5 Spot, found in the Queen Anne region of Seattle, is a truly unique spot from the massive, steaming coffee cup that adorns its signs to the constantly changing menu and decor. Open at 8:00 a.m. and closing at 11:00 p.m. (weekdays) or 12:00 a.m. (weekends--though they close for a two hour block from 3:00-5:00 p.m.), the place is constantly bustling. I’ve never visited without a bit of a wait, though it never takes too long. The most unique part of the entire place is their “American Food Festival Series” which is the traveling portion of their menu that offers dishes from changing locations of the United States. They find inspiration from historical roots of food across America. Recently in July, they served up options from Cuba: Cubano Empanadas, Mussels with Spanish chorizo and Puerco Cubano seared Mojo Pork.

The interior of 5 Spot is full of its character. The very front region changes depending on its current local for the cycling menu, and the style of the region’s depiction is always on the goofy and over-the-top side of things. There’s a bar seating area, for age 21+, and a general dining area that extends into a back room with more space and a collection of past featured locations pictured on the wall.

As for the menu, it’s homey and hearty. 5 spot is the place to come to fill your tummy and leave feeling stuffed and happy. The entire demeanor of the staff, the decor, and the menu is one of enjoyment and fun. The food isn’t frilly or done up, just good.

For breakfast (from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.), they are serving up a range of classic favorites from egg dishes, hot cakes, and biscuits and gravy. If you’re in a sweet mood, the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast ($11.50) is delicious with housemade perfectly classic caramel drenching the thick sliced french toast.

Whatever one orders for breakfast, if they have any respect for starch, they won’t miss 5 Spot’s hashbrowns. They are on the crispier side, so if you’re a soggy tots lover, maybe skip ‘em; but the flavor they impart onto simply potatoes is stella! Seriously, a side not to be missed.

For lunch (11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.), 5 Spot offers weekday specials at $8.50 a pop. Come in Monday for a Chicken Salad Sandwich, Tuesday for a Stuff Chicken Burrito, Wednesday for Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese, Thursday for Meatloaf Sandwiches, and Friday for Fish Tacos. Otherwise find burgers, soups (Clam Chowder or a changing daily soup), salads or sandwiches.

Dinner (5:00 p.m. - close) serves up a range of "American melting pot meals" from the Pacific Northwest with Basil Pesto Linguini, Grilled Salmon or a Emmer Farro Summer Bowl; to New England with a Reuben Sandwich, Cod and Chips, and Steak Salad; and Southwest with Tostadas, Carne Asada and Longhorn Burgers; and South of the Mason Dixon with Chicken and Waffles, Fried Chicken, and BBQ Pork Sandwiches. If none of those appeal, there’s a build-a-burger section, meat and potato dishes, and breakfast for dinner. No matter what, it’s going to taste homemade. 5 Spot serves up food like your mama, that is, if your mama grew up simultaneously across the continental USA. Special on Sundays, they also serve up special Fried Chicken ($15.50 adults, $7.75 kids) from 5:00 p.m. till it runs out accompanied by mashed potatoes and gravy, butter seasoned vegetables and biscuits.

No matter what meal you’re coming in for, 5 Spot will be serving up their milkshakes. With six flavor options, two of which are adult only, these milkshakes ($7- $11.50) made from Olympic Mountain Ice Cream are simply slurpable and de-lish! Keep in mind, a milkshake can take awhile to make, so if you want one, order it right away so it comes before you’re too full to enjoy it and if you’re in a rush, ask to see how long it’ll take or save it for next visit.

Across the board, the prices at 5 Spot differ a lot across the menu, but most things are close to $10 and few, if any, are over $20 at a given time. With hearty portions and filling dishes, one can eat here without busting the bank. If you are tight on cash, order carefully or come during one of their special hours when there are cheaper menus: Not-So-Early-Bird-Breakfast (Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) all options are $6.75 or Happy Hour (3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to closing) when the menu is broken up into $4 and $5 sections.

5 Spot of Queen Anne is a place with some spunk and fill-yer-belly, lick-your-lips good food with a lot of variety between their special timed menus and their cycling journey across America. You could eat here every day and never end up eating the same things twice (though you might, because it’ll be delicious).