5 Spot, Seattle

Sample Menu

• Morning: Five-Spot breakfast—two eggs any style with hash browns, toast, and a choice of meat
• Afternoon: Memphis Blues smoky barbecue pork sandwich
• Evening: cheddar-scallion waffle and a fried chicken breast, served with bacon-braised collards
• Drink: Oreo milk shake made with Olympic Mountain Ice Cream

When to Go: Come by during happy hours (Monday–Friday) for discounted food and drinks. In addition to the standard 3 p.m.–6 p.m. slot, 5 Spot also offers happy hour deals from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 10 p.m. until close. Come in the afternoon or late-night for $4 mac & cheese, $3 well cocktails and draft beers, and $5 bartender’s choice cocktails, among other eats and drinks.

The Menu: 5 Spot is a chameleon of cuisine, with its chefs changing much of the menu every three months. The reason? To highlight different regions and their foods, such as the creole of Bourbon Street or the barbecue of Texas. Don’t be afraid to fall in love with a dish, though. The restaurant has five permanent menu sections: Pacific Northwest, New England, Southwest, South of the Mason Dixon, and Meat and Potatoes.

The Vibe: In many ways, 5 Spot embodies the quintessential diner, with booths, tables, and a counter that stretches from the kitchen down to the bar. The rest of the decor changes with the menu. For example, a giant cowboy hat might hang from the ceiling if Texan food is on the menu.

Press and Praise

• Rachael Ray profiled the diner on her Food Network show, Rachel’s Vacation.
• Seattle Met listed this as one of their editor’s picks, writing “It's all down-home real-good.”
• Seattle Weekly critic Nicole Sprinkle said, “depending on which part of the country they’re serving up, dessert can be a real winner.”

Inside Tip: Diners with dietary restrictions can order from a separate, gluten-free menu.

While You’re in the Neighborhood
Before: Pick up a classic tome from Mercer Street Books (7 Mercer Street).
After: Browse puzzles and niche board games at Blue Highway Games (2203 Queen Anne Avenue N).

If You Can’t Make It, Try This: Eat bacon and eggs past midnight at Mecca Cafe (526 Queen Anne Avenue N).