Little sips. That is our destined-to-fail mantra for the upcoming Seattle Coffee Festival (Oct. 24-25), an event so enticing we’re already mentally preparing for the tidal wave of caffeine coming our way. The two-day event, now in its second year, takes place at Magnuson Park Hangar 30, showcasing a buzzing lineup of Seattle and regional coffee roasters, including Tanuki Coffee Roasters, Boon Boona, Victrola Coffee, Sip House, and others. Bring your mug from home and get ready for specialty tastings, food, and entertainment.

Need a top-off? Here are a cuppa more stories to enjoy.

Ready to dish?

At most restaurants, a lot of attention goes into what’s on the plate—and rightly so. But it is always a nice touch when the tableware brings something, well, to the table. Elegant patterns, colors that complement the cuisine, and local craftsmanship all help tell a story. From the olive oil splatter designs at Lioness to the smoking artillery cocktail at the aptly named Canon, The Infatuation team has pulled together quite a spread to check out.

Putting the W in Halloween

W Seattle is hosting a howling good time for you and your furry friend on Thursday, Oct. 22. Enjoy cocktails and bites in the Living Room bar, where Woof Gang Bakery will also have puptails and treats for your doggo. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes (including an overnight stay at the hotel). Meanwhile, over at the W Bellevue, let your alter ego out for a night of music, dancing, food, and elixir potion cocktails from 8 p.m. to midnight on Oct. 31. 

Good Voyage, better date night

Any meal at Good Voyage really is all it’s quacked up to be, especially when you order the disco frites, which are made with as much duck as you can pack into a tasty, gravy-covered bowl of fries. Further French-forward fare, including dishes that make good use of offal, rounds out the menu at this South Park bistro/cafe, which also serves brunch, dinner, cocktails, coffee, and pastries. Keep an eye on its Instagram for new additions to the menu.

The burger’s out of the brown paper bag

Secret Burger Kitchen’s plans to add another location on the southern end of town are no longer hush hush. The smash burger restaurant is set to open in Renton, marking the Tacoma-founded business’ fifth Washington shop. No official date has been set for the debut, but for fans of the Angus beef patties, chicken strips, plant-based options, and special sauces served in oversized syringes, it can’t happen soon enough. Until then, the restaurants in Capitol Hill and Kirkland or the Kent food truck will have to do.

Study the world of food

Despite the name, you shouldn’t expect dorm food in the University District—in fact, the neighborhood is a culinary destination as diverse as it is delectable. From the okonomiyaki frittata at Saint Bread to the German bratwurst at Shultzy’s Bar & Grill, the dosas at Chili’s (no, not that Chili’s), Master Bing’s signature crepe-thin Chinese pancakes, and beyond, your palate is sure to come back with a few passport stamps.