I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about home lately. I’ve been thinking how lucky I am to have grown up in such an amazing and open-minded city as Seattle, but I am particularly grateful for the neighborhood of Seattle I’ve lived in my whole life before moving 20 minutes north to SPU. I’ve always been a bit of a homebody, weary of change. Moving to SPU (3 years seems like forever ago) was one of the best things that happened to me. I learned even more about the city I call home and it opened my eyes to how newcomers view it. It was really refreshing to hear some new perspectives and I continue to enjoy hearing what people think of Seattle.
West Seattle although close in proximity to the heart of the city, is a secluded world in itself. It is isolated by the natural (although reworked by man and industry) waterways of the land, and the only way directly into the heart of the neighborhood is by driving across the West Seattle Bridge. The three exits from the bridge take you towards the inner hub of West Seattle, the northern Admiral District, or down the coast to Alki Beach. Most people go to West Seattle for the beach, but West Seattle has so much more to offer than a little strip of imported sand. (Of course that sand isn’t real we live in Seattle not Santa Monica!)
The Junction
Any newcomer to West Seattle should check out the Junction first. The Junction is located at the crossing of Alaska and California Street and it is home to the best restaurants and eclectic boutiques. Whenever I am home I spend most of my time here. My favorite places to shop are at Easy Street and Carmilia’s. Carmilia’s is a small clothing boutique that has been open for more than 10 years in the Junction. They have a variety of classic, trendy as well as vintage clothes. I always like to check out the sale rack during the West Seattle Street Fair every summer to try to snag a good deal on some high quality clothing. Easy Street is a record store slash café. This location is there only one now since the Lower Queen Anne location went out of business a few years ago. Easy Street has a great breakfast and lunch menu if you are looking for a classic American breakfast. The ambiance of the store is really interesting to experience. There is always loud music playing throughout the store which adds to the underground feeling of the shop. My favorite part about Easy Street is the upper level where they store all of their precious vinyl. (My wallet hates me for purchasing every vinyl ever…)
The Admiral Theater
The Admiral Theater has a special place in all of West Seattle native’s hearts. It’s like that underdog kid you root for in a baseball movie or something—you want it to succeed and rise up from any trials or tribulations it has suffered in the past. Perhaps that is a dramatic personification of the theater, but nonetheless accurate. The Admiral Theatre has been open since the 1940’s and is a registered landmark in the City of Seattle. The Admiral has been showing second run movies for a majority of its operating life, until an ownership change in 2008 brought the Admiral into the 21st century. The Admiral now shows first run movies and operates on a laser projector instead of film. With Netflix and Redbox showing second run type movies, the Admiral has to change its business plan in order to stay competitive and that is what they are doing right now. Their popcorn is the best around, so next time you’re over here come show the Admiral Theater a little love.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is secretly one of my favorite places in the whole world. Along with Camp Long, Lincoln Park is one of the only parks in West Seattle that has preserved greenery and walking trails. Families come here to let the kids play on the jungle gym while they barbeque some burgers, wedding receptions happen in the pavilions by the water and in the summer the park opens Coleman Pool which is a public access salt water swimming pool. I have grown up going to this park and it makes me happy that younger generations are growing up enjoying this amazing park as well. This is a great place to go for a run or do some yoga by the water. (I have taken a lot of angsty teenage “thinking” walks here throughout the years… )
Alki Beach
When non-natives think of West Seattle, they likely think of Alki Beach. It is the closest “beach” to the center of the city and offers a variety of activities. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, four person bikes and use the bike lanes to skateboard, rollerblade or just walk and enjoy the view. Alki Beach is a great place but the small businesses are what give it character and charm.The restaurant Pepperdock is my favorite place to eat on Alki. I’ve been eating there for as long as I can remember. Their milkshakes are the best on the beach and their onion rings are to die for and are at a decent price. The family who runs it has been in West Seattle forever and you can tell that this restaurant is their passion. For fish and chips I would recommend going to Spuds. Spuds has been here since the 1930’s. It has been through thick and thin throughout the years but I personally think it still has the best breaded fish recipe around. If you want a more romantic and rustic dining experience I recommend La Rustica a little down the road on Beach Drive. It has been open since 1996 and is the most authentic Italian dining experience in West Seattle. The owner Giulio is originally from the Italian town of Patrica, which is just south of Rome. Giulio and his wife Janie are masterful chefs that really bring the flavor of Italy to the scenic area of Beach Drive. If you want to be transported to Italy for a night, be sure to dine here.
West Seattle is becoming more and more of a popular neighborhood but to me it is still home. No matter how much the neighborhood changes, I can’t avoid the fact that this place has partially shaped me into the person I am. These places hold such sentimental value to me and I am glad people are beginning to find all of the good things West Seattle has to offer.