Every year, Seattle hosts one of its most vibrant gastronomic events — a festival that brings together thousands of lovers of delicious food and good music. It's not just a food tasting, but a real celebration with live performances, master classes, and family entertainment. Here you can try culinary masterpieces from the best restaurants, discover new tastes, and just have a great time.
What Is Interesting About The Festival
Out of the dozens of festivals and events held at Seattle Center each year, Bite of Seattle is one of the main ones. It features dishes and drinks from dozens of local restaurants and producers. You will enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and entertainment for the whole family. This is a gift for a gourmet, which we will briefly tell you about below.
Bite of Seattle is the largest food and beverage exhibition in Seattle, featuring about 200 vendors, craft beer and cider tasting, entertainment programs, and watching chefs who conduct live demonstrations.
Admission to the festival is free, but you have to pay for food and drinks. The good news is that they are available at a lower price, without a store markup.
It all started with Alan Silverman creating and hosting the first Bite of Seattle in July 1982 in the park by Green Lake. The result exceeded all expectations, but at first it did not bring profit, which is why the festival moved to the more lively Seattle Center.
Now the festival is attended by almost 400 thousand people in three days, there are 60 restaurants and various entertainment programs are held. Bite of Seattle continues to exist successfully to this day.
With our guide, you can combine a visit to the event with the opportunity to explore several of Seattle's main attractions, such as the Space Needle and the Seattle Center itself.
Delicious treats of all kinds are served here: snacks, desserts, fruit drinks, beer and wine. You can also try various products from different nations: from Thai, German and Greek to Filipino, French and Russian cuisine.
Many of the stalls offer small portions so you don't overeat and enjoy trying all the dishes you want. Adults can enjoy alcoholic cocktails and drinks in one of the designated areas.
History
In 1982, a handful of Seattle restaurant owners felt the full power of the economic downturn of the Reagan era. There were few customers, and it was necessary to somehow encourage people to dine out.
Alan Silverman, the owner of Barnaby's restaurant, visited a giant public festival called "Taste of Chicago", and two years before that — the 72nd Street Fair in Manhattan. There were different options for snacks, but what he didn't like was the location on the street. A park for this purpose would be more appropriate.
Silverman long persuaded officials to hold a culinary event in the open air. In the end, he convinced the mayor that a healthy restaurant industry increases the viability of the city.
And so Bite of Seattle was born. About 50 food stalls were located on a small piece of land near the Evans Pool on Green Lake.
A serving of ribs could be bought for $1.25, a piece of alder-smoked salmon for $2.95, and half a lobster for $3.5. In the very first year, 75 thousand people came, although they expected about three times less. But Silverman still suffered losses of about 18 thousand dollars for furniture, electricity, water and garbage removal, but this did not bother him.
Four years later, the city authorities instructed Bite to move to the Seattle Center, which led to an increase in new visitors. What else attracted guests was the sale of beer, which was not previously available. This was helped by the fact that the festival was renamed "Brewery Bite" in 1987. Having collected 10% of the income from the sale of wine and 20% from the sale of other alcoholic beverages, the Seattle Center immediately earned $89,000.
The festival continues to live successfully and bring profit to its creators. It attracts more than 375,000 people within three days. It houses over 60 restaurants, as well as entertainment programs, cooking show demonstrations with local chefs and an evening movie.
Dishes Worth Trying
The festival attracts hundreds of local restaurants and food trucks, so the choice is huge. You won't be able to try everything in one day, so it's worth deciding on your priorities in advance. Here are a few dishes that are definitely worth your attention.
Seafood in various variations
Seattle is located on the coast, so fresh oysters, crabs and salmon are always in the spotlight here. Many chefs cook them with unexpected sauces and side dishes, experimenting with flavors. One of the classic snacks is smoked salmon with cream cheese and fresh herbs. Those who like something spicier can try oysters with spicy sauce and lemon.
Burgers with signature toppings
Simple food can also be surprising. Many establishments present their versions of burgers with unusual combinations. Instead of standard beef, you can choose a salmon or lamb patty. Some add smoked pepper, onion confit or even black garlic to the sauces. Buns are also different — from classic wheat to potato and brioche.
Traditional Clam Chowder
Thick soup made from clams, potatoes and cream is one of the iconic dishes of the region. It is usually served in a bread bowl, which is soaked in broth and becomes even tastier. Many restaurants cook this soup according to their own recipes, adding bacon, corn or white wine to it.
Fried cheese balls
A light and hearty snack that is prepared from several types of cheese. They are served with spicy and sweet sauces, and a crispy crust makes the taste even richer. Sometimes spices, herbs or even pieces of bacon are added to the dough.
Desserts with berries
Summer in Seattle is the season of fresh berries, so desserts here are especially delicious. Berry pies, ice cream with raspberry sauce, cheesecakes with blueberries — there are many options. Local pastries with a crispy crust and a delicate filling are especially popular.
Drinks
Coffee in Seattle is a separate topic. Many local roasters bring rare varieties of beans and make unusual signature drinks. In addition to coffee, at the festival you can find lemonades with lavender, berry cocktails and home-brewed beer, brewed specifically for this event.
If you have little time, it is better to choose a few of the most interesting dishes and drinks to get a complete impression of the festival.
Have both a map and cash on hand. Each supplier is unique in that some accept different payment methods. In case of anything, ATMs will always be waiting for you nearby. Our guide will clarify which payment method the seller accepts before purchasing dishes.
How to Get There and Where to Stay
The festival takes place in downtown Seattle, so there are plenty of ways to get there. Keep in mind that the streets get much busier during the event, and parking spots fill up quickly.
How to get there:
- Public transportation.The easiest option is to take a bus or the city’s light rail. The nearest stations are within walking distance of the festival area, and buses run frequently. It’s a good idea to check the routes and schedules in advance, as they might change during big events.
- By car. If you're driving, it’s best to head out early. Parking near the festival fills up fast, and downtown parking rates tend to be higher. A smart option is to leave your car in a parking lot outside the center and take public transport from there.
- Bike or scooter. Seattle has plenty of bike lanes, and rental services for bikes and scooters are available in multiple areas. This is a great choice if you want to avoid traffic and skip the hassle of finding a parking spot.
Taxi or rideshare. Services like Uber and Lyft are convenient if you don’t want to worry about parking. Just be aware that prices may surge during peak hours, and getting a car in the downtown area can take longer due to heavy traffic.
Since the festival lasts several days, visitors from out of town should plan their stay in advance.
Where to stay:
- Hotels in downtown. The most convenient option is to stay in a hotel in the city center. You’ll be within walking distance of the festival, with restaurants, shops, and attractions nearby. Just keep in mind that hotel prices tend to be higher during peak season.
- Hotels and motels outside downtown. If you’re looking to save money, consider staying in other districts. In this case, it’s best to choose a place near a subway station or a bus stop to make getting around easier.
- Apartments and airbnb. Renting an apartment is a great option for those traveling with a group or planning a longer stay. Many places come with a kitchen, so you won’t have to rely on eating out all the time.
- Hostels. Budget travelers can find good hostel options in Seattle. Some have modern facilities with comfortable common areas and decent service. It’s best to book in advance, as demand tends to be high during the festival.
The right choice depends on your budget and travel plans. The main thing is to consider the location and transport options to avoid spending too much time on the road.
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