Overnight stop in SEA: need recommendations

[fanghsing]

My husband and I will be in Seattle next Monday night for the Depeche Mode show at Key Arena. We'll get to Seattle in afternoon, and need to be at Key Arena around 8. We're staying at the Hotel Andra on 4th and Virginia. I know there's a couple good restaurants attached to the hotel (Lola?) but wanted some suggestions. I've read some posts with amazing recommendations and descriptions (you folks in Seattle sure do know your food!) but I got overwhelmed because I'm not familiar with the neighborhoods. What do you think? Thanks!

[fanghsing]

Ooh, thank you so much for all the recommendations! LONG sounds like a lot of fun, and Matt's on the Market is somewhere I've wanted to go for a while. Howard, your description of LONG is really enticing! Thanks.

[dagrassroots]

Matt's in the market is great for lunch but for dinner the entree's exceed 30 dollars and the quality does not match the price.

[howard 1st]

only two blocks west at 2nd & stewart is the wonderful new vietnamese restaurant named LONG, an adjunct of the equally delightful tamarind tree at 12th/jackson. beautiful room, attentive staff and bright, luscious flavors from a nearly daunting 15 page menu. the drinks menu is equally extensive with many unique presentations utilizing tropical fruits and juices. choices range from small plates to enormous entrees with noodle plates, rice plates and speciality soups. the dessert menu is unlike any pastry cart you have ever seen and the prices are quite reasonable.

[sbgirl]

I agree with Matt's in the Market and Chez Shea - they both are outstanding! Last time we visited Seattle we went to Chez Shea twice, and the waitress remembered the wine we ordered the first time and asked if we wanted it again - very impressive. Great menu, perfect for grazing. Matt's is impressive for the quality of the food they produce from a miniscule kitchen.

[firecracker]

I'm not a big Lola fan at all. Dry kabobs and lousy food in general. If you're hellbent on Tom Douglas cuisine within walking distance try the Dahlia right across the street or the Palace Kitchen a couple of blocks away. Want super Italian? Try Tulios - also walking distance from the Andra. Sazerac satisfies the New Orleans Cajun craving. Upscale dining? You can't go wrong with Matt's in the Market or Chez Shea. Comfort food? Steelhead Diner is a must!

Enjoy our fair city even if for one evening and report back on what you have found, Fang!

[PAO]

Tulio's is my favorite Italian restaurant downtown. Never disappoints. Tango is just up the hill from the convention center and has good Spanish-style tapas and one of Seattle's classic desserts, the El Diablo.