Columbia City, Seattle

Just a short drive from downtown Seattle, Columbia City is worlds away from downtown congestion, high rises, and parking challenges. Turn-of-the-century buildings are filled with an eclectic mix of retailers, vibrant dining establishments, and a host of entertainment options. With an authenticity that's hard to match, Columbia City is the commercial center for the surrounding neighborhoods of Mount Baker, Lakewood-Seward Park, and the rest of Rainier Valley.

Visitors to Columbia City will be immediately struck by the diversity within this close knit business district. Diners have their choice of Neapolitan pizza, Vietnamese pho, a Sicilian-inspired menu, Ethiopian selections, barbeque, family Mexican, Caribbean food, Filipino-American cuisine, uncommonly good pub grub, and good old American fare. Shoppers can explore a collection of African imports, view works of art, search for that special skirt, outfit the children, or buy flowers, meats, and fresh-baked bread.

If visitors need more than excellent dining and great shopping, Columbia City rolls out the red carpet with the Wednesday Farmer's Market (May through October), our monthly BeatWalk (first Friday May through December), the annual Rainier Valley Heritage Parade (third Saturday in August), live music and comedy at the Columbia City Theater, and first-run movies in our neighborhood cinema.