and cocktails.  This one is in a more modern space above Whole Foods on Westlake, with a view of the Space Needle and a counter made from reclaimed wood from a 100-year-old tree.

2200 Westlake Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 - (206) 624-4422
Est. 2007? - Building constructed: 2006
Previous bars in this location: None 
tuttabellapizza.com - seattletimes - seattledining - seattletimes - gayot - foundedproject

#1636 #S969d - Chuck's 85th St. Market, Seattle - 12/3/2011

Chuck's Hop Shop, Greenwood neighborhood, Seattle, WA

First, new owner Chuck Shin took a shady little shop and cleaned it up into a bright convenience store that the neighbors actually welcomed. Next he turned the back section into a beer lover's mecca, with a small bar, a fairly large selection of craft beers on tap, and 1,200 additional choices in bottles (this is to go along with 600 wine choices under $15. It's a homey place, where the beer is served in masan jars, the workers know and love beer, and their toddlers and families drop by. The Seattle PI listed it as the "Best bar that isn't exactly a bar."



As it *is* a convenience store, it's a little bright and busy when one is in the mood for a relaxing pint. But it's a great place for beer lovers to fill their growlers or grab a quick taste of some very interesting things on tap.

Note: Since the writing above Chuck's has added picnic tables out front and regular visits from some of the best food trucks in Seattle (food truck schedule)

656 NW 85th St, Seattle, WA 98117-3143 - (206) 297-6212
Est. 2010 - Building constructed: 1945
Previous bars at this location: None known
chucks85th.com - facebook - seattlepi - beeradvocate - phinneywood - crapmonkey - seattlest - yelp

#1635c #S969c - Sun Liquor Distillery, Seattle - 12/3/2011

Update: Sun Liquor on Pike closed June 25, 2017.

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Sun Liquor Distillery is a sister cocktail lounge to Sun Liquor and also the first distillery on Capitol Hill since prohibition.  Both locations make quite good cocktails -- the bars are managed by Eric Chapman. 

512 East Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98122-3618 - (206) 720-1600
Est. March 11, 2011 - Closed June 25, 2017 - Building constructed: 1926
sunliquor.com - seattletimes - seattlemet - seattleweekly - tumblr - thestranger - yelp