By Beau Prichard
Seattle is a young, vibrant city with exciting and international cuisine offerings. However, if you really want to experience the beating heart of a city, you should never look any further than a city's street food. Where do the locals go when it's late and they're hungry for something tasty and possibly fried?
Dick's Drive In Restaurant
Dick's has been a Seattle staple for more than 50 years, and one bite will tell you why. These old-fashioned, drive-up style burger stands offer a simple, limited menu with low prices, and they take only cash. The ultimate burger is the Dick's Deluxe, with two beef patties (fresh, not frozen), chopped pickles, lettuce, tartar sauce and cheese. With a side of fresh-cut, skin-on, shoestring french fries and a cold Coke, you will be in speedy burger heaven. Locals know that the best people watching is at the Capitol Hill Dick's. Hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day.
Dick's Drive In Restaurant
115 Broadway Avenue E
Seattle, WA, 98102
(206) 323-1300
www.ddir.com
Ivar's
Ivar's fish and chips is a Seattle institution. From the restaurant's local sponsorships (Fourth of Jul-Ivars) to its famous slogan (Keep Clam), Seattlites embrace Mr. Ivar as their hometown boy made good, an Emerald City Colonel Sanders. While Ivar's has expanded into fancier restaurants, the original clam and fish stand is still in the same place on the Seattle waterfront, having served locals and tourists alike since 1938. Visit the walk-up Seafood Bar at Ivar's Original Acres of Clams at Pier 54 for the city's original halibut and chips and famous chowder.
Ivar's Original Acres of Clams
1001 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 624-6852
www.ivars.net
Bratz
Seattle's University District is home to an international smorgasbord of food, and Bratz is a fine example of this, with a convenient location, a simple menu, and a get-in-get-out storefront. Bratz's German-style fast food stands out as one of the tastier portable options available in the neighborhood. Offering red and white brats, fries and wiener schnitzel in a variety of incarnations, Bratz is straightforward and tasty. Locals know to get the red curry sauce with their schnitzel and to finish things off with a handmade pretzel.
Bratz
4759 Brooklyn Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 523-1680
About the Author:
Beau Prichard has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. He specializes in fiction, travel and writing coaching. He has traveled in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico and Australia. Prichard grew up in New Zealand and holds a Bachelor of Arts in writing from George Fox University.
