The September Hit List: The Dressing Room, Wooden City, Cafe Racer, and More

After the drabbest of years, this new bistro and bar brings much-needed glitz and glamour to Post Alley. Inside, look for intimate booth seating and velvety décor inspired by Can Can’s collection of costumes from its catalog of shows. The outdoor patio is surrounded by lush foliage and dreamy views of the Puget Sound. Don’t miss the daily brunch (yes, daily) with things like a croque madame piled with grilled pork belly, Gruyère, béchamel, and an egg on pillowy Macrina brioche. Sip a mimosa flight while watching passersby, and maybe for a quick minute, it might feel like you’re in Paris. Reservations only.

After 17 years in the University District, including multiple openings and closings even before the pandemic, Café Racer has found new digs in the former Barça spot on Capitol Hill. In addition to a full bar and comfort-focused menu, the much-loved café and live music venue brings its Official Bad Art Museum of Art (OBAMA) to the new space, slated to open mid-month. The menu is still being sorted, though soothing pot pies from Pot Pie Factory will take center stage. There’s also talk of bringing back brunch. In the meantime, support local artists and listen to Café Racer’s online radio station here.

Few views in Seattle can compete with the water’s edge at Ray’s. Start with a wedge salad, topped with crispy fried bay shrimp and bleu cheese crumbles. The Pacific Northwest sablefish in sake kasu always hits the spot, especially when paired with a glass of Ballard-made Tahoma Fuji Sake. Or just linger over a Salmon Safe wine pick, like the aMaurice Cellars viognier, while watching the late summer sun dip behind the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains.

French techniques marry Japanese ingredients at this beloved Mt. Baker hang. Savof the last tastes of summer with a bowl of chilled corn soup, best sopped up with togarashi toast, and herb-breaded salmon with asparagus and cherry tomatoes in a bright yuzu kosho broth. Save room for peach melba — Washington’s end-of-summer peaches are still sweet and juicy. The sunset and city skyline views from the nearby ridge are, as always, stunning.

Simple comforts reign supreme at this downtown Tacoma destination. Bring a group for the best dining experiences – the menu shines on small plates and pizzas meant to be shared, things like smoked salmon toast with beet relish, or wood-fired bone marrow with onion jam. There is of course a massive burger, plus a lengthy beer and wine list for pairing, although the old fashioned on tap goes with everything and benefits the Tacoma Mutual Aid Collective. Don’t miss the daily happy hour from 4-5:30 p.m.

Whether you prefer indoor or patio dining, views of Lake Washington are the real winner at this Eastside French bistro. Piece together a dream charcuterie plate from housemade pork rillettes, foie gras torchon, and other meaty delights. Add in some cheese, or opt for a shellfish showstopper from the raw bar.  The rest of the menu has all the classics, from escargots to onion soup and steak with Bordelaise sauce. The wine list includes plenty of French bottles to make it a full Gallic experience.

Siblings Sophie and Eric Banh’s Main Street spot remains a favorite for a spectrum of fresh Vietnamese takes beyond pho. The caramelized Idaho catfish claypot is forever a staple, along with papaya salad and imperial rolls. Take advantage of patio season with frozen cocktails, like the Slowpoke Rodriguez, an icy number made with mezcal, jalapeño, and elderflower, while you can.

There’s been a big hole in Seattle’s pasta-loving heart since Il Corvo closed its downtown doors. Thankfully, Michaela Tartaglia has set up shop in Pike Place Market to sate those cravings. If you’re lucky, you can snag one of the few counter seats overlooking the atrium. Each day, four pasta dishes are served, including meat, seafood, and a veg-friendly “from the garden” bowl. A few recent standouts include rigatoni sauced in a rich venison ragu, and squid ink casarecce with calamari and capers. Locals can grab fresh pasta, sauces, and prepared dishes to go. Pro tip: for an easy one-dish dinner, get the lasagna if it’s available.

Unlike many hotel restaurants, the vibe is decidedly warm and welcome at this Southcenter spot in the Interurban Hotel. The patio has fire pits and loungers perfect for happy hour cocktails, or even full-blown brunch or dinner. The menu covers a lot of ground, but things like spring pea ricotta spread, deviled eggs with beets, bacon, and blue cheese, and smoked half chicken with caramelized onions are sure bets.

Canon is a bit of a showoff when it comes to whiskey collections, boasting more than 4,000 labels. After an extended break since last winter, the boutique cocktail bar opened again for business in August. Craft cocktails are always the star, like the Anning Martini, with oyster shell gin, a hint of smoky mezcal, and applewood smoked salt. But it’s simple, nuanced dishes like a mixed melon salad with lime and agave agrodolce, and a pork collar schnitzel with green tomato and nori mayo, that round out the wonderfully refined experience. Currently only welcoming parties of four or fewer, with proof of vaccination.