Seattle Tips from the Banana Cabana

Alice
Seattle Tips from the Banana Cabana

Bakeries and Coffee

This great indoor/outdoor coffee shop is a quick walk down the street! Perfect spot for coffee and pastery or more substantial breakfast. Great outdoor courtyard space with firepit.
Red Arrow Coffee
425 NW Market St
This great indoor/outdoor coffee shop is a quick walk down the street! Perfect spot for coffee and pastery or more substantial breakfast. Great outdoor courtyard space with firepit.
One of our favorites for their European style pasteries and great coffee.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Celine Patisserie
6801 Greenwood Ave N
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of our favorites for their European style pasteries and great coffee.
Great Danish bakery with large selection of pastries and breads. Pick up your selections and it's a quick drive from here down to Golden Gardens park.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Larsen's Bakery
8000 24th Ave NW
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great Danish bakery with large selection of pastries and breads. Pick up your selections and it's a quick drive from here down to Golden Gardens park.
Hole in the wall bakery and coffee. Excellent pastries. Can also grab a quick coffee here while waiting on a table across the street at the Fat Hen (full breakfast restaurant).
84 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rosellini’s Fine Cakes & Baked Goods
1413 NW 70th St
84 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hole in the wall bakery and coffee. Excellent pastries. Can also grab a quick coffee here while waiting on a table across the street at the Fat Hen (full breakfast restaurant).
Pretty french marketplace restaurant - great for quick coffee or sitdown meal.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sabine Café Bar & Market
5307 Ballard Avenue Northwest
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pretty french marketplace restaurant - great for quick coffee or sitdown meal.
If you're exploring nearby quirky Fremont, this place is a great stop for coffee. You'll get a fun picture drawn in your foam.
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fremont Coffee Company
459 N 36th St
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you're exploring nearby quirky Fremont, this place is a great stop for coffee. You'll get a fun picture drawn in your foam.
Lovely Italian coffee shop on Ballard Ave. Great stop if you're here for Sunday Ballard Market.
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Caffe Umbria
1201 Westlake Ave N
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lovely Italian coffee shop on Ballard Ave. Great stop if you're here for Sunday Ballard Market.

Best Local Full Breakfasts

Our go-to weekend breakfast spot fav! "The Slacker" is my favorite here (with a giant scone). The rest of my family is partial to their yummy Eggs Benedicts. And of course a Mimosa is a must.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dish
4358 Leary Way NW
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Our go-to weekend breakfast spot fav! "The Slacker" is my favorite here (with a giant scone). The rest of my family is partial to their yummy Eggs Benedicts. And of course a Mimosa is a must.
Great small neighborhood breakfast spot. It's popular so definitely recommend reservations!
143 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Fat Hen
1418 NW 70th St
143 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great small neighborhood breakfast spot. It's popular so definitely recommend reservations!
Great biscuit sandwiches for eating in or online order.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seattle Biscuit Company
4001 Leary Way Northwest
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great biscuit sandwiches for eating in or online order.
Mexican brunch, breakfasts and all day dining at this popular spot on Leary Ave. Close to Ballard Ave. with many more shops, restaurants and bars.
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Senor Moose Cafe
5242 Leary Avenue Northwest
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mexican brunch, breakfasts and all day dining at this popular spot on Leary Ave. Close to Ballard Ave. with many more shops, restaurants and bars.
A Seattle institution! You'll get a huge meal and great Bloody Mary. Try it for dinner as well.
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hattie's Hat Restaurant
5231 Ballard Ave NW
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A Seattle institution! You'll get a huge meal and great Bloody Mary. Try it for dinner as well.

Sightseeing

This iconic marketplace is probably my favorite spot to take out of town visitors. You'll find the fish market (complete with the fish throwers), farmers offerings, the first Starbucks, crafts, restaurants, bars. Sign up for a ghost walk, check out the gum wall and enjoy the beautiful water view.
2310 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado Pike Place
1531 Western Ave
2310 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This iconic marketplace is probably my favorite spot to take out of town visitors. You'll find the fish market (complete with the fish throwers), farmers offerings, the first Starbucks, crafts, restaurants, bars. Sign up for a ghost walk, check out the gum wall and enjoy the beautiful water view.
This park is on the shore of Lake Union with a perfect view of downtown Seattle. Weekend picnics, paddle boarding, explore the former coal gasification plant. This is the site of many festivals and the 4th Fireworks.
860 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Gas Works
2101 N Northlake Way
860 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This park is on the shore of Lake Union with a perfect view of downtown Seattle. Weekend picnics, paddle boarding, explore the former coal gasification plant. This is the site of many festivals and the 4th Fireworks.
Check out shops and restaurants along the piers, visit the Aquarium, hop on a ferry for a classic Puget Sound experience. The Wheel is a great way to take in the views. Also many harbor tours to choose from.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seattle Waterfront
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Check out shops and restaurants along the piers, visit the Aquarium, hop on a ferry for a classic Puget Sound experience. The Wheel is a great way to take in the views. Also many harbor tours to choose from.
Check out Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill. Visit the beautiful conservatory, walk trails through the park and take in views of downtown Seattle. On the way, admire the Capitol Hill mansions lining the streets.
101 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Conservatorio del Parque de los Voluntarios
1400 E Galer St
101 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Check out Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill. Visit the beautiful conservatory, walk trails through the park and take in views of downtown Seattle. On the way, admire the Capitol Hill mansions lining the streets.
Built for the 1962 Worlds Fair, this center is still used for festivals and events. The Space Needle has just undergone a major renovation so the views are better than ever. The Chihuly Glass Garden is here, as well as the Museum of Pop Culture/Science Fiction Museum. You may catch a festival here on a holiday weekend.
362 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro de Seattle
305 Harrison St
362 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Built for the 1962 Worlds Fair, this center is still used for festivals and events. The Space Needle has just undergone a major renovation so the views are better than ever. The Chihuly Glass Garden is here, as well as the Museum of Pop Culture/Science Fiction Museum. You may catch a festival here on a holiday weekend.
Watch the ships pass through the Locks from Shilshole to Lake Union, go on the Tree I-D walk through the grounds and check out the fish ladder. Drive just a bit further down to Shilshole (park in Ray's Boathouse parking lot) and walk across the pier to check out our local Sea Lions.
774 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
3015 NW 54th St
774 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Watch the ships pass through the Locks from Shilshole to Lake Union, go on the Tree I-D walk through the grounds and check out the fish ladder. Drive just a bit further down to Shilshole (park in Ray's Boathouse parking lot) and walk across the pier to check out our local Sea Lions.
Woodland Park is just a short distance up the hill from the Cabana and well worth a visit on a sunny day. It's a beautiful park to wander through with large natural enclosures for the animals.
625 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico de Woodland Park
5500 Phinney Ave N
625 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Woodland Park is just a short distance up the hill from the Cabana and well worth a visit on a sunny day. It's a beautiful park to wander through with large natural enclosures for the animals.

Museums

This fun museum is dedicated to contemporary popular culture. From Rock and Roll or Science Fiction, you can explore many fun exhibits. Founded by Paul Allen from Microsoft. Visit the Seattle Center grounds as well during your visit.
674 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de la Cultura Pop
325 5th Ave N
674 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This fun museum is dedicated to contemporary popular culture. From Rock and Roll or Science Fiction, you can explore many fun exhibits. Founded by Paul Allen from Microsoft. Visit the Seattle Center grounds as well during your visit.
One of the best flight museums around! If you're a fan of planes, space, etc, you'll definitely want to visit this one. It's a big one, so allow plenty of time!
433 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Museo del Vuelo
9404 E Marginal Way S
433 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of the best flight museums around! If you're a fan of planes, space, etc, you'll definitely want to visit this one. It's a big one, so allow plenty of time!
One of my favorite museums ... you'll find a lot of Seattle history, fun flashbacks in time and rotating exhibits. It is on the south shore of Lake Union next to the Wooden Boat Center which is also worth a look. In the summer, there is lots of activity down here from swimming to boat shows, paddle boarding and more. You can Dragonboat for free on Sunday afternoons (next to Kenmore Air) - usually at 3pm.
357 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Historia e Industria (MOHAI)
860 Terry Ave N
357 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of my favorite museums ... you'll find a lot of Seattle history, fun flashbacks in time and rotating exhibits. It is on the south shore of Lake Union next to the Wooden Boat Center which is also worth a look. In the summer, there is lots of activity down here from swimming to boat shows, paddle boarding and more. You can Dragonboat for free on Sunday afternoons (next to Kenmore Air) - usually at 3pm.
Collection of art from around the world and hosts traveling exhibits.
1072 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seattle Selfie Museum
92 Union St
1072 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Collection of art from around the world and hosts traveling exhibits.

Live Entertainment at Local Bars

One of our favorites - live country music in Seattle. Come out an learn to dance with free couples dance lessons on Thursday night before the band begins. The dance scene here is a lot of fun - be prepared to dance! Live bands Thurs - Sat nights. Open Mic on Sunday, line dance Mondays and Karaoke Wednesday.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Red Hen
7115 Woodlawn Ave NE
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of our favorites - live country music in Seattle. Come out an learn to dance with free couples dance lessons on Thursday night before the band begins. The dance scene here is a lot of fun - be prepared to dance! Live bands Thurs - Sat nights. Open Mic on Sunday, line dance Mondays and Karaoke Wednesday.
In the heart of Ballard, this historic place has free Country Dance night with live band every Tuesday. Almost every other night of the week, you'll find live music of all genres - check their calendar!
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Conor Byrne
5140 Ballard Ave NW
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
In the heart of Ballard, this historic place has free Country Dance night with live band every Tuesday. Almost every other night of the week, you'll find live music of all genres - check their calendar!
Live music most nights on Ballard Avenue. This is a popular spot that has many well know bands stopping to play. Check their schedule. Not much room to sit at this one.
165 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tractor Tavern
5213 Ballard Ave NW
165 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Live music most nights on Ballard Avenue. This is a popular spot that has many well know bands stopping to play. Check their schedule. Not much room to sit at this one.
Fun mostly outdoor space with rusty shipyard decor, close to the canal. Multiple firepits, fairly young crowd ~ gets pretty busy. Friday/Saturday night music.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pono Ranch Restaurant & Bar
4502 Shilshole Ave NW
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fun mostly outdoor space with rusty shipyard decor, close to the canal. Multiple firepits, fairly young crowd ~ gets pretty busy. Friday/Saturday night music.
Free afternoon/early evening music by local talent with your beer on Friday - Sunday. Check their schedule.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lagunitas Brewing Company TapRoom & Beer Sanctuary
1550 NW 49th St
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Free afternoon/early evening music by local talent with your beer on Friday - Sunday. Check their schedule.
Hip hop, funk, 80's dance and more... This spot is hopping in Fremont.
75 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nectar Lounge
412 N 36th St
75 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hip hop, funk, 80's dance and more... This spot is hopping in Fremont.
Check out Betty's Room Bar + music acts ranging from rock, alternative, punk, electronic acts and more.
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Sunset Tavern
5433 Ballard Avenue Northwest
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Check out Betty's Room Bar + music acts ranging from rock, alternative, punk, electronic acts and more.
Fun spot for live music - Rockabilly, punk, country - usually high energy! Check out the out early Thursday show at 5:30. Currently with Billy Joe from and the Dusty 45s - one of the most fun bands in Seattle!
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Slim's Last Chance
5606 1st Ave S
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fun spot for live music - Rockabilly, punk, country - usually high energy! Check out the out early Thursday show at 5:30. Currently with Billy Joe from and the Dusty 45s - one of the most fun bands in Seattle!

Favorite Seattle Parks

3 miles away in Magnolia neighborhood across Ballard Bridge. Largest park in Seattle at 534 acres on the former Fort Lawton site. Situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound offers spectacular views, protected tidal beaches, forest hiking trails and open meadows.
756 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Discovery
3801 Discovery Park Blvd
756 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
3 miles away in Magnolia neighborhood across Ballard Bridge. Largest park in Seattle at 534 acres on the former Fort Lawton site. Situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound offers spectacular views, protected tidal beaches, forest hiking trails and open meadows.
2.8 miles away on the other side of Woodland Park Zoo . Much loved 3 mile walking/bike path around the lake. Community Center with pool, boat rentals, swimming beach.
624 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Green Lake
624 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
2.8 miles away on the other side of Woodland Park Zoo . Much loved 3 mile walking/bike path around the lake. Community Center with pool, boat rentals, swimming beach.
4.5 miles away ~ An oasis on the shores of Lake Washington ~ 230 acres with beautiful collection of plants. Wander through the many trails. Also on the grounds, the Japanese Garden (with entrance fee).
313 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens
2300 Arboretum Dr E
313 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
4.5 miles away ~ An oasis on the shores of Lake Washington ~ 230 acres with beautiful collection of plants. Wander through the many trails. Also on the grounds, the Japanese Garden (with entrance fee).
4 miles away ~ Located in Ballard on the Puget Sound, this park offers extraordinary views of the sound and Olympic Mountains. Park features sand beach, two wetlands, short loop trail, fishing from pier and boat launch.
728 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de los Jardines Dorados
8498 Seaview Pl NW
728 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
4 miles away ~ Located in Ballard on the Puget Sound, this park offers extraordinary views of the sound and Olympic Mountains. Park features sand beach, two wetlands, short loop trail, fishing from pier and boat launch.
5 miles away ~ Located on Capitol Hill with beautiful views of the city. This historic Olmsted Park is home to the Volunteer Park Conservatory, Asian Art Museum and Volunteer Park Water Tower (climb to top for amazing city views).
563 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de los Voluntarios
1247 15th Ave E
563 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
5 miles away ~ Located on Capitol Hill with beautiful views of the city. This historic Olmsted Park is home to the Volunteer Park Conservatory, Asian Art Museum and Volunteer Park Water Tower (climb to top for amazing city views).
14.6 miles away in West Seattle ~ On a bluff in West Seattle just north of Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. Includes beautiful hiking and biking trails in a diverse setting of seawalls, rocky beaches, bluff of grassy forests and meadows. Large outdoor heated saltwater pool.
389 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lincoln Park
801 S 37th St
389 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
14.6 miles away in West Seattle ~ On a bluff in West Seattle just north of Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. Includes beautiful hiking and biking trails in a diverse setting of seawalls, rocky beaches, bluff of grassy forests and meadows. Large outdoor heated saltwater pool.
Great vacation feel on a sunny day. Beautiful views of the Seattle skyline.
865 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alki Beach
865 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great vacation feel on a sunny day. Beautiful views of the Seattle skyline.
This park is on the shore of Lake Union with a perfect view of downtown Seattle. Weekend picnics, paddle boarding, explore the former coal gasification plant. This is the site of many festivals and the 4th Fireworks.
860 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Gas Works
2101 N Northlake Way
860 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This park is on the shore of Lake Union with a perfect view of downtown Seattle. Weekend picnics, paddle boarding, explore the former coal gasification plant. This is the site of many festivals and the 4th Fireworks.

Favorite Special Occasion Restaurants

The gold standard for fancy dining in Seattle since the 1950's. A mid century modern styled restaurant with sweeping views over Lake Union. Amazing steak, craft cocktails. This one is pricy but a fun splurge.
129 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Canlis
2576 Aurora Ave N
129 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The gold standard for fancy dining in Seattle since the 1950's. A mid century modern styled restaurant with sweeping views over Lake Union. Amazing steak, craft cocktails. This one is pricy but a fun splurge.
Dine in a beautiful replica of a NW Longhouse on the shores of Lake Union. A special NW experience and great place to sample some of our famous seafood.
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ivar's Salmon House
401 NE Northlake Way
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dine in a beautiful replica of a NW Longhouse on the shores of Lake Union. A special NW experience and great place to sample some of our famous seafood.
Beautiful restaurant in the Magnolia Marina with lovely views of the water and downtown Seattle. Excellent food and NW atmosphere.
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Palisade
2601 W Marina Pl
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beautiful restaurant in the Magnolia Marina with lovely views of the water and downtown Seattle. Excellent food and NW atmosphere.
Cozy italian restaurant, just right for a romantic evening.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ristorante Picolinos
6415 32nd Ave NW
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cozy italian restaurant, just right for a romantic evening.
Right on the water in West Seattle with an amazing view of the Seattle skyline. Great choice for seafood and Sunday brunch.
207 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Salty's on Alki Beach
1936 Harbor Ave SW
207 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Right on the water in West Seattle with an amazing view of the Seattle skyline. Great choice for seafood and Sunday brunch.
This cozy little bar/restaurant is a 5 block walk around the corner (up 6th avenue). Great cocktails and food. Eat inside or in the pretty garden courtyard. In the mornings visit the Red Arrow Coffee shop in back of the courtyard.
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brimmer & Heeltap
425 NW Market St
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This cozy little bar/restaurant is a 5 block walk around the corner (up 6th avenue). Great cocktails and food. Eat inside or in the pretty garden courtyard. In the mornings visit the Red Arrow Coffee shop in back of the courtyard.