Welcome to Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill, a lively and densely populated neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. This area is home to a historic LGBTQ+ community and a rich counterculture vibe. The district is filled with trendy bars, diverse eateries, and laid-back coffee shops, along with indie shops that add to its unique charm. Volunteer Park, situated atop the hill in a historic mansion district, offers scenic walking trails, a plant conservatory, panoramic views of the city, and the art deco Asian Art Museum. Adjacent to it is Lake View Cemetery, the final resting place of the city's founders and Bruce Lee. Nearby, Cal Anderson Park features a wading pool that is popular with children.
Top Places to See in Capitol Hill, Seattle
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Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) Located within Volunteer Park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum showcases both historic and contemporary artworks from regions including Korea, Japan, India, China, and Southeast Asia. The museum is thoughtfully curated, with exhibits organized around themes like spirituality, literature, visual arts, and nature.
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Volunteer Park Situated in the heart of Seattle, Volunteer Park is a beloved landmark featuring the Volunteer Park Conservatory and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Recognized as a Seattle Landmark in 2011, this historic Olmsted Park boasts stunning landscapes, including a seasonal display of dahlias thanks to the efforts of the Puget Sound Dahlia Association. The park is a favorite spot for both residents and visitors.
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Washington Park Arboretum Encompassing 230 acres near Lake Washington, the Washington Park Arboretum is a green oasis managed by the University of Washington and the City of Seattle. It features a diverse collection of plants and trees from around the world, including the 12-acre Pacific Connections Garden, where visitors can explore flora from regions like Australia, China, and New Zealand.
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The Egyptian Theatre This iconic one-screen theater, originally built in 1915 as a Masonic temple, now specializes in foreign language films, independent movies, restored classics, and documentaries. The Egyptian Theatre is also a key venue for the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF), one of North America's largest film festivals, and is known for its unique Egyptian-inspired interior.
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Japanese Garden Nestled within the Washington Park Arboretum, the Japanese Garden offers a serene and reflective space with koi ponds, Japanese maples, and meticulously designed formal gardens. This 3.5-acre garden, crafted in 1960 by designer Juki Iida, features a teahouse donated by the city of Tokyo and is an ideal spot for quiet contemplation.
Best Restaurants in Capitol Hill, Seattle
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Spice Waala 340 15th Ave E #202, Seattle, WA 98112, (206) 466-5195 This fast-casual gem began as a market stall and quickly expanded to a permanent spot on 15th Avenue, offering delicious, budget-friendly Indian street food. Their kathi rolls, masala aloo, and bhel puri are popular favorites.
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Taneda 219 Broadway E #14, Seattle, WA 98102, (206) 457-8921 Hidden within Capitol Hill’s Broadway Alley, Taneda offers an intimate sushi experience. Master chef Hideaki Taneda specializes in Edomae-style sushi, crafting each seasonal dish with precision and artistry.
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Carmelo’s Tacos 110 Summit Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, (206) 659-0159 A true hidden gem inside Hillcrest Market, this taqueria serves up authentic Mexico City-style tacos. Highlights include the campechano, featuring chorizo, steak, and potato, and a flavorful vegan taco with mushrooms and refried beans.
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Blotto 1830 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, (206) 403-1809 Known for its naturally leavened sourdough pizzas, Blotto started as a pop-up before establishing a cozy restaurant on 12th Avenue. The menu frequently changes, but the classic cheese pie remains a crowd favorite, complemented by a curated selection of beer and wine.
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Kedai Makan 1802 Bellevue Ave E, Seattle, WA 98122, (206) 555-5555 Once famous for its late-night offerings, Kedai Makan has returned to dine-in service with its eclectic Malaysian street food menu. Dishes like ayam goreng masala and lamb-stuffed murtabak are worth the wait, often drawing long lines.
Capitol Hill Housing Market
In September 2021, the housing market in Capitol Hill saw a decrease in home prices by 11.0% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $645K. Homes in the area typically stayed on the market for 18 days, an increase from 9 days the previous year. A total of 44 homes were sold in September, a slight decrease from 45 the year before.