Photo Credit: gotime.com

Seattle is one of the best places to be if you don’t have  a lot of cash, but you want something better than what you’ll find on the value meal at the Golden Arches.

Like most large cities, Seattle is a cultural melting pop with a smorgasbord of food options. From Thai and India to Spanish and Portuguese, the city has something to match your taste buds – and it usually is pretty affordable.

Here are a few of our favorite cheap eats:

Aladdin Gyro-cery – A favorite of University of Washington students, this gyro/grocery stores offers what one Yelp reviewer called, “the best, greasy gyros in town.” Make sure to bring some cash because they won’t take your plastic.

Samir’s – Another Mediterranean favorite in the Great Northwest. Beloved for his falafels, proprietor Samir wins over customers with great food for a cheap price and a big smile.

The Matador – Not only is this place one of the best bars in Seattle, the nachos during happy hour – piled high with black beans and guacamole – are a steal for $4.

Let me know some of your favorite cheap east in the Seattle area.

Last week, I gave you some tips on the best bars in Seattle. Did you think I was going to leave you hanging on the food?

Here are a few of my favorite spots in Seattle to grab a little grub:

Photo Credit: WordRidden on Flickr

Le Pichet - Probably the most authentic French brasserie experience in Seattle, although the newly-opened Bastille in Ballard is sure to give Le Pichet a run for its money.

Via Tribulani – For the “this-takes-me-back-to-my-trip-to-Naples” pizza experience. Wood-fired oven, Peroni on draught, and excellent Tiramisu.

Punjab Sweets – Located in Kent, this little hole-in-the-wall place located in a strip mall has the most authentic Indian food around and a huge selection of mithai (Indian sweets). If you’re used to Indian buffet lunches you’ll be thrown by the menu here because it’s not your everyday Americanized-Indian food. Food here is 100% vegetarian and they use quality ingredients which you can taste in every bite.

Anything missing from the list?

“Germy” sites? Whatever.

CNN.com reports today on “The 5 Germiest Tourist Attractions.” Must be a slow news day.

Photo Credit: brosner on Flickr

Here’s the list:

• Blarney Stone (Blarney Castle, Ireland) because about 400,000 people kissed it last year alone.
• Market Theater Gum Wall (Seattle) because it’s a wall of chewed gum.
• St. Mark’s Square (Venice, Italy) because pigeons crowd the air and cover the ground here and leave their mark (poop) wherever they please.
• Grauman’s Chinese Theater (L.A.) because people put their hands in the handprints of their favorite celebrities.
• Oscar Wilde’s Tomb (Paris) because of the massive amount of lipsticked kisses covering it.

Yea, you can see the point. But, really, is it a big deal? You probably pick up the same amount of germs using a public restroom, pushing a shopping cart at the grocery store or just by using weights at your gym. I’ve kissed the Blarney Stone and the germs didn’t kill me.

So, don’t let the thought of germs put a damper on your travel plans. Between the rain and scheduled cleanings of the above-mentioned, you’re okay.

Finding a good bar is pretty tough in most cities. You don’t want anything too stuffy where you can’t relax, but go to far down the dive bar latter and you’re night might be ruined.

Thankfully, Seattle is a pretty cool city. You’ll find a lot of options in all areas of the city to get a few adult beverages, but here are three of the best I’ve found:

One Satisfied Customer (Photo Credit: DiabolicPoleCat on Flickr)

King’s Hardware – Located on Ballard, this bar attracts a hipster crowd and it’s super-popular everynight of the week. Outdoor patio, $3 pints from 5pm-7pm, skee ball, and it’s connected to Rudy’s Barbershop so you can get your hair coiffed before and after pints of beer.

Matador – Popular with a bit more well-heeled crowd lookin’ for some fun, this place is all about ambiance. From the groovy lounge music to the fire pit and candles, this place rocks two happy hours daily and has an enviable selection of tequila. It’s located right on Ballard’s main drag (Market Street). Outdoor sidewalk seating is available and it’s the place in Ballard to see and be seen.

Hazelwood – Also located on Market Street, this is a funky little bar that oozes Parisian style. Comfy couches and low tables make up the seating area upstairs. Some nights there is a DJ spinning vinyl to keep the mood lively. The cocktails are good, the beer selection is small but reputable (Carta Blanca, Kronenbourg 1664, and Duvel among others), and there is also a small, outdoor seating area on the sidewalk. This is the perfect place to take your date.

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ED NOTE:

After posting we had a few suggestions on Twitter from @christinemedina – Copper Gate in Ballard, Black Bottle in Belltown, The Sitting Room in Lower Queen Anne