Tablet Magazine

Lick Those Lips!

It’s time for some Seattle cheap eats!

Words: Jill Charles

Images: Elaina Alonso

During my years as a student at Seattle University, I learned the art and science of locating cheap food. Now I am working and can afford to dine out, but I am still thrilled to eat well for cheap. In these tough economic times local restaurants are more important than ever to cash-strapped people who still crave a fine meal, and for small business owners competing with big chains. Here are some of my favorite Seattle restaurants that offer excellent meals for less than $10.

DOWNTOWN — Emmett Watson’s Oyster House (1916 Pike Place 206.448.7721, Monday-Friday 11:30am-7pm, Saturday 11:30am-8pm, Sunday 11:30am-6pm). Some downtown restaurants charge outrageous prices for simple oysters, shrimp and fish and chips. You can enjoy all these things at Emmett Watson’s Oyster House, plus beer and salmon or clam chowder. Prices are modest; I enjoyed a dinner of shrimp, two raw oysters, salmon chowder and bread for about $10. The wooden booths and checked tablecloths are simple and welcoming; during the summer, you can enjoy gazpacho on the stone patio.

QUEEN ANNE — El Diablo Coffee Company (1811 Queen Anne Ave N #101. 206.285.0693 Sunday-Thursday 6:30am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 6:30am-midnight). El Diablo tempts you with Cubano coffee (two espresso shots and caramelized sugar) and Mexican Hot Chocolate, the original cocoa indulgence. Beyond that, it offers inexpensive and unusual selections of Spanish cheese and olives, fresh-made pastries, tropical fruit shakes and Cuban sandwiches made of roast pork or roasted pepper and artichokes. Funky paintings of devils and angels adorn the walls and tables. El Diablo also hosts live music performances.

CAPITOL HILL — Gyro World (401 Broadway Ave E 206.325.2480, Monday-Friday 10am-9pm, Sunday noon-6pm). At first glance, this lunch counter in the Broadway Market looks like many other food court venues. Gyro World offers a wide selection of good Greek food for a modest price. For $5.50 you can enjoy gyros and fries or, my favorite, the vegetarian combo with falafel, tzaziki sauce, salad, dolmades, hummus and pitas. Hot fluffy pitas are grilled and baklava arrives soft and dripping with honey. The murals on the wall help you pretend that you are in a warm Mediterranean climate and not rainy Seattle.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS— Emmett Watson’s Oyster House (1916 Pike Place 206.448.7721, Monday-Friday 11:30am-7pm, Saturday 11:30am-8pm, Sunday 11:30am-6pm). Some downtown restaurants charge outrageous prices for simple oysters, shrimp and fish and chips. You can enjoy all these things at Emmett Watson’s Oyster House, plus beer and salmon or clam chowder. Prices are modest; I enjoyed a dinner of shrimp, two raw oysters, salmon chowder and bread for about $10. The wooden booths and checked tablecloths are simple and welcoming; during the summer, you can enjoy gazpacho on the stone patio.

CENTRAL DISTRICT/MADRONA — La Libela (2800 E Cherry St. 206.322.8565 Wednesday-Sunday 11am-10pm, Closed Tuesdays). Ethiopian restaurants often have moderate prices and generous portions and La Libela offers both. For less than $10, you can feast on a platter of spongy injera bread topped with lentils, salad, potatoes, okra, or beef or chicken. Both vegetarian and meat dishes are available, with Ethiopian beer and wine. Did I mention that La Libela has a full bar?

BELLTOWN — Second Avenue Pizza (2015 Second Ave. 206.956.0489, Monday-Thursday noon-9pm, Friday-Saturday noon-11pm, Sunday noon-6pm). Second Avenue Pizza is cheap and artistic, the way Belltown ought to be. For about five bucks, you can enjoy two generous thin crust pizza slices or a unique green salad featuring green apples, walnuts and balsamic dressing. Beer is available and bands play in the back room where a papier-m‚chÈ monster smiles down from graffiti-marked walls.