Thinking about hitting up a road game this season? 49ers at Seahawks is the only answer

In a dream world, the 49ers would play all 19 games at Levi’s Stadium this season before having a road game like the Super Bowl in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. Unfortunately this year, an extra game has been added to the schedule, which means the Niners will have to travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, to face the Bengals.

Facing the Bengals isn’t moving the needle for anybody. Road games are more expensive as you have to pay for your travel and stay, along with other costs that were unexpected.

If you had to travel to one game this year, the answer is obvious, isn’t it? The answer is Dec. 5, when San Francisco travels to Lumen Field (formerly CenturyLink Field) in Seattle to face our arch nemesis, the Seahawks.

By the time December rolls around, we’ll know whether each team is in the playoff hunt. Both teams are projected to be above .500, and, unlike last season when the 49ers and Seahawks met for the second time, this game will count for something.

I enjoy going to Seattle as my older sister and her family are season ticket holders. My nephew wears No. 24 and plays running back because he wants to be like Marshawn Lynch. Whenever the 49ers lose to Seattle, I hear about it for weeks.

After Week 17 in 2019, I didn’t receive any holiday calls from any Washington area codes. I wonder why that was?

You don’t need a reason to watch the Niners face the Hawks. You may need a reason to get out of your comfort zone and fly up north for a day or two, though. That’s why I’m here. To help you with a potential itinerary for your 24-36 hour trip.

Food/Dining

The answer to all of your breakfast questions is Beth’s Cafe — although they’re closing temporarily.

This cafe has been around since the ‘50s. There’s a classic, old-school vibe that has crayon drawings from customers on the wall. Beth’s has a homely feel as the menu is full of comfort food. If you’re trying to impress your friends, there’s a 12-egg omelette you can order. If 12 is a bit much, you can downsize to only six eggs.

I’ve eaten here twice, and both times I felt like a nap was needed 30 minutes after my meal — which is a compliment.

If pastries are your thing, check out Piroshky Piroshky. They’re not limited to your typical breakfast or dessert pastries such as apple or cherries and cream. Instead, you can order a chicken, curry, and rice piroshky, beef and cheese, jalapeno, and cheddar cheese, amongst a handful of other options.

Not big on cafes, pastries, or breakfast? There’s a Mediterranean Grill in Bellevue that you have to try. If you can’t make it out there, no sweat. That’s why we have UberEats and DoorDash. From Lamba Shawrma to a Kofta Kabab Sandwich, you will not be disappointed in their Mediterranean food.

A few other places to eat:

• Biscuit Bitch
• Masonry Pizza
• La Palmera Mexican

We can’t have a conversation about road-tripping to a football game without talking about breweries. Here are eight breweries you should check out when you’re in the Pacific Northwest:

• Shoup
• Reuben’s
• Peddler
• NW Peaks
• Old Stove
• The Tap Room
• Pike Place Brewery
• Cloudburst

For the name alone, go to Cloudburst. Woodinville is another area with a nice variety of breweries and wineries.

Entertainment

So what are you supposed to do when you’re not eating or downing beers? The Space Needle is cliche. Pike Place Market is where you can find grown men throwing 25-plus pound fish around while a crowd of people stand and watch. For some, that’s a fun Friday.

If you’re a hockey fan, check out Climate Pledge Arena. The Edmonton Oilers are in town on Friday, Dec. 3, to play the new Seattle Kraken.

If you’re a basketball fan, check out the Supe … too soon?

If this is a family trip, you have Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, or Snoqualmie Ski Resort.

You also have Mount Rainier, and if history is your thing, check out Beneath the Streets, which offers an underground history tour.

Whatever you do, bundle up. It’ll be cold in December.

The game-day experience

I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t spend most of my time trolling Seahawks fans. The most hardcore Seattle fans can’t stand the 12s, nor their head coach, which gives us plenty of ammo to work with.

We joke that the Seahawks haven’t been fans of their team before Russell Wilson became a thing, but I have proof this is true. The last time I was in town, I asked the gentleman pictured below who Seattle played that day. Shockingly, he had no idea:

Once you’re inside of the stadium, it does get loud. It may not be as loud as the decimal levels suggest, but the “fake crowd noise” is a bit overblown. There will be plenty of screaming.

Seahawks fans may come off as delusional, annoying, and tiresome on social media. Nothing changes in real life. That’s what we expect, though, right? I’m sure other fans have said the same about you when they visit Levi’s Stadium.

It’s not as if you have to worry about being screamed at with profanities, but, like with any away game you go to, the home team is going to give you a hard time. But with the 49ers and Seahawks rivalry being as great as it is, the passion is at a level 10.

Go with a group. That way, you have backup, and the home team can’t gang up on you. They’re awfully quiet when they’re not winning. Weird ...

Seattle is an enjoyable city that’s a nice change of pace from your typical big city. The nightlife won’t be confused with a Los Angeles or Scottsdale anytime soon, but you’ll have a good time.

Avoid the local department stores as they're filled with Seahawks gear — unless you’re walking in with 49ers apparel on. I did that two visits ago and received all kinds of side-eyes.