Ben & Esther's Vegan Jewish Deli
Find this bright, lively deli on East Pike Street in Capitol Hill, turning out bagels, knishes, latkes and matzo ball soup, every bit of it plant based. Try the brisket-style sandwich, which layers vegan sliced steak, Swiss, grilled mushrooms and onions, and horseradish aioli on thick rye. Vegans and deli lovers alike will find plenty to order here.
Uneeda Burger
Join the steady lunch crowd at this busy Fremont burger joint on Fremont Avenue North. Go for the bison burger, topped with red onion jam, bacon, Beecher's cheddar and house sauce. Save room for a huckleberry milkshake, which strikes a nice balance between tart and sweet.
Un Bien
Look for a brightly painted Caribbean sandwich shack on Seaview Avenue NW, just near Point Shilshole Beach. The Caribbean roast brings marinated, slow-roasted pork shoulder with caramelized onions, pickled jalapeños and garlic aioli, all tucked into a Macrina Bakery baguette. Grab one before or after you spend some time by the water.
Jackson's Catfish Corner
Step into this Central District counter-service spot on South Jackson Street, where high ceilings and a loyal following set the stage for Southern-style comfort food. The fried catfish sandwich pairs crispy battered fish with lettuce, pickles and house tartar sauce on a brioche bun. Round out a full lunch with hushpuppies or sweet yams.
Beecher's
When you are exploring the market, the famous artisan cheese shop at Pike Place Market makes lunch an easy decision. Its grilled cheese melts slightly sharp aged cheddar with a little aioli between slices of buttery griddled bread. Browse the gourmet goods on the shelves too, and pick up something to take home.
Lunch at Pike Place Market
A wander between the market stalls usually calls for a quick, reliable bite, and Beecher's grilled cheese fits that moment well. Afterward, stroll on to other Seattle landmarks downtown, or flip through our list of things to do in Seattle to fill the afternoon.
Tips for Planning Your Midday Meal
- Match lunch to your plans. Ballard and Shilshole pair naturally with a waterside afternoon, while Pike Place works for a day of downtown sightseeing.
- Think about seating. Mean Sandwich offers lots of outdoor space, which is a welcome bonus on mild days.
- Dietary needs. Ben & Esther's is fully vegan, making it an easy choice for plant-based eaters.
- Check before you go. Menus and hours can change, so confirm details directly with each spot.
Before you set out, check each business's own website for current hours, menus and details.
