Hundreds of hungry Seattleites filled an empty lot in Interbay on Saturday for Mobile Chowdown II.   

The first Mobile Chowdown back in October faced some mixed reviews. Hundreds gathered to try the city’s best street food, but lines were long and crowded, seating was sparse, bathrooms were non-existent and many vendors ran out of food early and had to turn away people who had been waiting to eat for up to an hour.

This time the Chowdown planners set up a large undercover seating area with tables and chairs, rented portable toilets for the event, and brought in live music to keep the crowd entertained.

The vendors – including Marination Mobile, Dante’s Inferno Dogs, Gert’s BBQ,  El Camion, Veraci Pizza, Anita’s Crepes, Kaosamai Thai and Top Pot Doughnuts – were spread out to give everyone space and avoid lines merging into one another.

And although many lines were still long at the most popular vendors, there were more places to sit and enjoy your food after finally making it to the front.

(Photos courtesy of Karen Johnson and Seattle magazine, one of the co-sponsors of Mobile Chowdown).

As we first told you a few weeks ago, this coming Saturday is the return of the popular foodie event, Mobile Chowdown, which gathers the city’s best “curbside cuisine” in one location.

The Chowdown will take place once again in Interbay at 1616 W Bertona from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The vendor list includes some of the originals, plus some new foods to try. They’re bringing back Marination Mobile, Dante’s Inferno Dogs, Gert’s BBQ and El Camion. New attendees are Veraci Pizza, Anita’s Crepes, Top Pot Doughnuts and Kaosamai Thai.

There was criticism after the first event in October about the event being unorganized. This time around we’re told that things will be better. “At this round the trucks will placed more strategically so that the lines will be more distinguishable between trucks. There will also be event staff that will keep things a bit more organized. Because the last event was the first time any of the vendors took part in an event like this, it was a learning experience for all. This time they will be more prepared with food, etc.,” says Jamie Hintz, Suzuki + Chou Communimedia, one of the event sponsors. There will be live music and a dining area (no word yet on the bathroom situation).

We have two ways for you to fill your belly on Saturday in the Magnolia area. 

This is the last day for the Saturday Farmer’s Market in the community center parking lot.  Look for lots of fresh fruits, including seasonal apples, flowers and veggies along with other vendors.  The market runs from 10a.m. to 2p.m.  For a list of what is available click here.

If you are looking for a slightly less natural option, head over to Interbay for the Mobile Chowdown.  This is the first time that Seattle’s popular street food vendors will all be in one location. The event is free (other than the food that you buy) and you are encouraged to bring a chair and hang out with your fellow street food aficionados.  Vendors includeSkillet, Parfait ice Cream, Marination Station and Maximus Minimus

                                                                         The trucks will be in place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the vacent lot at 1616 W. Bertona.  

On Saturday, October 10th, you’ll get a chance to try a wide variety of street food all in one place. Mobile Chowdown brings a bunch of Seattle’s street food vendors to one location. The event is free (other than the food that you buy) and you are encouraged to bring a chair and hang out with your fellow street food aficionados.

Vendors includeSkillet, Parfait ice Cream, Marination Station and Maximus Minimus, In the lead up to Mobile Chowdown, there’s even a trivia contest on Twitter. Follow @mobilechowdown and answer their trivia questions each day for a chance to win dinner at Tilth and a night at the Sorrento Hotel. 

The trucks will be in place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the vacent lot at 1616 W. Bertona.