Cate Smithson

Liberty Bar

When you discover Liberty, with its long and complex cocktail menu, its damn fine sushi rolls, and its totally friendly, laid-back (if crowded) atmosphere, you’ll also unfortunately realize how much time you’ve wasted at so many other cocktail bars that were too hype-y, too dive-y, or too spendy. Like Hopvine a couple doors down, Liberty isn’t all that concerned with the impression its decor will have on you, but that’s okay, because the cocktails (and the extensive array of whiskeys) are perfection. Try the Seattle Sour, a mixture of rye, coffee liqueur, egg white, lemon, and Manny’s Pale Ale foam (yep). You’ll love it.

KEXP

KEXP Studios is kind of the best. In every possible way. Maybe you were already hip to the existence of the radio station, as it’s one of the most famous local channels in the country. But did you know their hugely spacious brick-and-mortar at Seattle Center houses one of the buzziest coffee shops in town (featuring a killer rotating cast of brews), regular and free in-studio concerts, lightning-fast Wi-Fi, and seats aplenty? Whether you want to post up with a book, see some music, people-watch, work remotely, or all of the above, book it over to KEXP.

Surf Ballard

Because land sports are for babies. Visit the fine folks at Surf Ballard and check out a paddle board to crest the open-ish seas of Shilshole Bay. It’s an easy, highly rewarding workout and a chance to see the city from a new perspective – and if you’re looking to go the distance, you won’t regret making your way over to the shores of Discovery Park and its lovely beachfront and lighthouse. Don’t be intimidated by the unfamiliarity of it all. This will be one of the highlights of your Seattle experience, without a doubt.

La Dive

Say it with me: skin contact! La Dive is the go-to haunt for your hip friend whose apartment always looks perfect, who has a side hustle as a ceramicist, and who somehow seems to be perpetually 28 years old.

Are you still reading? Instead of being intimidated, snag a booth and find your next favorite orange wine, paired with an order of house-made dumplings or artisanal toast (I know, I know). La Dive –pronounced “deeve” – knows it’s impossibly trendy, but somehow it seems to be in on the joke. And hey: you can roll your eyes all you want, but one visit is all it’ll take for you to give into its charms.