When going away with just the boys rather than your girlfriend, the entire vacation itinerary changes—in fact, you probably don’t have an itinerary. But to make the most out a weekend in Seattle, here’s a breakdown of thing to include on your trip, so you don’t end up just in any old run of the mill pub for most of your visit.
Stay at the Ace Hotel
This is the original Ace Hotel. Located in a former Salvation Army, the digs are functional and well located, just a couple of blocks from downtown. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for affordable accommodations (cut costs by booking a room with a shared bathroom). Wifi is included and so are the DIY waffles and coffee in the kitchen found on the ground floor. There’s no spa, but you’re vacationing with the guys, after all, not your significant other.
Eat at Maximus Minimus
The distinctive pig-shaped Maximus Minimus food truck serves up some serious pulled pork. Order it “maximus”, that is hot and spicy, or “minimus”, which is sweet and tangy. Bonus: extra spice (or “hurt” as they call it) is free of charge. For non-pulled pork lovers, you can dig into a veg version, chicken or mac and cheese. Follow them on Twitter @somepigseattle to find out where the truck will be.
Drink at Quinn’s Pub
Quinn’s Pub has the comforting feel all pubs should have without being stereotypically pub-y. The warm space and friendly staff combined with the drink menu will make you want to stay put in your seat as you order just one more round. You’ll find 14 beers on tap, and a menu of cocktails with a focus on bourbon and whiskey. Balance your alcohol intake with some of the gastropub’s food—you can’t go wrong with the juicy and satisfying burger and fries.
Shop at TotokaeloMAN
TotokaeloMAN, a designer menswear boutique, is for the discerning stylish guys among you. The racks here are filled with the likes of Yohji Yamamoto, Rick Owens, APC and Maison Martin Margiela. Once you’re done here, pop in upstairs to Totokaelo and score major brownie points with your girlfriend by picking up something from Isabel Marant for her.
Visit EMP Museum
Indulge your inner rocker and sci-fi geek inside this fantastical Frank Gehry-designed building located by the Space Needle. Exhibits at EMP focus on rock – such as the work of Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and the women of rock ‘n’ roll—and fantasy and film. Geek out and snap photos of your fave music artist’s smashed up guitars or of props from your favourite sci-fi flick, and finish off your visit by rocking out in the Sound Lab by trying your hand at DJing or jam out in one of the soundproof rooms.
