445010 Wed Sep 26 08:31:00 -0700 2007 4 4 Pacific Northwest 0 2977796 I'm in town from Missouri for a conference at the Crowne Plaza (6th & Seneca) for a few days. Our group tried to find a place to eat at the market last night but it was close to 7 pm and everything was pretty much closed so we wound up at Cutter's, which was a bit pricier than I wanted, although the quality of the seafood was bound to be better than anything we get in flyover country. This afternoon I'm planning to go with someone and bus it up to Ballard to go to the Archie McPhee store. Any decent eats in that neighborhood (NW Market and Ballard?) Also, any breakfast suggestions that are within walking distance of the Crowne Plaza? My wife remembered something about a free bicycle program when she was last here, but that was 10+ years ago... Thanks! Wed Sep 26 08:31:00 -0700 2007 130145 thepreacherswife 1 2978015 There are many places open in the market at night (unless you are looking specifically for food-stall dining)-- Maximiliens (behind the fish market, on the left), CHez Shea, Matts (both on the 2nd floor of the NW corner of Pike and 1st), Steelhead Diner (Pine below 1st), Ettas, Campagne, etc. Volterra is on Ballard a block south of NW Market. At Pike and 7th there is the Daily Grill (inside the Sheraton) for breakfast, although surely the Crowne Plaza must have a similar place. If you can wait until 11am, there is dimsum at O'Asian (5th and Columbia). Wed Sep 26 09:20:05 -0700 2007 2977796 13161 barleywino 1 2978076 In Ballard there is Senor Moose (mexican- well loved by locals), Hattie's Hat (fun dive that is in downtown Ballard and famous- opened in the early 1900's something- they have smoked salmon club!), Than Brothers (for the best pho in seattle- cash only and you get a creme puff*), Volterra (delicious and fabulous!!!! but on the pricier side), Mike's World Class Chili (another divish place- but written up all over the country in publications- it is Cinncinatti style- I recommend the chilli pasta or the chilli fries- and add the onions*)~ There are many others- look at the neighborhood guidefor Ballard on Seattle citysearch and search Ballard on this board- you will get great ideas! Report back were you went :) Wed Sep 26 09:32:36 -0700 2007 2977796 72839 natalie.warner 1 2978181 I can't tell if you will be in Ballard for lunch or dinner. For lunch, I love the sandwiches at The Other Coast. In the evenings, my favorites at La Carta de Oaxaca, which serves authentic Mexican. It has a good vibe and gets very crowded, but is very affordable. I also like Volterras, but it is expensive. Less expensive is Madame K's, which serves pizza in a former bordello. It is a fun place. There's a good wine bar, Portalis. Wed Sep 26 09:55:47 -0700 2007 2977796 86106 cocktailhour 2 2978516 I'll second many of the above Ballard recommendations above--Senor Moose, Hattie's Hat, La Carta de Oaxaca, and Madame K's, especially. Also on Ballard Avenue is the Old Town Ale House--good pub food and a great selection of Belgian beers. If you have the time after Archie's, walk or take the bus a little farther west on Market to the Hiram Chittenden Locks--kind of an interesting place if you like watching boats. Next to the locks is the Lock Spot, another neighborhood dive with good, cheap sandwiches and fish & chips, and a great salmon chowder. Have fun at Archie McPhee--definitely worth the bus ride, IMHO! Wed Sep 26 11:01:50 -0700 2007 2978181 27327 MsMaryMc