2 days in Seattle - Need recommendations on can't-miss things to do (big home, live)

[pbergen]

i'll be seattle in a few weeks with several friends (all guys in their late 20s/early 30s). unfortunately we'll only be there for two days, so we won't have much time to really explore the city/region as much as i'd like.

we're not interested in doing most of the overly touristy things for the obvious reasons. mostly we want to go to places where locals hang out and that will provide us with a good vibe for "everyday" seattle rather than "touristy" seattle.

the only thing we have set in stone is going to a mariners game (can't wait!).

other than that, we're considering doing a few other things. specific recommendations for the following would be much appreciated:

-a good coffeehouse: somewhere with excellent bean quality/selection that preferably has a decent, comfortable seating area.
-a quality microbrewery or a bar/pub/lounge with a great selection of local microbrews. doesn't have to be slick or fancy - more concerned with the beer's quality before atmosphere. ideally we'd prefer a laid-back pub/tavern feel, i guess.
-a good, reasonably-priced locals' place to eat that is representative of the city's cuisine. doesn't have to be a sit-down place; if there's a reputable take-out spot that serves great, cheap eats, we'd be interested. ethnic eats (such as japanese comfort food or a great viet place) are fine, too. we're not looking for a fancy-pants eatery or anything like that.
-any other cultural spots/events that are not to be missed (could be anything from live performance to museums to parks to scenic vistas to whatever). remember, we'll be in the area in early august.

thanks in advance!

[Ira500]

Go to Fremont. Have a cheap but great Caribbean sandwich and then down it with a beer almost next door at the Buckeroo, or even better for beer is Brouwer's cafe on N 35th Street. Walk into Deluxe Junk,look at the Lenin statue, and if you still have an appetite there's good BBQ at 36th and Stone Way.

[eskercurve]

For some good bean (coffee that is) go to Cafe Zoka. It's located close to Green Lake. After drinking a coffee, walk or ride over to the Lake and see some people, hanging out or walking along the lake, get a free language lesson in one of five languages if you're lucky (there's this one dude who walks around and talks five different languages, methinks he's independently wealthy and spends his time that way). Maybe play some pickup basketball or soccer there.

For local cuisine, on the cheap, go to Alki's Fish & Chips joint that is just past Salty's (which is another primo place to go, but is more expensive and is sit-down), on Alki beach. Take the West Seattle bridge to get there. Continue along Alki for some killer views of the Seattle skyline, day or night. Continue along Alki for the beach and people watching, maybe play some volleyball. Check out what's going on at the beach house (sometimes just a tween hangout, sometimes cool hippies make some neat artistic stuff). All along Alki there's some cool places to eat. There's a biker bar, an Irish pub, and a trendy looking place I've never gone to, I think it's called Pegasus.

It's touristy kinda but you have to see Pike Place market. Locals go often, so it's not bad to be seen there or exposed as a tourist.

At Pike Place there's a french restaurant right next to the place where people throw dead fish and sing. Really good food at a reasonable price. Like mac & cheese? There's a place near the market which makes cheese on the spot, and it's the best I've ever had. Head down to Pike Street Alehouse that is in the market for locally brewed goodness. Finally check out a place called Zig Zag cafe. It's a cocktail joint that has either a) one of the top 10 bartenders in America, or b) one of his apprentices, or c) the owner who knows his drink and how to schmooze.

[MaikeerinWA]

Paseo Carribbean - the tiny place that Ira alluded to - gets a lot of hype, by tourists and locals alike.

Completely deserved, though. Yummy! Just look for the line stretching out to the sidewalk, if you have trouble finding it.

[grocerlady]

Other than Pike Street Market are there other places that a more mature couple (60's) might like while in Seattle for a couple of days before going to Portland for a couple of days? Thanks

[SonicsFan93]

I'm a big homer, but the Storm have home games on August 1st, 4th, and 8th. They're a lot of fun!

[pbergen]

thanks to everyone for the great recommendations thus far. everything mentioned sounds really fun and interesting, although the one thing i'd definitely have to scratch off the list is the storm game, since we're already catching a mariners ballgame. it's certainly a cool idea; maybe next time.

any other suggestions?

[blubrd]

Elliotts Oyster House is yummy if you like Seafood! Also if you have time tour Redhook Brewery. Have Fun!!!

[Ira500]

At the M's game: Garlic fries. Awesomely great. Very close to Safeco are both the Elysian brewery and the Pyramid Alehouse, so you don't have to drink the overpriced dreck at the game.

[SonicsFan93]

Originally Posted by Ira500

At the M's game: Garlic fries. Awesomely great. Very close to Safeco are both the Elysian brewery and the Pyramid Alehouse, so you don't have to drink the overpriced dreck at the game.

May I also suggest Shiskaberries at the M's game? Anyway, you may want to drop by Gas Works Park. It's on the site of the old Seattle Gas Light Company Gasification Plant, and most of the pieces from the old plant were incorporated into the park.