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Seattle Neighborhood Guide: Capitol Hill

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DYK? Capitol Hill wasn’t always called Capitol Hill — For decades, the neighborhood was known as Broadway Hill and only changed to Capitol Hill in 1901. | Photo by SEAtoday

Table of Contents

Today, we’re profiling an iconic neighborhood in The Emerald City: Capitol Hill. 🏙

Read on for the must-know info (like dining, nightlife, outdoor activities, fun facts, plus homes and schools in the area), thanks to recommendations from four local Windermere Real Estate agents: Theodora Cornelia, Stella Bohnert, Erin Porter, and Larry Wilcynski.

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11 rainbow crosswalks can be found throughout the Capitol Hill neighborhood that were installed by the city in 2015. | Photo by SEAtoday team

Dining

Add these spots to your running list of Capitol Hill restaurants, courtesy of real estate agent Theodora Cornelia.

  • Stateside — A wonderfully small + intimate spot to enjoy with friends, this Vietnamese gem is tucked away on E. Pike St. and serves up items like Crispy Duck Fresh Rolls + Crispy Chicken with Scallions (pro tip: they’re all meant for sharing).
  • Omega Ouzeri — A cozy setting to enjoy a slow-paced Greek meal. Theodora’s take: “Some of my favorites include fresh fish and crudo along with typical fare, dolma. My most favorite on our recent visit was the zucchini fritters.”
  • Macchiavelli — This small Italian restaurant has been in the neighborhood since 1988. Locals know to get there early and to grab a seat at the bar while waiting on their table.
  • Terra PlataCan you say paella? This locally-owned spot is famous for its paella + seafood. Bonus: Terra Plata has one of the few rooftop decks for dinner in the city.
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Real estate agent Theodora Cornelia has 30 years of experience as a home renovator + mortgage lender and shared her recs for Capitol Hill dining above. | Photo provided by Windermere Services

Nightlife

Agent Stella Bohnert calls the Capitol Hill neighborhood home – here are her neighborhood nightlife picks.

  • Foreign National Adjacent to + owned by the equally fantastic restaurant, Stateside, this spot makes for great date night.
  • La Dive — Cute + cozy natural wine-focused bar with an interesting and delicious food and snack menu.
  • Rock BoxSing at the bar or rent a private room at this karaoke paradise, featuring a casual drink menu + super friendly staff.
  • Single Shot — This spot functions as a bar + restaurant with an inspired cocktail menu, large wine list, and some of the best food on the hill, says Windermere Services agent Stella Bohnert.
  • Bait Shop — You can get a Rainier tall boy, a frozen painkiller + one of the best burgers in the city (according to Stella) at this iconic dive bar.
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Agent (and Seattle native) Stella Bohnert has lived in the Capitol Hill neighborhood for over 10 years, and shared her Capitol Hill nightlife picks above. | Photo provided by Windermere Services

Outdoor activities

Peep agent Erin Porter’s recommendations for outdoor activities in Capitol Hill.

  • Broadway Farmers market — Every Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. year round, the market features produce + fresh flowers for each season.
  • Self-guided botanical tour at Seattle U — Walk through the campus on a self-guided tour to see all the different gardens Seattle University has to offer.
  • Second Thursday art walk — Great opportunity to get a glimpse of local art.
  • Running/walking/hiking the Howe St. Stairs — With 282 steps, you are sure to feel the burn. Bonus: On your way down, you get views of Lake Union.
  • Cal Anderson Park — Serves as the neighborhood’s informal gathering place for fun activities (both officially + unofficially). Think: pickup basketball, volleyball, spike ball + more.
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Agent Erin Porter was a Capitol Hill resident for years, and shares her recommendations for outdoor activities in the neighborhood above. | Photo provided by Windermere Services

Schools

Lead listing agent Larry Wilcynski shares his recommendations for schools in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

  • Stevens Elementary — A popular Seattle Public Elementary school located on the North end of Capitol Hill near Volunteer + Interlaken Parks. This neighborhood school is surrounded by vintage homes, tree-lined streets, and some of Capitol Hill’s best known parks.
  • St. Joseph’s School — A Catholic K-8 school also on North Capitol Hill, and a popular option for families seeking a private alternative.
  • Garfield High School — Rated as one of the top high schools in the state and #1 in the City of Seattle by US News & World Report, GHS is located in Seattle’s Central District just south of Capitol Hill.
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Larry Wilcynski, Lead Listing Agent has deep rooted ties to the Seattle community + shares some local knowledge on Capitol Hill-area schools. | Photo provided by Windermere Services

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