5 Best Restaurants in The Central District, Seattle

A popular neighborhood coffeehouse, Broadcast roasts its own ethically sourced coffee; many locals pick up bags of coffee beans here. Choose from well-made standard espresso drinks or more creative options like the Disco Pony (espresso with Perrier, half 'n' half, and a lemon twist over ice) as well as seasonal offerings. Broadcast also carries tasty pastries from Temple Pastries, along with a few other light breakfast and lunch items. If there's no seating, check out the nice park right across the street.

Though slammed at lunchtime thanks to the high school across the street, this fast-food restaurant (the original location of a popular local chain) serves up some of the best fried chicken in Seattle—Oprah once had the founders fly to Chicago to make it for her birthday. Both original and spicy flavors are terrific, but be warned that the spicy is exactly that. The rolls are big, fluffy, and baked in generously greased muffin tins. 

This tiny, unpretentious neighborhood espresso bar has a classic coffeehouse vibe, with red walls, eclectic local art, a comfy worn sofa, and a few small tables. You'll find standard coffee drinks here along with homemade pastries, quiches, and sandwiches.

Order ahead online so you won’t experience the heartbreak of an empty bakery case—doughnuts go fast here. Tucked into the ground floor of a multi-use development, Raised turns out simple but perfectly airy classics and creative monthly specials with seasonal flavors and a mochi-flour gluten-free option. They also make raised cakes that fall somewhere between Asia’s light and fruity cakes and American-style, oil-based cakes; they’re sold by the slice on weekends.

This bright, plant-adorned cafe has lines out the door for its weekend specialties. Temple Pastries specializes in croissants and butter-forward pastries with a seasonal twist: think stone fruit and custard croissants, sour cherry tea cake, passion fruit coconut cronuts, and fig and oat cookies. Fresh loaves of bread and breakfast sandwiches are also on offer, as well as a small selection of tea and coffee drinks. Come early, as baked goods tend to sell out quickly.