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A New Ballard Vegan Joint Pays Tribute to the Potato

A temple to the humble spud takes root in Ballard

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This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of Seattle magazine.

This article appears in print in the March 2019 issue. Click here to subscribe.

Editor’s note: This establishment closed on May 31, 2019.

Among the bars and tattoo shops of the strip of NW 65th Street (between Third Avenue NW and Eighth Avenue NW) affectionately referred to as Stumbletown sits Papas Hot Potatoes, a quirky all-day spot that opened last October. Essentially, it’s a baked-potato place in the vein of popular fast-casual restaurants, where you can customize your order or choose from a small menu of signature combos.

Instead of the usual tater accoutrements (like sour cream and crumbled bacon), you’ll find only plant-based toppings, such as cashew cream and smoky, salty-sweet coconut chips. My favorite is the spicy, deceptively filling signature spud The Mona ($9): a large russet topped with New Mexico green chili, green salsa, pickled jalapeños and vegan aioli. After years of being relegated to a steak house side dish, it’s about time the humble baked potato got its moment in the spotlight—without the meat. Ballard, 500 NW 65th St.; 206.487.3321

Restaurant Roundup: 3 Pearls and Restaurant Week Redux

Restaurant Roundup: 3 Pearls and Restaurant Week Redux

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

When something tastes good, you gotta go back for seconds—and that’s exactly what we’re doing for this fall’s Seattle Restaurant Week, Oct. 18-31. Building off a successful spring spread, this edition brings back curated menus at various price points ($20, $35, $50, and $65) at restaurants, bars, cafes, and pop-ups across the greater Seattle area….

House Special: A Taste of Ecuador at Bad Chancla

House Special: A Taste of Ecuador at Bad Chancla

Chef José Garzón brings a coastal Ecuadorian classic to his 335-square-foot Capitol Hill kitchen, where he hopes to introduce more dishes from home. 

There is not much room at Bad Chancla. The bright pink walk-up on East Olive Way seats a handful of people elbow to elbow, mostly outside, and the kitchen behind the counter is small enough that chef and co-owner José Garzón can talk to you while he cooks.  Garzón grew up between Guayaquil and the…

Opening Night: GoodMart Makes Lunch Feel Like Luxury

Opening Night: GoodMart Makes Lunch Feel Like Luxury

Victor Steinbrueck, owner of Fremont’s acclaimed Local Tide, opens his second seafood-centric restaurant in the heart of Ballard.

On a Thursday afternoon I was able to walk right up to the counter at GoodMart on Ballard Avenue and order lunch, which surprised me.  GoodMart is owned by Victor Steinbrueck, who opened Local Tide in Fremont during the height of the pandemic (August 2020) and built it into one of Seattle’s most acclaimed seafood…

Where to Warm Up With a Drink This Fall and Winter in Seattle

Where to Warm Up With a Drink This Fall and Winter in Seattle

From swanky speakeasies to a cozy literary bar, these spots serve inventive cocktails and zero-proof options.

Seattle’s drearier days are slowly arriving, but it’s not all gray and gloom from here. Finding a cozy spot to warm up is part of the trick to enjoying the darker, colder months. The right place lets you bring a friend, a book, a journal, or simply yourself, and let time pass by.  Whether you…