Fresh Openings, Feel-Good Fun & Winter Escapes in Seattle Southside

What’s New in Seattle Southside: Active Gaming, Crafts & Coffee Breaks
Seattle Southside is kicking off the season with fresh experiences that make it a go-to destination. The new Activate Tukwila brings high-energy, active gaming that blends physical challenges with digital fun—perfect for groups, families, and team outings. Bringing the buzz is Coffee Bae, a stylish spot spotlighting authentic Vietnamese coffee flavors—think creamy flavored cold foams and strong brews.

At Westfield Southcenter, new openings are adding even more reasons to linger, including TuTugether, a hands-on crafting studio focused on creative connection. Last fall, Seattle Southside welcomed Lviv Croissants, serving flaky, Ukrainian-style croissants with both sweet and savory fillings. New additions also include Eggslut, a new outpost for gourmet, chef-driven breakfast sandwiches featuring cage-free eggs on warm brioche buns, and Sizzle and Crunch Grill, serving up made-to-order Vietnamese street food with fresh, grilled meats, crispy banh mi, and vibrant rice and salad bowls.

Together, these new additions reflect Seattle Southside’s growing mix of play, culture, and crave-worthy food—all just minutes from SEA Airport.

Flipping the Page, Not the Script: Iconic Diner Reopens with New Ownership
After more than 65 years serving the SeaTac community, the iconic Pancake Chef has reopened under new ownership, preserving the classic diner many locals grew up with while also bringing fresh energy and inclusivity to the menu. The longtime breakfast staple, which closed this past September when owner Loren Sisley retired, is now open again thanks to restaurateur Sarbjit Singh, who also operates The Great American Diner & Bar in West Seattle. 

Singh has begun minor renovations , like new flooring, and is planning to introduce dinner service starting in February — a new chapter for this neighborhood anchor. While the beloved classic menu remains largely intact, the new ownership is adding vegetarian, vegan, and halal options, reflecting the diverse community the diner serves.

Why Lam’s Seafood Asian Market Is a Lunar New Year Haven
As Lunar New Year approaches, Lam’s Seafood Asian Market transforms into a festive, one-stop celebration hub—brimming with imported treats, vibrant décor, and cultural connection. The Tukwila market is currently stocked with special Lunar New Year produce, traditional candies, and handmade decorations imported directly from Vietnam, filling the store with color, symbolism, and holiday energy. Opened in 2020 and built from the ground up, Lam’s has grown into a cornerstone of the local Vietnamese community while steadily expanding its selection of imported goods from across Asia. With The Eatery food court on site, it’s a true all-in-one destination for Asian groceries, prepared foods, and celebratory sweets.

“We love when people from different cultures come in and join us,” says Lam’s co-owner and general manager, Nhung Tran. “It makes us proud to see people coming together and joining our community.”

For shoppers looking to honor Lunar New Year traditions—or simply experience the joy, flavors, and festivity of the season—Lam’s Seafood Asian Market offers an immersive, welcoming celebration under one roof. Stock up any time of year or plan ahead for the Annual Lunar New Year Event at Lam’s Seafood Asian Market on February 22. See event details below.

Kelp Forests, Octopus Encounters, and a New Skill for 2026
A New Year is the perfect excuse to try something unexpected—like scuba diving right here in the South Sound. Eight Diving is now enrolling students in Open Water certification classes, with training dives beginning in the pool and ultimately taking place off Redondo Beach.

Divers here are rewarded with vibrant kelp forests, colorful nudibranchs, schools of rockfish, graceful lingcod—and if you’re lucky, sightings of the Giant Pacific Octopus tucked into rocky crevices. The calm, quiet underwater landscape makes it an ideal place for beginners to build confidence while experiencing some of the most beautiful cold-water diving in the region. Designed for first-time divers, these small, unhurried classes focus on comfort, confidence, and learning the right way—turning a New Year’s resolution into a lifelong skill and a whole new way to explore the Pacific Northwest.

Already a diver? Join weekly dives – which often take place at Redondo Beach – with GUE Seattle, a non-profit affiliate of Global Underwater Explorers, an organization dedicated to diver education, exploration, and conservation. For the armchair diver, explore the MaST Center Underwater Photography Exhibit, with breathtaking shots taken by divers at or near Redondo Beach on display through February 6.

Feel-Good Fun When Seattle Gets Dark, With Winter Deals to Match
This winter, Seattle Southside is serving up easy, joy-boosting escapes designed to help locals and nearby travelers shake off the seasonal blahs—no long haul required. Lean into laughter at Great Big Game Show, where buzzer-beating competition and playful challenges spark instant smiles. Warm up with bold flavors and cozy vibes at Latino Café, known for decadent milkshakes like horchata and spicy-sweet mangonadas, plus crave-worthy esquites—classic Mexican street corn topped with mayo, hot sauce, and a dusting of Hot Cheetos. For immersive fun, step into other worlds at Dimension XR, a cutting-edge virtual reality destination perfect for friends, families, or anyone craving an energizing escape. Add an adrenaline boost at iFLY Seattle’s indoor skydiving tunnels, then cap the day with Honduran-Mexican fusion fare at family-owned Caribe Latin Cuisine.

Saving money makes everyone happy. Launching January 19, a new Explore Seattle Southside winter campaign builds on this feel-good momentum, inviting January–March travelers to rethink hibernation and embrace easy microadventures close to home. With slightly milder weather than downtown Seattle, quirky indoor experiences, and limited-time travel savings—including 20–25% off meals and activities, the campaign proves you don’t have to go far (or spend big) to beat the winter blues. Head south—and find current deals at this link (click learn more to view current deals).

Valentine’s Day Dining + Desserts in Seattle Southside
Seattle Southside offers an easy alternative for Valentine’s Day dining, with options for every kind of celebration. Couples can cozy up over wine, authentic fare and dessert at Grazie Ristorante Italiano, while those looking for a special occasion meal can book a pre-fixe, farm-to-table dinner at Copperleaf Restaurant. Enjoy waterfront views and fresh seafood at Anthony’s HomePort. For Galentines and group celebrations, spacious, relaxed favorites like Sharps RoastHouse make it easy to gather, share plates, and toast together—no prix-fixe pressure required.

Those seeking something sweet should explore the Filipino-inspired treats at Neighborhood Café, where ube butter mochi and Turon (banana lumpia) steal the show. Pillow-soft savory buns and sweet breads are baked fresh throughout the day at 85°C Bakery, while French-inspired pastries, cakes, and delicious desserts await at Paris Baguette. Chocolate lovers can stop by Maeve Chocolate for ethically sourced, beautifully packaged bars and truffles. Those with a serious sweet tooth can browse more than 200 acrylic candy bins at Candy Tyme, or indulge in premium confections from Lolli & Pops. Together, these stops create an easy, visually rich dessert crawl ideal for date nights, Galentine’s outings, or family Valentine’s traditions.

Dates to Note (including some Valentine’s Day alternatives):

The Key to Your Heart — February 6–7 & 13–14
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a playful, chocolate-forward twist at Seattle Chocolate Factory. Back by popular demand, this escape room–style puzzle box experience challenges pairs of any kind—romantic, platonic, or professional—to work together to solve clues within 50 minutes and unlock a sweet, chocolatey reward. Designed by the creator of the Haunted Factory, it’s a fun, interactive way to spend time together this February. Each session accommodates up to nine couples (18 guests total) and is priced at $70 per couple. (link pending)

Lunar New Year, Celebrate Tradition in Motion, February 14
Head to Westfield Southcenter February 13 between 11 to 3 p.m. for an unforgettable Lunar New Year celebration featuring a dynamic lineup of cultural performances. Experience lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations by Northwest Kung Fu & Fitness led by David Leong, fan and ribbon dances, and a stunning Imperial-inspired fashion showcase. Don’t miss Chinese Zodiac readings, live music with traditional Chinese instruments and vocal performances. Get the details here.

Brazilian Carnaval – Mardi Gras! February 14
Bring the festive energy of Brazilian Carnaval – Mardi Gras! to SeaTac this Valentine’s weekend! Hosted at The Roadhouse from 8-11 p.m., this vibrant celebration combines the rhythm of samba, lively music, colorful dance performances, and all the joy of Mardi Gras-style revelry. Show Brazil dancers and samba beats set the mood for a night of dancing, confetti and celebration of culture and community. More information and tickets are linked here.

Annual Lunar New Year Event at Lam’s Seafood Asian Market, February 22
Join in the annual Lunar New Year celebration at Lam's Seafood Asian market. Enjoy a lion dance, a cultural performance, red envelopes, and more in a festive, family-friendly setting. This free, public event takes place both in the parking lot and inside the store, where you can also enjoy elaborate seasonal displays. While at the store, explore the aisles and pick up all the fresh produce, candy, gifts, flowers, and decorations you need to celebrate Lunar New Year at home. 

Then grab lunch at The Eatery inside Lam's, where you can find a wide variety of food and treats, including banh mi, pho, dim sum, mochi donuts, poke bowls, fresh sugarcane juice, and boba. Find event details here.

Rainier Symphony Classics Concert — February 21–22
Enjoy live orchestral music as Rainier Symphony presents its Classics Concert at the Foster Performing Arts Center in Tukwila. The program features beloved masterworks, including Elgar’s Enigma Variations, performed by a 70+-member, all-volunteer orchestra made up of dedicated musicians from across the region — a remarkable community-powered ensemble and one of the area’s longest-running symphonies. Performances take place Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon; tickets and details are available here.

Highline Twin Peaks Festival — February 28
Step into the world of Twin Peaks at the Highline Twin Peaks Festival, a one-day celebration featuring themed exhibits, memorabilia, film talks, art, music, and plenty of “damn fine coffee” and cherry pie. Hosted at the Highline Heritage Museum, the event centers on the unveiling of a permanent exhibit: a miniature recreation of the town of Twin Peaks, created by late SeaTac artist Bruce Bickford (1947–2019). Best known for his obsessive attention to detail and hand-built worlds, Bickford spent years crafting intricate miniature environments and sculptural models as an extension of his surreal storytelling practice. This highly detailed Twin Peaks model reflects his meticulous, imaginative approach and stands as a lasting tribute to his creative legacy. Learn more at highline-twin-peaks-festival.com.