SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Katie Pesznecker joined a group of her besties in Seattle for a Girls’ Weekend. Read on for a healthy serving of “brunch, bars, bonding and Bainbridge” in the Emerald City. Story and photos by Katie Pesznecker.
Photo: A sunny view of the Seattle waterfront.
Long overdue for a girls’ trip, I recently enjoyed a Seattle weekend with five amazing women, packing plenty of brunch, bars, bonding and Bainbridge into two fun-filled days and nights. Our adventures packed a punch and proved that for us Alaskans, you don’t need to go far if you want to get away for a few days: Seattle was the perfect eclectic backdrop for big-city shenanigans and urban culture, with a much-needed side of springtime sunshine.
Photo: A sunny brunch on Bainbridge Island: left-right, Alaska girls Erin, Jessica and Katie; Jamie from Montana, and Shanda and Kat from the Seattle area.
With three of us coming from Alaska and one from Montana, and two living in the Seattle area, Washington’s big city was an ideal spot to centralize. Alaska Airlines operates more than a dozen direct flights daily from ANC to SEA, making getting there a cinch. The occasion: our friend Erin celebrating a milestone birthday, and the rest of us happily along for the ride. Upon our Friday arrival, we headed to an incredible dinner at Bangrak Market in the Bell Town neighborhood.
Photo: Shanda, Katie, Jessica, Kat and Erin at Bangrak Market.
This vibrant restaurant gave serious Thailand night-market vibes. Picture dangling lanterns, streamers of colorful flags, flavorful and aromatic small plates of deliciously seasoned and spiced Thai food, and a bustling energy backdropped by pulsating party music.
Photo: Fancy drinks at Bangrak Market.
We crowded into a booth whose table was soon topped with rainbow-hued, flower-topped cocktails. Food arrived in waves: marinated chicken skewers with peanut sauce, heaps of cucumber salad, charbroiled steak with spicy dipping sauce, a pile of bright green beans dressed in garlic sauce and garlicky shallots, and two heaping portions of Pad Thai with juicy shrimp and chicken.
Photo: Green beans and Pad Thai at Bangrak Market.
When we left Bangrak Market, a couple dozen folks clustered outside awaiting tables. Our next destination: Bell Town’s staple speakeasy, Bathtub Gin & Co. Bathtub Gin is located on an alley between Bell and Blanchard streets, between First and Second avenues. Look for the wooden door with the plaque mounted beside it. Don’t be intimated by the gatekeeper security guard; the interior space is small and crowd size is strictly managed. Go early to avoid a wait.
Photo: Gin drinks and espresso martinis at Bathtub Gin.
The speakeasy fully leans into character – moody, secretive, atmospheric. The building itself was designed in 1923 and completed in 1928 so that the bar – in the building’s original boiler room space – effortlessly oozes with 1920s ambiance. The security guard escorted us down dark narrow stairs to a tiny cave-like room with flickering candles, tiny tables, and a few other patrons casually sipping artisan cocktails.
Photo: A clever menu at Bathtub Gin.
We enjoyed an unhurried round of gin drinks, wine and champagne. Crazy enough, a patron at another table was an Anchorage coworker, and after recovering from our initial shock, I was delighted to deliver the classic Casablanca line, “Of all the gin joints in all the world…”
Photo: Group girl shot at Cyclops:
After Bathtub Gin, we wandered down to Cyclops Café and Lounge, a quintessential Bell Town dive bar. Comfortable seating spaces and an unpretentious aura make it an ideal venue to end the night. Its small but comprehensive menu (think burgers, salads and apps) makes it a solid dinner option.
Photo: The spread at La Parisienne French Bakery.
We woke Saturday to gorgeous bluebird skies. I joined friends Erin and Jamie on a mission to enjoy a neighborhood favorite, La Parisienne French Bakery. A true sweets-lovers treat, the bakery boasted rows of colorful macarons, fluffy and layered pastries, buttery croissants, and other tasty creations.
Photo: Jamie and Erin with their morning sammies.
Erin enjoyed Le Saumon, fresh soft bread with cream, salad, salmon and cucumber; and Jamie went classic with Le Parisien sandwich, a fresh baguette filled with butter, salad, gruyere, French ham and cornichons. Both were served in traditional rustic paper bags and we shared bites as we meandered back toward the hotel.
Photo: Seattle selfie on the waterfront with the Big Wheel in the distance.
After that, our whole group of six made our way toward the ferry terminal. Our 20-minute walk wove behind Pike Place Market along the waterfront, where 17 blocks of newish pedestrian-focused public space are blooming where the Alaskan Way Viaduct once traversed. With terraces, park space, a bike path, and gorgeous views of downtown and the waterfront, we soaked up the sun (and shed some jackets!).
Photo: Sunny days in Seattle.
Passing classic retail space (the aquarium! Ivars! Ye Olde Curiosity Shop!) we came upon the Seattle Ferry Terminal at Pier 52. Adult tickets to Bainbridge Island cost $11.05 and can be purchased in-person at the terminal, at its kiosks, or online, with ships departing about every hour and the passage lasting a leisurely 35 minutes.
Photo: Group shot on the ferry heading to Bainbridge Island: Katie, Erin, Jamie, Shanda and Jessica.
We bought coffees at the onboard café and enjoyed the breezy view from the top deck. Sailboats dotted the shimmering blue water and seabirds dipped on the breeze. As Bainbridge Island came into view, we marveled at the beachy shoreside mansions and the picturesque harbor.
Photo: Seattle in the distance as the ferry chugs toward Bainbridge Island.
Bainbridge Island is connected to the mainland only by ferry and has about 25,000 residents. Known for boutique shops, vineyards and tasting rooms, scenic views and delicious cafes and bakeries, it was an ideal destination for a girls’ afternoon. From the ferry pier, it is an easy, under-10-minute walk to the main street.
Photo: The Amelia Wynn Winery Bistro.
We started our island afternoon at Amelia Wynn Winery Bistro, scoring a table for six on the pretty patio despite not having a reservation, as we made the café’s first seating of the day. Wine flights were poured and sipped, lunch ordered, and we enjoyed entrees such as fresh tossed salads with poached chicken and towering grilled chicken sandwiches on fresh brioche buns. The table shared a side of fennel pollen fries and a warm petite camembert cheese plate with local honey, house jam and crostini.
Photo: Poached chicken and radicchio salad at Amelia Wynn.
Wandering among Bainbridge’s multitude of shops easily soaked up the afternoon hours, perusing racks of clothes, jewelry displays, artistic housewares and stacks of books. We wrapped up the now-late afternoon down the hill by the harbor at Doc’s Marina Grill, with a round of rosé and a sampling of clam chowder, enjoying the picture-perfect views of boats bobbing shoreside.
Photo: The harbor at Bainbridge Island.
After an easy ferry ride back to Seattle, the group had a quick refresh and recharge, then hailed an Uber XL to Capitol Hill. This storied Seattle neighborhood is known for its hip bars, trendy eateries, gay clubs and burlesque shows, live music performances, and lots of low-key retro and indie shopping.
Photo: Inside Comet Tavern.
Our first stop: the Comet Tavern. The high ceiling and brick interior radiated Pacific Northwest urban charm and made the tavern an ideal spot to regroup before heading to dinner across the street at Pequitos.
Photo: A group toast at Pequitos.
At Pequitos, our charming waiter was attentive and appropriately low-key flirtatious as he delivered rounds of fresh guacamole, queso, bean dip, chips, and various tequila drinks.
Photo: Killer nachos at Pequitos.
Dinner itself was delicious – around the table were plates of shrimp and carnitas tacos, el pastor platters, nachos, and more. The leisurely meal lasted an endearingly long time, moving at the perfect languid place for a group of gals out on the town, focused on having fun and catching up after too long apart.
Photo: Katie and Jamie relaxing at Cottontail Club.
To end the night, it was back to our home base of Bell Town. Half the group walked (it took about 25 minutes), while ones with less practical footwear took a Lyft. We rendezvoused at Cottontail Club, another off-alley speakeasy brimming with history and character.
Photo: Décor from bars-gone-by at Cottaintail Club.
Locals know Cottontail is packed with nostalgic décor and memorabilia from now-gone neighborhood bars, such as Lava Lounge, Rabbit Hole, Mr. Darcy’s, and The Bear & The Bee. The building previously housed the laundromat and club Sit & Spin which hosted such musical acts as The White Stripes, Modest Mouse, and Macklemore.
Photo: Jamie’s fancy drink at Cottontail.
The friendly bartender was ready with recommendations and eager to showcase the day’s specialty beverages. The clever cocktails proved whimsical and creative; my friend Kat had a drink out of what appeared to be an Asian food take-out container, while Jamie’s beverage had a tiny rubber ducky floating on top.
Photo: Brunch beverages at The Hart and the Hunter.
On our final day, Sunday, our girlfriend Shanda headed home, north of Seattle, and Jamie caught an early flight to Montana. Us remaining four headed to brunch at The Hart and the Hunter. Located in the Palihotel, the menu pulls from American diner inspiration, upgrading classic dishes with locally sourced food and fine-dining twists.
Photo: House hash at The Hart and the Hunter.
For example, the meat in the corned beef hash is smoked in-house, served with a velvety poached egg, and house-made hollandaise and pickled vegetables. The biscuits are so good (trust me!) that you can (and should) order them as a side. They are available with many of the brunch items and also used in the eggs Benedect in lieu of the traditional English muffin.
Photo: Pike Place Market.
After brunch, it was time to brave the crowds at what is a mandatory stop during any Seattle excursion, Pike Place Market. Any stop at the Market always offers plenty to see, sample and sip.
Photo: Seafood at Pike Place Market on a stormy Sunday.
We popped into Beecher’s Handmade Cheese to share a cup of the classic mac, wandered past the flower stalls bursting with bright tulips and other seasonal flowers, and stopped at various stalls to chat with vendors and purchase trinkets and souvenirs.
Photo: Beautiful spring tulips at Pike Place Market.
Soon enough, it was time to pack up and head to the airport, and bid farewell to our amazing hotel, The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
Photo: A first-class check-in experience with free bubbles at The Sound Hotel.
The location was ideal – we were able to walk almost everywhere we went, and it cost about $50-$70 to the airport in a ride share. Rooms were surprisingly spacious, and the large bar and restaurant on the ground floor offered a sprawling lounge space with tons of comfortable seating for meeting up and planning our next moves.
Photo: Kat, Jessica, Erin, Jamie and Katie outside the hotel in Bell Town.
As we toasted farewell to our Seattle girls’ weekend, we were already talking about next time, which is always a sign of a great getaway – that even in your fatigue, facing the long flight home and the looming work week ahead, you’re inwardly plotting your next little escape with some of your dearest friends. Cheers, ladies!
Photo: Erin, Jamie, Jessica and Shanda on the ferry to Bainbridge Island.
Share this Post
