Discover Seattle Center: Your Ultimate Culinary Hot Spot with Our Exciting New Food Tour!

Exciting news for the area around Seattle’s Space Needle! Eat Seattle Food Tours recently launched a new walking tour that highlights the culinary gems in this vibrant neighborhood.

The Seattle Center, known for hosting the 1962 World’s Fair, is bustling with art and culture. The calendar is packed with festivals and events that celebrate global cultures, along with performances at venues like Seattle Rep and the Museum of Pop Culture, which opened in 2000. Although many flock to the Seattle Center for its arts scene, its food options often go overlooked.

Eat Seattle Tours aims to change that. The new food tour is led by guides with professional kitchen experience, offering unique insights into Seattle’s food scene. For instance, did you know the iconic Seattle Dog, topped with cream cheese, originated from a street vendor in Pioneer Square in the late 1980s?

The tour kicks off under the Space Needle, where you can indulge in a Seattle Dog from Dog in the Park. As you take a bite, the guide shares intriguing stories about the Center’s history, rooted in the lands of the Coast Salish people.

Liz Philpot, the founder of Eat Seattle Tours, wanted to showcase more than just the well-trodden paths of Pike Place Market. With the surge of cruise visitors in summer, the tour offers a refreshing alternative. The Monorail provides an easy route from downtown to the Seattle Center, giving a scenic ride above the city.

Another highlight is Premier Meat Pies, located in the Armory. This spot boasts an array of British-style pies, from classic meat and oats to a mouthwatering mac-and-cheese pie. The venue is notable for its deep roots—originally a National Guard facility—and now also houses the Center School, an arts and college prep program.

As you stroll past the International Fountain, you may hear stories about the location’s connection to Amazon’s branding of the Climate Pledge Arena, home to the Seattle Storm and the Kraken. While the tour aims to cover all the best spots, a stop at Caffe Vita at the KEXP Gathering Space is unfortunately off the itinerary, but it’s worth a visit for a coffee afterward.

Just beyond the Seattle Center, Taylor Shellfish Farms offers lessons on oyster farming and tasting. With over a decade in the business, they teach enthusiasts how to shuck and enjoy fresh oysters like the famous Sumo Kumos—large, delicious oysters from the Pacific Northwest.

As the tour wraps up at the Uptown Hophouse, plan to sample local craft beers alongside a must-try pretzel with spicy queso. If you’re still craving something sweet, head to Moonrise Bakery for a delightful treat or try Just Poke for something savory.

For more insights, listen to Liz Philpot discuss her tour vision on the Hot Stove Radio.