Within SoDo, the closest places to the stadiums line the 1500 and 1700 blocks of 1st Ave S. The breweries and the Cuban spot gather around the 2900 block, a longer stroll south. Save the barbecue pair on Airport Way S for an outing of its own rather than a quick pregame bite.
Steps From the Stadiums on 1st Ave S
Vinason Pho Kitchen
Settle in at Vinason, 1521 1st Ave S, where the sports bar gets a Vietnamese twist. Regulars order pho tater tots topped with beef cooked in pho fat, fiery fish sauce wings and crispy eggrolls, then cool down with garlic noodles. Cocktails arrive in drink pouches, and almost everything is self-serve, from the ordering kiosks to a wall of pour-your-own beer and wine taps. With a big projector and several TVs keeping the game on, it is a strong choice for groups who might linger past first pitch.
Slice Box Pizza
Don't let the plain storefront at 1727 1st Ave S fool you, and don't expect much more polish inside, where seating sits in a back room hung with old gardening supply posters. Come for New York-style pizza with a crisp crust, and reach for the Sicilian pepperoni slice, which earns the most praise. Staff grate fresh parmesan over your slice even when you take it to go, making Slice Box an easy, inexpensive stop on the way to the stadium.
Pecos Pit Bar-B-Que
Pecos Pit, at 2260 1st Ave S, sits between the stadium blocks and the brewery stretch farther south. It brings barbecue to the 1st Ave S lineup, so you can get smoked meat without driving over to Airport Way. Check its own channels for the current menu before you go.
Breweries and Lunch Farther South
Ghostfish Brewing Company
Raise a glass at Ghostfish, 2942 1st Ave S, a fully gluten-free brewery that makes its beer from grains such as amaranth and quinoa. The kitchen keeps pace with a Caesar salad crowned with pork belly croutons, ahi tuna tacos and a burger finished with bone marrow aioli on a gluten-free bun. Kids and big groups are welcome, so it suits birthdays, family lunches and lazy afternoons of drinking alike.
Cafe Con Leche
Cross over to 2901 1st Ave S for Cafe Con Leche, a colorful Cuban spot known for its cubano. The sandwich stays crisp outside and gooey inside, and it travels well as takeout. You will also find tostones and rice and bean plates, but the sandwiches and fries with cilantro sauce on the side are what keep people coming back.
Seapine Brewing Company
Seapine's tasting room is at 2959 Utah Ave S, a block over from the 1st Ave S breweries. Picture a classic Seattle beer hall, with string lights, picnic tables and a garage door that rolls open to the street. The long tap list is the reason to stop in, and the peach gose is a warm-weather favorite. Bring a group and settle in for the afternoon.
A Sit-Down Dinner on 6th Ave S
Derby
Derby, at 2233 6th Ave S, is a car club with a restaurant open to everyone. Members enjoy perks like valet parking in the attached showroom and a private game room, while the dining room and bar welcome the public. Order upscale pub food such as smoked brisket poutine or a BLT loaded with avocado and candied bacon. With sports on and a bar to pull up to, it makes a good choice for dinner with parents or a calmer pregame.
Barbecue on Airport Way S
Two barbecue spots face each other across the same stretch of Airport Way S at the south end of the neighborhood. Make them your destination on a non-game day, or stop in on your way up from the south.
Jack's BBQ
Jack's, at 3924 Airport Way S, serves Texas-style barbecue and is often singled out as the strongest of its locations. Watch brisket being chopped in the mirrors above the cutting boards, surrounded by wooden beams, neon beer signs and animal skulls. Standouts include pork ribs with a thick pepper crust, jalapeño cheddar hot links and a much-loved corn pudding side. Lunch crowds and large groups fit in comfortably.
Raney's Bar & Grill
Across the street at 3923 Airport Way S, Raney's serves barbecue inside a small dive bar with sports on the TV and few tourists. A short menu turns four smoked meats into sandwiches, burgers and plates. Order the pulled pork sandwich, lightly sauced and piled with grilled onions, tangy slaw and white cheddar on ciabatta, and add peppery macaroni salad on the side. It is a comfortable place to eat solo at the bar.
An Early Breakfast on 4th Ave S
Dona Queen Donuts & Deli
Beat the morning rush at Dona Queen, 2445 4th Ave S, a longtime SoDo Korean deli that opens very early and fills quickly with workers grabbing breakfast. Breakfast sandwiches and spicy pork bulgogi plates lead the savory side. The real draw is the donut case, split into regular and fancy options, where the apple-filled bear claw tastes a lot like warm pie.
Make a Day of It
Pair lunch with a little history. The City of Seattle lists the U.S. Immigrant Station and Assay Office and Fire Station #14 among SoDo's notable buildings, and the Seattle landmarks guide covers more historic sites nearby. For plans beyond the game, browse these things to do in Seattle.
- Getting there: Ride to one of the two light rail stops serving SoDo and skip the hunt for parking on game days.
- Timing: Spots near the stadiums fill up before games, so arrive early or plan to eat afterward.
- Hours: Hours vary and can change, especially around game schedules, so confirm before you go.
Check each business's own website for current hours, menus and details before you head out.
