Lonely Siren

Since Pike Place is such an overrun tourist’s playpen, it can be tough to secure last-minute meal plans. Thankfully, this Portuguese tapas spot is meant for spontaneity, with easy-to-secure seats in a moody space and a few bites worthy of lingering. Alongside tasty drinks, there’s a mustard-slathered steak sandwich that’s so tender it eats like a burger, and crisp salt cod-stuffed croquettes we’d eat solely as vehicles for the tangy olive tartar. Weaker links are the rubbery, bland octopus salad and the patatas bravas (served pave-style) that we wish were deep-fried instead of seared on one side. Though the bar’s hit-or-miss small plates likely won’t add up to a full-fledged dinner, Lonely Siren is a solid walk-in option for cocktails and snacks with a small group of friends.