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We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Seattle

Ashley Smith

City Cast is coming to Seattle, further expanding its nationwide network of daily local podcasts, email newsletters, and social media channels. The City Cast Seattle podcast, hosted by journalist 

 podcast will keep you company while you’re walking the dog around Green Lake, riding the bus through SLU, or stuck in traffic on the West Seattle Bridge. Posted every weekday at 6 a.m., the podcast will feel like eavesdropping on a smart, friendly chat between friends at your favorite local coffee shop.

 includes Host Jane C. Hu, Executive Producer Ashley Smith, Creative Producers Sam J. Leeds and Liam Billingham, and Audience Development Manager Ben Keenan. Each weekday they will be joined by a rotating cast of contributors including Marcus Harrison Green, Brett Hamil, Hannah Krieg, Chase Hutchinson, Lex Vaughn, Guy Oron, Eula Scott Bynoe, and more.

And the podcast is just one piece of City Cast Seattle. Jane and the team will also celebrate the city on 

 with daily news updates, memes, and tips on the best coffee and worst intersections in town. City Cast’s daily email newsletter will soon be your essential guide to living better in Seattle, with the headlines you need, the best event calendar around, and tips on how to melt the Seattle freeze. You can subscribe to the podcast, newsletter, and social channels – and learn more about the folks behind them – at 

, and catch us in your podcast feeds on Nov. 4

Contact: Executive Producer Ashley Smith, 

Sam J Leeds

Did you know WA gas prices are among the highest nationally? Yesterday, the average price per gallon for regular gas in Washington was $5.39 – that’s higher than most gas prices across the country. Washington drivers already pay among the 

. For the first time in four years, the national average is above $4/gallon, so local drivers are really feeling the pinch. [

Drivers turn to tribal stations for lower prices: 

Washington tribes retain a portion of fuel tax revenue collected on gas sold at their stations. This, combined with other tax agreements, enable tribal stations to offer lower prices than most surrounding businesses — and many drivers say they are going out of their way to fill up at those stations. [

 About 20% of the world's oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, so any 

 can quickly drive up prices worldwide. But war leading to these global disruptions in oil supply are just part of the picture. Our state’s gas prices are higher than most of the country already due to policies like our high gas tax (55.4 cents per gallon, in addition to 18.4 cents in federal gas taxes) and Washington’s cap-and-invest carbon program. Taken together, Axios reports this adds roughly $1 per gallon. [

 stations in the city, and I’m glad to see my trusty ARCO station is top of the list at $5.29 (a still eye-ball popping number). Liam suggests Costco gas as a slightly more affordable option. And Ashley says now might be a good time to pay in cash. Or, as Jane likes to remind us, it’s even cheaper to take public transit or free to ride your bike – and with the sun out, now’s a good time to start.

Did we miss anything important? Have a good spot or tip for us? Send an email to seattle@citycast.fm

The latest news about local gas prices and tips from our team on how to find more affordable gas in Seattle

Where To Find the Cheapest Gas

Tips for Finding the Lowest Gas Prices in Town

Local News

City Cast Seattle Staff

April is National Pickleball month, National Brussels and Cabbage month, and my favorite: Emotional Overeating Awareness month! It’s also got a lot of random holidays like Hostess Twinkie Day (April 6), Dog Farting Awareness Day (April 8), and of course 4/20, which is National Cheddar Fries day.

There's a lot to celebrate this month, and tons of fun activities that we’re recommending for you, both here and on the podcast. Let's jump in!

 will feature readings from five local writers at Antipode on Sunday, April 5. We’re having NFNR’s founder Katie Ellison on the show on Friday, so tune in then to hear more about the series!

brings together science writers, playwrights, actors, directors, and designers to put together 10-minute science-themed plays over the course of five days. Shows are at Theater Off Jackson on April 24 and 25!

 is a celebration of south Seattle restaurants, with more than 50 businesses participating. Each restaurant builds a sample plate for people to try ranging from $15 to $40. It runs through April 12.

On April 18, Charlie’s Queer Books is hosting a 

 where you can get a free headshot along with a suggested donation for the 

For the lovers of gossip among us, Lindy West’s 

And finally, on April 4, I gotta recommend 

a fully blackout event where performers generate their own illumination however they see fit. It’ll be drag and burlesque mixed with shadow puppetry and silhouette projection.

The cherry blossoms are out and there's lots of Japanese cultural events going on this month. Check out the 

Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival

Check out some Japanese cinema! My main pick is 

Chime/The Serpent’s Path at SIFF on April 7

. Chime is a 45-minute film that will never stream, so this is your chance to see it. Northwest Film Forum is also screening Yasujiro Ozu’s 

 is an affordable way to try lots of different foods in the city. I always try to pick the weirdest thing.

 in Phinney Ridge. It's so beautiful that it's been like my desktop picture for years. So I love that mochi.

What to do, where to eat, where to shop, and more ways to spend the month of April in Seattle

Your Guide to Seattle in April

Seattle Guides

The first 6pm sunset is just around the corner, Girl Scouts are selling Thin Mints, and the daffodils are in bloom (but so are our allergies). It must be March! And we’re here with our monthly guide to share ideas for how we think you should spend this month in Seattle.

Love March Madness? Try Mug Madness with Saltstone Ceramics

Daylight Savings is on 3/8 = later sunsets are coming!

Women’s History Month is all month long but International Women's Day is on 3/8

Every month, there's one day where you can go to our local museums without paying admission. This month it's on 3/5

No Discover Pass needed at State Parks on 3/9 and 3/19

Light rail's next big opening (okay, not free, it costs like $3) on 3/28

Harry Styles album release party at Easy Street Records on 3/6

Oscars watch parties around town are happening on 3/15

Ori Magazine party at Common Objects on 3/12

Daffodil Day at Pike Place Market on 3/20

Cherry Blossom Bruises exhibit at Gallery 110 starting on 3/5

Women supporting women popup at U Village on 3/6

What to do, where to eat, where to shop, and more ways to spend the month of March in Seattle

Your Guide to Seattle in March 2026

Your Guide to Seattle in March

Seattle is an extremely expensive city, both to live in and to visit. As locals we’re feeling the pinch of extra fees and higher prices, but we still want to be able to support local businesses and treat ourselves to a meal that we didn’t have to cook. 

 to help you (and us!) save some money the next time you want to eat out. Let us know what we missed or where we should try next.

 - Chicken teriyaki plate with rice and two sides is 19 bucks and they have multiple locations

 - Not gonna lie, I would spend way more than $17.75 for their Battered Chicken Red Curry. It’s unreal!

 - Order yourself the baby size burrito (AKA Burrito Grande) and eat the leftovers for days. “Baby size” means human infant and it’s a legit challenge to eat the whole thing one sitting

 - Their tofu Khao Soi and their braised beef Khao Soi are both only $15 and maybe the best thing you’ll eat all year? I’m obsessed

 - Fried rice, noodles, curry, congee, and so much more

 - Check out their lunch special, it’s only $12!

 - They offer sushi rolls, nigiri, udon, and appetizers all for less than $10! You could feast here for hours and not spend a fortune

 - As far as I can tell, everything on their menu falls under this category. And everyone is always raving about how good this place is

 - During happy hour all of their pastas are $10 and the portions are huge! It’s a helluva deal and I highly recommend the cavatelli with pork belly

 - Possibly the most affordable fried chicken in town and the best?

 - You can get a plate of nachos bigger than your head for $7 during their happy hour

 - Choose cod, catfish, oysters, prawns, or clams (they all come with fries) and are all less than 10 bucks. I really love that this place’s phone number ends in FISH, that’s iconic

 - Trying not to gate keep my neighborhood coffee shop which is not only delicious but it has a drive thru (!!) and both breakfast and lunch options. My large iced americano with maple bar syrup and a splash of oat milk is somehow less than $5! Other great coffee options include $2 drip from Easy Street’s Cafe and $3 drip from Top Pot

 - So many delicious pastries for a great price including the ube malasada for only $4.25 and mini croissants for less than $2 each. They also offer half a dozen deals!

 - I couldn’t confirm this myself (yet) but rumor has it they serve a $5 breakfast burrito

 - Everything on their menu is affordable, but some tacos are only $2.95!

 - Get a spam musubi for $4.75 anytime and they have a great happy menu, too

 - A lot of places offer $2 oysters during happy hour (like The Garrison and Walrus & Carpenter), but this spot serves oysters for that price all the time… at least for the month of February. And it’s right next to Pike Place Market so the view is worth the money alone

 - Classic for a reason and the prices feel like you’ve traveled back in time

 - Their food court offers a $1.50 hot dog and coke combo and a $2 slice of pizza! It’s forever the best deal in town… as long as you’re a member

 - Several menu items are now only $2 and $3 after 8pm including my favorite: the crisp pinto bean burrito

Food and drink deals around Seattle for $20 or less

Seattle’s Cheapest Places to Eat

The Best Cheap Eats in the City

Where To Eat

Cynthia Brothers

Ask any Seattleite about how the city has changed over the last decade, or even just the last few years, and you’re likely to end up in a 

 long conversation. Seattle local Cynthia Brothers is no exception… except, well, she founded a media movement that documents and celebrates the disappearing institutions, small businesses, and cultures of Seattle. Known as 

, Cynthia has created a space that not only documents what’s vanished, but also uplifts tangible ways to support and even save beloved institutions struggling in present-day Seattle. Cynthia holds a wealth of knowledge about our city, so we had to ask her some of our favorite Seattle questions.

 – located in the Center for Active Living in West Seattle. Delicious homemade sandwiches and soups (get the beer bread!) – with all proceeds going to their senior programs. Plus, you’re likely to strike up a sweet conversation with an elder grabbing food between classes.

 – a longtime C-ID staple with some of the best won ton mein.

 – the last restaurant remaining from a very prominent local Italian American family whose gregarious patriarch Luigi DeNunzio once owned multiple restaurants, even creating a “Little Italy” in the neighborhood.

 – now the longest-running Ethiopian restaurant in Seattle and a Central District landmark – situated in a cozy house and operated by neighborhood icon Belaynesh “Bebe” Chera.

 – feels like reading in a communal, comfy living room. C&P also has longtime regulars, live music, open mics, storytelling and other events, and its supporters successfully fought to save this neighborhood hub from demolition in 2018.

One Seattle Person (Dead or Alive) To Spend a Day With:

 – the co-founder, songwriter and frontwoman of Bam Bam. Considered the “Godmother of Grunge," Tina Bell was a Black woman who pre-dated and influenced bands like Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam – while confronting racism and sexism in the music scene head-on. Her role and impact was largely unsung until the last few years, when Tina's bandmates, family, and local musicians like Om Johari, Eva Walker, and Shaina Shepherd helped to revive her legacy.

, while challenging myself to not look at my phone! The sheer amount of wildlife present - hawks, eagles, turtles and more – is quite awesome and frequent, if you stay present in your surroundings.

Teriyaki – a uniquely Seattle development of immigrant creativity, confluence, and entrepreneurship (often credited to Toshihiro Kasahara of 

)– feeding the masses since the ‘70s. By the 1990s, there were hundreds of teriyaki shops in Western Washington, with their respective owners’ various backgrounds adding to the local flavor. From Toshi’s to Yasuko’s (39200 15th Ave W) to 

’s - everyone has their favorite teriyaki spot, and their own specific reason why. As Seattle continues to gentrify, teriyaki restaurants and their traditionally working class customer base have been priced out over time - so go support your local surviving teriyaki joint.

Aunty Karen Akada – owner and fierce steward of 

 for about 30 years – an invaluable community gathering place with deep historical significance in the Chinatown-International District. After closing in 2020, Bush will be re-opening (and continuing its legendary karaoke) sometime this year - just a few blocks away in 

Pike Place Market. There’s so many familiar comforts, new surprises, and only-in-Seattle shops and vendors. I’ve been going my whole life and still find something unexpected and delightful each visit. Don’t miss the late-night offerings too: 

 Hyperlocal and hilarious – and over 3 decades later, it still holds up (even after the neighborhoods have changed) – capturing Seattle’s singular brand of weirdness and humor. Some personal favorites include: 

Vanishing Seattle's Cynthia Brothers answers our questions about her favorite restaurants and hidden gems, what Seattle does best, who her local hero is, and much more. 

Vanishing Seattle’s Guide To The City

Seattle According To: Vanishing Seattle’s Cynthia Brothers

This year the analog photobooth turns 100. There are only about 200 working booths remaining globally. Fortunately, the digital and analog co-exist throughout Seattle’s bars and events venues. City Cast Seattle spoke to one Seattleite who set out to take self portraits in every one of Seattle’s photobooths to get the inside scoop on where they are and which ones are worth seeking out.

Rheese Romero is a self-professed photobooth enthusiast. Their interest in photobooths started on a trip to Tokyo, which coincided with a time of personal transformation. They had recently had a major surgery and cut off their hair.

“I stumbled into a digital photobooth that was on a street in Tokyo and I was pretty captivated,” Rheese said. “It was the kind of photo strip with four frames. In the middle it says ‘take your memory.’”

When Rheese returned to Seattle they started research to create a list of every photobooth in Seattle. Armed with a list of 30 locations, they set out to take a series of self portraits in every photobooth across the city. For Rheese, it’s not just a fun side quest, it’s also a way to create a personal archive.

“As someone who is medically transitioning, it’s a fun way to document the changes that I see in myself,” they said. “That is a big part of it for me personally.”

Rheese told City Cast that bonding with people over a love of photobooths has been a source of joy this year and “if I can inspire even one person to get in a booth that would mean a lot to me.”

“Not just because it’s one of the only analog booths. The pictures just look better.” Rheese says the booth is located near the restroom and is operated by Autophoto.

“Great for a night out with friends and the photostrips have cowprint.”

“It’s dark in there so there are no light spots in the photos and it’s pretty goth.” Rheese says the photobooth is in the back near the restrooms.

Here’s the rest of Rheese’s list in no particular order:

 Rheese says the photobooth is Analog and operated by Autophoto

: Rheese says the photobooth is in the back near the restrooms

 Rheese says the photobooth is all the way in the corner near the entrance

: Rheese says the photobooth is by the cigarette vending machine and the bathrooms.

 Sam says this is in the corner near the entrance of the rink.

: Rheese says that this photobooth is sometimes broken

: Rheese says this one has two booths on the lowest level of Pike Place. “Take the stairs down at the magic shop. There’s one booth inside the store and one near the stairs.”

: Rheese says the photobooth is to the left of the stage by the bar

: Rheese says the photobooth is closest to the Cherry Pit entrance in the corner near the patio

: Rheese says the photobooth is at the back near the restrooms. It is cash only, but there is an ATM onsite.

: Rheese says the photobooth is in the lobby of the theater

A list of all the photobooths in the Seattle area from locals that know best.

Where to Find Every Photobooth in Seattle 

A Guide to Seattle’s Photobooths from a Local Enthusiast 

Jane C. Hu

Picture this: it’s just after 5pm, and you’re bombing past a sea of red taillights as you cruise in the bike lane. Bike commuting is not only fun and good for the legs, but also often quicker than driving at rush hour. But it’s also not for the faint of heart, or the underdressed — the dark and the rain add an extra element of excitement to commuting. Here are some of our tips to get prepared for rainy season bike commuting.

Often, the best bike routes are not ones you’d know from car or bus travel, and Google Maps has led me astray too many times for me to trust it. Seattle’s Department of Transportation has a great bus map; you can also use apps like Strava or Ride with GPS to see “heat maps” of where cyclists typically ride.

 If you’re feeling rusty, do some practice rides on protected bike paths like the Burke Gilman before hopping on the road. 

 offers adult classes on basic cycling techniques and urban cycling if you want to feel more confident in your bike skills.

Always, always, always protect that noggin by wearing a helmet. For visibility, make sure you have both a front light, and a rear reflector. (It’s the law!) Even better, upgrade that reflector to a rear light. Consider springing for some fenders for your tires, which will keep rain and road grime from splashing onto your back. If you aren’t sure what works with your bike, your local bike shop can help! You don’t necessarily need something fancy; for awhile I rode around with fenders zip-tied to my frame because it didn’t have the right attachments. Cheap ones are almost always available at Recycled Cycles.

A solid raincoat and rain pants are a must. For cold days, try waterproof gloves — just make sure you can still operate the brakes and shifters with bulky fingers. Choose footwear that is at least water-resistant, and to be extra safe, it never hurts to bring an extra pair of socks with you in a waterproof bag. (I’ve found roll-top bags are great for keeping out unwanted moisture.)

The wet can quickly strip your bike chain of lube, creating additional wear and tear on your drivetrain, so make sure you clean and lube your chain from time to time! (Not into bike maintenance? It’s easy to learn from YouTube, or your local bike shop would be happy to help.) Always check your brakes before hopping on the bike for a ride, and make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure — it’ll make your ride much more pleasant. (If you’re not sure what the right pressure is, most tires have that info written on the sidewall.)

Sometimes, no matter how much you’ve prepared, there’s no way to stay dry in a downpour, or a car will be a jerk to you for no reason. I try to savor the moments that feel good: a nod from a fellow cyclist, the breeze in my hair, hitting a string of green lights. Enjoy yourself, and ride safe!

Tips for how to commute on your bike in the fall and winter when it’s raining in Seattle.

How to Bike Commute in the Seattle Rain

How to Bike Commute in the Rain

In recent years, small venues in Seattle have been shuttering and taking with them some of the art scene our city is known for. Just as City Cast Seattle launched, we reported on the 

. But, there are still many small and DIY venues for just about every kind of show. Here are just a few:

Home to the incredible drag show TUSH! and a whole range of music from lo-fi and dark wave to roadhouse and punk rock, this Beacon Hill bar and music venue is a gem. Also, it has amazing pizza thanks to Stevie’s Famous – which was the winner of the 2024 Seattle Times Pizza Smackdown.

I’m a huge fan of anything the Vera Project does, and Black Lodge is no exception. The venue closed during the start of the pandemic, but the Vera Project brought it back to life by combining the space with the former Lo-Fi Cafe (RIP). The new space sits in the back of 

 in SLU, which is where I found my copy of the Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith and Suzanne Ciani record Sunergy (synth nerds, I know you get it). It’s a great DIY venue that can hold about 150 people, perfect for discovering that new group you can’t wait to say you “knew when.”

This 15-year-old storefront performance venue in the Central District is a staple for that project your friend has been working on for years and is finally showing the world. They operate as a collective of independent artists – “primarily musicians, but also writers, dancers, theatre artists and other fellow travelers.” Because they are in a residential neighborhood, they have a much lower volume restriction than most venues, so this is the place to go for low-fi, acoustic or more contemplative shows.

I somehow didn’t know about The Rabbit Box until a friend of mine played a show there (shout out 

). Located right by Left Bank Books in Pike Place Market, the venue feels like traveling back in time. It has ornate wallpaper, chandeliers and vintage couches. The lighting is warm and low and the cocktails are served in vintage glassware. Unfortunately, 

the venue is currently seeking a new owner

. But hopefully it will continue to host shows in the meantime!

From Executive Producer Ashley Smith: I lived in a tiny studio apartment across from the Tractor Tavern in 2014. In the year that we were neighbors, I can say the venue only woke me up a couple of times and I couldn't even complain because I was basically getting to hear concerts for free! And I decided to live across the street from a music venue, so really what did I expect? My best Tractor memory is seeing the elusive Fiona Apple grace their stage with The Watkins Family Hour. I'll never forget seeing her perform 5 feet from me while I drank a Rainier at the bar and stumbled home (again, across the street) after. Long live the Tractor!

In the years I’ve lived in Queen Anne, the Bad Bar location has gone by many names, but their Twin-Peaks-inspired decor and side room venue for all things DIY remains a great space to see experimental noise shows, host your own DJ sets or just drop by for a drink next door.

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a small venue, but Abbey Arts puts on this concert series every year, featuring indie bands playing in the incredible acoustics of the St. Marks Episcopal Cathedral. This is the perfect space for fans of reverb-washed surrounds and picnics at a show – attendees can spread out blankets and pillows on the floor or choose seating on chairs or the pews. Especially in the winter, these shows are really a balm for the soul.

As promised, the list is long. And there are still more. Here are some other beloved venues to add to your weekend plans: 

 (owned by Ryan Granger who still plays in rock bands around Seattle), 

Your Guide To Seattle's Small Music Venues

What To Do

City Cast is coming to Seattle, further expanding its nationwide network of daily local podcasts, email newsletters, and social media channels.

City Cast is Ready to Launch in Seattle

Announcements

City Cast Seattle Announcements

As the Executive Producer (Hi, I'm Ashley!) for City Cast Seattle, I may be a little biased, but I think the folks on this team are the coolest people our city has to offer. If you haven't had the pleasure of 

 or enjoying their previous work, allow me to introduce you to the team behind our daily podcast and newsletter.

 is an award-winning (and -losing) journalist living in Seattle. Her work has been published in The New York Times, WIRED, Slate, National Geographic, High Country News, The Atlantic, and The Best American Science and Nature Writing series. They write The Microdose, a twice-weekly newsletter about the science, law, politics, and culture of psychedelics edited by Michael Pollan and Malia Wollan. Previously, she taught writing at the University of Washington and the CUNY Newmark School of Journalism, and fact-checked books and science features. Before becoming a journalist, she was a cognitive science researcher.

A New Englander at heart but (new!) Pacific Northwester, 

 is a producer in video and audio with a background in documentary, fiction and theater. He has made podcasts for TIME Magazine, Audible, Sugar23, and a variety of other clients and companies. He is an Emmy nominee for his work in local television, has made films and podcasts with soldiers suffering from PTSD, persons experiencing homelessness, victims of police brutality, students, retirees, and everyone in between. When not making podcasts for work, he drives his kids around, watches movies, and hosts two podcasts about the history of action cinema, DIE HARD ON A BLANK and 48 HOURS OF BUDDY MOVIES.

has called Seattle home since falling in love with the city more than a decade ago. They've produced work for NPR, Campside Media, KEXP, Cascade PBS (RIP) and more. Points of career pride include launching and producing two seasons of NPR Music's Louder Than A Riot and kickstarting the first season of Futuro Media's astrology and culture show Stars and Stars with Isa. They've reported and produced some truly-PNW stories including about a local rabbi learning to rap to preserve a dying language and the story of a giant wind harp that stood on the edge of Bainbridge Island. You can find them field recording the sounds of Seattle for a burgeoning sound art project, swimming at Denny Blaine or cooking up an elaborate dinner party with friends. Sam is a graduate of the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies at MECA as well as the University of Washington.

has spent the past [age redacted] years exploring the city he calls home - from trying the best eats or hot new coffee spot, to exploring “off the beaten path” finds that only a true PNW native could tell you about. Prior to joining City Cast, he spent 10 years in Corporate America doing public relations for some of the world’s largest tech brands. Simultaneously, however, he’s also built a 

brand, cutting his teeth on the mean streets of the internet, becoming one of Seattle’s leading content creators and travel influencers. You can find him featured in outlets such as The Washington Post, BuzzFeed, and NBC News, or on a smaller screen via any variety of social media platforms.

 might just be her city’s biggest fan. She’s been working in the audio industry since she moved here almost two decades ago. Career highlights include editing Maintenance Phase and If Books Could Kill, producing Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer, hosting Vinfamous for Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and getting to meet all of her favorite musicians while working as “Pepper” in alternative radio. In her free time she used to make her own weird podcasts, but now she mainly listens to Taylor Swift and stresses out about her fantasy football team.

And we’re excited to meet you, too. You can join the conversation by sending a note to 

Announcements

City Cast is Ready to Launch in Seattle

Ashley Smith

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Announcements

Get To Know the City Cast Seattle Team

The latest in Seattle

Tips for Finding the Lowest Gas Prices in Town

Your Guide to Seattle in April

Your Guide to Seattle in March

The Best Cheap Eats in the City

Seattle According To: Vanishing Seattle’s Cynthia Brothers

A Guide to Seattle’s Photobooths from a Local Enthusiast

How to Bike Commute in the Rain

Your Guide To Seattle's Small Music Venues