QFC's giant Wallingford sign
Sandwiched in between the U District and Fremont sits a neighborhood full to the brim with great restaurants, shopping, and character. The QFC is even unique, donning a huge neon sign of the neighborhood name. 45th Ave. is the hot street. You can get basically whatever you want within a 5 block stretch from Mexican to Poke.
TNT Taqueria
This little taqueria has a big time menu and a cute little interior restaurant. You cannot go wrong with any of their fillings, but since we love to talk about food we will tell you our fav. It's the chorizo verde and hominy hash with a Dos Equis on the side. Tacos like these.. you can eat them everyday.
The Octopus Bar
The Octopus Bar plays into two categories we personally love at RoS Guides: the dive bar and the instagram-worthy bar/restaurant. It's the perfect culmination of PNW charm. We love the Crow's Nest deviled eggs and any of their creative cocktails.
Ezell's Fried Chicken
This is Seattle's premier destination for fried chicken. It's old school, crispy and delicious. I don't think we need to say more.
45th Stop N Shop Deli
You have to be in the know to wander into this convenience store and know there is more than candy bars and soda inside. There is a secret poke bar in the back and it is a.w.e.s.o.m.e. The fish is high quality and the ingredients blend together to melt in your mouth. Hawaii, we salute you.
Pam's Kitchen
This Caribbean restaurant offers some mouth-watering fare. Beware: If you are looking for instagram-able food, keep walking, these plates aren't beautiful. The cooks are focused more on creating food orgasms in your mouth, so definitely weigh your options. In our humble opinion though delicious spicy jerk chicken plate > pretty food photo.
Molly Moon's
Molly Moon's is a Seattle staple. Their ice cream is beloved by all for it's unique flavors that are full of sugar and spice and everything nice, but to be honest what truly sets them apart from other ice cream parlors in town is the waffle cone. They are made fresh right in front of you and taste like heaven. Pair it with the cookie dough ice cream and thank us later.
Ramen Man
What's better than a big, steamy bowl of ramen? Nothing! This place is delicious and has a variety of ramen to choose from (spicy, miso, garlic, shoyu). In addition to the thinly sliced pork, you can also get an unlimited amount of soft boiled eggs for the soup, which might be the very best thing about ramen in the first place.
Wallingford Center
Wallingford Center is an old school turned into a retail space. You can't miss the big stately brick building when you are wandering around and there are some great finds inside.
- Trophy Cupcakes offers up classic and creative cupcakes, so whether you want a perfect vanilla with buttercream frosting or something a little more snazzy, say Raspberry Macaroon, you'll be able to find it here!
- Bootyland Kids is the type of children's store we can get behind. It is full of imaginative and unique toys and clothes for the little ones in your life. Skip the chain stores and support these guys instead!
- Crackerjack is a little shop with a gift for just about anyone. If you want to support american craftspeople this is a great place to support.
Guild 45th Theatre
There are several "neighborhood" theaters around Seattle. Theaters who aren't owned by huge multiplexes and have some old character and charm. Guild 45 is one of those. Don't expect the plush seats and digital ticket kiosks you find at most theaters nowadays though, we said they are charming, not fresh.
The Sock Monster
Who doesn't love a crazy pair of socks? There isn't much to this place. Actually there is only one thing. Socks. But you know what every human on earth needs at some point in their lives? Socks. And Sock Monster has got you covered in every single way you could imagine. Star Wars socks? Check. Rainbow socks? Check. Seahawks socks. You bet your ass they do.
Paper Delights
Paper Delights is a great shop for getting beautiful cards and other paper goods like stationary and art. Beyond having a card for every occasion they also host watercolor and calligraphy classes, which are a great night out for girls and you walk away with a new skill and decoration for your home.
Beyond 45th St. there are still a ton of hidden gems in Wallingford, so don't stop exploring after you get through this list. Some notable places to check out include RoRo BBQ, Joule, and Blue Star Diner. Alright, good luck exploring!
