Phinney Ridge
47.6760° N, 122.3544° W
Welcome to Phinney Ridge
Living in Phinney Ridge offers a wonderful blend of urban energy and residential charm, making it one of Seattle’s most inviting neighborhoods. With just over 10,000 residents, this friendly, walkable community feels close-knit while offering stunning views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Many residents enjoy the easy access to outdoor spaces like Woodland Park and Green Lake, perfect for jogging, picnicking, boating, or walking your dog. It’s a place where neighbors greet each other on morning walks and community spirit thrives.
Phinney Ridge also delivers a lively urban experience, especially along Greenwood Avenue, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a casual bite to eat. Grab a burger at Red Mill Burgers, hailed as “One of the 20 Burgers You Must Eat Before You Die” by Oprah and GQ, or savor a hearty jambalaya at 74th Ale House. For something sweet (or savory), A la Mode Pies offers melt-in-your-mouth delights and even pie-making classes—don’t miss the Bourbon Butterscotch pie!
Whether you’re taking in the neighborhood views, enjoying local eats, or exploring the nearby parks and trails, Phinney Ridge strikes the perfect balance between peaceful residential living and vibrant city life. It’s a neighborhood that feels like home from the moment you arrive.
Walk Score: 81
Things to Do: Phinney Ridge
Critters
The Woodland Park Zoo is a fantastic destination for a fun and educational afternoon. Wander through immersive exhibits like Tropical Asia, Northern Trail, and the African Savanna, and get up close with a fascinating array of animals from around the world. Beyond the exhibits, the zoo saves wildlife and inspires everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives through its Living Northwest program, helping protect native species and their habitats.
Fresh
The Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Association is the heart of the community, hosting seasonal Friday farmers markets, classes, festivals, and a playground. The Phinney Farmers Market is a lively spot where kids burn off energy on the playground while parents browse fresh local produce, tasty food, and enjoy live music. From zucchini races down the slide to neighborhood gatherings, it’s a fun, family-friendly hub for the Phinney Ridge community.
Delish
Phinney Ridge is a sweet tooth’s paradise! Stop by Nutty Squirrel Gelato for rich, creamy flavors made with high-quality ingredients, or head to Bluebird Ice Cream for small-batch ice cream paired with nano-brewed craft sodas and beers. Don’t miss Sweet Bakery Dessert and Cake Shop, where the indulgent Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake is a local favorite. Whether you’re craving gelato, ice cream, or decadent pastries, Phinney Ridge offers plenty of treats to satisfy every craving.
Best Friends
Phinney Ridge is full of friendly neighborhood hangouts, and two local favorites stand out. Sully’s Snowgoose Saloon offers cozy chalet-style charm, live music, and a laid-back, dog-friendly vibe that makes everyone feel like a regular. Just down the street, Phinney Station brings a lively, community-focused energy with its Korexican fusion food cart, heated rooftop deck, and spacious patio. It’s a true gathering place where the whole neighborhood comes together.
hidden Gem
A hidden gem in Phinney Ridge is the Woodland Park Rose Garden, a tiny jewel tucked within the city’s beloved outdoor playground. Woodland Park itself is a hub of activity, featuring trails, tennis courts, a bocce court, picnic shelters, a skate park, ball fields, and a dog park. In the fall, the rare Seattle larch near the 50th Street tennis courts turns a brilliant gold, and in winter, the hill by the zoo becomes a favorite sledding spot whenever Seattle gets a dusting of snow.
Start the Day
Start your day in Phinney Ridge with a perfect cup of coffee and a little indulgence. Herkimer Coffee serves expertly crafted coffee that’s ideal for fueling your morning adventures. Pair it with a fresh pastry from Fresh Flours Bakery for a sweet start, or stop by Preserve & Gather to try their creamy yogurt topped with apricot-vanilla bean compote and pick up a jar of their house-made preserves to take a taste of the neighborhood home with you.
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Living Here: A Neighborhood Snapshot
Seattle’s neighborhoods are unusually distinct and character rich because Seattle isn’t one city — it’s like a constellation of small towns that just happen to be next to each other… each with its own micro culture, its own tempo, its own aesthetic language. Coffee, pubs, bakeries, boutiques, bookstores are very neighborhood specific and beloved here. People belong to their café. Their bakery. And the architecture makes it even better — old craftsman, mid-century, modern, industrial conversions, Victorian leftovers, Scandinavian touches. Porches, gardens, hidden alleys, random staircases… it all creates this lived-in story everywhere you walk.
