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Hidden treasures of northeast Seattle

Ever been to Wedgwood? Ever even heard of Wedgwood? Wedgwood, an unassuming neighborhood in northeast Seattle, is not well known except by those who live or work there, or know someone who lives or works there or nearby. Yet, this quiet middle-class area is just north of Ravenna and the University District and just east of Lake City Way, only six miles from the College and literally 10 minutes from downtown Seattle. It’s not far removed for a place that has a small-town feel (including quite a few churches), but offers five banks, a Rite-Aid, a QFC and a Safeway, not to mention some excellent shops, bars and restaurants — all within walking distance of a Wedgwood home and a short driving distance from much of the rest of the city.

Although it’s far from becoming a destination in and of itself, there are a few jewels in this neighborhood that are worth exploring. Wedgwood is centered on 35th Avenue Northeast and the business district, interspersed with homes, runs the length between Northeast 70th and 95th avenues. Along this street are some great places to eat, drink, shop and even do yoga. Here are the highlights:

The Fiddler’s Inn
9219 35th Ave. N.E.
(206) 525-0752

The Fiddler’s Inn is an excellent bar and restaurant with a pub feel. It was established in 1933 and has changed hands numerous times over the years. The most recent owners cleaned it up and turned it into a quintessential northwest establishment, complete with darkwood tables and benches inside and picnic tables outside, set up in a long line in the style of Germany’s beer halls. The beers, all handcrafted Northwest microbrews, are poured from the 11 taps that rotate regularly, so patrons never know what they might find when they walk in the door. The food is delicious, wholesome and hearty, and the pizza is some of the best in Seattle. (Don’t believe it? Taste it.) This place also makes the most incredible blue cheese salad dressing. It’s worth checking out.

Café Van Gogh
8210 35th Ave. N.E.
(206) 523-1466

Wedgwood has the distinction of being one of the few neighborhoods in Seattle without a Starbucks or Tully’s Coffee. Café Van Gogh manages to make up for that lack by serving delicious coffee in an intimate environment where the barista will know a visitor’s name if he or she comes in more than once. It doesn’t get too crowded here, although lines do form in the morning and at lunch — sandwiches and soup are served , as well as muffins and pastries and, for those in the mood, dessert. The ambience is nothing special, but the cafe makes up for it by providing a selection of wines for purchase and a wine tasting for the reasonable price of $6 from 3 to 8 p.m. Fridays.

The Grateful Bread Baking Company & Cafe
7001 35th Ave. N.E.
(206) 525-3166

The Grateful Bread is another coffee oasis for those who might be panicking due to the lack of Starbucks or some other corporate cafe. Yet, it is much, much more.. It is also a bakery that serves up a wide variety of really delicious and relatively healthy breads, bagels, cakes, pies, muffins, pastries and cookies, as well as salads, sandwiches and soups. It has a funky ambience and a casual laid-back atmosphere which is reflected in the surroundings (bus it yourself) and the staff (efficient but very mellow). This place is packed on weekend mornings, and there’s a good reason why. For students and others on a budget, day-old, bagged baked goods go for 50-percent off. Who needs or wants Starbucks with places like this around?

Rosanna
6855 35th Ave. N.E.
(206) 985-2065

Situated in a converted gas station, this eclectic shop is across the street from The Grateful Bread. The owner is a dish designer — all 26 lines of her dinnerware are sold there — but the store also specializes in housewares and gifts (jewelry, soaps and candles), as well as European antiques, glassware from Italy and other imports. It is particularly unique in that it is an adventurous location and space for a retail store. It has a wide range of prices affordable for every type of budget. For a change, avoid the University Village or Northgate Shopping Center, and check out Rosanna. That perfect gift may be there.

Eight Limbs
7345 35th Ave. N.E.
(206) 523-9722
www.eightlimbsyoga.com

This yoga studio offers a wide variety of classes in different styles of yoga at times intended to accommodate most schedules. The classes are held in a moderately sized, spacious and wood-floored room, but most classes aren’t overcrowded. Types of yoga offered are yin, hatha, hatha flow, ashtanga, mom & baby, kids and pranayama, and the classes are usually designed to accommodate more than one level of student. The regular monthly fee for unlimited classes is $90 (or $99 for two months of unlimited classes for first-time members only) but the best deal is geared toward students: with a valid student identification card, they can purchase a monthly pass good for up to three classes a week for only $55. This is the opportunity to get balanced, stretched and strengthened mentally and physically.

Casa d’Italia
2615 N.E. 65th St.
(206) 525-7747

Technically, this small, genuine Italian restaurant isn’t located within Wedgwood, but it is located so close by, and it is such a wonderful dining experience, that this article wouldn’t be complete without a mention of it. Located in an unassuming building on Northeast 65th Street, it is easily identified by the large roma tomato painted on the sign hanging outside. Stepping inside leads to a cozy interior with small tables placed close together, an open view of a tiny kitchen and a corner devoted to wine and other foodstuffs imported from Italy (available for purchase). Patrons may also sit in a backyard tent equipped with an outdoor heater and a few more tables. The owners have created cozy and authentic surroundings, in which to enjoy reasonably priced, but delicious Italian food. Every once in a while they make the best tiramisu in the world, so be sure to ask them to be put on their “tiramisu list” — they will call when they plan on making it. Do NOT miss this place, and do NOT miss the tiramisu.

This is the first in a series exploring unique characteristics of various Seattle neighborhoods.