Green Lake - Seattle, WA Area Guide

Green Lake was first homesteaded in the mid-1800s by Seattlites looking to move away from the city. It centers the city’s second largest lake, after Lake Union, providing a reservoir and sanctuary-like environment.

Considered a sleepy neighborhood for most of the 20th century, it experienced an infusion of development and energy in 1995. Because of the resurgence, the design and real estate options vary from grand vintage properties to the very distinct lines and style found in the late 90s.

Right off the East side of the lake houses the highly respected Green Lake Public Library. The library was built in 1910 through funding from Andrew Carnegie. Every Monday evening the library hosts a Baby Story Time. A family-themed storytime is available every Wednesday morning, and in keeping with the health-focused mentality, children have the chance to participate in Bike for Books, a reading program that results in a free bike giveaway.

For theater lovers and arts enthusiasts, the Seattle Public Theatre at The Bathhouse produces critically acclaimed shows every year. The season begins in September and runs through June, always putting on six different plays or musicals, from jolly productions like "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" to William Shakespeare’s tragedies.

With a mix of family-friendly brunch spots, high-end dining establishments and taverns, the local eateries in Green Lake provide a variety of options, many of which ring the lake itself.

Whether you want to hit Sunday brunch as a family or gather your girlfriends for happy hour, check out The Butcher and The Baker. The cozy feel and communal tables give this spot a rooted, ageless feel. The cleverly named Winner Winner Chicken Fritter with its bacon-cheddar biscuit, breaded chicken and country gravy soaks up any holdovers from Saturday night shenanigans. Be sure to try the charcuterie platter that lets you nibble on the restaurant's famed cured meats.

A reservation at Nell's gets any celebration started off right. Known for its extensive wine list and commitment to French-American cuisine. Nell's serves up duck breast and squash that stand as local favorites.

Locals head to the Greenlake Bar and Grill for happy hour, with the jalapeño mac and cheese balls high on the list of favorite appetizers. The patio welcomes dogs, making it a great place to relax on a warm summer evening.

When it comes to nightlife, the early-to-rise neighborhood of Green Lake tends to turn in earlier as well. Evening owls head to The Little Red Hen where they can square dance the night away and belt out karaoke tunes. Popular neighborhood bars and pubs include the Latona Pub, a gastropub with enormous servings of comfort food. You can also check out the Uber Tavern, known for its amazing selection of bottled beer and its board game tables, and St. Andrews Bar and Grill, a sports bar with a love for soccer and Scotch.

Biking and walking have become the primary mode of transportation in Green Lake. For residents, a car-free approach to bustling around the neighborhood is not only convenient but also includes beautiful views of the lake and tree-lined streets.

When community members need to head to work, I-5 runs just blocks from the heart of Green Lake. Drivers can easily zip on or off the freeway when traveling to and from the neighborhood. The street parking has a mix of metered and free spots. While parking rarely presents an issue on the weekdays, busy weekends and holidays do tend to fill up available spots.

The metro bus system also services the area with the 16, 26,48, and 316 all stopping in Green Lake. You will often see professionals who work Downtown utilizing public transportation for their daily commutes. If public transportation won't work for you, be sure to call a cab or order an Uber. Cabs rarely cruise around the residential neighborhood.

Over half of the geographic space in the Green Lake neighborhood is taken up by the lake and connected park. In fact, the large freshwater lake, walking trail and recreational facilities draw in residents, athletes and visitors daily.

The Green Lake Crew Club practices on the lake multiple times a week and hosts three regattas every year. The Frostbite regatta, held every winter, is a neighborhood favorite. From weekends starting in April, then daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Green Lake Boat Rentals has a paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats.

If you are looking to stay off the water the possibilities are endless. The lake is surrounded by a 2.8-mile trail with large walking and biking paths. The trail is perfect for pushing the stroller, an after dinner walk with the family, and training for a 5k while running the dog. The large fields host regular soccer games, softball tournaments and epic games of red rover.

The high-demand Green Lake area comes with an above-average price tag. With a majority of shops and restaurants being small businesses, higher prices are par for the course. However, those who live there ensure that the place has a small-town feel.

Despite being a relatively small neighborhood, many apartments and homes can be rented.

Since the neighborhood has such a relaxed vibe, none of the stores are overly fancy or high end, but you can seek out good finds if you look closely. The majority of shops are located off East Green Lake Drive North, or, on the Eastern side of the lake.

Playing off Harper Lee’s iconic novel, Mockingbird Books houses an informed and well-curated collection for every level of reader. Manned with a knowledgeable and passionate team, the shop features local authors and focuses on early-childhood literature. Once you have selected a book, pop over to the adjacent coffee shop and dive in.

As a fit-focused neighborhood, it comes as no surprise that the Green Lake area houses more than a handful of athletic stores. At Super Jock ’N Jill seasoned athletes and novice runners alike can stock up on shoes, attire and accessories. Their team of trainers and physical therapists host clinics and training groups for those just starting to run, as well as those training for marathons, triathlons, and other high-endurance races.

The PCC Natural Market is the place to go for groceries. This locally-owned, certified organic market features locally-grown, pesticide- and fertilizer-free produce as well as natural and organic meats from local ranchers and environmentally responsible seafood.