What Seattle Has Looked Like So Far Under the Stay-at-Home Order

Since mid-March, all restaurants and bars in Seattle have been closed for dine-in services to help slow the spread of COVID-19 — and will continue to stay shuttered until at least May 4. The scene around town is one of boarded up storefronts and empty streets, but there are signs of resiliency, whether it’s the #WeGotThisSeattle flag flying atop of the Space Needle, or murals springing up on plywood. Below are just a few snapshots taken over the past few weeks, chronicling some effects of the present crisis.

Pike Place Market during regular hours has been primarily barren, although some vendors continue to operate. There are a few takeout and delivery services trying to keep the iconic area’s businesses afloat.

While some restaurants have tried to pivot to takeout and delivery, many others have decided to close fully and ride things out. Slice joint Big Mario’s in Capitol Hill has reduced hours for takeout and delivery from 4 p.m. to 9 pm. daily, Peruvian restaurant Imperial Lounge has gone dark, and Jade Garden in the International District has stayed open for some to-go orders. The latter was recently victimized by vandalism, but area artists came to help paint murals over the plywood out front.

The wood-fired bagel cafe Eltana on Capitol Hill had some paper stand-ins for customers recently (it’s still open for takeout and delivery). Other restaurants, in the Belltown and Downtown areas, have artwork or flyers on their storefronts. The Space Needle flies a message of hope for a brighter future.

Suzi Pratt