Interested in getting the lowdown on the freshest new spots in the Central District? From a banh mi shop to a gay bar, read on for the newest destinations to open in this part of Seattle.
Union
1318 E. Union St.
First up is Union, a new gay bar and restaurant. Located in the former Zoe Events space, it features a central bar area with TVs, a separate lounge area with an enclosed fireplace and a large patio.
A food menu includes appetizers like baked brie, bacon cheddar dip and tater tots. There are also pizzas, burgers and sandwiches like a Reuben and a Philly cheesesteak. For drinks, expect a long list of vodkas, gin, bourbon and tequila, plus beer on tap and wine.
Union is off to a promising start with four stars out of seven reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Joseph C., who reviewed the bar on Aug. 8, wrote, "I love how they kept a lot of the previous elements, but more importantly we have a cute gay bar with a nice outdoor patio. This has always been lacking."
Yelper Cole M. wrote, "Union is a fantastic new bar lounge offering much more than good drinks and service. The building and interior decor are modern with vintage accents, yet perfectly matched to the entire theme. For those who have lost interest in going to a bar, I strongly suggest to try this place."
Union is open from 2 p.m.–2 a.m. daily.
Central Smoke
1305 E. Jefferson St.
Next up, Central Smoke is a new bar and smokehouse that offers up a unique mix of American Southwest, Asian and other globally inspired flavors.
On the menu, look for appetizers like oysters with kimchi, the fried artichoke with lapsang souchong tea, and the green papaya salad with tea-smoked chicken. The main dishes are primarily long-smoked meats (plus salmon) done Texas style, though even here, there are exotic notes: dried pineapple, roasted poblano peppers and green chutney.
Signature cocktails dominate the drinks menu. Consider the Smoked AF OF, made from bourbon, smoked simple syrup, orange bitters and angostura bitters, served on a smoked rock.
With a 3.5-star rating out of 11 reviews on Yelp, Central Smoke is still finding its way, but it's early days.
Yelper Tina N., who reviewed the restaurant on July 7, wrote, "Everything is delicious. Staff was attentive, knowledgeable and thoughtful. I love the lights strung across the top and the colorful panels inside the restaurant."
Scott B. noted, "Cocktails are fantastic. Service was very good, and the patio is really nice. I feel shortchanged that my beef rib had maybe 5 ounces of beef on it at most when I see another review that shows a pic of a double-boned rib, but then again it wasn't that great anyway."
Central Smoke is open from 4 p.m.–midnight on Monday-Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
Kin Dee
2301 E. Madison St.
Kin Dee is a new Thai restaurant with a focus on street food. There's pad Thai and other favorites like panang curry, Thai chicken rice and kao kra pao, a spicy basil stir-fry with minced meat.
Other menu offerings include tom yum and duck noodle soups and vegetarian options like fried tofu, fresh spring rolls and vegetable gyoza. Finish off your meal with a Thai iced tea.
With a 4.5-star rating out of 29 reviews on Yelp, Kin Dee has been getting positive attention.
Yelper CJ B., who reviewed the eatery July 2, wrote, "A tantalizing aroma greeted us as we walked into this small, friendly, stylish new Thai restaurant. We ordered fresh rolls, mushroom larb and hot basil with chicken. All were tasty and different from other Thai in Seattle."
Kin Dee is open from noon–9 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and noon–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Monday.)
Raised Doughnuts
1101 23rd Ave.
Raised Doughnuts makes the sweet, doughy confections with seasonal ingredients and has a rotating schedule of flavors. There have been lychee, peach fritter, matcha mochi and blueberry basil flavored rings, for example. It also serves up classic apple fritters, maple bars and glazed doughnuts.
There are no espresso drinks, but you can pair your doughnut with drip coffee from three local roasters.
Raised Doughnuts currently holds four stars out of 28 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Leah F., who reviewed the shop on Aug. 8, wrote, "The texture and flavors are so well executed. Every bit of flavor was well picked up. The doughnuts had such a soft light consistency, like biting into a soft cloud."
Eugenia L. noted, "The doughnuts are great, they're light, not greasy, and have a great chewy texture. I could definitely see myself eating a dozen of these by myself."
Raised Doughnuts is open from 7 a.m.–2 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on weekends. (It's closed on Wednesday.)
Mr. Saigon Banh Mi
734 12th Ave.
Finally, Mr. Saigon Banh Mi offers its Vietnamese sandwiches on housemade baguettes along with iced coffee, bubble tea and beer. It's located in the space formerly occupied by University Market & Deli.
The short menu has both classic banh mi (pate, head cheese and other sliced meats, or grilled pork) and modern versions stuffed with grilled chicken or tofu. The sandwiches are topped with pickled carrots, daikon, cilantro, cucumber and jalapeños, plus hoisin, Sriracha or a five-spice sauce.
Yelpers are generally positive about Mr Saigon Banh Mi, which currently holds four stars out of 33 reviews on the site.
Tuan V., who reviewed it on July 7, wrote, "I'm Vietnamese and I approve of these banh mis. Bread is on point with just enough crunch and fluff. Generous and flavorful fillings."
Yelper Trisha F. noted, "The space is large and clean with lots of seating, and I like the window where you can see people making the food fresh. Their spring rolls are delicious and peanut sauce is great."
Mr. Saigon Banh Mi is open from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday.
