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Looking for Seattle’s best cheap foods and drinks? Take it from an ex-Seattle local-- these are the best, budget friendly food and drink options in Seattle, Washington!
Seattle is home to epic mountains and endless trails, art & music, and (one of our personal favorites) so much good food! While Seattle is known to be a relatively pricey place to visit, a budget friendly trip is 100% possible! There are so many free things to do in Seattle and many of the most famous eateries in Seattle are budget friendly, too!
Without further ado, here’s our complete list of the best cheap foods and drinks in Seattle. Be sure to leave a comment below if you’ve been to one of these places or have other recommendations. We always love to try new foods!
Y’all know we love our coffee. (Maybe that’s subconsciously a huge reason why we love Seattle?) It’s no secret Seattle is home to some amazing coffee shops! While we haven’t been to every one in the city, we’ve tried quite a few including the most popular and underrated spots. Here are our favorite few coffee shops in Seattle city limits.
Storyvilles has multiple locations in town, but we recommend the Pike Place location. Located upstairs right above the famous fish market, this Seattle coffee shop offers wonderful views of Elliott Bay and the bustling Pike Place Market below. Grab a drink (we recommend a hot latte) and sit by the fireplace for a bit. This coffee shop roasts and serves delicious sustainably sourced coffee beans is why we consider this spot to be one of the best coffee shops in America.
Getting there: 94 Pike Street, Top floor suite 34, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
This spot on E Union Street was Union Coffee when we first wrote this guide, and it is now Push Pull on Union, a coffee shop and wine bar in the same space. It makes an easy stop in the Central District, whether you want a latte in the morning or a glass of wine later in the day.
Getting there: 2407 E Union St Suite B, Seattle, WA 98122 | Use Google Maps
If you’re looking for a shop that knows their coffee, look no further than Milstead in Fremont. Located under the Aurora bridge, Milstead allows you to experience all that Seattle has to offer including some of the best coffee in town. They also have ample seating in their shop so you can park yourself there for a while to work or just take in the beautiful views! If you’re looking for cheap foods and drinks in Seattle with rich views, Milstead is the place to be.
Getting there: 754 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103 | Use Google Maps
If you can’t decide between a waffle, cinnamon roll and croissant for breakfast, you may want to try Anchorhead Coffee. Known for their beautiful breakfast (or lunch or dinner, we’re not judging) called the “quaffle” which combines three of your favorite carbs into one. The baristas also make your coffee look beautiful with their foam art so you’ll be able to take some insta-worthy vacation photos! They also have lots of whole bean coffee you can take home with you or gift to family and friends as a west coast souvenir!
Getting there: 1600 7th Avenue Ste 105, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
Call us basic, but we love a good breakfast/brunch spot. Whether it’s grabbing a quick donut on the way to the mountains or brunching with your best friends on the weekend, Seattle has lots of options!
If you find yourself in the University District and looking for cheap foods and drinks in Seattle, be sure to stop into Morsel for some of the best biscuits in the city. They are known for their biscuits and gravy but we are huge fans of their breakfast sammies. You can pair them with a nice cup of coffee, be sure to get a little bit of their syrups or caramels in your coffee, it’s made fresh in-house!
Getting there: 5000 University Way NE Suite D, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
If you are on Capitol Hill and want something sweet with your morning coffee, Bakery Nouveau on 15th Ave E is a local favorite. It is a French-style bakery known for its pastries, breads and desserts, and they make their own chocolate from bean to bar too. Heads up that they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Getting there: 137 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112 | Use Google Maps
With tons of shout outs from local papers all the way to the New York Times, Biscuit Bitch is definitely a well known place for cheap foods and drinks in Seattle. Their bestsellers include the bitchwitch and their grits, we highly recommend getting both though, you won’t be disappointed! They also have their famous Seattle Fog drink, which is a fun twist on a London Fog and tastes great with their biscuits.
Getting there: 2303 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
One of our favorite things about Oddfellows is that it’s open both morning and night to serve either your breakfast or happy hour needs! We also love their dreamy brick walls and super cute outdoor alley patio (definitely instagram-worthy). They have an “aperitivo hour” from 3-4pm that includes deviled eggs and aperol spritz. We definitely recommend heading there for a weekend brunch and trying the lemon curd pancakes or brioche french toast. You’ll also want to grab one (or a dozen) of their mouth watering pastries or cookies on your way out!
Getting there: 1525 10th Ave, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
I know Chicago is really the city known for donuts, but Seattle does a good job bringing some serious contenders to the competition for best donuts in America. Top Pot is a longtime favorite among Seattlites. I tasted my first top pot donut on my first trip to Seattle and have returned [too] many times since. Top Pot Donuts offers lots of different flavor and pastry options, but if there’s one you’re particularly after, get there early! It’s not uncommon for Top Pot to sell out of donuts (especially on the weekends in Seattle). While it might seem boring, you can’t go wrong with their classic glazed ring-- yum!! Our Saturday tradition was to grab a Top Pot Donut on the way out to the mountains to do some hiking (we highly recommend this routine!).
Note: Top Pot has lots of locations in Seattle and surrounding suburbs.
Getting there: 2124 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
I love bakeries that make you feel as if you’ve stepped into an old friend’s cozy kitchen. That’s exactly how Volunteer Park Cafe makes you feel! It’s cozy interior with fresh baked good savory and sweet treats make you feel right at home. Grab a seat by their window or get your treats to go to walk around Volunteer Park (one of our favorite free activities in Seattle, Washington!).
Getting there: 1501 17th Avenue E, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
Here’s the thing-- Seattle has loads of more expensive dinner food options. That being said, there are lots of Seattle staples as well as some lesser known personal favorites on this list that are sure to meet your cravings.
It doesn’t get cheaper than Dick’s Drive-In for a quick, classic Seattle food. This long time favorite is a staple of cheap foods and drinks in Seattle. While it doesn’t look like much from the street, the line regularly gets so long it extends down the sidewalk as people wait for their milkshakes and burgers. They have multiple locations around town, but we recommend stopping by the Capitol Hill location then taking your food for a picnic over in Cal Anderson Park.
Note: Most of the locations do not have inside seating. If you’re looking for a sitdown meal, be sure to visit the Queen Anne location.
Getting there: 115 Broadway E, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
Taco Chukis started as a small “secret” taco shop in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. You actually wouldn’t know the restaurant was there if you weren’t looking for it. In the years since it was started, they expanded to 4 restaurants all over the city. We definitely recommend grabbing their classic Chuki Taco with mouthwatering grilled pineapple on top. But really you can’t go wrong with any of the items on their menu! Did we also mention each taco is only $2.35 which makes this one of the best cheap foods and drinks in Seattle.
Getting there: 219 Broadway E, Seattle, WA (2nd floor, inside The Alley Building) | Use Google Maps
If you’re hoping to bring a little southern comfort to your west coast trip, be sure to stop into Fat’s Chicken and Waffles. Inside you’ll find dark walnut siding, greenery hanging from the ceiling, moody lighting and of course, tons of hot sauce everywhere. Obviously we recommend trying the chicken and waffles but we’ve heard any dish with their biscuits is pretty out of this world as well! You can also add a fun bloody mary and you’ve got yourself the west coast’s take on a southern meal.
Getting there: 2726 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98122 | Use Google Maps
If you’re looking for yummy cheap foods and drinks in Seattle, Wood Shop BBQ will not disappoint. You won’t be compromising taste for the great price tag on this barbecue. They have everything you need from brisket to pulled pork sandwiches and mac and cheese bowls. There’s an outdoor patio with classic red picnic tables for you to munch on your meal while enjoying the warm breeze. They even have cornhole sets so be sure to stay a while with friends and play some games!
Getting there: 2513 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98144 | Use Google Maps
If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation at Kedai Makan, we promise it’ll be worth the wait. Kedai Makan serves authentic Malaysian dishes and also creates Chinese medicinal infusions, many of which are served in their drinks. Their most unique items are the medicinal infused shots which are said to be just as helpful as any over the counter medicine and taste much much better! You really can’t go wrong with any of their dishes but be sure to add the homemade chili ginger that’s offered on your table, it’s incredible!
Getting there: 1449 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122 | Use Google Maps
Tutta Bella is known to be the best pizza in Seattle. Authentic Neapolitan influence pizza served in a casual but industrial chic setting. These days the Wallingford spot is Tutta Bella’s only Seattle location, and with its relaxed neighborhood feel, it is the one we would recommend anyway.
Getting there: 4411 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
Talk about aesthetic goals, Harry’s Fine Foods is such a pleasant place to enjoy a meal! They have a beautiful covered outdoor area that mimics the look of an old greenhouse, and keep it simple inside with dreamy wooden tables and fun mismatched tableware. Harry’s has you covered from brunch to happy hour to dinner. They also have great happy hour specials in case you’re not wanting to spend a lot. Their bartenders will be happy to recommend their favorite eats and drinks as the menu can change from time to time.
Getting there: 601 Bellevue Ave E, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
If you’re a burger and beer kind of person, you’ve got to check out King’s Hardware! There’s definitely no frills here, but that’s what we love about it. They have mismatched chairs, old wooden tables, skee-ball machines and a patio out back. We recommend the King’s burger (with the special King’s sauce) and a King’s lemonade, if it’s a nice day the lemonade tastes even better on their back patio. With a lower price tag than most restaurants, King’s Hardware definitely fits the bill for yummy cheap foods and drinks in Seattle!
Getting there: 5225 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
I know what you’re probably thinking, not another sandwich shop, right? Wrong. This is not just another sandwich shop (see ya later Subway and Jimmy John’s) this is THE sandwich shop. It’s honestly so hard to choose just one item from their menu because they are all SO GOOD. Although you can’t go wrong with any of the options, the D.A.M. burger and Buon Appetito are world famous, so that’s a great place to start! Obviously you’ll want to add their “skins-&-ins” to your order, their fun and delicious take on the potato! The Mean Sandwich shop is quite small but they have a great patio out back that has picnic tables and umbrellas!
Getting there: 1510 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA Use Google Maps
Drinks after work with friends is a huge part of the Seattle culture and social scene. More so than any other city we’ve been to in the USA. If you’re like us, the party scene isn’t really your
Bottlehouse is a great option if you’re looking for a nice happy hour option with great charcuterie and a nice selection of wines. Not to mention they have some great deals with their happy hour specials! We also love their laid back environment, it’s a perfect place to kick back after a long day and spend time with friends or even just on your own! Most of their menu is seasonal and changes often but they never disappoint! We recommend grabbing your favorite glass of wine and one of their cheesemonger boards, relax and enjoy the evening!
*Has great happy hour specials
Getting there: 1416 34th Ave, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
To be honest, we were surprised that there could be a whole shop devoted just to ginger beer much less 4 shops all around Seattle but there is nothing quite like Rachel’s Ginger Beer! We highly recommend stopping in one of their shops and sipping on one of their many amazing flavored ginger beers. Although the ginger beer itself doesn’t have any alcohol in it, they do serve some pretty great cocktails! You can also buy refillable growlers to take home and enjoy this delicious drink anytime! Be sure to check out their website for great recipes that use their ginger beer to make at home and impress all your friends!
*Has great happy hour specials
Getting there: 1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
With a Great Blue Heron as their logo (the official bird of the city) you can’t get much more Seattle than Fremont Brewery. Located right in Fremont, the brewery is intentional about making their beer with as many local ingredients as possible. Fremont Brewery has a great community feel with huge wooden picnic tables both inside and outside, but also has great areas for small groups as well. It’s super laid back and we love picking our beer selections from their huge chalkboard wall! You’ll frequently find folks gathered there on a sunny afternoon playing games and having great conversation. We recommend trying their Lush IPA or the Sky Kraken!
Getting there: 1050 N 34th St Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
This is definitely one of my favorite cheap foods and drinks in Seattle. Not only do they serve great desserts, but they also serve delicious savory pies for dinner and fun cocktails. Their Seattle shop is on Greenwood Ave in Phinney Ridge, so plan your pie stop there. While we’d 100% encourage trying their delicious savory pies, they’re best known for their sweet pies (get the classic apple pie!) and cocktail pairings. The bartenders can suggest the perfect craft cocktail to accompany whatever pie you decided on.
*Has great happy hour specials
Getting there: 7402 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 | Use Google Maps
When looking for some of the best and truly homemade ice cream in Seattle, be sure to check out Molly Moon’s. They make it their goal to buy all ingredients from local farmers and producers and all the ice cream is made in-house in one of four kitchens in their shops. You can even go see it be made there! They have “always” flavors but also seasonal options that change every couple months, but every flavor is incredible. We would personally recommend trying the rose milk tea or honey lavender flavor! Since there are nine locations, it’ll be really easy to add this to your list.
Getting there: Flagship Store 70 102nd Ave NE, Bellevue WA | Use Google Maps
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, check out Frankie and Jo’s plant-based ice cream flavors. They have really funky and unique flavor options like Chocolate Tahini Supercookie and Salty Caramel Ash and every scoop is plant-based! Each Frankie and Jo’s shop you walk into is sure to cheer you right up with beautiful floral wallpaper and brightly colored walls, not to mention the bright pink door! There are multiple shops around Seattle; Capitol Hill, Ballard and University Village so be sure to add it to your sweet treats list!
Getting there: 1010 E Union Street, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
If you love Molly Moon’s we’re sure you’ll want to stop into Hello Robin as well. Molly and Robin are good friends and Molly and her husband actually begged Robin to open up a cookie shop so they could have a way to eat her yummy cookies all the time. Hello Robin also uses Molly Moon’s ice cream for their cookie sandwiches (which we HIGHLY recommend grabbing a few). Her most loved cookie is the Mackles’more which is a s’more cookie between Theo chocolate and a graham cracker. We would recommend grabbing a few cookies just to be sure!
Getting there: 522 19th Ave E, Seattle WA | Use Google Maps
For a sweet stop near Fremont, head over to Spinnaker Chocolate on Stone Way. It is a bean-to-bar chocolate maker with a cafe where you can grab a bar, some truffles or a cup of drinking chocolate, and they also offer factory tours and classes. Their bars are made with just cacao and cane sugar, which makes it a great place to pick up a treat to take home.
Getting there: 3509 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103 | Use Google Maps
Hot Cakes started at the Seattle farmers market and grew in popularity so quickly that they opened their first “dessert restaurant” in Ballard, right near the market. They are known for their molten chocolate cake, the Dark Decadence, which is absolutely incredible! You can also pick up frozen molten cakes to bring home and bake yourself for when you’re craving them (whether that be at midnight or 7 A.M.). If cake isn’t your thing, don’t worry they still have a ton of great dessert options for whatever you’re craving from cookies to bread pudding to milkshakes!
Getting there: 1650 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA | Use Google Maps
