gifts to Support My Favorite Seattle Restaurants & Bars in the 2020 Holiday Season

That might be the longest title ever? But that’s what the name of the game is here. For me, the holiday season is so innately intertwined with dining out, festive cocktail bars, indulgent dinners, etc… it’s so hard to sit at home during December but alas, it’s what we all must do this year.

More important than my (non)ability to go out, of course, is the fact that many of our beloved local businesses are financially struggling. The Seattle Times reports that 624 area bars & restaurants have permanently closed during the pandemic, which is absolutely heartbreaking. It’s also infuriating that the government hasn’t stepped in to provide true support and relief, and that the narrative has set the responsibility of the individual to save the small business. Um, hello?!

I could go on. But this is supposed to be a fun website. Haha. SO! I’m not saying that it’s any one person or community or household’s responsibility to single-handedly save our hurting restaurant industry, but if you are looking to throw down some money this month, here are some of my favorite Seattle bars & restaurants and how you can show some support without actually dining in.

Life On Mars | For the vegan epicurean and/or vinyl lover
I love this bar so much. Vegan bar food, killer vinyl, KEXP affiliation, the friendliest bar team. Their motto (and John in the Morning’s motto) “you are not alone” resonates this year more than ever.
Buy merch! Hoodies, t-shirts, coasters, and more.
Buy vinyl! So many good albums available.

Marination + Super Six | For those who like to taste the tropics
Y’all know I can’ t resist anything tropical or Hawaiian. I’ve been a fan of Marination since they were the Marination Mobile and I’d go get my hangover kimchi fried rice from their truck in Fremont in like… 2011.
Buy merch! Shirts, hats, water bottles, umbrellas, and more. So many options here.
Buy culinary treats! Umm lilkoi (passion fruit) caramel is a thing?! Done and done.
Pick up a coconut cream pie! No explanation needed here.

Bottlehouse & Mr. West | For the “rosé all day” lifestyle
My favorite family of wine bars in the city! They’re doing wine gift boxes with freeeeee delivery in the Seattle area! If anyone is wanting to get me something, hint hint hint.
Buy wine and prosecco holiday boxes! Bottlehouse curated
Buy wine and bar supplies! Mr. West curated
Buy merch! Mr. West mountain-y apparel, v cute and PNW-y
Buy coffee & mugs! I love kitschy coffee mugs. It’s a problem.
Buy candles! I also love candles. Help me, I’m basic. Actually don’t help me, bc I’m basic and loving it.

Buddha Bruddah | For those craving super flavorful sauces, spices, and Hawaiian goodness
I’m not encouraging large gatherings this season at all! But if you live in a large household and don’t feel like cooking for the masses, may I suggest Buddha Bruddah’s catering trays or family dinners! No such thing as “too much food” in this case, you’ll have delicious leftovers.
Buy culinary delights in the holiday marketplace! I bought my family a variety of kits and condiments. There’s also pies. Try the haupia.
Buy a big dinner! May I suggest anything involving guava chicken…

Manolin / Old Salt | For smoked fish and/or morning bagel fans
One of my fave little spots with the best beach party vibes in Fremont, Manolin has pivoted from their usual dinner and cocktail service to a weekends-only morning coffee & bagel pop-up, complete with THE best & freshest smoked fish.
Buy bagels & smoked fish! Last weekend we tried two bagel sandwiches, the Lox (coho lox, veggie cream cheese, salmon roe, mizuna, everything bagel) and Kippered Salmon (hot smoked Olympic Peninsula keta salmon, pickled onions, capers, herb cream cheese, poppyseed bagel) - both such treats.

Hood Famous | For dessert lovers with great fashion taste
The POG cheesecake at Hood Famous is a revelation! It’s been a joy to see this little Ballard bakeshop expand into multiple locations and meal periods in the past couple years.
Buy merch! Totebags, pins, mugs, and more.
Buy sweets! Hood Famous has holiday pre-orders going on now - cheesecake, buko pie, ube cookie dough, and more!

Dantini | For serious pizza lovers (especially those picky about good crust)
I almost don’t want to talk about Dantini and how incredible it is, because about a year ago it felt like “my little secret” but now the secret’s out and they’re selling out of their delicious, delicious pizza every week. They deserve it!
Buy shirts! I really want one of these sick tie-dye pizza shirts but they’re currently sold out. If/when they come back in stock we should all buy one.
Buy pizza! But seriously they do sell out every week so plan accordingly by following the directions on their site.

Moonshot Coffee & Burien Press | For caffeination at its finest
I didn’t know until a few months ago that both of these coffeeshops were owned by the same people, but it makes sense. Whether you visit White Center or Burien, you’re guaranteed a delicious cup of joe (does anyone call it that anymore?) to fuel your errands plus an assortment of local goods (think candies, condiments, teas, and of course… coffee beans!). If you hit up Burien Press you’re in for even more of a treat, as they boast an excellent selection of hand-picked natural wine.
Buy gifts! Available for pickup at Moonshot in White Center - coffeebeans, tea, Theo chocolates, merch, and more.
Buy gifts! Available for pickup at Burien Press - coffeebeans, tea, chocolates, merch, WINE!, and more.