Secret Seattle

Inside our most iconic, awe-inspiring, and underrated neighborhoods. Plus: Favorite libraries, the story of a serial cheater, a guide to the San Juan Islands, and the Seattle area's top dentists.

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

Branching Out

Our Favorite Libraries In and Around Seattle

Books, get your books here.

03/20/2025 By Seattle Met Staff

Don’t Stream It’s Over

The World Needs Scarecrow Video Now More Than Ever

It’s about more than preserving film history. It’s cool kid culture.

03/20/2025 By Allison Williams

Essay

Can Hugo House Write Its Next Chapter?

The story of Seattle’s literary nonprofit is the story of the city itself.

02/24/2025 By Emily White

Book Time

When in Doubt, Trust a Peak Pick

The cult classic library program has won over Seattle readers. Who is making the selections?

02/20/2025 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

The Classroom

At Seattle Children’s Hospital, Writing Classes Keep Hope Alive

Ann Teplick has been teaching at the hospital since 2011.

02/17/2025 By Danielle Hayden

All Grown Up

Seattle Children’s Theatre Turns 50

"At our core, we are here for community.”

02/06/2025 By Malia Alexander

City in Motion

Yonny Is the Hottest Seattle Hip-Hop Artist You’ve Never Heard Of

At least not yet.

02/04/2025 By Eric Olson Photography by Chona Kasinger

Poetic

Three Poems by Cedar Sigo

The latest in Seattle Met's poetry series.

01/08/2025 By Cedar Sigo

Eat & Drink

Survival Instinct

Class of 2020: 5-Year Reunion

Forged in fire during the pandemic, three successful restaurants share how they made it through a brutal half-decade for the industry.

03/03/2025 By Naomi Tomky

Puff Piece

The Pita Is Poppin’ at Alida’s Bakery

Everett’s hottest oven has it all: fluffy bread, Kurdish baking traditions, and a heartwarming backstory.

02/28/2025 By Naomi Tomky

Top Seed

The Best Hummus for Your Dips and Dollops

We embark on a tahini taste test to find the city’s best hummus (with a recipe to make your own).

02/19/2025 By Naomi Tomky

Hot Topic

Tasty Trends and Fusty Fads

The hottest and nottest in the local food scene this season.

02/06/2025 By Naomi Tomky

Vigor Mortis

Café Dulzura Is Dead Set on Sharing Mexican Culture

It’s always Día de los Muertos at this Boulevard Park coffee shop.

01/14/2025 By Naomi Tomky

Fancy Feast

These Tasting Menus for $100 or Less Are Cause for Celebration

Chefs show off their skills with these multicourse meals that keep prices (almost) in the double digits.

01/06/2025 By Naomi Tomky

Health & Wellness

Sensitive Content

This Local Oral Surgeon Is Taking Dental School to TikTok

What is your tooth doctor doing in your feed?

02/24/2025 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Home & Real Estate

Underdog Neighborhoods

The Case for Fremont as Seattle’s Art Center

Bookstore owner Charlie Hunts loves his “hella gay” neighborhood.

04/15/2025 By Charlie Hunts and Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Neighborhood Guide

Secret Spots in Seattle’s University District

An ivory tower of funky shops and cheap outdoor fun.

04/14/2025 By Eric Nusbaum

Underdog Neighborhoods

The Case for Hillman City, from Sara O’Neill-Kohl

Seattle's southside neighborhood is changing quickly—for the better.

04/08/2025 By Sara O’Neill-Kohl and Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Neighborhood Guide

Secret Spots in Seattle’s Capitol Hill

Look past the crowds to the new speakeasy and hidden mural.

04/07/2025 By Allison Williams

Local Pride

The Case for Maple Leaf, Seattle's "Weird, Sweet" Heart

The underdog neighborhood that's okay with being overshadowed.

04/01/2025 By Danae Moore and Naomi Tomky

Neighborhood Guide

Secret Spots in Columbia City

A night market, a nonprofit bike shop, and a jewel box of a cinema.

03/31/2025 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Neighborhood Guide

Secret Spots in Beacon Hill

This part of South Seattle is a buffet of good taste.

03/24/2025 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Underdog Neighborhoods

The Case for White Center as Seattle’s Indie Hub

Come for the roller rink, authentic Mexican food, and a panda-themed bakery.

03/19/2025 By Donna Chan and Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Neighborhood Guide

Secret Spots in West Seattle

The wild west is buzzier than just its beachfront.

03/17/2025 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Neighborhood Guide

Secret Spots in Ballard

Cheap movies, craft classes, and a secret beach hidden in plain sight.

03/11/2025 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Sunset life

Property Watch: A Waterfront Camano Island Home with Vintage Style

Quaint doesn’t even begin to describe it.

11/12/2024 By Zoe Sayler

News & City Life

Thirst Trap

Whose Fault Is It That Seattle’s Water Fountains Are Tapped Out?

Elegant, old-school street-style drinking fountains dot the city.

03/26/2025 By Naomi Tomky

History in Motion

Ghosts of Transit Past Haunt Seattle Streets

Streetcar scars and trolley track relics hide a history of how people got around.

03/13/2025 By Naomi Tomky

Play Ball

Dan Wilson Is All Caught Up

Twenty years after he retired as a Mariners catcher, he’s calling the shots as manager and eyeing a World Series.

03/04/2025 By Allison Williams

Represent

Why Is There a Space Needle in Macon, Georgia?

Jesse Evans built it as an ode to his late wife, but also as an ode to a city he loves.

02/11/2025 By Nathalie Graham

Generational Change Agent

Meet Seattle’s Newest (Elected) City Councilmember

Will Alexis Mercedes Rinck lead the Seattle City Council into the future, or get bogged down in the present?

02/03/2025 By Adam Willems

Essay

What It’s Like to Date a Serial Cheater

Jake seemed too good to be true. He was.

12/17/2024 By Haley Shapley Illustrations by Peter Ryan

Style & Shopping

More Is More

Seattle Designer Janelle Abbott Goes Big on Everything

Her zero-waste JRAT label uses upcycled materials to create ebullient handmade garments.

02/05/2025 By Karly Quadros

Travel & Outdoors

Ferry Thee Well

Guide to the San Juan Islands

All the farmstands, haunted hotels, and scenic lighthouses you can fit in a long weekend.

03/11/2025 By Allison Williams

Winging It

Spring Bird Migration Fills Seattle Skies

Welcome home to our favorite part-time residents.

03/10/2025 By Allison Williams

Destination Dossier

Everything You Need to Know About a Visit to Wenatchee

How do you like them apples?

03/06/2025 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach Illustrations by Chantal Bennett

Home Cooking

There’s a Cannibal Hot Tub near Mount Rainier

One Ukrainian family is turning a rural hotel into a wholly unique destination.

01/16/2025 By Allison Williams

Short King

Rainier Is Shorter Than We All Thought

Our mountain is shrinking, and the summit isn't where it used to be.

09/06/2024 By Allison Williams