Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood is a mix of drooping houses and decades-old trees only a few blocks from some of the tastiest restaurants in the city.  Housing fewer apartment complexes than the rest of the city, Wallingford looks like a sleepy suburb with the kind of grubby and worn-in businesses suburb dwellers can only replicate.  Downtown is visible from the hilly spots in the neighborhood, but Wallingford almost feels like a small town within itself, with everything anyone needs—drug stores, clothing shops, grocery stores and restaurants—easily within walking distance. 

Here are some of the highlights of Seattle’s best small town:

--John Noble Wallingford.  The neighborhood was named after this landowner and real estate speculator who died in 1913.  It isn’t too surprising that Wallingford got a neighborhood for his troubles—he owned nearly everything in the neighborhood named after him all the way to Green Lake.

--Twin Guild 45^th Movie Theaters. The Twin Guild theaters show some of the best cinema from around the world, but it’s not so obscure that you’ll leave filling uneducated and in need of a fancy cocktail.  But if you’re in need of a humble pint because the movie was so sad, there’s an Irish pub right across the street. 

--Dick’s Drive-In.  This is the original Dick’s, built in 1954. A bit better than McDonald’s, but still extremely similar (don’t kill me, Seattle), Dick’s burger is a flattened patty between two halves of a flattened bun.  Dick’s tartar sauce makes all the difference, drunk or not.    

--Rancho Bravo. I stupidly tried to get a burrito at Rancho Bravo for Cinco de Mayo, but my quest was unceremoniously thwarted by a line all the way down the street.  The burritos are to kill for, though, because they are cheap and offer beef tongue for the same price as chicken.  I would recommend the Bravo Burrito because it includes a wealth of cilantro and sour cream. 

--Gas Works Park. Restoring the remnants of an old gas plant that hulks rusted and red throughout the park, Gas Works is the part-of-the-city park in Seattle. The hill in Gas Works affords one of the best views of Lake Union with downtown rising behind it.  People grill out, walk their dogs and fly kites all year round.

--Kozue. This sushi joint is pretty good and really cheap.  They have a great happy hour with sushi options for just a dollar and a nice patio to sit and people watch. 

--Trophy Cupcakes. This cupcake shop beats out Cupcake Royale in my humble opinion.  Offering more creative options, like margarita cupcakes, this tiny shop has tons of cupcake options, as well as fun toppers.  They don’t forget their roots, either—one of the best cupcakes at Trophy is simple vanilla. 

--Wide World Books & Maps. This travel store has one of the most interesting selections of books and maps I have ever seen.  From travel memoirs to the weirdest cuisine in every country, this store is perfect for will-be travelers or people who just want to read about leaving their living rooms. 

--Kate’s Pub. Kate’s is one of the only neighborhood pubs in the entire world still offering free pool. They also have a killer mac and cheese.