Say what you want about Highway 99, but it’s still one of the best ways to get from Seattle to Edmonds and beyond (it now ends in Everett, but at one point went all the way to Blaine), and if you time your commute right, you’ll find some absolutely delicious meals along the way.
We talk a lot about businesses and fun events in Edmonds, but part of the fun of exploring Edmonds comes from getting here. So take your time, and enjoy loads of mouth-watering, must-try eats along the way.
This piece will focus mostly on half a dozen Asian eats along Highway 99 (some are chains, some are mom and pops), and stay tuned for more themed lists as we continue to eat our way South to North. Hey, someone’s gotta do it—might as well be us. We’re always happy to take requests.
But First, A Little History of US 99
The Pacific Highway (commonly known as Highway 99 or US 99) was born in 1910 when representatives from three Pacific states met in Seattle to talk about building a trunk highway that connected British Columbia to Mexico. The association selected existing road sections between Tijuana and Vancouver, BC; put them under one name; and marked the route with clear, uniform signage. The idea was that if the commission could show off one good road, more investment in more roads would follow.
Washington was among the first to embrace the project, investing $10,000 in road improvements, signage, and maps. Oregon quickly followed suit in 1911, with 600 signs marking the route across the state. California committed $15 million to road construction, with Governor Johnson promising the highway would be in first-class condition by 1913.
By 1912, Washington's State Highway Commissioner formally recommended the Pacific Highway as State Road No. 6, recognizing its importance as it traversed nine counties containing nearly half the state's wealth and population. The highway was completed in 1924, became US Highway 99 in 1927, and served as the main north-south artery until Interstate 5 replaced it in 1968, marking the end of an era for this pioneering transcontinental route.
But, it’s still here, and it’s still got a lot of stories to tell.
Eat at these six spots along (or right off) the 99:
1. 85℃ Edmonds
Yes, we know this is a chain. No, there isn’t a Seattle location (but there is one by Alderwood Mall). We love 85℃, not only because we can load up on pastries from their cases and order beautiful cakes, but also because we can get a large Vietnamese Coffee for about $5 (watch out—they’re packed with caffeine!) and Red Bean Bread for $2. If you’re a person who likes to have a go-to snack stop on your way to Edmonds, this is your spot. It’s right by Ranch 99 as you cross the border from Shoreline. 22611 76th Ave W, #100, Edmonds, WA 98026
2. Wonton Noodle House
Around the corner from the main entrance of Ranch 99 Market, you’ll find Wonton Noodle House, which boasts a relatively large menu that emphasizes wonton noodle soups. You can’t really go wrong here, but one of our strong recommendations is to pay the extra $1 to size up to a large bowl of whatever you order. You’re sure to want leftovers. Their Beef Chow Fun is popular with even the pickiest of eaters, and the wontons are always plump and meaty. 22511 Highway 99, Unit 101, Edmonds, WA
3. Bangkok Boulevard
When Fashion Dim Sum took its piggy buns and unceremoniously disappeared from the somewhat nondescript strip mall it inhabited on Highway 99, it left lots of pouting eaters in its wake. The piggy buns were on the cover of Seattle magazine at one point, after all! But, a sit-down at Bangkok Blvd has dried many teary faces since it moved in the former celebrated dim sum space. Diners rave about the fresh ingredients and service—zesty Bangkok Wings, seafood-loaded Crab Fried Rice, and creamy Khoa Soi with your choice of protein. If you come during lunch, try their Pad Kra Praw ($15.95 as of this writing), the go-to lunch dish in Thailand! 22923 Hwy 99, Edmonds, WA 98026
4. Chicken Prince
Often, the best meals are the simplest. Chicken Prince does simple exceedingly well. They’re open late, serve a variety of meaty KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) with a nice selection of sauces (the honey butter garlic on the original chicken is *chef’s kiss*) and fun sides like corn cheese. If you’re eating in, try the cream ddukboki, an umami dish kind of like a Korean version of French onion soup—oniony, meaty, delicious. And if you have the time, stay for karaoke. 23830 Hwy 99, Suite 121, Edmonds, WA 98026
5. JangAn Sullungtang
Sullungtang is ox bone soup of a milky variety that is seasoned at the table according to personal taste. Eaters add salt, black pepper, garlic, onions, and red pepper paste to get their broth just so. Pick your protein and doctor your soup as you wish—this is what you eat on a cold, rainy day or when you’re feeling like your immune system could use a pick-me-up. Plus, the space—recently renovated when JangAn moved in—is beautiful. You’ll get kimchi and radishes as banchan, too (kimchi can be purchased to go). And for those who are feeling less soup-inclined, the homemade dumplings are an easy choice. 19520 Hwy 99, Ste 100, Lynnwood, WA 98036
6. Kura
Sure, there’s a Bellevue location of this popular sushi revolving bar, but why drive on the 405 when you can drive North on Highway 99? Right? Besides, you can pop over to HMart before or after you fuel up here, which is always a welcome adventure. If you have kids, this is a place they will jump for—drinks delivered on a robot, a little TV ordering screen, an empty plate slot right at the table, and a prize ball that pops out of a tube above you if you eat 15 dishes or more. They may be gamifying sushi, but they’re doing it well, and the experience alone will be one you’ll all be talking about for weeks to come. Our rec? Definitely order some hand rolls. 3321 184th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037
Let’s Eat!
From your new favorite bakery serving strong coffee and sweet pastries to cozy noodle shops and tech-forward dining experiences, your Highway 99 adventure delivers flavors that make the trip to—and through—Edmonds more than worthwhile.
Whether you're craving spicy Thai specialties, comforting Korean soups, or fresh sushi with a side of entertainment, these six spots highlight how great food often hides in unexpected places.
We're on a mission to taste our way through the entire corridor, but we need your help! Tag @exploreedmondswa on Instagram and Facebook when you discover your own Highway 99 gems!
