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Ultimately, Seattle isn't really known for it's beef. It doesn't mean you can't find good steak, but I think you'd be missing out on the experience. What we are known for is our pork, Salmon, Cod, Oysters(I love the Penn Cove), Blue Crab, and locally grown produce.
Well, I've got time to plan...I do know, in theory, I should be trying some of the best chai in the area while I'm up there.
Best chai is at Darcy's Dinky Donuts in Monroe. I will probably be bringing some with me on Friday morning...but it is a bit of a drive beyond that.
If someone knows a better chai place (and I'm not talking recycled Oregon Chai or some syrup out of a box), please, please, please tell me. Driving to Monroe (even for me) is a pain.
CJ
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Well, I've got time to plan...I do know, in theory, I should be trying some of the best chai in the area while I'm up there.
Best chai is at Darcy's Dinky Donuts in Monroe. I will probably be bringing some with me on Friday morning...but it is a bit of a drive beyond that.
If someone knows a better chai place (and I'm not talking recycled Oregon Chai or some syrup out of a box), please, please, please tell me. Driving to Monroe (even for me) is a pain.
CJ
Most of Seattle uses Morning Glory Chai and I honestly can't stand that stuff. I like my chai kinda on the sweet side and the morning glory is a spicier much less sweet blend then the kind I'm apt to enjoy. ^_^ And we(Immora and I) always get ours at Trabant in the U-District though apparently, they just opened a franchise in pioneer square somewhere. Usually if we are in the U-District though we are trying to hit the tri-fecta of Schultzy's, The Comic Book Store and we can muster enough room after our beer and sausages and chili fries(which are freaking amazing) we try to hit Trabant. But sticking to Trabant, they mix them with syrups a bit like you can get with Coffee. I'm a big fan of the Mt. Rainier. Despite the delicious Chai, it's our last destination while there simply because we fill up on beer and sausages in large groups.
Best chai is at Darcy's Dinky Donuts in Monroe. I will probably be bringing some with me on Friday morning...but it is a bit of a drive beyond that.
If someone knows a better chai place (and I'm not talking recycled Oregon Chai or some syrup out of a box), please, please, please tell me. Driving to Monroe (even for me) is a pain.
No, the best chai is at Saffron Grille. It's what got me drinking chai. Everything else pales in comparison. And Mohammed sells the tea he uses for it (Nabob Orange Pekoe) from his restaurant if you ask for it.
Most of Seattle uses Morning Glory Chai and I honestly can't stand that stuff.
I'm pretty sure Starbucks uses Tazo, which isn't bad. Not as good as making it yourself with NOP though.
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Ultimately, Seattle isn't really known for it's beef. It doesn't mean you can't find good steak, but I think you'd be missing out on the experience. What we are known for is our pork, Salmon, Cod, Oysters(I love the Penn Cove), Blue Crab, and locally grown produce.
While it's odd to say, especially since I've grown up in Oregon and lived a bunch of that in the Portland area...I'm not much of a seafood guy. More river and lake fish for me, than ocean and, even then, only now and then.
That said, I do like some good fish and chips, as well as some nice cod and salmon. I go back and forth on crab, for some reason and I ain't an oyster guy...not need help and don't like the taste. *chuckles*
As for pork...well, I do enjoy a good variety of pork, that's for sure, so I'll definitely give that some thought, too.
The steak thing is a travel thing for me, as I've had a steak in every big city that I've visited, as well as quite a few of the small cities, and I like good eats.
Thanks for the extra tip, too.
No, the best chai is at Saffron Grille. It's what got me drinking chai. Everything else pales in comparison. And Mohammed sells the tea he uses for it (Nabob Orange Pekoe) from his restaurant if you ask for it.
Okay...so now that is EVEN FURTHER to go.
I guess you are bringing the chai to the con on Friday morning then Sean...
CJ
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No, the best chai is at Saffron Grille. It's what got me drinking chai. Everything else pales in comparison. And Mohammed sells the tea he uses for it (Nabob Orange Pekoe) from his restaurant if you ask for it.Okay...so now that is EVEN FURTHER to go.
I guess you are bringing the chai to the con on Friday morning then Sean...
CJ
I'll take a cup. Thanks Sean. ^_^ You rock!
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Hugo and I will be down at Pike Place Market on Thursday morning until about 12 or so. Then we are headed to the waterfront to see the aquarium, and then a harbor cruise.
Anyone who would like to meet us there is welcome to join us!!
If either of you like to cook, be sure to visit world spice market down there. Cheap and extremely good spices. I can't live without their peppercorns.
If either of you like to cook, be sure to visit world spice market down there. Cheap and extremely good spices. I can't live without their peppercorns.Hugo and I will be down at Pike Place Market on Thursday morning until about 12 or so. Then we are headed to the waterfront to see the aquarium, and then a harbor cruise.
Anyone who would like to meet us there is welcome to join us!!
Seconded! The Chipotle Tofu Scramble spice blend is amazing on eggs and soup.
Seconded! The Chipotle Tofu Scramble spice blend is amazing on eggs and soup.If either of you like to cook, be sure to visit world spice market down there. Cheap and extremely good spices. I can't live without their peppercorns.Hugo and I will be down at Pike Place Market on Thursday morning until about 12 or so. Then we are headed to the waterfront to see the aquarium, and then a harbor cruise.
Anyone who would like to meet us there is welcome to join us!!
I actually mail-ordered from them before picking up stuff from them in person last time I was in Seattle.
Wonderful company.
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Hugo and I will be down at Pike Place Market on Thursday morning until about 12 or so. Then we are headed to the waterfront to see the aquarium, and then a harbor cruise.
Anyone who would like to meet us there is welcome to join us!!
I'm curious - how close is Pike Place Market to the Coast hotel? We will be staying at the Coast but do not plan to rent a car ...
Does the Coast offer any kind of local shuttle to popular points of interest?
Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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I'm curious - how close is Pike Place Market to the Coast hotel? We will be staying at the Coast but do not plan to rent a car ...Does the Coast offer any kind of local shuttle to popular points of interest?
About 12 miles from Bellevue to downtown Seattle. The hotel only provides a shuttle to places within 5 miles. I would suggest finding a bus route that can take you. The hotel could take you to the Bellevue Transit Center, and then you could take an ST express over.
Are there any good brewpubs close to the con site?
Thanks
Mike
The Pumphouse up the street is acceptable, but I'm sure there are others nearby.
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Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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Are there any good brewpubs close to the con site?
Thanks
Mike
I just saw the Goose Pub & Eatery when I was at the Crab Pot in Bellevue. It's right across the street from the Crab Pot, so just up the hill from the hotel...a block or two further than the Pumphouse.
Also, a bit of a walk, but across I-405, there's the Rock Bottom Brewery as well.
Several others in the area, but not close. The Ram (in the U-District), Red Hook (in Woodinville), Celtic Bayou (in Redmond), Three Lions Pub (in Redmond). Those are ones off the top o' me head.
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I am going into be in the area for a couple of weeks in addition to the weekend. Where are the best RPG shops? Places to Game?
Also, anyone know any good vegetarian, gluten free alternative places?
Hi Brian! Sorry that no one replied on this sooner, good thing Timitius (TIM!) bumped it for us.
Suggestions on RPG Shops:
http://dlair.net/
http://www.unclesgames.com/
http://mygamesngizmos.com/
All of these are also great places to game. Of course if you're going to be in the area for a couple weeks ahead of time, you might be able to get a few of us interested to get together to do a game night or somesuch. (What do you think Tim?)
For veggie places, you've come to the right area! My wife and I are flexitarian so can direct you there too.
Right near the hotel is a Whole Foods, very easy to get what you need there in a pinch.
Eastside:
www.teapotvegetarianhouse.com - Redmond
Any of the multiple Indian places in Bellevue
Cafe Happy - Kirkland
Over in Seattle:
www.cafeflora.com
www.carmelita.net
www.chacocanyoncafe.com (lots of raw items here as well)
Hope this helps! Feel free to contact me directly at peteapple @ live.com for more info/directions if you need them.
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Suggestions on RPG Shops:
http://dlair.net/
http://www.unclesgames.com/
http://mygamesngizmos.com/
Also, if you are going to be in the area for awhile and you want a real treat, catch a bus to Ballard and check out Card Kingdom and Cafe Mox.
Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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If your from the midwest, I would say avoid the pizza.
If you must have pizza, get Pagliaci. They've got great quality toppings and have some unique and interesting pizzas. I personally can't stand their crust and I feel their sauce is kinda meh, but the toppings are really nice. I highly recommend the spicy pepperoni. It's made here in Seattle by Salumi who have been featured all over for their amazing salumi.
I have to chime in and say that I think this is absolutely insane. I grew up in the Midwest, and the Pizza in Seattle is in many ways quite a bit better than the stuff back home.
Pagliaci, which you diss, is a better delivery pie than anywhere I have ever eaten outside New York City. The ingredients are far fresher than is usual at all but the most gourmet joints in, say, Minneapolis, and the crust is nice and crunchy and chewy at the same time.
Where Seattle really shines, in my opinion, is in Neopolitan pies. Ballard's own Veraci pizza is amazing for take out or casual dining. Even better (indeed much better) is Via Tribunali, which is so amazing it has sprouted a small handful of satellites. Lesser joints like Tutta Bella are still a cut above most pizza outside Chicago.
Hey, wait. When you said "the Midwest," did you mean just the city of Chicago? Because then you're right. The pizza here is crap compared to the pizza in Chicago. In fact, that sort of deep dish super-filling artery-busting pizza is almost nowhere to be found in Seattle, which is maddening.
But lots of pizza here is flavorful, distinctive, and delicious.
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Also, I'm updating some stuff. If you can get out to west seattle for baked goods, I totally recommend bakery nouveau and the area around is a hoot. I love their macarons and they do some great deserts. There is a bar that sells pizzas right along that street that is really pretty nice as well called Talaricos. Not amazing but pretty good and if you are down there doing shopping, one of the better places right there. Also, check out knows perfume. They carry Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs and may have some of the RPG Series.
For sushi, I'm going to revise and recommend Sushi Maru. They are a tiny bit more expensive than Marineopolis but easier to find, for us anyway, and more creative with what's on the belt and the quality is similar. Also, in the bellevue area there is a great noodle shop called Zen Yai. I've only eaten there once but it was memorably good. Those coming in on Thursday should be able to find the farmers market open in bellevue early that day. They have a pizza I actually like there and if you are going to insist on pizza any day, get Veraci's pizza at the farmers market.
For chinese, assuming you aren't downtown in the international district where it's hard to go wrong, I still recommend Szechuan Chef in Bellevue and watercress in Redmond. Also, would love to add Spicy Talk to that one. It's awesome and good for family style. Honey Walnut Crispy Chicken and the Kong Pao Chicken. I've not had a bad meal there, though some make better meals for one than others dishes.
For drinking in the area, we've got a few places that I like to haunt in Redmond specifically which has a better class of bar for the price. Malt and Vine first to get your brews for parties and things. They'll sell you awesome kegs if you give them the time to order them. Also, they have a killer selection of beer that you can take with you and have about 15 or so on tap, kinda heavy on the ipa's right now though. And a great Gyro place and a terriyaki place right next door that are both delicious that you can bring in with you while you're sipping.(totally recommend that gyro place) Also they have a really great ginger-ale called Cock and Bull that I totally recommend. Also ciders, ports, meads, and a few wines. If you want something local and tasty, Black Raven is the place to go. They have a bar in their brewery which is pretty small and you can even sit in the brewery part... might have to actually. Ambience is kinda meh, but flying saucer pizza delivers which is pretty good specialty pizzas for individuals. And, last but not least is the Three Lions, for british pub fare and some pretty decent hot wings, fish and chips, and meat pies. Actually better than decent, really really good. And they have old speckled hen, which is dear to me, and a snakebite with black currant that is awesome(be sure you ask for the black currant). Angelo's lounge is still high on my list and actually in Bellevue. The bar in the hotel, isn't terrible but the food is pretty average.
For a really nice night out, I'd recommend Brooklyn downtown. It's spendy, but worth it. Decent cocktails, really fantastic oysters, and great food. Flight of oysters, vodka, and cavier sampler is really worthwhile(4 shots of vodka, 4 oysters, each with some fairly cheap but decent caviar on top for $15. Steak au Poivre is definitely recommended at $39. Also, downtown for a great night out is Le Pichet, not far from the market. Great french food, always delicious. Both are not pretentious. Always full of people in regular clothes so a good night out for all.
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LOL.
I just noticed that the post I just responded to is two years old.
Johnny on the Spot, that's me.
Heh. It's alright, I've updated some of those and veraci's on the list. I've never been of the sort to make the trip for via tribunali. It's pretty good, but not really worthwhile to me unless you happen to be in the area. I think Veraci's is much better. I want to try the Douglas pizza place but have yet to try it.
Also, if you want Chicago Style Pizza, you CAN supposedly get some in the u-district at Delfino's which I've gotten, but I'm not a fan of chicago style pizza really. And the one time I had it and gave some to a friend who knew better, said it was ok but not great. And most of problems with pizza in the area had to do specifically with delivery. And I stand by my dislike of pagliacci's crust but I still recommend it because their toppings are awesome and if you are going to order a pizza in, I'd suggest them for consistently decent pizza. I just miss my malty thin crispy crusted pizza. =)
Have we missed a discussion of Schulzy's in the U-District?
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Have we missed a discussion of Schulzy's in the U-District?
Mmmm. Schultzy's. REALLY tasty beer selections and sausages. Get the coleslaw, it's fantastic. Also their fries are phenominal; thin, crispy, well seasoned. Crystal usually gets the German sausage platter with pretzel. I always get the cheesesteaks there and put on coleslaw and some of the fries. It is one of the most savory food places I can think of and prices are really reasonable. The Chili cheese fries are not to be missed either. My favorite place in the U-District. Also, a chipotle in the area and trabant for chai. And a Hagendaas. If you want to visit someplace weird, fun, and with a lot of great food, can't go wrong with the u-district.
Also, something seattle has a lot of, terriyaki and pho. So if these are things you don't get often, we have a ton of them around. Some places are better than others, but generally all pretty good. If you are in the u-district for any reason and there is no reason you shouldn't see it other than time, I know Than Brothers is a local pho chain and is pretty consistently good, but others in the u-district may know better places. I like it with brisket and usually some other beef thing and if I'm really in a mood, soft tendon. If you go to Dragon's Lair for gaming supplies, there is a decent pho place right there who's name escapes me but they do a great to-go order of pho. You might need to microwave the broth if you drive anywhere with it and ask for extra plum sauce. Also, they do a decent bubble tea which if you are a little hungry and want something for 3 dollars that will fill you up for a gaming session, you can't go wrong with handful tapioca balls and a tasty liquid... unless you are diabetic in which case, you can't go much worse.
Contributor
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Have we missed a discussion of Schulzy's in the U-District?Mmmm. Schultzy's. REALLY tasty beer selections and sausages. Get the coleslaw, it's fantastic.
I haven't been to Schultzy's, but if you're looking for great beer in the U-District and don't go to Big Time, you've made an error. Their pizza and sandwiches are all right, too.
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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BTW, I see that you justly recommend Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle. Speaking of pizza, they serve it there now, and the slice I had last weekend was SUBLIME, Probably the best take-out pizza I've had in Seattle.
I am not, on the other hand, a fan of Talrico's across the street. I didn't think it was anything special. The decor is cool, though.
LOL.
I just noticed that the post I just responded to is two years old.
Johnny on the Spot, that's me.
And yet, still quite relevant for the people visiting for this year's Paizocon. :) I'll second the recommendation for Pag's. And there is one now in Bellevue Square, not too far from the con venue.
For vegetarians, I would recommend Pabla's in Issaquah. They are strictly vegetarian Indian food and have a generous midday buffet. It is five or ten minutes down I-90 from Bellevue.
If you want to try Thai food, Nibbana isn't too far from the venue and has great Phad Thai.
My wife and I recently moved from Snoqualmie to Seattle (east side of Queen Anne, almost down to Westlake), so I'm looking forward to trying some of the Fremont/Ballard suggestions floating around here.
Yeah, I second Card Kingdom/Cafe Mox if you visit Ballard. It's a must see for any game fan. Sets new standards for WIN.
Agreed, went there to pick up some stuff this past weekend. It's a little bit removed, and driving to Ballard can be...annoying for the uninitiated, but that place is worth it. It is really EVERYTHING I want in a game store, open, diverse, friendly, and attached to a bar! If it wasn't such a drive I'd go there all the time for all my gaming needs.
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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Plus, while you're in the neighborhood you can easily stalk Bulmahn.
In fact, he's probably already at Card Kingdom waiting for you.
I understand he lives there, now.
Cruel, adding a bar to a game store, but at least you can't say they don't know what they're doing!
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Plus, while you're in the neighborhood you can easily stalk Bulmahn.
In fact, he's probably already at Card Kingdom waiting for you.
I understand he lives there, now.
Cruel, adding a bar to a game store, but at least you can't say they don't know what they're doing!
Yeah, that place is fun and awesome. Have you been to the Benbow Room at the Heartland Cafe? I keep wanting to go there. I've heard really mixed reviews, but you know... pirates...
Talrico's was just decent thin crust by the slice. Nothing really to write home about but I liked it enough when we were visiting the area regularly. Not really worth defending though, just a decent drink and pizza kinda place on california. If Cafe Nouveau has pizza then go there and get some of... well everything. Very tasty. There's a Red Mill which is a local well known burger place(not one of my favorite places though) and a Diva espresso, which is one of my favorite coffee places, in the general area I think, but I can't say where they are really.
Also, if anyone is in Fremont and wants a nice rueben or a really good breakfast, Roxy's is excellent.
Oh! Also, for late night munchies or early morning breakfast in freemont, you can go to beths and get one of their 6 egg omelets. They are actually really great breakfast joint and you see them a lot on TV, but it's never something I really think about.
If your from the midwest, I would say avoid the pizza.
If you must have pizza, get Pagliaci. They've got great quality toppings and have some unique and interesting pizzas. I personally can't stand their crust and I feel their sauce is kinda meh, but the toppings are really nice. I highly recommend the spicy pepperoni. It's made here in Seattle by Salumi who have been featured all over for their amazing salumi.
I have to chime in and say that I think this is absolutely insane. I grew up in the Midwest, and the Pizza in Seattle is in many ways quite a bit better than the stuff back home.
Pagliaci, which you diss, is a better delivery pie than anywhere I have ever eaten outside New York City. The ingredients are far fresher than is usual at all but the most gourmet joints in, say, Minneapolis, and the crust is nice and crunchy and chewy at the same time.
Where Seattle really shines, in my opinion, is in Neopolitan pies. Ballard's own Veraci pizza is amazing for take out or casual dining. Even better (indeed much better) is Via Tribunali, which is so amazing it has sprouted a small handful of satellites. Lesser joints like Tutta Bella are still a cut above most pizza outside Chicago.
Hey, wait. When you said "the Midwest," did you mean just the city of Chicago? Because then you're right. The pizza here is crap compared to the pizza in Chicago. In fact, that sort of deep dish super-filling artery-busting pizza is almost nowhere to be found in Seattle, which is maddening.
But lots of pizza here is flavorful, distinctive, and delicious.
I'll second Via Tribunali being fantastic. However, I'll vote for Zeek's over Pagliaci.
Erik, have you tried the Wallingford Pizza House for Chicago-style pizza?
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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Yeah, but I was in a really bad mood for totally unrelated reasons and should probably give that place another shot.
I like Zeek's too, but they don't deliver (or at least not to Ballard).
I went to Roxy's in Fremont once and had terrible service and unremarkable food. For good breakfast (which is what we had) I would choose Portage Bay Cafe over Roxy's every day of the week.
I like Zeek's too, but they don't deliver (or at least not to Ballard).
This suprises me. Their website claims they deliver up to 135th st.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
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To each their own on pizza, but to me Zeek's is inedible crap. I'm no fan of Pagliacci's, as I find their sauce is too sweet and their crust bleah, but their toppings are pretty good.
Speaking as someone who's had Lou Malnati's and Pizzeria Uno in Chicago, I can say that Delfino's in the U-District stacks up very well with them. Pegasus Pizza (on Alki; I've never been to the one in Kirkland) is also excellent for fans of the deep dish.
Red Star Pizza in West Seattle is also surprisingly good for the price, though not as good as the above.
I'm not personally a fan of New York style (nor, for that matter, was I impressed eating at several of the well-known joints in NYC) or Neapolitan, so I can't offer a recommendation for those that do like that kind of pizza.
Honestly, I usually make my own pizza from scratch rather than going out for it, and it is quite delicious if I do say so myself...
P.S. At Bakery Nouveau, I've never tried the pizza, but their pastries are divine. :)
More on Pizza:
There's a local chain called "MOD Superfast Pizza" that just opened up a location in Bellevue. It'd be a longer walk, but it is walking distance from the Con. It's good personal-sized thin-crust pizzas, for CHEAP (about $6, regardless of toppings). They also have awesome milkshakes. (And they sell beer, but I have no idea if their selection is any good.)
If you have a rental car or are otherwise making a trip into Seattle proper, there's a pizza place in Belltown called "Bambino's". It's another Neapolitan-style place (though without the "authentic" credentials Via Tribunal or Tutta Bella have). Get a white pizza with ricotta. Their ricotta is shipped in from Vermont and I believe it is made with sheep's milk, and is one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten. Every time I go there, I'm tempted to just order a bowl of ricotta cheese.
Im planning on going to a cafe/bar/whatever to downtown Seattle on Wednesday night by bus (not too late or transportation would be a cab!), the purpose is pretty much to see/trip/enjoy Seattle at night.
Any cheap-but-nice place recommendations? Any "don't ge after X pm or you get mugged" recommendations too?
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Im planning on going to a cafe/bar/whatever to downtown Seattle on Wednesday night by bus (not too late or transportation would be a cab!), the purpose is pretty much to see/trip/enjoy Seattle at night.
Any cheap-but-nice place recommendations? Any "don't ge after X pm or you get mugged" recommendations too?
What kinda vibe are you looking for? I really like the white horse. You'll meet interesting people and there are books all over and Joe, the owner is a great guy. But it is really low key and drink selections are miniscule; 3 beers, 2 wines, a port, a mead, a pimms cup and he had a "cask ale" last time we were there, but it was beer and port (which was surprisingly tasty) and no food in the house but feel free to bring something in. Nothing too expensive though. It is located right next to a wine bar and Kells which is way larger and more expensive. I've never complained about the food at Kell's but i've never raved about it either and they poor their Guinness cold at about 50 degrees which I feel should be a crime, even on a hot day. It's also a little spendy but they do a good pea soup if it's a chilly night out. It's in Post Alley, right next to pikes place. I don't know anything about the winebar. If you remember Piroshky, Piroshky, it's basically in the alley behind there I think.
The Owl and Thistle is an awesome bar but it's kinda hard to find. Great menu decent prices, better than most places in the area that we've found. Kinda a mix between a dive bar and a gastropub. It's got a weird atmosphere but should be pretty clean on Wednesday. They have a full bar and an ok selection of beers. It's about 3-5 blocks from pikes place so it's easy getting around. One of the big reasons we go here occasionally is that there is entire wheel of fried brie and bread and cheese to go with it for 7.50 but we've not been in awhile. They used to have awesome curry fries but they were removed from the menu sadly.
If you like hoppy beers then Pikes Place brewery might be a decent place to go and an easy find. They make their own beers and are total hop-heads. Their food is ok and their beers are good if you like hops. I personally would give them a pass but hops are really big right now to a lot of people and they love the place. They can be found around a block from the market proper.
On Capitol Hill which is close to downtown Seattle, is Stumbling Monk, which Jeff Alvarez and Cosmo Recommended to us and we've been to a few times. Good source for Belgian beers and is stumbling distance to Dick's Burgers. No food that can be ordered, but food can be brought in. Or at least, they let me bring some in. =) Also, we got a $10 pitcher of a really nice ale on special when we went and that was a super deal. Also, the Duchess, which is the brand/title of a beer) is awesome but kinda spendy.
Those are the places we generally frequent when getting drinks downtown.