Urban Safari: Madison Park

At the foot of East Madison Street sits a tree-lined hub locals call “the village,” cherished for its family-friendly vibe and beautiful waterfront views of Lake Washington. Known for mainstays like the burgers at Bing’s, the beers at The Attic and the margaritas at Cactus, Madison Park now has a few newer spots worth heading down the hill for.

Eat and Drink
Open since April, The Independent Pizzeria (4235 E Madison St.; 206.860.6110; theindiepizzeria.com), headed by former Triage Wines rep Tom Siegel, features truly tasty New York–meets-Naples pizza pies in a small but cozy (and triangular) corner joint. Grab a slice of the Stevedore, made with Applegate Farms salami and local Mama Lil’s peppers, and wash it down with a cold local brew from one of four rotating taps. Taking over the much-loved Sostanza space is the brand-new Madison Park Conservatory (1927 43rd Ave. E; phone and website t.b.d at press time) helmed by former Tako Truk chefs Cormac Mahoney and Bryan Jarr. Celebrated for their adventurous cuisine (think octopus and chorizo tacos), these up-and-comers plan to make their mark at the two-story trattoria with its spectacular lakeside vistas. Just around the corner is bar and restaurant McGilvra’s (4234 E Madison St.; 206.325.0834), which opened last year. Named after 19th-century Madison Park land developer John McGilvra, this American- and Irish-inspired restaurant boasts hearty portions and authentic shepherd’s pie, all in full view of the lapping lake.

Play and Primp
Pop into Red Wagon Toys (4218-B E Madison St.; 206.453.5306; redwagonmadisonpark.com), locally owned by John Sheard of the neighboring Cookin’ cookware store, for books, toys and trinkets targeted toward young ones, before dashing across the street for a thrill ride on the zip line in the recently revamped Madison Park playground (maybe let the kids have a turn, too). In need of a pick-me-up? Pharmaca (4130 E Madison St.; 206.324.0701; pharmaca.com) has the cure, equipped with both traditional and alternative medicines, herbs, supplements (and two naturopaths on staff), plus quirky greeting cards, creative gifts and a well-stocked beauty counter. On days that demand some “me” time, sink into the soft leather chairs at Spa Jolie (4114 E Madison St.; 206.323.9298; spajolieseattle.com) for an affordable manicure, pedicure, facial or massage. And if you’re feeling a little rough around the edges, stop by Smooth Sugaring Studio (4126 E Madison St.; 206.948.5966; smoothsugaringstudio.com) for sugar-based hair removal and/or a spa treatment that’s totally sweet.

Published November 2010