We're gearing up for all of you to land in Seattle for MozCon! It's just around the corner, July 14-16th, and as we do every year, we want to make sure you have a great time and get a chance to explore our city. (Or to just find a tasty place for dinner after a long day of learning.)
If you haven't bought your ticket for MozCon, do it now! We're quickly selling the last few tickets, and are over 93+% sold out. Buy your ticket today, and sign up for a 30-day free trial to get your Moz Subscriber best deal. (If you cancel because Moz Pro isn't for you, we'll see you at MozCon regardless.)
What is your quintessential Seattle place?
This year, we asked Mozzers to name their quintessential Seattle place. They came up with a bunch of favorites, from breakfast spots to parks and more. Here's what they had to say:
Dick's Drive-In Resturants
"Delicious hamburgers and fries. It's cash only, and there's almost always a line. How Seattle."
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Joel Day
Quinn's Pub
"The best burger north of
Father's Office in Santa Monica and always a solid taplist."
- David Mihm
Editor's note: Quinn's Pub is also on our MozCrawl agenda.
The Market Theater Gum Wall
"I'm based in Mozlandia, and I love coming to Seattle and experiencing this great city. Gum wall is a truly gross tourist trap—actually, careful, you could indeed get trapped—and in the heart of tourism central, Pike Place Market. Still there's a charm to such an offbeat (though heavily touristed) spot."
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Peter Bray
Pie Bar
"Pie Bar = pie + booze. An array of whiskies. Local and craft beers on tap. Fresh pies, both savory and sweet, made daily. If they would let me move in, I'd just live there."
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Jess Stipe
Black Bottle
"Ah-mazing food! Not bad for happy hour. Broccoli blasted - need I say more?"
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Stefanie Riehle
Petit Toulouse
"Petit Toulouse in Queen Anne is the quintessential Seattle favorite when it comes to Cajun/Creole food. Petit Toulouse does not fail to impress every time I have been there. The atmosphere is superb and the food is out of this world. Additionally, I would recommend the buttermilk beignets after a good meal."
La Bete
"I feel like it is the secret Cap Hill restaurant that only the neighborhood tends to frequent. The service is always great; the ambiance is always perfect for whatever occasion you are celebrating (romance, friendship, new boots, hunger); and it's a great place to sit at the bar, order a great glass of wine, and read by yourself. It's just good."
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Leah C. Tyler
Serious Pie
"This is the best pizza in the whole city. The community-style tables make for great conversation with strangers next to you. Great food, good beers. So fun."
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Nicelle Herron
Belltown Pizza
"If you're looking for pizza and are not into the odd California-style pizzas, this place has the best New York-style pizza in Seattle. Right off downtown, it's the first pizza joint I found in Seattle and is still the best IMHO."
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Phil Hildebrand
Kayaking on Lake Union
"You really get a feel for the Seattle landscape. Seeing the Space Needle, Gas Works Park, floating homes, wooden boats...all from a kayak on the water. Nothing better."
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Jackie Immel
Revel
"Some of the best food and drinks you'll find in the city (and that's saying a lot), and their patio in the summer is amazing."
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Rand Fishkin
Ballard Locks
"It's great to hang out in the sun and watch the boats go through the locks, plus the fish ladder is fun and free! The added bonus is that you're in Ballard so there are about fifty awesome breweries and bars at your fingertips."
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Jamie Seefurth
World Spice Market
"The proprietor here makes her own blends of spices, and everything is freshly ground or grind-at-home. Best spices. Try the Advieh - yum!"
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Lisa Wildwood
Roux
"Matt Lewis of the Where Ya At Matt? food truck started a brick and mortar restaurant, and it is good. Very good. With a updated French Creole menu, he has taken it to the next level, and we locals love it. Keep in mind, it's a bit of a trek from downtown, but there is plenty to explore throughout the rest of Fremont making it well worth the trip."
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Ben Simpson
Pier 66
"You can see the Space Needle, Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier (on a clear day), and the Great Wheel. Such an amazing view!"
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Chiaryn Miranda
Staple & Fancy
"Fresh ingredients, dishes perfectly made, and an amazing chef's choice option."
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Megan Singley
Biscuit Bitch at Caffe Lieto
"Whether you need a pick-me-up in the morning or after some late night fun, Biscuit Bitch serves delicious Southern-style, with unique Seattle flare, biscuits and all the toppings you could want. I love their Bitchwitch sandwich. Just be prepared to eat it with a fork. They also have gluten-free options. Also make sure to use your favorite location check-in service and get a free sticker."
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Erica McGillivray
Looking for more options? Don't miss our mega post from last year, Rand's personal recommendations, and Jon Colman's Seattle coffee guide.
What's new in Seattle?
Seattle's Waterfront, photo by Rachel Sarai, creative commons licensed
We're always discovering new places to eat and enjoy in Seattle, and here are few that have opened up since last year's MozCon:
Bars
Restaurants
Hanging out in Seattle longer than just for MozCon?
There are tons of great Seattle events happening around MozCon. Here are a few, plus some special deals just for MozCon attendees.
Want to see the MozPlex for yourself? We have office tours!
Come visit the MozPlex and see where all the Moz magic happens. Plus, you'll get some fun swag.
Looking for a meetup? Dana Tan has organized a list of meetups around MozCon.
Meet not only fellow marketers around MozCon, but those with similar interests and passions to you.
Soccer fan? See the Sounders FC vs. Portland Timbers
The Pacific Northwest's biggest rivalry is on Sunday, July 13th at 7:00 p.m. Get Low-Upper Deck seats (normally $25) for $18. Make sure to join our MozCon Facebook Group and make plans to see the game with other MozCon attendees.
More of a baseball fan? See the A's vs. Mariners on Sunday, July 13th at 1:10 p.m.
With the link above, get a special discount on Main Level tickets: normally $43-48 and now $25, just for you!
Need a ride around town? Uber has some Seattle deals.
All UberX rides are 25% off for the summer, and if you're a first time Uber customer, use the code SEAMOZ14 and get up to $30 off your first ride. Code expires 7/30/14.
Want to see some local music? Don't miss GeekGirlCon's annual concert, featuring local nerdcore acts, Sunday, July 13th at 6:30pm.
Come out an support a Settle nonprofit and enjoy the nerdcore rap of Shubzilla, DJ K91, NY artist Sammus, local trio Death*Star, and Jonny Nero Action Hero, who mixes beats with his Nintendo gaming systems.
Love to run? Run or Dye 5k is Saturday, July 12th in nearby Lake Stevens.
You can even run with fellow attendees as Dana Tan's organizing a group to run and have some fun.
Interested in exploring some of Seattle's neighborhoods and cultural celebrations?
- Seattle's Chinatown-ID Dragon Fest 2014, Saturday and Sunday, July 12th and 13th
- 40th Annual Ballard SeafoodFest, Saturday and Sunday, July 12th and 13th
- Wedgwood Art Festival, Saturday and Sunday, July 12th and 13th
- West Seattle Summer Fest, Friday through Sunday, July 11-13th
- Polish Festival Seattle, Saturday, July 12th
- Bastille Bash, Saturday, July 12th
- Georgetown Garden Walk, Sunday, July 13th
- White Center Jubilee Days Street Fair, Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20th
Can't get enough beer? Head over to the peninsula for Bremerton Summer BrewFest, Saturday, July 12th.
No one loves beer more than the Pacific Northwest (okay, maybe Bavaria...), and if you're looking for local brews, this is your best bet.
Wish to experience Etsy offline? Go to Urban Craft Uprising, Seattle's largest indie craft show, for their summer edition, Saturday and Sunday, July 12th and 13th.
Shop local and find the perfect Seattle gift to bring home for your loved ones or yourself.
A foodie and staying after MozCon? The Bite of Seattle, the Northwest's premier food festival, is Friday through Sunday, July 18-20th.
It's a great way to try out a ton of different restaurants from around the area. I'm sure a few are on our must-eat lists.
Who doesn't love local 4-H fairs? The King County Fair is Thursday through Sunday, July 17-20th in nearby Enumclaw.
Check out the mutton busting, 4-H exhibits, fried food, and the rides.
Hope you can find some fun and time to explore Seattle. Don't forget to buy your MozCon ticket before we sell out!
This is a tremendous list, which I will be using as my sole guide book to Seattle for MozCon 2014. I've already sent it to my kindle and will be reading it throughout the long flight over. Many thanks Moz team for putting this together!
The one concern/criticism that I do have, however, is the omission of Paseo sandwiches in Fremont and Ballard - https://www.paseoseattle.com/. (which was mentioned last year)
My first time in Seattle was for MozCon last year. I hadn't been before, and to be honest, I didn't know what to expect. After the spectacular experience that was MozCon 2013, I stayed for a few extra days to do touristy things in the city with my dear friend and colleague Lara Petersburg.
On a hungover Saturday following the conference week, Lara suggested to me that we go to a good sandwich place in Fremont for lunch and also see the Fremont troll (which is fantastic BTW). The first great thing about Paseo is that you can order in advance and thereby beat a queue normally lasting anywhere between 2 and 3 miles in length. As a Brit, I do obviously love queuing, but that was a bit much for me.
After having got the sandwich (The number 2, Caribbean Roast), Lara and I sat down in her yard to eat it. I was hungover, which may have had an impact on my emotional well being that day, but nevertheless, what came next was nothing short of a spiritual revelation. While I am a passionate guy, I am not someone prone to openly weeping in the street, yet that is exactly what happened when I took my first bite of the crunchy bread containing mountains of cilantro and a slab of the most tender pork I have ever tried, marinated in what I can only assume are the tears of aphrodite.
After only one bite, I suddenly knew what Joey Tribbiani was thinking when he tried to save a sandwich from being shot in that episode of Friends. I realised then that I would be willing to risk my life to save a sandwich.
Lol. You crack me up. Moment of truth: I've never actually been there -- though many other Mozzers rave about them -- and sadly, I can't actually eat any of their sandwiches. :(
The Fremont Troll was my second choice of place. I took my stepdad and mom there last time they visited, and both of them freaked out and were instant fans.
What's more american than eating a sandwich outside and thinking about Joey from 'Friends'? I'm pretty sure you just passed a citizenship test whether you wanted to or not.
One of the mozzers took me to this fine sandwhich last year, and yes, it was one of the greatest sandwiches of my life.
Not just the greatest sandwich of my life, I think it would be no exaggeration at all to suggest that Paseo fundamentally changed my outlook on life.
Eating the sandwich was an epiphany, and I believe firmly that the both shops should be declared sites of sacred importance.
For those that haven't been to Seattle yet, wear comfy shoes! Lots of walking and hills - up, down, up, down...sometimes sideways ;)
Now that's a quintessential tip!
I know a lot of people look for a great craft beer experience while they're here. I'd strongly recommend hitting up a few of the breweries in Ballard and Fremont; Reuben's Brews, Stoup Brewing, Populuxe Brewing, and Fremont Brewing are all within a 10-15 minute walk of each other (a short bus ride from MozCon), and have samplers of great Northwest brews. If you're looking for sheer selection, head to Fremont and hit Brouwer's and The Sixgill. The frites at Brouwer's are not to be missed. =)
Ok, I arrive Saturday 12th and leave Saturday 19th. I think that gives me a reasonable enough amount of time to go about tackling some of these recommendations.
And thanks, Melissa, for the footwear tip. Hills, I can do... hills in heels, less so!! ;-)
This is an awesome post, a great example of taking care of your community over and above the call of duty as they say. Have a great time folks, hopefully will join some time in future... :)
Awww. Thanks! Hopefully you'll be able to come to MozCon someday. We'll have a super sale on a limited number of 2015 tickets starting the first day of MozCon, so keep an eye out. :)
I always recommend Sunfish on Alki Ave. Best Halibut fish and chips I've had and a spectacular view of Puget Sound.
Going to Alki Beach is always amazing. And you can take the watertaxi over from downtown.
Moz Con going great. Really liked every post shared in this regard.
If only there was a great coffee chain I could visit while I'm up there.... :)
No, no, no. You only go there when you're *not* in Seattle. ;)
I actually love the one at 4th and Pine ...not for the coffee, but for the people watching!
Such fun watching the locals just "being Seattle" and then there are the crazy tourists coming and going on the party tour bus that pulls up alongside. Only problem is it's not very productive if you're seriously trying to work ;-)
Am I missing something here, besides there being presumably a local Starbucks? Still would visit!
Point taken! :)
Uptown Espresso is delicious coffee indeed. I recommend.
Had some seriously good food at Sitka & Spruce on Melrose Ave earlier this year. Farther afield, Delancy in Ballard was worth the wait. Reminded me of one of our favorite pizza places back home.
Thanks for the tip on the Sounders game. Looking forward to catching that Sunday night.
MOZcon sounds awesome! How many usually attend these events?
We had 1,326 attendees, plus 150 or so staffers. We sold out this year, and we expect to next year. MozCon 2015 tickets are already on sale for our best deal.
Just wanted to add that they will check your luggage at Safeco Field for Mariners games. Did that last time when I wanted to take the train to the game and then straight to the airport (all for $2.75!).
Also, surprised The Skillet at Seattle Center wasn't mentioned. Possibly the best Southern-fried chicken sandwich I've ever had -- and I'm from the South!
Thanks for tip about Safeco and luggage!
For a great cup of Joe CoffeeWorks is a great spot to check out for sure although there is a ton of other places to get your bean on they do rock and are right next to the entrance to the Public Market Center at Pikes.
I really need to head over for one of these. Think I could learn a lot. I'm mostly looking after a local Gold Coast Bond Cleaners business at the moment, I know I could learn a lot from mozcon. Would love to drop in to Radiator Whisky too, I'm a big fan of a decent scotch :)
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This is such a great resource, thanks! I'll get into town on Friday [can't make the Mozplex tours :( ] but I'll have to check some of these out.
For us music fans, are there any other great local venues or bands to check out while in town? Besides the GeekGirlConcert event you mentioned, I mean. Thanks again!
What kind of music are you after? We've got all sorts here.
If you're staying a little after Mozcon ends, The Crystal Method is playing Friday 7/18 at Foundation Nightclub, which is a heavy EDM venue with an amazing sound system but a very young & dumb crowd. Hahaha.
On the same night, Modest Mouse is playing a show at Showbox At The Market.
Also on the same night, OK Go! is playing a show at Neumos.
Q Nightclub generally has good stuff going on Wednesday nights, but I don't know what's going on that Wednesday night in particular. Different types of EDM DJs usually.
Tori Amos is playing at the Paramount the Thursday after MozCon. And I'll let cooler people add other musicians. ;)
Hey thanks Erica! I've been looking for something like this actually. (Still need to get my tickets yikes) Also feel like you took a page out of Rands "targeting your audience earlier..." See you in Seattle!
Nice One