Seattle, WA (USA)

[jdwaid]

@Boit Incredible! Thank you!

[pechelman]

@Boit said in IRON HEART WAYWT - 2025 EDITION:

Ray’s (good happy hour spot with great waterfront views, @pechelman this is the upstairs restaurant…downstairs is something else)

They're both Ray's which is the confusion people have had when I've sent them there. The lower is their fine dining side, which I think is actually called the Boathouse. The one I'm very intentional with recommending to people by telling them to "just walk up the stairs" is apparently called the cafe. Regardless, it's a good spot.

Also adding a few of your items to our list to try, though I've not had good experiences at dingfelders. Some of the worst pastrami I think i've ever had.

[Boit]

@pechelman interesting. just went to web and looks like you’re correct. Host downstairs told me the contrary.

re Dingfelders: that’s surprising. Maybe their pastrami quality is variable. I’m batting 4 for 4 v happy. In my mind it’s as good as Katz’s in NYC…however because we dont have a lot of this type food here and been long time since visiting SENYC I could be mistaken?!

[goosehd]

@jdwaid Moved the conversation here.

[nytimes_gaiden]

I used to live across the street from Ray’s! If you’re going to go out that way definitely check out the locks or golden gardens

[catdad1]

Any feedback of how parking is in the downtown areas? We'll be staying on Bainbridge Island our first night and in the central district the other three nights. Will be doing the typical touristy attractions. This will be forth of July weekend if that makes a difference.

Also, any recommendations for a day hike in either Olympic or Mt. Rainier?

[twin]

@catdad1 Been to both parks. Mt. Rainier is the better one. Make sure you go to Paradice inn on the east side. You are at the foot of the glacier. Just a great place to see. Also stop by the Space Needle for eats. For Olympia take a hike to Soduck falls Is a easy walk.

[pechelman]

Parking downtown can be tricky like any downtown but it really hasn't been that terrible for me. It depends on time of day and day of week and where you are. Worst case you park farther away, take ride share, public transit, or pay for a garage/spot. Getting to the tourist areas from the Central district is a pretty straight shot on transit fwiw if you don't mind braving it. Tickets are easily purchased using your phone.

[catdad1]

Thanks guys

[catdad1]

Exploring Bainbridge today!

[Eza]

@catdad1 the $th is here enjoy your weekend!

[pechelman]

You picked a stellar weekend for a visit. Enjoy your time here!

[catdad1]

Day two: downtown area with the space needle, chihuly museum (octopus immediately reminded me of 888), and pike place along with great vegan food.

Mt. Rainier day trip tomorrow

[catdad1]

Been home for a few days unwinding from the travel...

We went to Snoqualmie falls, the museum of illusions, and the Seattle Japanese garden. Finished that evening with a bulgogi beef pizza from humble pie.

[catdad1]

On our last full day we left Seattle at about 5:30am to be at the entrance for mt. Rainier by 8:45. Hands down my favorite activity the whole trip and my favorite park visited thanks @twin for convincing this one over Olympic.

We enjoyed the city but really loved spending time in the surrounding neighborhoods and Bainbridge Island. We'd hands down be back specifically for the parks.

[pechelman]

Looks like you had a great trip! Always felt Kubota garden was pretty underrated, glad you made it! One of our favorites.

[catdad1]

@pechelman oh yeah! We loved the landscaping and my wife specifically loved the giant frogs and koi fish. It was a great way to end the evening.