The character of the Green Lake neighborhood (also known to impatient typists as "Greenlake") is defined by the pretty body of water from which it gets its name and the surrounding parkland. Residents congregate there to walk their dogs; to boat and swim or play soccer, softball, bocce, and tennis; and, first and foremost, to promenade along the lakeside path. It's a neighborhood of middle-class, single-family houses — and Exhibit A of how Seattle's housing market is turning a "middle class" lifestyle into an increasingly pricey proposition.
A byproduct of all those single-family homes is a concentration of family-friendly restaurants clustered in three primary commercial zones: the area directly east and north of the lake, the Tangletown area, and the intersection of Latona Ave and 65th St. No place in the neighborhood (with the possible exception of Mkt.) would fit anyone's definition of cutting-edge, and even the most ambitious places (Kisaku, Nell's) readily accommodate kids.
Green Lake's counterpoint to family-oriented dining is another kind of neighborhood institution, the bar and grill. Wherever you are, you're within easy walking distance of a burger and a beer, often accompanied by creative pub grub and cocktails, and typically catering exclusively to the 21-and-up crowd.
Note: Map points are ordered geographically and are not ranked by preference. Is your favorite Green Lake restaurant missing from the list? Show it some love in the comments, send Eater an email about it, or start a forum thread in its honor.
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