Seattle Neighborhood Guide: Capitol Hill

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 .

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 Plata — Can 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.

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 Box — Sing 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.

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.

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.

Available homes in Capitol Hill

• Townhome with views of the Space Needle and Elliot Bay | 3 BD, 3 BA | $1,235,000
• North Capitol Hill Dutch Colonial on a corner lot | 4 BD, 3 BA | $995,000
• Sustainably-built contemporary modern home | 2 BD, 2 BA | $1,074,950*

Poll

Which of the following fun facts about Capitol Hill surprises you the most?