A frequent haunt for us when we were still living in Renton and still convenient whether we're needing to buy something specific or just looking to window shop. There's plenty of shopping options including a few different team shops for sports fans and a Box Lunch for the nerds in the group. If you're hungry there's lots of dining options from the food court to finer fare including our local favorites Duke's Chowder House (which also has a location at Kent Station and in Bellevue) and Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya. And if you've traveled quite a bit and you're feeling homesick there's even a Chick-fil-a just down the road along with many other shopping options.
One of our favorite choices for a Sunday brunch, they have amazing food options on weekends with bottomless mimosas available, plus their standard enormous selection of beers and other drinks. The crab Benedict is hands down the best thing on the brunch menu but there are plenty of other options to suit all palates. They're also dog-friendly!
Within the Southcenter mall is an enormous modern arcade with a lot of straight-from-Japan games and cabinets, plus a bowling alley and karaoke booths. Even though it's attached to the mall it's pretty much an entirely separate entity and stays open well past midnight if you're looking for some late-night fun. It's even got a bar!
A cute outdoor mall, a rarity for the rainy PNW. Plenty of interesting shops and fancy restaurants, including a Ducati store and dine-in theater! Anyone looking to try raw oysters can get their fill of the local catch at Matts' Rotisserie and Oyster Bar.
A local zoo with a newly-renovated aquarium section, we've been multiple times over the years both for zoo viewings and special seasonal events.
For anyone visiting Pike Place Market, be sure to stop by Mee Sum for a snack! Any time we're there we like to stop by for a bun.
Lil' Woody's is a casual burger place full of local flavor, and on top of tasty burgers they also offer shakes and fries, which we highly recommend covered in their delicious queso.
For anyone looking for a break from the city, in the city, or maybe just a break from nearby shopping, this park has plenty of space to stroll around and take in the art, including the new children's area. Great for dog- and people-watching!
Introduced to us by our friends Tom and Kelly, this quickly became one of our favorite bars to visit whenever we get the chance. The cocktails are all expertly crafted and the food (sushi!) is phenomenal as well.
A bar that opened while we were still living in Renton and quickly fell in love with as it was within walking distance! The drinks were always great and the cheese curds were like eating clouds.
If your tastes are a little more refined, be sure to stop by the Bellevue Square mall. From super-cute fashions such as Kate Spade and Ted Baker to Tesla there's plenty to look at even if you're just window shopping.
You know it, you love it, but maybe there's not one near your own residence. A day at IKEA can feel like a day at a theme park sometimes, so if you've never been to one in-person I definitely recommend making the trip.