If you haven’t visited Seaside lately, you’re in for a treat. Several new eateries and night life venues have opened since last summer. Read on for the latest in Seaside’s dining and cocktail scene and more developments in downtown.
Savor New Culinary Delights
Follow the smell of cookies baking downtown and you’ll find yourself at The Cookie Jar (550 Broadway). This sweet spot is a must-try for its homemade classics like chocolate chip and snickerdoodle cookies, plus cookies à la mode and gluten-free selections. The treat lineup changes every Friday; look for cookies baked fresh each morning when the shop opens at noon.
Nearby Moon Jelly Crepes (126 Broadway) is another Seaside newcomer with several sweet and savory grab-and-go options. Order a fresh-made strawberry crepe with whipped cream or a ham, cheddar and tomato crepe. If you take it to the Turnaround, it’ll still be warm when you dig in.
North Seaside is becoming quite the food lover’s magnet, thanks to three new eateries located at 2490 Highway 101, just north of the Neawanna Creek Bridge. Each restaurant has its own distinct space and flavors, starting with the Asian offerings at A Mighty Thai & Sushi. The green papaya salad and coconut curries are standout on the Thai menu — or try a novel sushi burrito from the Japanese menu. For pho, banh mi and ramen, pop into The Noodle House next door.
The Pearl Seaside
Enjoy Adult Beverages With a View
Located in the same building as the two Asian restaurants, The Pearl Seaside bar is owned by friends Kim Kines and Liz Fleming. Visitors and residents flock to this quirky spot right on the tranquil Neawanna Creek for craft cocktails and hearty sandwiches with house-made condiments. Stop by on weekends for a free game of pool, succulent barbecued oysters and a cold brew. You’re also allowed to bring your food over from the eateries that share the space and watch the sunset from the riverside deck.
In Downtown Seaside, Dooger’s Seafood & Grill has expanded to include Iggy’s Bar (505 Broadway) in what used to be the old parking lot. Iggy’s has lots to love, including a surfer vibe, pet-friendly outdoor seating, a fire pit, live DJs on Saturdays and a covered rooftop deck with beach town views. Order Dooger’s famous clam chowder or a burger, and pair it with a frosty pint or a handcrafted margarita from Iggy’s bartender.
Also downtown, try the chic new River Bar, tucked into the lobby of the Rivertide Suites Hotel (102 N. Holladay). The bar is open to guests and visitors alike and offers Pacific Northwest wines, craft beers and artisanal bites. Try the smoked-salmon board, served with a side of Necanicum River views.
CHēZ
Cheese, wine and sandwich lovers will want to check out CHēZ (719 First Ave). During the day, CHēZ welcomes all to its deli, serving up small-batch cheeses, homemade soups and creative sandwiches. After 4 p.m., the spot becomes a top-shelf wine bar with small plates, wine pairings and scrumptious desserts. You can also rent a picnic kit — blanket and cutlery included — and fill it with goodies before heading to the beach.
Beautifying Your Walk in Seaside
As you’re strolling into the heart of downtown, take a look at the Downing Street redevelopment project — with its new brick walking path lined with pretty pocket gardens — completed this summer. The revamped Downing Street links the big Oceanway public parking lot with downtown. Immediately to the east of the parking lot, art lovers may want to check out a collection of some of the Coast’s most remarkable art at the Seaside Convention Center when the center is open to the public (when it’s closed, check out the giant wooden whale sculpture in the lobby through the windows or the outdoor art on the grounds).
If you haven’t been to Seaside for a couple years, also check out these recently-established spots for more!
Picture at top: A Mighty Thai & Sushi
