Lake City - Seattle, WA Area Guide

Lake City originally encompassed marshy wetlands occupied by the natives of the region. Settlers began to fill in the marshland and log most of the immediate area, which became a hot spot for German immigrants and transformed into a “little Germany.”

During Prohibition, the area was known for buying and selling prohibited alcohol, as well as prostitution and other illicit goods. The Jolly Roger, an iconic business during the period, catered to those still wishing to drink. The location also featured a watchtower, which allowed a spotter to see the police from miles away and sound a warning to customers, giving them time to escape through hidden tunnels.

Today, this robust and forward-thinking neighborhood incorporates many newly constructed buildings and businesses, mostly along Lake City Way. Find several museums close by and, every year, enjoy the Salmonfest, a large street fair featuring arts and crafts, music, and food.

The restaurants scattered throughout Lake City tender traditional international dishes suitable either for a quick bite out or an extended social occasion, with all the associated bells and whistles.

Tubs Gourmet Subs creates tasty, no-frills sub sandwiches in an artisan style, with cleverly named menu items that range from common to unusual. Try the Joker’s Dip featuring mayonnaise, ham, turkey, roast beef, bacon and cheddar cheese toasted on a baguette and topped with lettuce and tomato, then served with a spicy BBQ sauce for dipping.

Visit Jebena Cafe to enjoy an Ethiopian restaurant that serves a range of traditional foods and even has an attached market next door, selling the key ingredients to enable you to cook your own Ethiopian food. Order a platter to enjoy plenty of good eats at an affordable price after you’ve tried the Qateqna, a slightly spicy, sweet and crispy injera starter.

Try Lake City Gyros for authentic and beautifully seasoned gyros. This small and unassuming restaurant might be easy to pass by but, once you’ve tried it, locals claim that you definitely don't miss it again.

The nightlife options in Lake City confine your choices to a few bars along Lake City Way. Head to Back Door Pub if you enjoy a stereotypical dive bar serving stiff drinks in a relaxed bar atmosphere. Make use of the pool table and foosball in the back while you visit. For a party on the go, Creative Bus rents out chartered buses for any event you could desire. Some locations, such as El Norte Lounge, host live music in the establishments, but none are dedicated to live music exclusively. Fortunately, with easy access via Lake City Way, you can reach downtown in less than 30 minutes to take in a show.

Expect to depend on your personal vehicle in the automobile-dependent neighborhood of Lake City, although locals do utilize public transit as a primary means of getting around. King County Metro services the area with several stop throughout the Lake City neighborhood. Ride-share services, such as Uber, do not operate in the area, but you can find several taxi and hired car businesses that service Seattle and its greater areas, including a private town car rental business. Public parking in the neighborhood is always a hot commodity.

Take advantage of street parking options including short stop times for customers of businesses in the area, parking meters with a limit as to how long they can be used, or an RPZ permit, which allows additional parking options for up to 72 hours at a time. Lake City Way bisects the neighborhood diagonally, forming the primary transportation route from, to and through Lake City. The area is largely unwalkable, save for short distances, and biking lanes are also at a minimum. Expect to find safe bike routes and lanes primarily in the more residential parts of the neighborhood.

Find only a few small park located within the boundaries of Lake City, including. Cedar Park, Lake City Mini Park, Albert Davis Park, Little Brook, Virgil Flaim Park and Meadowbrook Playfield. Meadowbrook Pond offers a large natural pond with walking trails and greenery around its perimeter.

Most of Lake City’s other parks are just green spaces with some seating, with pets expected to be leashed at all times. Lake City Mini Park is small paved park located near some shopping and dining locations for excellent people-watching opportunities. The Virgil Flaim Park includes trails for walking and running within a 2.8-acre space, as well as a play area for children.

Head to the Meadowbrook Playfield to explore a natural creek or take advantage of the indoor pool, restrooms, outdoor lighted tennis court, walking paths, play area and a baseball/softball field, all located near the Meadowbrook Community Center. No annual events take place in the parks, but the yearly Salmonfest offers many outdoor activities.

The cost of living in Lake City comes in at marginally less than Seattle average with a median rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment at $1,059. This neighborhood, serviced by King County Metro, costs you $2 to $3 for a basic fare to the city center on public transit. An average pint of beer runs you approximately $9, while the price per gallon of gasoline sits at just over 10 percent above the national average.

Find most shopping opportunities in Lake City aligned along Lake City Way, the primary transportation route that bisects the neighborhood. The area features plenty of chain stores alongside specialty shops, such as car sales.

One of these chain stores in particular has a very local impact. Head to the Value Village to explore the mix of items you would normally expect of a thrift store. What makes this store worth the pennies you can expect to spend on that rediscovered treasure is that the company partners with local charities to give back.

Visit Decent Exposures, a specialty shop specializing in custom-made bras, underclothes and activewear to fit women of all shapes and sizes, as well as clothin for babies. The store started out small, selling to friends and family, then expanded into the online marketplace.

In keeping with Seattle’s reputation as a source of environmentally aware citizens and businesses, the organizers of the annual Hempfest also sell hemp and related products from a local store.

For regular grocery runs or a few odds and ends, find plenty of options in the neighborhood. Try Fred Meyer for groceries, apparel and furniture, located on Lake City Way NE, or head to Manila Manila when in need of a Filipino grocery store offering Asian essentials and freshly cooked home-style dishes for takeout. Find a good deal on brand name groceries at Grocery Outlet, located at Lake City Center on Northeast 127th Street.

One farmer’s market operates in Lake City, aptly titled the Lake City Farmers Market and located at NE 125th and 28th Avenue NE. This outdoor market partners with local producers to sell fruits, vegetables, meat, cheeses and other foods.