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11 Restaurants & Bars That Epitomize Seattle

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When Anthony Bourdain rode into town on his Tesla Model S last summer to shoot The Layover Seattle, which aired February 4, many readers commented that he did our city a disservice by not highlighting the important spots; the places that represent Seattle best.

So, on Friday, the comments thread (and Twitter and Facebook) opened wide and said, "Ahhh" to accomodate reader opinions on which places do the best job of representing Seattle — the places Bourdain shoulda woulda coulda checked out while he was in town.

Here, in alphabetical order, is a map of 11 spots that do the best job of representing Seattle as voted by Eater readers, including their comments stating a case for inclusion. If you notice a glaring omission, by all means, add it to the comments.

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Beveridge Place Pub

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"What epitomizes Seattle like a laid back vibe with some of the best beers our region has to offer?"

The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House

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"Way before Seattle was inundated with oyster bars, this was where you went to get seafood of any kind with a cold pint of beer after work. Not much has changed in the way of decor, but the food is still great, which is why I think this is a perfect nod to Seattle. It's unpretentious."

Cafe Besalu

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"Casual neighborhood feel, thoughtful attention to detail on all the pastries. The place has soul! Plus, the croissants alone will guarantee a return visit to Seattle."

"This is one of the few place Anthony Bourdain got right when he came to visit. The place is a rock of Seattle history. The menu, the design, the throwback to yesteryear; Canlis is a must stop on the Seattle map."

El Gaucho

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"With all the places serving steak, this is still a go-to. The place just makes you melt when you walk in. It's a get-yourself-dressed-up excuse, which Seattle needs!"

Flying Fish

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"A Seattle icon since it was in Belltown. The Fish still does a great job making our ubiquitous seafood exciting."

Grim’s Provisions & Spirits

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"Everything in the space has ties to Seattle. From the old King Street Station bolsters to barn wood from Duval. There's a piece of Seattle history all over the space."

Liberty

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"Liberty Bar to me represents the aromas, colors, flavors, and friendship of Seattle."

Metropolitan Grill

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"The food yes, but the service is why I send out of towners here. You're taken care of. The food is fantastic, the staff is genuinely caring, and most of the people in the bar are regulars. Good 'welcome to the neighborhood, glad you're here' vibe."

Red Mill Burgers

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"Who comes to Seattle without going to Red Mill? It has been defining this city since its inception in the 1930s. Might not be the best burgers in town (arguably, they are), but it's Seattle history, nonetheless."

The Walrus and the Carpenter

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"They make the freshest seafood dishes with local ingredients. And because of its size, it's not hard to rub elbows with strangers and make new friends."

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Beveridge Place Pub

"What epitomizes Seattle like a laid back vibe with some of the best beers our region has to offer?"

The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House

"Way before Seattle was inundated with oyster bars, this was where you went to get seafood of any kind with a cold pint of beer after work. Not much has changed in the way of decor, but the food is still great, which is why I think this is a perfect nod to Seattle. It's unpretentious."

Cafe Besalu

"Casual neighborhood feel, thoughtful attention to detail on all the pastries. The place has soul! Plus, the croissants alone will guarantee a return visit to Seattle."

Canlis

"This is one of the few place Anthony Bourdain got right when he came to visit. The place is a rock of Seattle history. The menu, the design, the throwback to yesteryear; Canlis is a must stop on the Seattle map."

El Gaucho

"With all the places serving steak, this is still a go-to. The place just makes you melt when you walk in. It's a get-yourself-dressed-up excuse, which Seattle needs!"

Flying Fish

"A Seattle icon since it was in Belltown. The Fish still does a great job making our ubiquitous seafood exciting."

Grim’s Provisions & Spirits

"Everything in the space has ties to Seattle. From the old King Street Station bolsters to barn wood from Duval. There's a piece of Seattle history all over the space."

Liberty

"Liberty Bar to me represents the aromas, colors, flavors, and friendship of Seattle."

Metropolitan Grill

"The food yes, but the service is why I send out of towners here. You're taken care of. The food is fantastic, the staff is genuinely caring, and most of the people in the bar are regulars. Good 'welcome to the neighborhood, glad you're here' vibe."

Red Mill Burgers

"Who comes to Seattle without going to Red Mill? It has been defining this city since its inception in the 1930s. Might not be the best burgers in town (arguably, they are), but it's Seattle history, nonetheless."

The Walrus and the Carpenter

"They make the freshest seafood dishes with local ingredients. And because of its size, it's not hard to rub elbows with strangers and make new friends."

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