Capitol Hill, Seattle is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its vibrant culture, LBGTQ community, stylish boutiques, and hip restaurants, the area is the perfect place to explore on a Saturday in the city.

I’ve been to Seattle many times as it’s only a 2-hour drive from Vancouver, but I had never spent much time in Capitol Hill before our most recent trip. To say I was blown away would be an understatement. The energy of this neighborhood is infectious, and with so much to see and do, I knew I needed to share the experience. Below I’ve outlined how to spend a day in Capitol Hill, Seattle. Let’s do it:

Coffee

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

These roasters are serious about their coffee! Start the day off right with one of these ethically sourced brews.

Espresso Vivace’s

A charming sidewalk bar in Capitol Hill serving up espresso with impressive latte art. Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse once described Vivace espresso as “the best coffee in the US, if not the world.”

Victrola Cafe

Their Capitol Hill cafe is located in a stunning old 1920’s auto row building. Their roastery and training facility is on-site, so stay awhile and learn more about coffee, or simply grab a cup and enjoy the space.

Starbucks Reserve

Brunch

Bar Melusine

What decor dreams are made of! Famous for their oysters and delicious brunch, Bar Melusine should be one of your first stops on your tour of Capitol Hill! We ordered the croque madame and the savory crêpes, both were excellent! Order the mimosa pitcher to wash it down!

Lost Lake Diner

Extremely popular with the locals and hipsters, this mid-century modern diner with an old school feel is straight out of an Archie comic. If it’s sunny, you’ll find a jam-packed patio spilling into the street. Open 24 hours/7 days a week! Can’t go wrong with burgers, fries and homemade pies!

Stateside

Another favourite in Capitol Hill for French and Vietnamese fusion food. The tropical modern decor is the perfect setting for sippin’ a cocktail or two and enjoying good company. All the travel vibes at this spot!

Beers

Oddfellows

Wasn’t a huge fan of the food here, but the space is worth visiting for a beer! There is also a Little Oddfellows in the Elliott Bay Book Store for smaller treats and coffee! (more on that later..)

Optimism

A massive brewery located inside a rehabilitated 100-year-old warehouse. It took almost two years to open and has been serving thirsty locals and tourists ever since. They are a brewery through and through, so you won’t find a kitchen serving food. However, they have a plethora of family-owned food trucks parked in their beer garden. They also allow you to bring your own food or have food delivered there. I love how laidback and chill this brewery is. The perfect place to connect with friends and hang out.

Redhook Brewlab

Another large brewery with an epic patio serving up 16 rotating small batch brews. Sit outside if it’s nice! A few favorites are the Abbicus Grapefruit IPA and the rosé cider. Yes, cider with a rosé wine twist with notes of hibiscus and rose hips. SO good!

Treats and Snacks

Frankie and Jo’s Ice Cream

A tropical inspired ice cream shop serving up plant-based treats. Now that I’m writing this post I’m realizing Capitol Hill has a quite a few places that rock the tropical decor. I’m not complaining. Some flavors include salted caramel ash, gingered golden milk and beet strawberry rose. Pop in for a seasonal flavor or order one of the classics. If you don’t get a photo by the palm tree wall, did you even go?

Eltana Bagels

This place had me at the word bagels. When people ask me what I would eat if I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life, I always say a toasted bagel with cream cheese. We picked up half a dozen bagels and some scallion cream cheese for the road. Oh man, heaven.

Vegan Option

Plum Bistro

A great option for plant-based lunch or snack! Very popular and a little pricey. You may have to wait, but the food is worth it! Menu items include gourmet burgers, handmade pizzas and delicious entrees like the sweet potato gnocchi. Okay, now I’m drooling.

Pro tip: All day happy hour if you go on a Monday!

Shopping

Totokaelo

A carefully curated line-up of men and women’s fashion, accessories, shoes and home decor. Worth it just to window shop if you’re on a budget! It is such a beautiful space!

Glasswing

I took a million and one pictures in this gorgeous space!! You could spend a day in Capitol Hill in this store alone. Not only is it botanical heaven, but the selection of designers and funky decor will have you spending more time (and money) than you anticipated when you first walked in. I bought a beautiful pair of linen pants from a New York designer that I love!

Le Frock Vintage

For all your vintage needs! Fun place to pop into to look around! You can sometimes find Chanel, Gucci and other high-end designers as Capitol Hill is home to one of the wealthiest streets in Seattle!

Sharply

An amazing men’s fashion boutique with a great mix of quirky items and the essentials. Lots of short sleeve button ups with fun prints like popsicles, pineapples, and flamingos!

The Elliott Bay Book Company Bookstore

They just don’t make ’em like this anymore. Wander around the aisles of books and marvel at the cascading walls lined with your favorite authors. Grab a juice or coffee from Little Oddfellows in the back.

Things to Do in Capitol Hill

Volunteer Park

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and exploring Volunteer Park, a 48.3 acre park complete with a conservatory, Seattle Asian Art Museum, and spectacular views of Seattle, including a glimpse at the famous space needle. Grab a book and a blanket and relax for an hour or so! 

Dinner & Drinks

Cascina Spinasse

I don’t know where to start with this restaurant, except to say it served some of the best Italian food I’ve ever consumed (and I’ve been to Italy and dated an Italian). Serving up handmade pasta and seasonally inspired dishes complimented by a wine list that will blow your mind! 

Sitka and Spruce

We had a hard time deciding between Sitka and Spruce and Spinasse for dinner, as both came highly recommended. S&S is open brunch, lunch and dinner and has a fun happy hour as well. The A la carte menu changes daily as they value using the freshest ingredients, so check the website before visiting, and make a reso!

John John’s Game Room

Finish the night with some friendly competition and a nightcap at John John’s. This two-story bar has over 30 pinball machines and games to play as you finish a day in Capitol Hill.

If you have yet to discover Capitol Hill, consider this your virtual push to go explore this spirited corner of Seattle. I am already counting the days until I can visit again as there is still SO much to see.

Pin How to Spend a Day in Capitol Hill, Seattle for later!