Authentic Seattle

[jkk90001]

When people keep talking about places to try they mention "authentic Seattle" as a comparison. What places are great, tried and true "authentic Seattle" restaurants that out of towners and locals alike must eat at?

[knowspicker]

As a 45 year old who was born in Seattle... Many of the "authentic Seattle" have closed or aren't worth going to ;) Well, okay, not all of them.

In that category:

Canlis,

Ray's Boathouse,

Ivar's Salmon House but just for the happy hour eats and a drink or the Sunday Brunch [the restaurant is a little pricey for the quality but it's worth seeing],

Tai Tung for oldest Chinese restaurant in Seattle but it's old school Cantonese/Chinese American food but it does that pretty well,

Dahlia Lounge or another Tom Douglas place

El Puerco Lloron, Seattle's first good Mexican place

Maneki, one of Seattle first Japanese restaurants and still good.

[knowspicker]

Also:

Le Gourmand and Cafe Juanita

[lemiller610]

I second Ray's. Classic and flawless everytime I go.

[rocket_girl]

I agree. Motion carried. The smoked salmon appetizer is just perfection.

[phinious]

Vietnamese Pho.

[jkk90001]

Do you have a favorite Pho place?

[Vetter]

My family likes Than Brothers. I think they have 3-4 locations. We go to the one on the Ave.

[mrnelso]

It's been a while, but I especially enjoy the broth at Pho Cyclo, A good touch with Star Anise makes the difference. Pho Bac is another favorite.

[Barry Foy]

Than Bros. and Pho Cyclo are both quite good, but they're on different tracks. Than Bros. is supercheap, reliable, and widely available--perhaps the best, most consistent food deal in town--and of course you get that yummy cream puff. Cyclo costs a little more, but the pieces of beef are thicker and more flavorful. When it comes to pho, you'll do fine with either one.

As for the bigger question, I've been here 20 years and am still trying to figure out what "authentic Seattle food" is. At the moment, I'd have to say that pho is as good a candidate as any. Which is, well, weird.

[bluedog67]

Back to the original post, I think that any of the Tom Douglas spots or Rays Boathouse is authentic seattle. Seafood/local/seasonal focus. Salmon, for gosh sakes! Doesn't mean this what I seek out when dining, but it is certainly what I recommend to out of towners.