Judkins Street Cafe, Seattle

Judkins Street Cafe makes a mean meatloaf. The mix of Painted Hills beef, pork, and veggies abides by a simple philosophy: comfort food done clean and neat. After sampling a meatloaf sandwich for lunch, The Stranger voiced its appreciation for the simple style, deeming the cafe a collage of small-town cooking and urban sensibility. All of its meals—breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner—seem to fit this delicious mold, from the shrimp and grits to the shepherd's pie.

With only 10 or so tables in the dining room, the cafe creates a familial vibe. Its love of community is reflected in its menus as well—they incorporate local and handmade food whenever possible. The chef caters to vegetarians with black-bean quinoa burgers. Other items make creative use of meat, such as brunch chorizo scrambles and green-chile chicken stew. As for entertainment, barbecues and live jazz shows add to the down-home atmosphere on weekends.