Westlake Ave, Belltown

I love Westlake Avenue for one reason and one reason only - Mistral Kitchen. Located at 2020 Westlake Avenue in downtown Seattle, this place is a trendy little restaurant that looks like something you would find in Manhattan. Complete with duct work along the ceiling and all of the modern amenities, Minstral Kitchen is one of the newer and instant Seattle hits in the area. Aside from the fine dining, Westlake Avenue is full of shops and lots and lots of cars. Traffic gets a little much even for an avid Seattle traffic buff like myself. For some reason the intersections are confusing in this area, especially if you don't live here and are unfamiliar with the area.

I've always had a fondness for Westlake Ave. Maybe because it breaks out of the grid pattern. Maybe it's because there are odd little shops and businesses to be found along it. Maybe it's because it still soldiers on despite efforts to prettify the South Lake Union area beyond recognition. It's a great driving route north out of downtown and the new streetcar might just bring some foot traffic back to the area.