Pass on the Pie: 6 Birthday Party Eats That Aren’t Pizza

We know birthday parties and pizza go hand in hand, but wouldn’t it be nice to eat something other than cheese or pepperoni pie at your next bash? If you’re ready break the party mold and try something deliciously different, we’ve rounded up six sure-fire kid pleasers from local Seattle favorites.

photo: Wendy S. via Yelp

Blazing Bagels
With over 33 bagel flavors and 12 kinds of cream cheese, Blazing Bagels’ flavor combinations are endless. Try their bagel ball tray (think donut hole in bagel form) or the mini bagel dog bites: a reinvention of the quintessential kid food, perfectly portioned for pint-sized party peeps. Round out your carb-tastic meal with fruit, meat and cheese platters.

Good to know: Blazing Bagels has Eastside and Seattle locations. Place your order at the location nearest you.

Online: blazingbagels.com

photo: Yulanda W. via Yelp

Fu Man Dumpling House
Treat the party to some delicious doughy goodness with homemade dumplings from Fu Man Dumpling House in Seattle’s Bitter Lake neighborhood. The pork and vegetable dumplings are made fresh at this family-owned establishment, and if you show up at the right time, you can watch the kitchen make them from scratch. Order take out or grab a bag of frozen dumplings to prep at home. Round out your meal with other traditional Chinese cuisine like chow mein or fried rice.

Good to know: Fu Man Dumpling House is a small operation, so call ahead to place your order.

14314 Greenwood Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98133
206-364-0681

Online: yelp.com/biz/fu-man-dumpling-house-seattle

photo: jdurham via morgueFile

Maya’s Restaurant
You can’t go wrong with Mexican food. Ole! Serve up a spread of rice, beans, tacos, enchiladas, and favorite kid staple: the quesadilla. Maya’s Restaurant is your go-to for south of the border tastes, cooking up party food for the greater Seattle area for over 30 years. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood bash or a small gathering of besties, Maya’s provides freshly prepared, temperature perfect food when you want it. From traditional fare to healthy vegetarian options, Maya’s Restaurant offers a wide variety of options to fit every taste and budget.

Good to know: Maya’s delivers orders for 20 or more people.

9447 Rainier Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98118
206-725-5510

Online: mayasrestaurant.co
Email: catering@mayasrestaurant.com

photo: Pampeana Empanadas

Pampeana Empanadas
Pampeana’s stuffs pastry dough with creative fillings, both savory and sweet, and then bakes the pillowly goodness until toasty warm and super scrumptious. Accompany your empanada order with their house-made chimichurri, tamarind ginger sauce, or aji sauce to enhance the flavor factor. Place your order and pick up fresh baked empanadas at the U-District or West Seattle Farmers Markets on weekends or snag frozen empanadas at their Tacoma kitchen mid-week.

Good to know: Pampeana’s sauces are available for purchase or make at home with the recipes provided online.

253-973-6589
Online: pampeanaempanadas.com

photo: Curtis L. via Yelp

Vios Café
How about some Greek food? Opa! Seattle’s Vios Café serves up Mediterranean food perfect for petite party-goers. From chicken souvlaki (what child doesn’t like eating food on a skewer?) to delectable house-made dips served with warm pita bread, Café Vios makes entertaining food with definite yum factor. Order platters from the pre-set catering menu or create your own spread from their extensive menu. Depending on the size of your order, food is available for pick-up or delivery.

Good to know: Vios Café has two Seattle locations; contact the Capitol Hill restaurant for catering orders.

903 19th Ave. E.
Seattle, Wa 98112
206-329-3236
Online: vioscafe.com

Yellow Dot Café
Sandwiches and fruit are guaranteed kid pleasers and the Yellow Dot Café serves up some of the best tasting deli food in the Seattle area. Fresh seasonal fruit platters feature berries and melon cut just to size for little fingers to enjoy. Fill sandwich platters with delicious flavors like turkey pesto, ham and swiss, and hummus and veggie, sure to convert the most stalwart PB&J fan. Yellow Dot Café offers boxed meals or family-style platters.

Good to know: If you’re a party-planning procrastinator, Yellow Dot Café only needs a 24-hour notice to prep your order.

South Lake Union location
301 Westlake Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-381-9200

Fremont location
701 N. 34th St.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-588-0659

Online: yellowdotcafe.com
Email: catering@yellowdotcafe.com

What other food would you add to our list? Tell us in the Comments!

— Abbey McGee