How to support Seattle food businesses during the coronavirus pandemic

We’re in the midst of a global pandemic due to COVID-19, and things are changing quickly.

For many of us here in Seattle, our daily routines have been flipped upside-down. Maybe you’re not hitting your local coffee shop every morning because you’re working from home, and perhaps there have been some restaurant reservations you’ve made the decision to cancel.

This is all completely understandable, as it’s the responsible thing to do if you’re unsure. If you do find yourself in need of some grub, we’re asking you to try to support local, as a little goes a really long way for small businesses in times like these.

• See also: 
  • City of Seattle using relief fund to help businesses affected by coronavirus
  • A Seattle restaurant is offering $9 take-and-heat bowls of food
  • Here’s what home offices look like during Seattle quarantine (PHOTOS)

There are a ton of bakeries, cafes, local grocery stores, and restaurants that are still open and ready to feed you. Here are some ways you can eat delicious things and support the local Seattle food and beverage scene.

Buy locally made food

 

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A post shared by Sea Wolf (@seawolfbakers) on Dec 23, 2018 at 1:22pm PST

The big-name stores might have the best stock of toilet paper and cleaning supplies, but when it comes to food, you’ve got more options on a local level. Support brands like artisan bakery Sea Wolf, where you can buy pepperoni, coffee, olive oil, and bread (which can be sliced and frozen for later), or La Pasta, where fresh pasta and sauces are plentiful. Markets like Pike Place Market and zero-waste Scoop Marketplace offer a ton of brands/goods from PNW producers and beyond as well.

There are also many options if you’re looking to stock up on local brews. Perhaps you won’t be spending your weekend brewery hopping as usual, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pop in and grab some to-go cans or bottles to support our craft breweries.

If you order delivery, make it local

 

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A post shared by Shelby (@shelbyfoodadventure) on Aug 8, 2018 at 11:32am PDT

It’s completely understandable if you aren’t rushing to sit down at a busy restaurant right now, but everyone’s gotta eat, and if you’re ordering in, consider supporting local businesses before big chains if you can.

DoorDash, Uber Eats, GrubHub, and Postmates all have a plethora of local spots on their roster right now, and we know a few restaurants that don’t normally offer takeout/delivery have started offering these services temporarily, such as addo and Canlis.

Keep in mind that if you’re feeling even slightly unwell, you should include a note to your delivery person to leave your grub outside your door as a courtesy to their health.

If you’re feeling 100%, hit up a neighborhood gem

 

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A post shared by The Moo Bar (@themoobarseattle) on Mar 4, 2020 at 12:10pm PST

Countless restaurants, bars, cafes, and bakeries have emailed/posted messages of reassurance to customers in Seattle. On top of increased cleaning and sanitizing, hospitality staff have been instructed to give guests ample space when being seated and when ordering.

In addition to this, in many restaurants tables have been spaced out accordingly, capacity is being limited, and menus, sauces, and utensils are being delivered when needed versus being left table-side.

If you are feeling healthy and do choose to eat out, it’s natural to be cautious, but we remind you to also be proud that you’re supporting a local business during an extremely stressful time in the community.

If you have a certain place in mind when heading out to dine, be sure to check out the spot’s social channels to ensure operating hours are normal.