Capitol Hill is known in Seattle as a quirky bar joint with a vibrant late night scene. For those foodies out there it is also the place that you can find inventive food and drinks that you can’t find anywhere else. This scene is not to be missed, and I have called out a few of my favorites below. Whether you are in the mood for the ultimate comfort food, a great cocktail, a chill place to catch up with friends, or a truly religious experience the list below won’t disappoint.
Gnocchi Bar
Gnocchi Bar is a great lil Italian slice of heaven that serves the best gnocchi I have had in Seattle along with a fantastic gelato. Seriously how many places can you go in and be greeted by the owner Lisa a woman who loves her job and loves her staff? You can taste the love in the food that you eat. It is delicious comfort food followed by a delicious dessert of cannoli and/or gelato. I recommend any gnocchi dish that suits your fancy and gelato – particularly the two flavor bowl of gelato with Tiramisu and Chocolate or a cannoli. If you are a big fan of desserts do both! Lisa lives, breathes, and eats Seattle – so much so that she lets the local weather people drive the price of her lunch special when the heat in Seattle got too much for locals to bear. Whether it is for take out, pick up, or dine in you won’t be disappointed in the delicious pillows of heaven that Gnocchi bar serves up! Tip – follow Gnocchi bar or Lisa on twitter for great deals, tips, and a preview of what dessert they are featuring each day.
Location: Seattle Capitol Hill – 1542 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Opening Hours: Monday through Thursday 8 am to 10 pm; Friday 8 am to midnight; Saturday 9 am to midnight; Sunday 9 am to 10 pm
Price: $$
Connection: Facebook | Twitter | Web | Contact
Saint John’s
Tucked away just off of Broadway in Capitol Hill this eclectically comfortable place is a great place to sit in the restaurant or keep going back into their patio area. I have sat in both and trust me when I tell you there is no such thing as a bad seat in the house. The cocktails are quirky and delicious. Be brave and try anything on their cocktail list, they’re all amazing. I recommend telling your waiter/waitress what your favorite liquor is and put your faith in their experienced hands. I have tried several cocktails and they were all delicious – but I recommend the “keep it a secret or the Bourbon SweetTea”. Now to move on to the food. I was pleasantly surprised to have found Truffle popcorn on the menu and it is delicious! When you first walk in to Saint John’s your first impression may not be to expect to eat delicious Figs stuffed with goat cheese, but these are amazing – so please do yourself a favor and order, eat, and enjoy them all. This place is great whether for a date, a girls night out, or just a calm place to grab a drink that will transport you from Capitol Hill to a calming oasis in the middle of the city.
Location: Seattle Capitol Hill – 719 E. Pike Street, Seattle WA 98122
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 2pm – 2am; Sat & Sun 10am – 2am
Price: $$
Connection: Facebook | Twitter | Web | Contact
Via Tribunali
Via Tribunali is located on the main drag in Capitol Hill – walking into this Italian joint transports you out of the hustle and bustle of Capitol Hill and whisks you away to an Authentic Italian Eatery. Walking into this old Church setting, making your way to your table, sets you up for a truly religious food experience. From the smells, sounds, and menu you may very well forget you are in Seattle. You can’t beat a great wine you can order by the craft and a handmade pizza that you watch them make in front of your eyes with fresh, quality ingredients. Their food and drinks are great for sharing, so weather you go on a date or to catch up with friends and family you will not leave disappointed. Random Note – before you leave though, as silly as it sounds, you have to hit their bathrooms, even if just to go in and wash your hands. Trust me.
Location: Seattle Capitol Hill – 913 E Pike St. Seattle WA 98122
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs 4pm – Midnight; Fri & Sat 4pm – 1am
Price: $$
Connection: Facebook | Twitter | Web | Contact
Oddfellows Cafe & Bar
Enjoy the bustle of the city while eating and drinking at this quirky little spot just up from the main streets of Cap Hill. I have actually only sat outside at this place, but to me, the outside sitting area is the best spot as you can sit and enjoy the great Seattle weather – nothing beats a great sunny warm day in Seattle. Whether you are looking for just drinks or munchies this place it all. I recommend their cheese platter and any of their hand made cocktails from their cocktail list. I love a great cheese plate, it really shows off the food and is paired smartly with sides that accompany the cheese and meat. I usually do red wine but I had a delicious cocktail made with Tequila and I was glad I did, it was amazing. Tell them the spirit you like and their knowledgeable staff will find a drink that is right for you. Need a great late night spot? Keep this one in your back pocket you won’t be disappointed. Oddfellows is open all day and has a vast assortment of items on their weekend brunch menu as well if you aren’t a late night eats person.
Location: Seattle Capitol Hill – 1525 10th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122
Opening Hours: Every Day 8am – Late (come on that is awesome!)
Price: $$
Connection: Facebook | Twitter | Web | Contact
Restaurant Zoe
Restaurant Zoe to me is a great little bistro nestled in an urban setting in Seattle. The food is clean, fresh and looks as good as it tastes. The way the chef plates the food at Zoe is definitely worth taking a moment to take in and admire, and even take picture if you fancy. The cocktail list is great and the bartenders are fun to watch and talk with about what cocktails they recommend based on what you are eating. If you can sit outside I recommend it, the scene is so comfortable it is as if you are at a friend’s house on their patio, but careful, you may not want to leave. What a better way to end a night of cocktails, eats, and good conversation then with a knockout dessert? Order some you won’t be disappointed. You can also just pop in for drinks and dessert, yes they are that good.
Location: Seattle Capitol Hill – 1318 E. Union Street, Seattle WA 98122
Opening Hours: Every Day 5pm – Close
Price: $$$
Connection: Facebook | Twitter | Web | Contact
