Overview

Once a decaying stretch of soup kitchens, parking lots and warehouses, this northern half of downtown is now peppered with outposts of chic. Nightclubs like Crocodile Cafe and Sit 'n' Spin rival the noisy glory of Pioneer Square, and restaurants like Shiro's and Cascadia attract crowds of urban 30-somethings. Funky salons and furniture shops fill the old warehouses, and condo developments sprout over deserted lots. Also check out Speakeasy Cafe and 211 Billiard Club.