The Essential Guide To Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is a popular, diverse, and exciting neighborhood located just under a mile from the Pan Pacific Seattle. Known for its impressive collection of trendy restaurants, acclaimed restaurants, gay clubs, cafes, and cultural attractions, the area is a must-visit for anyone coming through Seattle. 

Looking to the best upscale restaurants, delicious hole-in-the-walls, cocktail bars, thrift shops, parks, and sights in Capitol Hill, we came up with some recommendations on how to best enjoy the neighborhood. Here’s your essential guide to Capitol Hill: 

Dining in Capitol Hill

You can find delicious eats from around the globe on Capitol Hill. Across all of these dishes, you’ll find plenty prepared with contemporary reconstructions, and plenty representing traditional executions. 

Among our favorite places to eat in Capitol Hill, Momnoon is a traditional Middle Eastern restaurant serving up classic dishes with modern twists in a converted warehouse. The fried chicken, biscuit sandwiches at The Wandering Goose are an absolute dream. Also, you can find affordable, delicious Mexican classics like tacos and burritos and Tacos Chukis. 

Drinking in Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is among the best known and trendy nightlife destinations in Seattle. The drinking scene incorporates a wide variety of cocktail bars, dives, performing arts venues, and fun themed spaces. 

Among our favorites, Unicorn always dazzles with carnival-themed decor and bright colors throughout. We also love the speakeasy Knee High Stocking Co, and its craft cocktails. For something truly unique, check out Pie Bar. The small storefront serves up pies, pie-infused cocktails, as well as a selection of craft beer and wine. 

Capitol Hill is also known as one of America’s best gay neighborhoods.There are a number of well-known gay bars and clubs in Capitol Hill including CC Attle’s Pub, the event space and bar Queer/Bar, and the down-home karoake heaven Crescent Lounge. 

Shopping in Capitol Hill

Shopping in Capitol Hill offers a blend of artsy independent boutiques, curated thrift shops, and unique home design stores. Those who like thumbing through stacks of repurposed materials, and artisanal creations will definitely enjoy the retail scene in Capitol Hill. 

We’re partial to Drizzle & Shine, a fashion boutique that specializes in animal product-free clothes and eco-conscious clothes for all genders. Some of the best vintage shops in the neighborhood include Revival Shop Seattle, Rove Vintage, and the popular chain Out of the Closet. Butter Home LLC is another standout shop in Capitol Hill, offering a blend of funky housewares, artsy decorations, locally-made jewelry, and bags. 

Capitol Hill Culture

The collection of unique cultural attractions in Capitol Hill adds to the neighborhood’s prestige and appeal. You can do so much here including visiting museums, parks, and other city classics. 

We recommend visiting Volunteer Park, which is a hilltop outdoor destination with an old mansion, walking trails, and breathtaking views of Seattle. You can also head to the park to find the Asian American Art Museum, a favorite among locals and an art deco marvel. 

Travelers tend to appreciate visiting the famous Lake View Cemetery, the final resting place of Bruce Lee. After stopping by, swing over to the more upbeat Cal Anderson Park. The beautiful park has a reflecting pool and playgrounds,and it honors Washington state’s first openly gay state legistlator. 

Discover More of Seattle

Explore the Emerald City with our insider’s guide online. Find our recommendations for the best Seattle experiences on the Pan Pacific blog!