Seattle is just a three hour drive from Portland. We have family and friends in the area, so between weddings, birthday parties and weekend getaways, we’re up there at least several times a year. Typically we hang out with our loved ones, but our goal this year was to start exploring more of the Seattle dining scene during our visits. After all, the city has a lot to offer.
Plus – with the International Food Blogger’s Conference (IFBC) being held in Seattle in just two months, I figured I should brush up on the local food scene so I could actually be a resource for the hundreds of bloggers flying in from around the world.
The first round of our Seattle Dining Series experiment was a smashing success. We visited a Spanish Tapas restaurant called Ocho in Seattle’s Freemont neighborhood. It’s a small restaurant in a neighborhood filled with fabulous food options – and we very well may have missed it completely if it hadn’t been recommended to us.
First off, Ocho gives off a vibrant and warm vibe. From colorful chalkboard signs that list the tapas of the day to a hustling and bustling flow of patrons coming in and out – I knew immediately we’d found a winner. We didn’t mind waiting for seats, and ended up nabbing a few at the bar. This turned out to be a great decision. The bartender was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, and in the end suggested having of sample the Chef’s choice. We tasted bites from large variety of the menu, including cocktails, tapas and desserts. Delicious, authentic, and fun.
If you go, pop by early to avoid waiting for a table. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations and gets really busy as the night goes on! Also – make sure to try one of Ocho’s fabulous cocktails,and let your server pick their favorite tapas of the day for you.
Note for IFBC attendees: Ocho is located about 10-15 minutes from downtown Seattle by car. It’s worth the trek!