8 Restaurants to Try in Southeast Seattle

Seattle Restaurant Week is around the corner and there are some special places participating this round starting October 24th running through November 6th! The Essential Southeast Seattle Collective is a community-based organization serving neighborhoods from Beacon Hill to Rainier Beach. They formed in response to the pandemic impact on Seattle small businesses, and together launched an online directory that includes southeast Seattle businesses and nonprofit organizations that are open to the public or virtually serving customers.
The five-district collective includes Beacon Business Alliance, Mt. Baker Hub Alliance, Rainier Avenue Business Coalition, MLK Business Association and Rainier Beach Merchants. The collective created the ESES marketplace site as a community tool to help increase visibility in an increasingly digital world. On the Essential South Seattle marketplace you can shop products from kids gear to clothing to gifts as well as check out local restaurants, services, and entertainment all located in SE Seattle neighborhoods. Get a taste of some of these amazing businesses during Seattle Restaurant Week with an array of dining options including indoor, outdoor and takeout/delivery! Here’s some of the restaurants we’re looking forward to supporting this fall.

Buddha Bruddah
This food truck turned brick-n-mortar is famous for their version of the traditional Hawaiian plate lunch. Try a variety of Asian favorites like Phad Thai, Garlic Shrimp, Sweet and Spicy Pork, Short Ribs, Hawaiian Grilled Beef, and of course the staples like Jasmine Rice, Mac Salad and Asian Slaw!

Original Philly
The Original Philly’s affectionately known to all as "Philly's" has served authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwiches in Seattle’s Central Area since 1995. Owner Charles Humphrie opened a shop near 23rd & Union after failing to find anywhere in the city serving the iconic meal from his hometown. The pepper cheesesteak is legendary.

Nikos Gyros
Nikos Gyros opened and operated out of Magnolia since 1996 providing Seattle with authentic Greek food for over 24 years. From lamb gyros to keftedes, you can’t go wrong at this Seattle staple. Don’t forget to try their newest location on Beacon Hill!
Perihelion Brewery
Perihelion brews all their own beer right in their 7 BBL brewery. They smoke all their meats and nuts in-house too! The black cherry wood adds a depth of flavor to the meats you can’t find anywhere else. Plus the chefs are always finding new things to pickle in house, including their own corned beef and sauerkraut to round out the Reuben.

Delish Ethiopian Cuisine
This family run business is committed to preparing your meals with freshest ingredients that are wholesome and good for the soul. The restaurant is owned by Delish and his wife Amy (who is also the head chef), which is why you will be treated like family and get one of the most satisfying dining experiences in Washington. Whether it’s their large variety of veggie cuisines or finger-licking meat-based dishes, you’ll leave with a smile and lifted spirits.

Lottie’s Lounge
Columbia City's Neighborhood Bar serving up signature cocktails and amazing food in a historic setting with a custom back bar. Don’t miss their flavored manhattans and amazing service, known for helping the residents of Columbia City make it through a grey evening one dish or drink at a time.

Le’s Deli & Bakery Description
Le’s Deli & Bakery is located in the Othello neighborhood. Started by Cindy and her Husband in 2016, Le’s Deli & Bakery has since become a staple in the Othello neighborhood. They not only provide delicious food but a space where everyone feels welcomed and a part of the family. Le’s Deli & Bakery, an Essential SE Seattle Collective restaurant, is served by HomeSight & MLK Business Association.
El Quetzal
For the last 13 years, El Quetzal has been serving fresh, vibrant, street-style Mexican food out of their colorful eatery on Beacon Hill. Owner Juan Montiel got his start as a chef in Mexico City, where he grew up learning his mother’s recipes at home and seeing his father dish up food in the local tianguis (open-air market).
Southeast Seattle has an amazing list of eateries to choose from and Seattle Restaurant Week is just one more reason to head to a locally owned spot near you. This article is presented by ESES. Essential Southeast Seattle strives to provide a one-stop virtual Main Street for the community that ensures local business owners, neighbors and visitors connect with customers and networked business resources.