First off, welcome to the Emerald City! What's you budget like?
I'd check out Recycled Cycles (U-district) before anything else, at least then you get to test ride it. They have quite a few used bikes in good working condition, for good prices. Tons of parts too.
If you have a bit more dough, perhaps a Surly would be in order for you.
If you don't really need a touring bike (long wheelbase, mounts for panniers, etc) then just about any road bike will do.