Restaurant Roundup: Shilshole Seafood Boil and Underground Eats
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City
By Ben McBee August 15, 2025
As a food writer, it doesn’t behoove oneself to lead readers down a blind alley. Thankfully, that’s exactly what Jasmine Vieau did on the way to Sap Sap, a Laotian deli and cafe that lives up to its name by being “yummy yummy.” Guests to this White Center hidden gem, tucked inconspicuously behind a Mexican restaurant, will enjoy the imported beer, garlic fried chicken, mango sticky rice, and larb (the minced meat salad that’s the national dish of the Southeast Asian country).
If you’re still hungry, this news will certainly be up your alley.
Take a lick of this
Calling all Salt & Straw stans in Seattle, there’s a new location coming to Queen Anne on Friday, Aug. 29. The first 50 guests (doors open at 11 a.m.) will receive a special gift (spoiler, it’s a branded tote bag and cold brew from Caffe Vita next door). The team is also collaborating with How to Cook a Wolf and its chef Ethan Stowell to offer a special affogato and ice cream sandwich at the Italian restaurant in the lead up.
Xiao long bao by the bay
Seafood in sight of stunning Shilshole Bay? That’s certainly a savory concept—and Happy Crab is, well, happy to oblige. The Cajun boiling seafood spot infuses “the spirit of the South” with owner Lily Wu’s Asian culinary roots, right on the water in the former Anthony’s HomePort location. The menu pulls from the Auburn Happy Crab location—expect to see crayfish and calamari —while also offering noodles and dumplings. The 300-seat restaurant is set to open later this month, with stunning patio views across the Sound to the Olympic Mountains.
New places to eat beneath your feet
Saigon Drip Alley, known for its bánh mì take on a French dip, is branching out from its Pioneer Square home with a second location downtown in the underground pedestrian concourse between Rainier Square and Union Square. Customers will be able to order using two self-serve kiosks and since space is minimal, will have to look for seating elsewhere. Its original late-2025 opening date has been pushed back a few months. In other exciting news for the space, an unnamed restaurant from James Beard-winning chef Brady Williams is also said to be joining the Skinner Hall Concourse.
Raise a glass to women’s sports
Pitch the Baby is Seattle’s second sports bar dedicated to showing women’s sports. Located in Capitol Hill, the watering hole has sprinted out of the soft launch phase and is full go, offering drinks and eats from chef Monica Dimas (previously of Little Neon Taco and Tortas Condesa fame). Customers can expect to watch the Reign and Storm, as well as international events like the World Cup or Olympics.
Go chew it on the mountain
Whether you’re famished after a hike or really didn’t pack enough on your camping trip, there are plenty of spots to grab good grub around Mount Rainier. No one can turn their nose up to Snorting Elk and its hearty pub fare—pizza, burgers, and nachos, oh my. Nor should you miss the Himalayan cuisine at Wild Berry that’s perfectly suited to alpine adventures. Mill Haus Cider can quench your thirst with flavors like huckleberry and apricot alongside smoked pork sliders or street tacos. It also hosts live music on the weekends.
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