Where to Eat in Columbia City
Brunch and Breakfast
Start your morning at Geraldine's Counter, the neighborhood's best-known breakfast stop, where the French toast and corned beef hash built its reputation. For a quieter, cozier table, head to Redwing Cafe and order the tofu scramble or the granola made in house. Take a look around before you leave, because the cafe tucks away a small gnome forest that delights kids and adults alike.
Doughnuts Worth the Wait
Grab a brioche doughnut at The Flour Box, where everything is made from scratch and the line out front says plenty about how popular they are. Bring a little patience, especially on weekends.
East African Flavors
Columbia City is a strong place to try East African cooking. Settle in for traditional dishes at Kebena Ethiopian Restaurant or Safari Njema Restaurant, either of which makes a satisfying lunch or dinner after a morning spent outdoors.
Art and Independent Shops
Step into Columbia City Gallery to see work by local artists in many forms, from painting and printmaking to sculpture. It is an easy stop to slip in between meals.
Then stroll the shops, which lean independent and global. Browse gifts, home decor and accessories at Andaluz, which has been selling them for over two decades, and admire the hand-woven baskets and goods sourced from around the world at Ashanti. Look for Gather Consignment, set between a bakery and a butcher, when you want women's wardrobe basics. Traveling with kids? Cross the street to Chrysanthemum for children's clothing, shoes, toys and books.
Gardens and Parks in the Rainier Valley
Kubota Garden
Wander through Kubota Garden, where Japanese garden design meets plants native to the Pacific Northwest. It ranks among the most photogenic landscapes in the city, so bring your camera.
Seward Park and the Audubon Center
Give yourself an afternoon at Seward Park, a large park with old-growth forest, a swimming beach and eagle nests. The Seward Park Audubon Center runs educational programs such as birding workshops and guided nature walks. Offerings change, so check the center's calendar for upcoming dates.
Discover more green spaces in our roundup of Seattle parks, or shape the rest of your trip with our list of things to do in Seattle.
Plan Your Day
Spend the morning eating and shopping your way through Columbia City, then head out for an afternoon at Kubota Garden or Seward Park. Hours for restaurants, stores and Audubon programs can change, so confirm current details with each business or the official program calendar before you go.
