Northeast 55th St, Ravenna / Bryant

If you are looking to avoid the hectic pace and crowds of the University District, a short jaunt up to NE 55th Street is a great quiet reprieve from the mayhem. Housing great little restaurants, it can be a welcoming place to stop and enjoy a bit of quiet peace in the area. Of particular note is Nan's Soup House, which serves a huge variety of homemade soups, micro-brews, and hosts music regularly. The winter hours can be frustrating at times (not being open on Sundays!,) but nothing beats back Seattle's cover of gray quite like a bowl of soup with a cornbread muffin. Also, the nightlife at The Duchess will bring you back to your college days. If you are looking for a better place to catch a Huskies game, you will not beat the place. Also of note is the Sandpoint Metropolitan Market at the base of 55th. It is a great grocery store with made-to-order food available all day.