Explore West Seattle’s Westwood Neighborhood Like a Diva
A lot of people say that West Seattle is like the rest of Seattle twenty years ago—and they mean it in a good way. It’s not far from downtown, but just far enough that it hasn’t been changed by rapid development like other, more central neighborhoods. As a whole, West Seattle’s quiet, more suburban vibe draws retirees and new families alike. Two connected factors are creating more density in parts of West Seattle: transit and retail cores. The Metro Rapid Ride bus (C Line) has encouraged the development of new condos and apartments along its route, cutting through West Seattle’s north-of-center Alaska Junction, which has kept a charming main street energy, even as new high-rises go in. The Rapid Ride continues south to Westwood Village, a 24-acre retail core in the Roxbury area near White Center. Westwood Village This shopping complex was built in 1966 and has been very well-maintained over the years as different shops have come and gone. It currently hosts large anchor stores like QFC, Target, Marshalls, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Smaller retailers include Rite Aid, Pier 1 Imports, Chico’s and Pet Pros. It also has multiple clinics and wellness centers, plus a large 24 Hour Fitness. Naturally, it also has plenty of restaurants, too.
Transit
Transit connecting the Westwood area to neighboring areas and downtown is frequent and plentiful, with its own transit center connected to the complex. Express lines heading downtown include the C Line and bus route 21. Meanwhile, route 60 connects with Georgetown before traveling through Beacon Hill, cutting through International District and First Hill before ending at the north end of Broadway on Capitol Hill. For those who want to get away as much as they want to get into town, there is also a 560 bus to Sea-Tac airport and just down the hill to the west, there is the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, connecting to Vashon Island.
Parks
One needn’t go too far for beautiful scenery in West Seattle. The grounds of Lincoln Park (also adjacent to the ferry terminal) have tons of picnic areas, wooded and beachfront trails and an outdoor heated pool, all less than two miles from Westwood Village. For the more physically adventurous, Camp Long to the north is one of Seattle’s best kept secrets. Its recently completed activity course includes rope climbs, elevated platforms and nets, and catwalks amid the trees. Of course, Alki Beach is just a short drive away, on the northern edge of West Seattle, so even if you want to go play volleyball or lay out seaside, you needn’t travel far.
Food and Drink
Westwood Village has its restaurants, but there are a a lot of truly unique options in White Center. For those who love a good, hearty breakfast, look no further than Meander’s, open Thursday through Sunday. Big, fluffy biscuits, some of the best fried chicken in town, and lots of rich gravy make this a local favorite. (It’s cash only, FYI.) The Salvadorean Bakery (hint this is where the Divas get their birthday cakes) is another popular spot, known for its crisp pupusas and slow-cooked tamales. It also serves traditional special dishes during notable holidays, including the Day of the Dead and Easter. Queen’s Deli offers a rarity in Seattle: Khmer food. Thai food is ubiquitous in Seattle, but food from its eastern neighbor, Cambodia, is hard to come by. A cooked-food buffet at the counter allows you to make a quick and easy meal of it, but we definitely recommend and ordering food fresh if you aren’t in a rush. For more familiar fare, Young’s Restaurant offers traditional American pub food and breakfasts, plus Chinese dishes. It’s not ground-breaking, but it hits the spot. Young’s is also rumored to have an amazing breakfast.
Divas and the Saturgays will stand in line for a Zippy’s Burger any day of the week. They have an awesome collection of old school sodas. The burgers are the best in the city. And frankly people in Seattle need to experience the sass of Zippys!
❤️ white center ❤️ A photo posted by Travis Thompson (@travisxthompson) on
If you want a good cocktail with dinner, try Company Bar, which also has live music acts on some nights, attracting a mixed crowd of long-time residents, newcomers and dining duos. We Divas walked into the Company Bar wearing our full Monday power Realtor outfits. Let’s just say they served us despite looking at us as if we were lost in the neighborhood.
