Walkabout: Sixth Avenue

Forget about driving: to enjoy Sixth Avenue park the car and take a stroll. Perhaps even more than others, this neighborhood’s creative spirit is best appreciated on foot. “I love living near and working on Sixth Avenue because everything is right here,” says Jennifer Johnson, general manager of Jazzbones. And she’s right. For inspiration, entertainment, eclectic shopping and a wonderful range of cuisines, it’s a great place to walk around and spend an entire day. We’ve highlighted a handful of our favorite spots that lie between Alder and State, but the district’s “official” boundaries extend further in both directions.

 

1. 2315 Northwest Costume (253.383.4700) This theatrical supply and rental costume store has it all — accessories, jewelry, wigs, Ben Nye Hollywood makeup and more. Inspired by a 1930s theatre, the décor adds an unexpected twist. Try on your alter ego in a dressing room with a sparkling chandelier. 

 


2. 2502 Posh Home (253.593.5001) (253.593.5001) Modern luxury. Style-setters rave about the custom furnishings and exclusive interior accents like Jonathan Adler pottery, Angela Adams handmade rugs and Robert Abbey lighting. Need a great gift? This is the place. Even the shopping bags are chic.

 

3. 2612 Hi-Voltage Records (253.627.4278) Opened two years ago by Brian Kenney and Meredith Cypres, Seattle transplants and avid collectors, this shop has a welcoming vibe and an impressive selection of pristine vinyl and CDs — mostly rock, jazz, soul, psych and punk. I’m going back for “Dark Side of the Moon.”

 

4. 2803 Jazzbones Restaurant & Nightclub (253.396.9169) It’s a great place to see a show, but don’t expect wall-to-wall jazz. Blues is the dominant genre, along with a stellar lineup of rock, folk, country, alt-country and, yes, some jazz. Look for comedy on Tuesday nights, art receptions the first Friday of every month and edible art in the new sushi bar upstairs.

 

5. 601 S. Pine Primo Grill (253.383.7000) Delight in the mouth-watering flavors of the Mediterranean prepared exclusively over apple wood.
A diverse menu includes daily fish specials, grilled chops, pasta, pizza, vegetables and small bites like warm grilled bread salad and roasted calamari with garlic saffron sauce.

Also Noteworthy:

2201 Rector’s Antiques High-quality | 2220 MSM Deli Best sandwiches | 2503 Red Line Hot denim | 2602 Urban Gourmet & Garden Bulk spices | 2618 Shakabrah Java Breakfast all day | 2708 Six Olives Happy hour! | 2811 Masa Top tequila selection | 3019 The Bead Factory Great workshops | 3023 Wild Orchid Curry lover’s paradise | 3108 Vanity Fashion Boutique Vintage apparel.

Photos by Kristin Giordano