Seattle Eats
The Seattle food scene and the best things to eat in it. New episodes every Thursday.
Kenji López-Alt’s favorite Seattle spots for visitors
You have friends and family visiting from out of town. It’s the perfect chance to show off the beauty of the region – sweeping views of mountains, glassy lakes, a verdant city decorated with mist. But once you’re done with the scenic views, where do you take visitors for an equally impressive meal?
This week, host Brandi Fullwood and James Beard Award winning chef and author Kenji López-Alt share their favorite spots to take visitors that will help you impress yours, too.
Seattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best thi...
Three Seattle restaurants you must try right now
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh about where he thinks we all should be eating right now.
Discussed in this episode:
Try this hidden gem of a Seattle bistro for your next great date night New Ballard seafood restaurant from vaunted chef debuts Hot new Seattle sake bar with fusion food is the talk of the townSeattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat in it.
Do you have a question for the Seattle Eats team? Do you wan...
The best soups for the Seattle soul
As the incoming days of rain threaten to push us inside, Seattle restaurants are making soups worth leaving your house for. This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to food writer Meg Van Huygen about the best soups around the city.
Discussed in this episode:
Tho Seattle, South Lake Union Situ Tacos, Ballard Pidgin Cooperative, Interbay Kin Len Thai Night Bites, Fremont Linda's Tavern, Capitol HillDo you have a question for the Seattle Eats team? Do you want to share your go-to-spot to eat? Tell us about your favorite soup! Give us a call at 206...
How to fix a long day? Cold beer, sake, and plenty of grilled skewers
Cold beer, good music, and plenty of skewers of meat and veggies– Japanese izakayas are built for the afterwork crowd. Johnny Courtney, the chef and co-owner of Atoma in Wallingford, tells you about his favorite and why you should put it on your list of restaurants to try next.
This week, host Brandi Fullwood finds out how this 2026 James Beard finalist unwinds after a long day and what he orders to celebrate the end of the day.
Seattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat in it.
...
Mexican BBQ so good you’ll get back on Facebook
If you want good barbacoa, you're gonna have to put in the work to make it. Making it the traditional way is a 24-hour process that involves roasting lamb, goat or beef in an underground fire pit until the meat is velvety and almost melts on your tongue.
And if you're not making it yourself, finding the real thing can take some digging, too -- a deep search on Facebook Marketplace, or asking around the neighborhood.
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Gustavo Sagrero, KUOW’s immigration race and identity reporter about his search fo...
Alexis Nikole Nelson wants you to eat your backyard
You don’t have to have the right equipment, or a secret location, or a car to start foraging. Plenty of tasty foraged foods are easier to find than you might think: your backyard, parks, and local trails.
Alexis Nikole Nelson, also known as the @BlackForager on TikTok, wants to make it easier. She has a new cookbook that teaches expert and novice foragers how to find and eat the mushroom, berries, and flower petals. Happy Snacking, Don’t Die is packed with delicious and informative recipes for every season.
Seattle Eats host Brandi Fullwood spoke...
The best burgers in Seattle
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh about why he loathes smashburgers–the flattened crispy patties with lacy edges. He’ll share where to get the best juicy, big burgers in the city instead.
You can read more about why Tan prefers big juicy burgers in the Seattle Times: Seattle’s 4 best big burgers: No smashed patties, just juicy beef
And why Tan is passing on smashburgers here:
Smashburgers took over Seattle. Why? Our food critic has thoughts
Discussed in this episode:
Little Beast, Ballard –...Which restaurants actually make your birthday special?
Birthdays should be special. Where should you celebrate yours?
This week, Host Brandi Fullwood and friends of Seattle Eats share their favorite places to celebrate a special day. Spoiler! Our perfect birthday restaurants have tarot, fried catfish, and soy sauce ice cream.
Discussed in this episode:
The Corson Building, Georgetown Monsoon, North Capitol Hill Iconiq, Mount Baker No.9 Alley Hotpot, Bitter Lake Rainier Restaurant, Othello? Rainier Valley Halfseas Wine Bar, Ballard Ramie, Capitol Hill Needle and Thread, Capitol HillSeattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat...
We tap into neighborhood breweries with great food
Typically, getting food in a brewery, you can expect some simple classics: maybe some tavern pizzas or pretzels, some peanuts. This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Times food writer Jackie Varriano about great neighborhood breweries with even better food.
Read more about brewery food from Jackie Varriano at the Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/four-seattle-breweries-with-great-food-from-fair-isle-to-aslan-brewing/
Discussed in this episode:
Kochendorfer’s kebaburrito Blue fin tuna tostadas at Fair Isle’s La Marea French fry sandwich at Figurehead Brewing Deck oven pizza at Aslan Brewing A surprise hack to elevate your sal...Last bites of Seattle summer
This week, host Brandi Fullwood and food writer Harry Cheadle squeeze out the last drops of summer, one new restaurant at a time. Think retro pizza shop, dry-aged seafood and Puerto Rican coffee.
Discussed in this episode:
Stevie’s Famous Pizza, Phinney Ridge Sea’d In, Capitol Hill El Cerro, Capitol HillCheck out a load of other new restaurants in Harry’s column Opening Night in Seattle Magazine: https://seattlemag.com/food-drink/opening-night-sead-inn-tries-something-a-little-different-with-seafood/
Do you have a question for the Seattle Eats team? Do you want to share your go-to-spot to eat? Give us a...
How to order like a regular at George’s Polish Deli
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Tina Fahnbulleh the chef-owner of Gold Coast Kitchen about her favorite lunch spot on First Hill, George’s Polish Deli.
Discussed in this episode:
Adventurous eating vs comfort food Snails, pickles, and herring make the best soups Finding a little bit of home in a deliSeattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat in it.
Do you have a question for the Seattle Eats team? Do you want to share your go-to-spot to eat? Give us a call at...
Tiny Bars, Big Feelings
Could a tiny bar fix the Seattle freeze? What about boost your dating life? This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh about his big feelings about tiny bars around the Seattle area.
Read more about tiny bars in the Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/these-seattle-area-bars-may-be-tiny-but-they-have-great-cocktails-and-more/
Discussed in this episode:
Why you save the tiny bar for second dates The McMenamins that transports you to New Orleans A smoked beef french fry lollipop (it’s really good)Seattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scen...
How to order like a regular at Gan Bei
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Ellary Collins, a baker at The Wayland Mill. Collins shares her go-to spot in the International District, where late-night industry workers and early-shift bakers cross paths. She’ll tell you what to order and how to do it like a regular.
Discussed in this episode:
Luscious claypot eel and umami (sorry) forward xo rolls Bearing witness to karaoke Hitting up the late night spot at 3PM Thanksgiving at Gan BeiSeattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat in it.
Do...
Hot Cold Noodle Summer
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Times food critic Bethany Jean Clement about the best cold noodle dishes in the city right now.
Read more about cold noodles in the Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/3-top-seattle-spots-for-cold-noodles-one-of-summers-best-bites/
Seattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat in it.
Do you have a question for the Seattle Eats team? Do you want to share your go-to-spot to eat? Give us a call at 206-543-8510 and leave a voicemail. You can also email us a...
Fish Fry Politics
This week, we are heading to a local fish fry with KUOW politics reporter Scott Greenstone. We’ll tell you how this backyard party, hosted by a notable elder of Seattle’s south end became an informal political hub for aspiring politicians. And we’ll taste the fish!
Check out more of Scott’s work over on Sound Politics, a podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest: https://www.kuow.org/podcast/sound-politics
Seattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat in it.
Do you h...
Reprise: This Seattle chef's go-to spot for late night dim sum
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Victor Steinbrueck, the chef and owner of Local Tide in Fremont, about his go-to-spot to eat in the city. He's been going to this late night dim sum spot with his family, his friends... really anyone for 25 years.
Read more about this story a list of what to order: https://www.kuow.org/stories/the-late-night-spot-this-seattle-chef-has-been-going-to-for-25-years
Discussed in this episode:
Being a 25 year regular Organized chaos at a late night dim sum spot How to order for a full squad (hint: ask for the whole fish) Local Tide...Skip the ice cream this summer
It might be National Ice Cream Month but there’s more on the menu in Seattle: shave ice, raspado, kakigori, and bingsu. This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Met food writer Naomi Tomky about the coldest, sweetest treats around town.
Check out Naomi’s full line up here.
Seattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat in it.
Do you have a question for the Seattle Eats team? Do you want to share your go-to-spot to eat? Give us a call at 206-543...
Sandwiches are going viral in Seattle. Where are the best ones?
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to food writer Meg van Huygen about the Seattle sandwich orders that are great year round but perfect for summer: by the lake, on a boat, or in line for the ferry.
Sandwich Spots Discussed:
Bottega Gabriele, Pioneer Square Oxbow, Montlake Lyon’s Grocery, Queen Anne Stacked (Inside Montana Badlands!), Lower Queen Anne LASA Sandwiches and Pearls, Lynnwood Greenbank Pantry & Deli, Whidbey IslandSeattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat in it.
Do you have a question for the Seatt...
BONUS: Seattle Dog is #1 in America. But why does it have cream cheese?
Hot dog! The NYT Wirecutter team made it bracket-official and crowned the Seattle dog best in America. The signature late night street food knocked out every other style in a head-to-head battle (yes, including Chicago and NYC). But how did the best hot dog in America get its cream cheese? We dig into the KUOW archives to tell you the origin story of the Seattle Dog.
Read more about the origin of the Seattle dog on KUOW: https://www.kuow.org/stories/polaroids-how-seattle-s-signature-hot-dog-got-its-cream-cheese
Check out the hot dog bracket battle on the New York Times: h...
Hard Goodbyes and Hyped Hoagies
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh about the openings and closing, shaking things up for better or worse. Plus, they’ll tell you how to order at some of the newest restaurants in Seattle.
Find out about more openings in the Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/18-new-restaurants-in-downtown-seattle-and-neighborhoods-around-it/
Discussed in this episode:
Sophon Baiana, Pike Place Market Louie’s Deli, Pioneer Square Anh Ơi Bake Shop, Chinatown-International DistrictSeattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat in it.
...The Breakfast Sandwich of Champions
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to baker and owner of Pan de la Selva, Mayra Sibrian. Mayra shares where she routinely gets breakfast in Mount Baker on her way to work. It’s a sandwich with lots of details: american cheese, a melt in your mouth egg patty, arugula, labne, muhammara, just to name a few.
ICYMI! We talked about Mayra's bakery on a previous episode with Seattle Times food critic Bethany Jean Clement: https://www.kuow.org/stories/the-bakery-hiding-in-city-hall-with-bethany-jean-clement
Seattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat...
How to order like a regular at Cactus
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Aaron Tekulve, the chef and owner of Surrell in Madison Valley. They get into what it's like to be a James Beard finalist (apparently it means a lot more microgreens at your door) and where he goes to eat on his day off. Hint: kid friendly, by the water, and there are plenty of cheesy chips.
How to order at this go-to spot:
Basket of chips, crispy, light, and just the right amount of salt Not-so-spicy salsa Queso with bacon and grilled green peppers Fried Prawn with a mango...Seattle’s Dosa Era
Seattle restaurants are serving up dosas worth a long line or a reservation. We’re talking about fermented rice and lentil crepe's that are golden, crispy, fluffy and the size of a mini telescope (with and without sambar).This week, host Brandi Fullwood and writer Shri Repp make the case for Seattle’s best dosas right now.
Read more from Shri on dosas, Indian cooking and more: https://moonrice.net/
Dosas mentioned in this episode:
Spice Waala aka Dosa Extreme The Bangalore Kitchen aka Thick and Crispy Sunset Sangamam aka Restaurant Telescope Chili’s aka Amma...The best bites for Juneuary in Seattle
It's hot, then it's cold, and then it's rainy – it's Juneuary in Seattle, but we are eating so well. Seattle Times food critic Bethany Jean Clement and host Brandi Fullwood share notes on their latest favorite dishes at Seattle restaurants.
Discussed in this episode:
Great gravy! Little Jaye has great biscuits Busan Jeong’s cauldrons of soondaeguk Harvest Vine’s Superlative and praiseworthy vegetables and stews An evergreen pandan cookie at Kemi Dessert Bar And hot or cold the kremas at Bonhomie are excellentSeattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best thin...
What’s the deal with Seattle hotel food?
From powdered eggs to wagyu tagliata, hotel food has the power to make or break a vacation. But, if you’re a local, where can you get a taste of that vacation mindset without leaving town? This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Times food writer Jackie Varriano about why locals ought to check out Seattle's hotel food scene.
Read more about hotel food scene at the Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/from-hotel-theodore-to-palihotel-these-seattle-hotels-offer-great-food/
Discussed in this episode:
Buttery biscuits with a Seattle Underground Tour vibe $32 burger that is unfortunately really wort...How to order like a regular at LTD Edition Sushi
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Brady Ishiwata-Williams, the chef and owner of Tomo, about his go-to spot for big birthdays, out of town friends, and honestly any day that needs an upgrade. Hint: a skatepark-view omakase run by a chef that makes the whole night feel like a perfect DJ set.
Discussed in this episode:
Why eating at your friend's place hits different Foie gras of the sea: crispy, fatty, briny Hokkaido uni that melts in your mouth like ice cream Pro Tip: be cool... the restaurants are reviewing you too — Brandi got "good vi...How to get a Screaming Good Meal Deal™
When you take into account quality, quantity, and the overall dining experience — what bites around Seattle give you the most for your money? This week, host Brandi Fullwood duels Tan Vinh in a screaming good meal deal battle royale (they’re not really going to battle, they’re just gonna talk about the best value bites around town).
Read more about these bites: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/pho-potle-seattle-area-restaurant-debuts-build-your-own-bowl-concept/
Discussed in this episode:
Pho-potle’s value in going viral Tacos Cometa’s carne asada only menu Nomadic Wine Bar’s under the radar flatbreads A div...A Malaysian pop-up that feels like home
This week, Host Brandi Fullwood talks to Emily Kim,co-founder of the Pastry Project and the founder of Crumb Magazine, about her go-to spot for a great meal. Kim seeks out Masakan, a Malaysian pop-up, wherever they spring up. From the pop-up booths to catered meals, their meals have become a fixture in her life.
Discussed in this episode:
Hawker stall realness at the Ballard Farmers Market Beef rendang that makes you feel like family Pandan before it gets a Trader Joe’s moment And curry puffs, curry puffs, curry puffs. Crispy, buttery, and aromaticSe...
Three Seattle restaurant openings you must try
From ancient grains to firefly squid, Seattle’s newest restaurants are trying it all. This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Met food writer Naomi Tomky about the restaurant openings— and one closing— that are hot on critics' minds. They discuss why these long-anticipated openings have diners and critics buzzing and which ones you’ll want to try.
Read more about Seattle restaurant openings: https://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/2026/04/xian-noodles-ethan-stow ell-gordo-steak
Discussed in this episode:
Beast & Cleaver — a fan favorite makes a weeknight change Gordo Steak — a steakhouse with fresh tortillas Cafe Lolo — ancient grains...Your Seattle Restaurant Week cheat sheet
Call your friends, call your partner and maybe call a babysitter… It's Seattle Restaurant Week! From April 19 to May 2, restaurants are serving prix fixe menus for $20 to $65. But with over 200 hundred participating spots, how do you decide where to eat? Host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle food writer Harry Cheadle about which Seattle Restaurant Week menus have the best food and better deals.
Discussed in this episode:
Time traveling for juicy, buttery palm wine The DINKS vs parent SRW experience Wearing hiking boots to eat a 14oz steak $65 Cajun dinner for two (includes cocktails)Read mor...
This Seattle chef's go-to spot for late night dim sum
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Victor Steinbrueck, the chef and owner of Local Tide in Fremont, about his go-to-spot to eat in the city. He's been going to this late night dim sum spot with his family, his friends... really anyone for 25 years.
Read more about this story a list of what to order: https://www.kuow.org/stories/the-late-night-spot-this-seattle-chef-has-been-going-to-for-25-years
Discussed in this episode:
Being a 25 year regular Organized chaos at a late night dim sum spot How to order for a full squad (hint: ask for the whole fish) Local Tide...The best jambon-beurre in Seattle
This week host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Times food writer Jackie Varriano about what a gal has to do to get a good ham sandwich around here. Jackie has reviewed dozens of jambon beurre sandwiches (French for ham and butter) and she has plucked the best ones from the bunch to share with us.
Read more about Jamon Beurre from Seattle Times food writer Jackie Varriano: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/seattles-best-french-sandwich-seeking-out-the-perfect-jambon-beurre/
Discussed in this episode:
The alchemy of salty ham, good creamy butter and pockets of pickle. Jambon Beurre Spring Channeling A...Winner winner James Beard Awards dinner
This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Times critic Tan Vinh about the nominees for the James Beard Awards. They'll breakdown the restaurants up for nomination and help you make a reservation before it gets too tough. Plus, what these awards mean for the Seattle food scene.
Read more about the James Beard Awards nominations in the Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/james-beard-awards-2026-2-seattle-chefs-named-finalists/
Discussed in this episode:
Anonymous judges of the food industry Oscars Tidepools and teamwork on the plate Putting a ‘W’ in the chat for Washington wine...The bakery in Seattle's City Hall
This week host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Times food writer Bethany Jean Clement about which pastries to snag at bakery tucked inside of Seattle’s City Hall.
Read more about this story from Seattle Times food writer Bethany Jean Clement: https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/this-gift-of-a-bakery-is-hidden-in-plain-sight-at-seattles-city-hall/
Discussed in this episode:
"Activating" downtown with a bakery inside Seattle City Hall Conchas so good you don't even need coffee Bakery fails even the crows won't eat A pastry with cashew cream, poblanos, and corn that's way better than soupSeattle Eats is a podcast about...
Seattle's most exceptional fries
This week host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Met’s Naomi Tomky about finding truly special and exceptional fries in Seattle.
Discussed in this episode:
Washington Middle School’s absolute mastery of the French fry McDonald’s beef tallow era (RIP) The lingering scent of garlic sauce And whether In-N-Out fries are actually goodRead more about the best fries in Seattle from Seattle Met’s Naomi Tomky: https://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/seattle-best-french-fries
Seattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat in it.
Do yo...
Seattle's new restaurants worth the hype
This week, host Brandi Fullwood spoke to Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh about which new openings deserve the hype – and Tan makes his case for trying something new in this city.
Discussed in this episode:
A Pioneer Square bistro with deliciously tender lamb ribs The chicken shop worth standing in line for And why people won’t, but should, try new things in Ballard like a tagine packed with prunesRead more about the newest restaurant openings from Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh: Raising Cane’s finally opens — and 33 other new Seattle restaurants to visit ...
From Booming: Grocery sticker shock and the rise of the dollar-store dinner
If you have sticker shock at the grocery store, you’re not alone. In Seattle, the cost of groceries is about 30% higher today than before the pandemic.
Those high prices are straining family budgets and causing many people to change how they shop.
Today, a special episode brought to us by our friends at Booming
GUESTS:
Rebecca Chobat, Dollar Tree Dinners
James McCafferty, Director of Western Washington University's Center for Economic and Business Research
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to he...
Wake up and smell the $12 coffee
Seattle is a haven for coffee fans. And the price of that fandom just got a whole lot more expensive. Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh speaks with Seattle Times Business reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton to find out why jitter juice prices are skyrocketing. But don’t fret, they also share some good-cheap coffee spots and tips for navigating the high priced bean juice landscape.
Read more about rising coffee prices in The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/seattle-a-coffee-haven-is-watching-java-prices-spike-why/
Recommendations in this episode:
The Seattle Grind, Seattle Center Herkimer Coffee, Capitol Hill, SLU...A guide to Bellevue's best Chinese food
While Seattle food lovers flock to Richmond, BC, Bellevue is steadily becoming home to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most diverse and authentic Chinese food. The dishes you’ll find there tell the story of a community cooking for itself, not just the tourists. From braised goose to smoked tea duck, Tan highlights the regional specialties worth crossing the 520 bridge for.
Read more of Tan’s reporting on the Bellevue food scene here: How Bellevue became an international hub for Chinese food | The Seattle Times
And here: Bellevue’s best Chinese restaurants: 10 picks from our food...
I ate 300 items at the best Chinese supermarket
From hot pot to dim sum to made-to-order crepes, T&T Supermarket is a treasure trove of delicious food. Seattle Times food writer, Tan Vinh, tried 300 items and shares his favorites with KUOW producer Brandi Fullwood.
Read more about T&T Supermarket in The Seattle Times:
T&T Supermarket: 12 best things to eat from the Asian grocery chain
How T&T’s Bellevue food court became our writer’s office for a year
More stories about T&T Supermarket
Recommendations in this episode:
Mango anything (seriously) Portuguese Custard Tarts...