[dfinninger]

It’s changed a good bit since last year. Since your talking about boarded up buildings I assume you were near Pioneer Square? They’ve taken that down (including the crazy dystopian metal grate around the Apple Store).

This conference is also east side at the convention center, I highly recommend checking out all the awesome restaurants on Williams and Broadway (Eater has lists for both).

[quadrangle]

Despite some validity to what you are saying, it has always been the case that the convention center is unusually crappy in terms of food options. It's surprising given where it is. So many other areas have better and more awesome options. I would never suggest the convention center area as the region to go to if wanting to explore great restaurants.