Kent Station - restaurants and shops - an outdoor gathering place

Kent Station is a great place to go for lunch or dinner if you're undecided because there are many restaurant choices along with movie theaters, shopping, a Dilletante coffee shop next to a massive outdoor fireplace with comfortable chairs and other services like Kinko's and The Mac Store. Kent Station is also the transportation hub for the City. Sound Transit's Sounder Commuter Rail stops in Kent during commuter hours and King County Metro bus service serves almost any destination.

In 2009, the City of Kent opened ShoWare Center just 2 blocks away from Kent Station. The 6,000-seat arena is home to the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team of the Western Hockey League. When hockey is not being played the arena is host to many other events.

My top 3 favorite Kent Station restaurants in no particular order:

• If a burger and a beer are what you're after The Ram is the place for you. A casual atmosphere and a menu to please the whole family meet a brew pub with sports on the big screens. I've always had a good experience here and this is one of Aidan's favorite restaurants. (my son)
• Panera Bread is a bakery and cafe, very popular at lunch.
• Mama Stortini's is a local Italian restaurant that serves a very nice lunch or dinner.