Seattle’s Capitol Hill gets two new much-needed bakeries
Seattle has recently welcomed two exciting additions to its culinary landscape: Pinoyshki Bakery & Cafe and Shikorina Bakery. Both establishments, situated in Capitol Hill in walking distance from both the Link Light Rail and the First Hill Streetcar lines, are poised to become local favorites, each offering a unique blend of flavors and experiences that reflect the diverse culture of the area, something Seattle needs more than ever. Earlier this week, Boca Bakery (and its similarly named Boca Restobar pair in Belltown and Capitol Hill) shut down permanently, following a temporary closure caused by the death of the businesses’ owner, Marco Casas Beaux. This leaves a big Argentina-shaped hole on the Hill—which these bakeries don’t fix—but they sure do help ease the sting some.
Pinoyshki Bakery & Cafe: A Fusion of Filipino and Russian Delights
Pinoyshki Bakery & Cafe, located on Pine Street between Boylston & Harvard Avenue in the Pike Motorworks Complex near Linda’s Bar and RedHook BrewLab, is the latest venture from the team behind the famous Russian bakery, Piroshki on 3rd, open since 1994. This new location continues the tradition of serving up a delicious mix of Filipino and East European baked goods, meals, and iconic cakes. Chef Alyssa Anderson, who reimagined the bakery in 2016, brings her expertise in blending Russian classics with her own Filipino influences to Capitol Hill. The bakery's namesake dish, loved by none other than culinary celebrity Guy Fieri, is a testament to the quality and creativity of their offerings. With a commitment to freshness and scrumptious flavors, Pinoyshki Bakery & Cafe is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a unique culinary experience. They also have plenty of space and a long coffee menu, so come by if you need to get some work done. Expect a line if you’re coming through on a weekend—or come early to avoid it and have full pick of the options! They do have a 6-piroshki limit and are pausing their usual deliveries while they adjust to the new volume, so don’t expect to bring in a dozen for a group or anything like that unless you’re reading this a few months out.
The snacks outside the savory buns aren’t to be missed, either—we got a variety ranging from a Miso Maple Cookie (the crispy bits in this are incredible and the flavors are addicting—my partner and I split every crumb) to Guava and Cheese Pastries (which filled my Puerto Rican soul with delight). They also had nice cakes, croissants, sweet rolls, and beautiful, delicately designed desserts that would be great for a special occasion treat.
Shikorina Bakery: A Nostalgic Journey Through Baked Goods
Shikorina Bakery, reopening its doors on Pike Street, brings a touch of nostalgia and a lot of flavor to Capitol Hill. This new location is the replacement for the recently closed Central District bakery that closed in January, run by a talented black queer woman, Hana Yohannes. Shikorina Bakery is known for its delicious poptarts, which offer a nostalgic trip with every bite—the strawberry pastry transports me to being a child in my potato-sack-looking Disney princess pajamas, eating a pair of strawberry Pop Tarts off my Blue’s Clues plate while watching PBS. If you had a rough day and need to check out for a minute, go get yourself a “Sweet Little Treat,” which the sign at the entry will remind you that you deserve (and you do).
In addition to these delightful treats, the bakery impresses with its scones, cookies, and muffins, all crafted with care and expertise. The cheddar scallion scone is absolutely excellent if you’re not feeling a sweeter bite. The owner, an alumna of the Seattle Pastry Project, brings her passion and skill to every item on the menu, ensuring that each visit is a memorable one. The shop itself, occupying Ben and Esther’s former space (and before that, Capitol Hill’s Seattle Coffee Works), is adorably decorated. If you’re looking for a cute Instagram shot, you’ll find it whether you head up to the second-floor loft to enjoy your snacks or just sit on their entry bench in front of the huge window. Personally—the snacks are the best shot, if you can keep yourself from devouring them long enough.
As Capitol Hill continues to evolve as a culinary destination, the addition of Pinoyshki Bakery & Cafe and Shikorina Bakery adds to a limited pastry scene that the Hill has been slacking on. These two particular bakeries not only serve delicious baked goods and coffee, but also embody the community's spirit of diversity and innovation, which is something so welcome in a city that is truly the home of Starbucks. So, next time you're in Capitol Hill, be sure to stop by these new gems and treat yourself to some of the best baked goods Seattle has to offer.
