The burgeoning neighborhood of South Lake Union is a fairly new commercial hub in Seattle. Where there are companies, there are people, and people need lunch. Whether you’re new in town or tired of your same old lunch, check out these places for exciting food that’s simply delicious.
This relaxed barbecue joint offers slow-cooked meats and a full bar in a bluesy, cabin atmosphere. Menu items range from sliders to salads to smoked chicken wings. For food and drink deals, check their regular happy hour as well as their late-night happy hour every day.
Homegrown is all about environmental sustainability. To keep ingredients local and organic, they’ve gone as far as starting their own Homegrown Sprouting Farms in the area. There are no trash cans at their locations—all products are compostable or recyclable. They even use reclaimed and recycled building materials during construction. When you check out their seasonal menu, you can be sure that you’re being good to yourself as well as the planet.
This independent burger joint serves Northwest grass-fed beef and hand-cut fries. Veggie and salmon burgers are also on the menu; this is Seattle after all. Their South Lake Union location is the only one to offer the turkey burger, so don’t miss out on it while you’re there!
This modern hangout has something for everyone. The menu covers an eclectic range of ethnic food including tune poke, perogies, and the al pastor taco plate. Burger buns and organic veggie burgers are both made in-house. LOCAL is well known for their craft beer, which is frequently rotated to offer the freshest options. For those not in the mood for beer, a fine list of wines and cocktails is also available.
Mamnoon Street is the place to hit when you’re craving Middle Eastern street food: shawarma, falafel, hummus, tabbouleh—the whole nine yards. Many of the dishes are vegetarian; any can be paired with a lovely choice of cocktail, wine, or beer. Try this place out at lunch and come back for their killer happy hour daily from 4 pm to close.
Signature Porchetta Sandwich | Courtesy of Meat & Bread
Imagine an incredible chef casually throwing together a sandwich for your lunch. Meat & Bread keeps it simple so that they can focus on refining this American lunch staple. Their signature porchetta sandwich is available at every location; otherwise, each shop caters to local specialties. “Simple, fast, and delicious”—sandwiches can be paired with soup or salad.
This little café offers “homemade, scratch-baked, house roasted” goods. Biscuits, English muffins, and croissants are made in-house, and much of their ingredients are locally sourced. Other than their bakery items, Nollie’s offers sandwiches, both cold and hot, for breakfast and lunch. Alternatively, patrons have the option to build their own sandwich!
Serious Pie and Biscuit Prosciutto Pizza | Photo Credit, Tom Douglas Seattle Kitchen
For pizza, biscuits, and a rockin’ bar, look no further than Serious Pie & Biscuit. Pizza includes ingredients such as house-made charcuterie and is intentionally browned for the perfect crunch. Biscuits come sweet or savory: topped with the likes of fried chicken and gravy, or jam. The bar features over 80 different beers from all over the world, exquisite Italian wines, and Northwest-inspired cocktails.
The 100 Pound Clam and The White Swan Public House Patio | Photo Credit, Nick Jurich
Open seasonally from May to September, this walk-up window keeps a rotating menu to accommodate the freshest ingredients. Located on Lake Union, dishes include oysters, salad, and fish and chips, with the availability of a full bar. For those seeking full table service, check out the accompanying White Swan Public House. The 100 Pound Clam’s other sister restaurants include Matt’s in the Market and Radiator Whiskey.
