Seattle is open for outdoor dining, which means there are over 100 restaurants where you can eat outside today. And if you can’t decide where to start, or you’d rather order something great for takeout, you have some pretty fantastic pickup and delivery options. That’s why we’re highlighting the best dishes we’ve had recently, all of which are available for takeout right now. From sandwiches to spicy tenders, here’s a look into our personal food journals.
If you’ve had a great dish that you want to share with our team, send us an email at seattle@theinfatuation.com. Now, on to the dishes.
The Spots
Thai Tea Donut
“I consider myself incredibly lucky to have secured a pastry preorder from The Flour Box, seeing as they sell out online in around 30 seconds, and I’m writing this literally an hour after I ate their outstanding Thai Tea donut. In fact, I think there’s still sugar on my face. Between the puffy brioche, thick pudding-like Thai tea custard, and a light dusting of granulated sugar, this thing is delicious and just sweet enough in all the right places.”
-Aimee Rizzo, Staff Editor
Lao Burger
“The last time I got takeout from Taurus Ox, I ordered a large spread of excellent Lao dishes like their beef jerky with sticky rice and khao soi, as well as two of their incredible smashburgers to share with my household. When I was halfway home, they called to tell me they only packed up one burger but had another one waiting. I immediately panicked and turned the car around, picked up my additional burger, quickly drove home, and unpacked the bag to find out they had actually given me three burgers. This felt like getting an onion ring in your order of fries, only if that onion ring was a winning lottery ticket instead. As I started eating the double stack with provolone, taro stem, cilantro, and their spicy jeaw bong mayo, my pipe dream of saving the extra burger for lunch the next day vanished. As did the burgers.”
-Carlo Mantuano, Staff Editor
Homemade Fries
“One of the most important parts about being in a committed relationship is the responsibility to share your fries. My beloved orders a braised beef sandwich from this Eastern European deli at least once a week, and while the sandwich is good, it comes with these incredible homemade battered french fries that have a perfect balance between fluff and crunch - and their creamy pesto dip is the cherry on top. He always shares, every time, and that’s why we’re still together today.”
-Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
This spot is Permanently Closed.
Vegan Philly
“When it comes to plant-based ground meat, I’m an Impossible Burger girl through and through. But somehow, King Philly transforms Beyond Meat crumbles into a completely vegan cheesesteak I can get on board with. The griddle creates a bunch of tasty crispy bits, and the non-dairy American slices they use are creamy, melty, and mild. What makes this an excellent sandwich, though, is when you get everything in the same bite, including some grilled onions and the chewy Amoroso roll. Even though I’m still itching for an Impossible version, this one has my heart.”
-Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
Vodka Sauce Pie
“I have a theory that in every situation where you’d normally use red sauce, vodka sauce would objectively be the better choice. Think about it. For simmering meatballs. As a dip for garlic knots. A penne’s best friend for life. To further test what I’m calling ‘Rizzo’s Theorem,’ I went ahead and bought a pink sauced pizza from Blotto, a Thursday pop-up operating out of a window in the back of the Broadway Alley. With a crunchy and chewy charred crust, fragrant basil, and plenty of salty mozzarella, this is already a stellar pizza. But their amazing vodka sauce with just a hint of cream and heat completely seals the deal. And, successfully proves my theory.”
-Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
Roasted Duck Curry
“I was feeling existential one weekend because, while I typically put together a pretty epic spread of snacks for dinner every Saturday (called Snackurday), this time I didn’t do any shopping for it. Turns out, the roasted duck curry from Sisi Kay in Wallingford is an instant mood-reverser. This phenomenal tub of comfort involves an entire tender duck breast with crispy, almost crackling-like skin submerged in a coconut curry made with apple, lychee, and pineapple. It’s sweet, spicy, savory, and well worth giving Snackurday a vacation.”
-Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
Chicken Amiga Sub
“Pretty soon I’ll be moving to a new home in North Seattle, and I got so excited that I needed to order a sandwich from Tubs immediately. Thankfully, this sub shop offers delivery from Lake City all the way to my current place on Capitol Hill. It’s worth the wait for this buttery hunk of Italian bread filled with sliced chicken, cheddar, bacon, garlicky mayo, Tapatio, and BBQ dust (which is exactly like the spice coating on a potato chip), with a big side of ranch for dipping. More importantly, it makes me really pumped to soon live extremely close to Tubs and become their #1 favorite customer.”
-Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
Bánh Khọt
“I love rice cakes in all forms, whether they’re the puffed kind, Korean garaetteok, or Chinese chao nian gao. So when I saw the bánh khọt on Tamarind Tree’s menu described as ‘Turmeric Coconut Rice Cakes,’ I had to order them. Even though there’s a special place in my heart for this Vietnamese spot’s excellent lemongrass beef noodles, these glutinous coconutty cups were the perfect vessel for some poached shrimp—and by far the best thing on my dinner table. Add on a touch of mixed herb fish sauce and I think I found my new favorite rice cake.”
-Carlo Mantuano, Staff Editor
Half-Pound Spicy Tenders
“Whenever I fly into Seattle, the first thing I always want is a pile of tenders from Ezell’s. Nothing welcomes me back to the city like tasting that crunchy and spicy breading dunked into barbecue sauce. I’ve eaten this chicken while meeting my girlfriend’s parents for the first time, with my own mom and dad on their one and only trip to Seattle, and even surprise-ordered it for a friend’s birthday during quarantine. A half-pound will cost you $8.79, but to me, their chicken is priceless.”
-Carlo Mantuano, Staff Editor
Poke Bowl
“There are few things I have zero complaints about - crewneck sweatshirts, a walk around Green Lake on a crisp fall day, and the entirety of Tim Robinson’s I Think You Should Leave (especially the “Chunky” sketch). And now I can add poke from Seattle Fish Guys to that list. Between the soy-marinated tuna, spicy salmon, furikake rice, and smoky ditalini macaroni salad, this is a bowl that’s better than the sum of its parts—even though each part is excellent.”
-Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
S’mores Cookie
“As summer comes to a close, it’s important to reflect, and ask yourself if your s’more consumption lived up to what it was last year. If you decide you need more, I highly recommend popping into Joyce’s Market and grabbing what is the greatest dessert I’ve had in the past few months. This soft-but-sturdy cookie has nutty brown sugar, shards of dark chocolate, and a torched marshmallow, all baked on top of a graham cracker. One taste is enough to put even the most architecturally-pristine campfire s’more to shame.”
- Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
Zesty Crispy Chicken
“I’ve had the same significant other since 2008, and while trust, honesty, and affection are important to us, the core foundation of our relationship was built upon sneaking bites of each other’s food. And what have I stolen lately from my partner without asking? That would be Manao’s incredible zesty crispy chicken stir fry. The creamy coating has all the tartness and sweetness of a key lime pie filling, only here it’s wrapped around some nuggets of fried thigh meat. This dish alone makes this corner spot one of the best Thai restaurants in the city.”
- Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
Chirashi
“I am constantly on the lookout for places where I can get excellent raw fish without feeling like I threw my wallet into Lake Washington. The newest spot in town where I can achieve this joyous feeling is at Donburi Station in Georgetown. If you also love to feel this way and have $15.50 to part with, their chirashi is filled with so much fish including tuna, chopped toro, eel, albacore, shrimp, salmon, yellowtail, and masago all over rice. This bowl makes me want to hug every single fisherman and tell them thank you, I appreciate you, and I love you.”
- Carlo Mantuano, Staff Editor
Prime Bulgogi Short Rib Melt
“I never thought that there could be a sandwich from Lady Jaye that could compete with their fried bologna, but here comes their brand new prime bulgogi short rib melt. I may have completely destroyed my 2001 Camry by eating this glorious, drippy mess of sesame-marinated beef, spicy mayo, pickled carrots, and melty American cheese in the front seat, but truth be told, that car’s been through worse.”
- Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
Egg Sandwich With Ham
“I promise I’m not being hyperbolic when I say that the breakfast sandwich from B-Side is sometimes my only motivator to get out of bed in the morning. It’s hard to articulate precisely what makes it so brilliant - the pickled daikon? The neatly-folded scallion scrambled egg? The paper-thin country ham? Or maybe it’s just the holy, serotonin-inducing combination of it all. The sandwich, which comes on a soft, toasted English muffin, is packed with flavor and deceivingly filling for its size—and you should order one immediately. Grab an iced latte next door from Analog to wash it down.”
- Julia Chen, Editorial Assistant
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
“For some reason, I grew up with an obsession for mashed potatoes. In fact, I used to (and still do) lovingly call them ‘mashies.’ That said, I hold pulverized spuds to a high standard, and it’s my firm belief that ones from Lil Red are the best in town. They’re seasoned perfectly with a bunch of garlic and spices - which makes them taste just as comforting on their own as they do in the same bite as a mouthful of smoked brisket and cheesy macaroni. Also, forget gravy—just douse the heck out of these garlic mashies with Lil Red’s jerk sauce.”
- Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
POWERED BY
Yu Xiang Eggplant Fries
“I have a friend who really hates eggplant. He’s written up a manifesto about his dislike for it and has called me vain for enjoying it. Well, Cary, I wish I could serve you the ‘Yu Xiang Eggplant Fries’ from Tyger Tyger. Each piece is so soft and tender, super garlicky, and has soaked up a bunch of delicious black vinegar and juice from the pickled chiles. All of you eggplant haters out there, please give this dish a try.”
- Carlo Mantuano, Staff Editor
POWERED BY
Pork Dumplings
“Look, I love the aubergine as much as the next person. But I’m here to make a case for Tyger Tyger’s handmade dumplings. Slick with chili oil and stuffed with flavorful ground pork, they’re the real crown jewels of this Queen Anne Sichuan spot’s takeout operation. But you should also add a side of fried eggplant because Carlo told you to.”
- Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
Grilled Pork Banh Mi
“This summer, I’ve been on a bit of a banh mi kick, which has turned into a months-long pursuit of the best one in Seattle. And I’m happy to report that the grilled pork banh mi from Yeh Yeh’s is a top contender. Their house-baked baguette is stuffed with a generous helping of tender marinated pork, pickled daikon and carrots, jalapeño, cucumber, and mayo—plus, it’ll only run you $5.95. If you can make it to Lynnwood, this is a sandwich that’s absolutely worth the trip.”
- Julia Chen, Editorial Assistant
“There’s no shortage of soft serve in Seattle, but being from Long Island, I had given up on finding a suitable stand-in for Mr. Softee. But then I stumbled upon King’s Deli. It’s a convenience store in the CD that serves fried chicken and jojos, but they also sell massive vanilla/chocolate cones for two dollars. On a hot Seattle day (so, 75 degrees) when nothing but a creamy swirl in a cake cone will cure any grumpiness you’ve got, King’s Deli is the place.”
- Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
Diabla Shrimp Torta
“My summer strategy has been to eat as many tortas as possible (this city has some great ones) and to enjoy a picnic in one of Seattle’s parks. I was recently able to do both by picking up a ‘Diabla Shrimp Torta’ and taking it to eat in Gas Works Park. Besides spilling the delicious spicy shrimp juice all over my shorts and being made fun of by some neighboring picnickers for taking a picture of my food, I had an excellent time.”
- Carlo Mantuano, Staff Editor
Chili Turmeric Fried Chicken
“In the Before Times, a long wait at Kedai Makan was one of the only constants in life. And now, while you should still order ahead to reduce said wait time, getting your hands on their incredible turmeric fried chicken no longer requires two hours of obsessively checking your phone for a “your table is ready” text. The crunchy, flavorful chicken is served over jasmine rice, alongside a spicy mint chutney, cucumber, and pickled onions. Don’t forget to order a side of roti jala.”
- Julia Chen, Editorial Assistant
BBQ Tofu Sandwich
“There are so many sandwiches in this city. Crab rolls. Turkey clubs. Fried Chicken. But the options are limited if you’re looking to have a meatless moment. At L’Oursin’s new takeout pop-up called Old Scratch, they are serving a smoked tofu sandwich covered in BBQ sauce and slaw on a potato roll. The smoke doesn’t overpower anything, the bun is fluffy, and the tofu itself is just as beefy as a slab of ribs. Take a break from your BLT (sans the B) and grab this for lunch instead.”
_- Aimee Rizzo, Staff Writer
