Seattle is a city of transplants. For those new to town, it can be hard to satisfy those lunchtime cravings without knowing the area. Even locals have a lot to keep up with when it comes to the ever-changing restaurant scene in Seattle. Consider this week’s Instagram Q&A from dining and lifestyle editor Chelsea Lin your resource when it comes to southern food, brunch and vegan food. 

Have a question for Chelsea? Submit here. 

Actually good sandwich lunch place in Bellevue?
My favorite sandwiches in the world are Japanese sandwiches on that pillowy white bread, and the best in the area are available at place in Bellevue called Tres. Show up early for the best selection, and get the egg salad if they have it. 

Best vegan places in Ballard or downtown?
I was sad to hear that Papa’s, that vegan baked potato bar in Ballard, has closed… my favorite vegan place, maybe in the whole city, remains No Bones Beach Club. It’s got tiki drinks and vegan bar food like the really excellent jackfruit carnitas nachos. Plus, it feels sunny and tropical even on the greyest days.

Any good spots for weekend lunch or dinner in Kirkland?
My favorite Kirkland restaurant is an Indian place called Kathakali that I can’t recommend enough, and of course there’s the classic Café Juanita. There’s a new place to check out, though, called Hearth that replaced Trellis in the Heathman Hotel. 

Best Southern food in Seattle?
JuneBaby is the obvious choice here, and what chef Edouardo Jordan is doing there—by sharing the stories behind some of these dishes and ingredients—is so important. But if you’re just looking for some excellent Southern food, I also recommend the Wandering Goose and Simply Soulful. 

Who has the best chicken and waffles?
It’s right in the name at Fat’s Chicken and Waffles, and indeed you can get a great version there. The hot chicken version at Sisters and Brothers on the weekend brunch menu is amazing. And new spot Watson’s Counter in Ballard is rumored to have a really excellent chicken and waffle dish—I’m excited to check it out. 

Best spot for crab cake benedict?
The benedicts at the Fat Hen in Ballard are so good, and they have a Dungeness crab option available. Depending on availability, you can sometimes get a crab benedict at Tilikum Place Café, and seriously everything there is amazing. 

Good place for a birthday happy hour (reservations) in Capitol Hill?
Knee High Stocking is such a gem in Capitol Hill, and perfect for this sort of thing… Plus, their happy hour is 5 to 7, which is a little later than most places go. If you’re looking to start a little earlier, try Poquitos—margaritas and guacamole are perfect for a crowd! 

Best authentic Latin food spots?
Addo, which is this really interesting incubator project in Ballard, is just opening today a new Puerto Rican restaurant in the back of Batch 206 Distillery in Interbay—check them out on Instagram for the full menu, which is full of Puerto Rican food that goes well with booze. 

Best place to get fresh beignets?
I’ve always loved Where Ya At, Matt, and I miss the brick and mortar spot in Fremont, but rest assured that you can still get his warm beignets—fried to order!—from the truck. Go online to check out the menu. 

Best bars with food/apps in the north end?
I plug The Shambles any chance I get, because it’s a great bar (note that it’s 21 and over) with a really excellent menu, and it’s in my neighborhood in Maple Leaf.