By Administrator Seattleites know great food, but sometimes you just need a fantastic meal without the fuss. Juggling busy lives, unpredictable weather, and a craving for culinary excellence often leads us to seek out the best takeout food in Seattle. Fortunately, this city is a takeout paradise, boasting an incredible array of cuisines and restaurants perfectly suited for satisfying your hunger at home, in the park, or wherever your adventures take you. From fresh seafood to comforting Asian dishes and gourmet pizzas, Seattle’s takeout scene is vibrant, diverse, and constantly evolving. We’re seeing a continued emphasis on online ordering, sustainable packaging, and innovative menu offerings tailored for the takeout experience. Discover some must-try places that make it easy to enjoy a delicious meal on the go.
Seattle offers a diverse range of exceptional takeout options, from casual eats to elevated dining, making it easy to enjoy a delicious meal at home or on the go.
What Makes Excellent Takeout?
Before diving into our recommendations, let’s define what makes truly outstanding takeout. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about a seamless experience that begins with ordering and ends with a satisfying meal. Several factors contribute to an exceptional takeout experience. Firstly, the quality of the food is paramount. The dishes must be prepared with the same care and attention to detail as if you were dining in. Secondly, appropriate packaging is essential. No one wants a soggy burger or a spilled soup. Restaurants that invest in quality, leak-proof, and sometimes even eco-friendly containers earn major points. Ease of ordering, whether through a user-friendly website, a dedicated app, or a quick phone call, is also crucial. Finally, speed of service, accurate order fulfillment, and overall value for money contribute to a positive impression. Restaurants that consistently deliver on these aspects are the ones that rise to the top in Seattle’s competitive takeout landscape. Finally, a restaurant’s commitment to supporting the local community makes it the best choice.
Seafood Takeout Delights
Seattle is synonymous with seafood, and thankfully, many excellent seafood restaurants offer fantastic takeout options. When that craving for the bounty of the Puget Sound hits, there are some top contenders for the best takeout food.
Ivar’s Acres of Clams
A Seattle institution, Ivar’s is a reliable choice for classic fish and chips, creamy clam chowder, and other seafood staples. Their multiple locations make them incredibly accessible, and their efficient takeout system ensures your order is ready quickly. For a quintessential Seattle experience, order the classic fish and chips with a side of chowder. Takeout ordering tips: check their website for online ordering to skip the line, and ask for extra tartar sauce – you won’t regret it.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
This Ballard gem isn’t just for oyster bar aficionados. While dining in is a treat, their curated selection of fresh oysters is also available for takeout. They expertly package the oysters to maintain their freshness and temperature, allowing you to enjoy a taste of the ocean at home. Specific menu items to order: a half-dozen assorted oysters is a must, along with their delicious bread and butter. Takeout ordering tips: call ahead to place your order, especially during peak hours, and be sure to specify your preferred oyster selection.
Asian Cuisine Takeout Treasures
Seattle’s diverse population is reflected in its vibrant Asian food scene. From delicate dumplings to flavorful noodle soups, the city offers a wealth of options for Asian-inspired takeout. Finding the best takeout food in this category is a true adventure.
Din Tai Fung
This internationally renowned dumpling house is a Seattle favorite, and their takeout service is as meticulously executed as their dine-in experience. Their xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are a must-try, and they are carefully packaged to prevent leaks. Specific menu items to order: besides the xiao long bao, the noodles with spicy sesame and peanut sauce are another popular choice. Takeout ordering tips: expect a wait, especially on weekends. Pre-ordering online is highly recommended.
Pho Bac Sup Shop
For comforting and soul-satisfying pho, Pho Bac Sup Shop is a go-to destination. Their rich and flavorful broth is the star of the show, and they pack the noodles, broth, and toppings separately to ensure optimal freshness. Specific menu items to order: the classic pho tai is always a winner, but don’t be afraid to explore their other pho variations. Takeout ordering tips: this is a popular spot, so calling ahead to place your order is a smart move.
Pizza Takeout Perfection
Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like a perfect slice of pizza. Seattle has no shortage of pizza joints, but these establishments consistently deliver exceptional takeout pies. When you crave the best takeout food and pizza is the only option, these are can’t-miss spots.
Serious Pie
Tom Douglas’s Serious Pie is known for its wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings and a perfectly charred crust. Their pizzas travel well, and their takeout service is efficient. Specific menu items to order: the sweet fennel sausage pizza is a crowd-pleaser, but don’t hesitate to try their seasonal specials. Takeout ordering tips: ordering online is the easiest way to get your pizza fix.
Via Tribunali
For authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, Via Tribunali is the place to go. Their pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning oven and feature simple, high-quality ingredients. The speed of their service and the quality of their pizza combine to make it the best takeout food available. Specific menu items to order: the margherita pizza is a classic choice, but their diavola pizza is perfect for those who like a little heat. Takeout ordering tips: they offer takeout from all of their locations, so find the one closest to you.
Burger and Sandwich Takeout Bliss
For a quick and satisfying meal, burgers and sandwiches are always a reliable option. Seattle offers a range of burger joints and sandwich shops that excel at takeout. In terms of the best takeout food available, these options deliver.
Dick’s Drive-In
A Seattle institution, Dick’s Drive-In is famous for its affordable and classic burgers. Their simple menu and efficient service make them a perfect choice for a quick and easy takeout meal. Specific menu items to order: the Dick’s Deluxe is a must-try, along with their fries and a milkshake. Takeout ordering tips: be prepared for a line, especially during peak hours.
Un Bien
This unassuming sandwich shop serves up some of the most incredible Cuban sandwiches in the city. Their flavorful pork, crunchy bread, and tangy mojo sauce are a winning combination. Specific menu items to order: the El Cubano is a must-try, but their other sandwiches are equally delicious. Takeout ordering tips: be prepared for a messy but delicious experience.
A Seattle Takeout Original
Sometimes, the best takeout food is something truly unique to Seattle, a local favorite that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Salumi
This Pioneer Square institution is renowned for its handcrafted cured meats and delicious sandwiches. Their salamis and sandwiches are perfect for a picnic or a quick lunch. Specific menu items to order: the salumi plate is a great way to sample their various meats, and the porchetta sandwich is a must-try. Takeout ordering tips: expect a line, especially during lunchtime.
Tips for Seattle Takeout Success
Navigating Seattle’s takeout scene can be overwhelming, but these tips will help you make the most of your experience.
Utilize Ordering Apps: Take advantage of popular ordering apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub for convenient delivery. Many restaurants also offer their own dedicated apps for seamless ordering.
Seek Out Deals and Promotions: Regularly check restaurant websites and social media pages for special deals, discounts, and promotions.
Minimize Delivery Fees: Consider picking up your order yourself to avoid delivery fees. Many restaurants offer curbside pickup for added convenience.
Embrace Sustainability: Support restaurants that use eco-friendly packaging and consider bringing your own reusable containers whenever possible.
Factor in Proximity: Choose restaurants close to your location to ensure your food arrives hot and fresh.
Final Thoughts on Seattle Takeout
Seattle’s takeout scene is a testament to the city’s diverse culinary landscape and its residents’ appreciation for quality food. With countless options to choose from, finding the perfect takeout meal is an adventure in itself. From fresh seafood to comforting Asian dishes and gourmet pizzas, Seattle offers something for every taste and craving. So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious and convenient meal, explore the incredible takeout options this city has to offer. Support local restaurants, savor the flavors of Seattle, and enjoy the best takeout food the city has to offer. What are your favorite takeout spots in Seattle? Share your recommendations and let’s continue to explore this delicious world together!
