The entire city of Mill Creek fits inside five square miles, but despite its small size, this North End suburb is bursting with top-notch restaurants, parks and family-friendly attractions. If you’ve got an eager crew of explorers, we’ve got the inside scoop on the coolest places to eat and play in this happening little ‘hood.
photo: Abbey McGee
Where to Eat
Azul Restaurant and Lounge
Ask most locals and this delish restaurant will be in their top three faves. Guaranteed. Serving fish tacos, carne asada, and margaritas for Mom and Dad and an extensive kids’ menu for little amigos, Azul’s Mexican-inspired cuisine and chic ambience make this upscale establishment a must-try.
15118 Main St., #100
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
425-357-5600
Online: azullounge.com
Photo: Karen M. via Yelp
The Blazing Onion Burger Company
If you’re looking for traditional American fare in a casual, comfortable atmosphere, stop by The Blazing Onion. Impeccable service, unique burger creations, and kid favorites like homemade mac ‘n’ cheese means your entire family will leave full and happy. Bonus: Check out local sports on the big screens. Go Hawks!
15115 Main St.
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
425-338-4445
Online: blazingonion.com
Photo: Joolie T. via Yelp
Elliott Bay Pizza
Kids and parents alike speak the universal language of pizza. Tucked away in a strip mall, Elliott Bay might look ordinary from the outside, but inside it’s anything but. You’ll find extraordinary pizza, calzones, and beverages (including a rotating beer menu).
800 164th St. S.E.
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
425-918-1553
Online: elliottbaypizza.com
photo: Kafé Neo Facebook page
Kafé Neo
Introduce your family to delicious Greek and Mediterranean food at Kafé Neo. This family owned favorite serves up generous portions of authentic, seasonal classics at affordable prices. On a warm, sunny day, enjoy their patio (and some fab people watching).
15130 Main St.
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
425-357-0512
Online: kafeneo.net
photo: Frost
Where to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Frost Dessert Lounge
Macarons, custard, and cupcakes, oh my! What started as a small gourmet doughnut shop five years ago has expanded into a full-on whimsical dessert lounge with treats and beverages to delight your taste buds. Psst! The bacon-maple bar will be love at first site, er bite.
15217 Main St, #106
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
425-379-2600
Online: frostology.com
photo: Jessica H. via Yelp
Skinny D’s Yogurt
Get your fro-yo fix at Skinny D’s, a kid-friendly frozen yogurt joint that encourages you to hang out by supplying puzzles and games at each table. Choose one of the stock flavors or customize your order from over 70 flavors.
16212 Bothell Everett Hwy.
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
425-742-0510
Online: skinnydsyogurt.com
photo: Marzena S. via Yelp
Spotted Cow Cream and Bean
This locally owned coffee shop serves up simple, classic coffee creations in comfy digs. And for the kids? A large selection of homemade ice cream and authentic Italian gelato. Yum!
15118 Main St., #700
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
425-357-9464
Online: spottedcowcreamandbean.com
photo: Color Me Mine Facebook page
Where to Play Indoors
Color Me Mine
With paintable pottery pieces for all budgets and ability levels, Color Me Mine makes it easy to exercise your creativity. Drop in and spend an afternoon creating your own masterpiece or send the kids to Parents’ Night Out (ages 4 & up) and enjoy a night out on the town.
15603 Main St., #105
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
425-225-6774
Online: millcreek.colormemine.com
photo: Angela Alanis
Island Time
Island Time is all about kids: a free climbing structure, laser tag, arcade games, and an inexpensive kids menu. And this place knows how to keep parents happy too by offering a full coffee bar and creating a great space for parental conversations while your kids burn some energy. Who needs tropical sandy beaches in the middle of winter, when you can say Aloha to Island Time.
3916 148th St. S.E.
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
425-357-9882
Online: islandtimemillcreek.com
UW Bookstore – Mill Creek Branch
Encourage budding book worms with a visit to the bookstore. The University Bookstore’s Mill Creek branch offers comfy chairs and kid-sized tables, welcoming kids to read, play, and explore its extensive children’s department. Psst! Check out story time for kids ages 3-7 on Wednesdays at 11 a.m
15311 Main St.
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
425-385-3530
Online: bookstore.washington.edu
photo: Abbey McGee
Where to Play Outdoors
Cougar Park
Zip, flip, climb, and play at Cougar Park. The signature zipline and climbing rock are favorite features for young and old parkgoers and the toddler-friendly play structure and large grassy field provide entertainment for tots to tweens.
3221 148th St. S.E.
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
Online: cityofmillcreek.com/facilities/facility/details/Cougar-Park-5
photo: City of Mill Creek
North Creek Boardwalk and Trail
Starting at North Creek Park and ending nearly five miles north at McCollum Pioneer Park, the North Creek Boardwalk and Trail spans the entire length of Mill Creek. At the south end, the boardwalk floats over marshy wetlands, keeping your feet dry and giving you an excellent vantage point for viewing all sorts of wildlife. Just two miles round-trip, the flat boardwalk is perfect for little legs. The trail transitions to an asphalt path just north of 164th St. S.E., parallels North Creek and is a perfect spot for bike riding, a leisurely stroll, or feeding the resident duck population.
North Creek Park (south end)
1001 183rd St
Bothell, Wa 98012
Online: snohomishcountywa.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/North-Creek-Park-and-Water-Retention-Fac-103
McCollum Pioneer Park (north end)
600 128th St. S.E.
Everett, Wa 98208
Online: snohomishcountywa.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/McCollum-Pioneer-Park-43
photo: City of Mill Creek
Pine Meadows Park
Pine Meadows is known for its wide open spaces to run and play and its flat, paved loop, ideal for beginning bike riders and rookie rollerbladers. The large play structure, basketball court, and wooded spaces provide hours of fun and exploration.
15803 32nd Ave SE
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
Online: cityofmillcreek.com/facilities/facility/details/Pine-Meadow-Park-11
What’s your favorite find in Mill Creek? Share it with us in a comment below.
—Abbey McGee
Featured image courtesy of Frost Facebook page
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