Where to eat and what to see near the First Hill Streetcar
Broadway & Denny (Capitol Hill)
A central hub for community gatherings, known for its vibrant farmer's market every Sunday. It's a green oasis among the busy Capitol Hill streets for leisurely strolls. During the Farmer’s Market you’ll find local produce, meats, and pastries. A handful of food stands popup during the market to keep you going if you’re waiting for a table at Glo’s.
Renowned for its classic diner breakfast and cozy ambiance. Glo's has been a staple for early risers looking for hearty meals to start their day. Glo’s has recently reopened in a new location at Capitol Hill, after overcoming challenges including COVID, a fire, and a lengthy construction period. The diner continues to serve its beloved breakfast menu featuring eggs benedict variations, corned beef hash (a personal favorite, subbing bread for a delicious biscuit), and pancakes, among others. This move to Capitol Hill Transit Station introduces patrons to a slick new space while retaining the delicious food Glo's is known for. Despite often facing long lines, the wait is well worth it for a damn good breakfast experience.
Brings a slice of Venezuelan flavor to Seattle, specializing in arepas and empanadas that boast authenticity and taste. Quick counter service and great for grabbing hand-held food on the move while on the hill, especially if you’re tired of pizza. If you’re in need of your tostones fix regularly in this area (like me), they even sell them by the pound (fried or frozen)! Get an extra cilantro sauce.
Offers a fusion of flavors from the Himalayas, serving dishes that warm the soul in a cozy basement on Capitol Hill, marked by friendly service and a commitment to flavor. Highlights include their momos and dumpling soup. While sadly currently only offering takeout, Annapurna's dishes are as excellent at home as they are in the dining room. For those waiting for a table, the Yeti Bar upstairs serves saffron-lychee cocktails and Himalayan bar snacks.
A beloved Seattle fast-food icon, Dick’s serves up classic burgers, fries, and shakes. Known for its straightforward, satisfying meals, it's a go-to for late-night eats where a full meal will cost less than a single burger in most places in Seattle. It says drive-in but it’s a walk-up—if you haven’t heard of it, you haven’t done your research.
Not just an educational institution but also a community hub with events and programs open to the public.
Broadway & Pike-Pine (Capitol Hill)
A bar with dinosaurs coming out of the walls and anime playing, and a nice heated back patio. Ideal for after-work drinks, a casual brunch, or dinner with a beer, it’s a local favorite for both food and fun. Their potatoes are to die for, and you can often catch Pokemon playing on the TV.
Taku, and/or Kobo (Inside Red Hook)
Taku is delightful karage in about as fun an atmosphere as you can get (NSFW, and 21+ only). Come with a few (emphasis on few, it’s a small space) friends and get a Fuck It Bucket with some drinks. Alternatively, if you have a group or want to bring your mom, go to their Japanese-inspired Detroit-style pizza concept Kobo inside Red Hook Brewlab just a few doors down. You order from a limited menu at the screen or on your phone from a QR code. Get the tater tots; I don’t even care for tots (I prefer a good fry) and I could go through as many as are put in front of me. You need all the sauces, too.
This end of the park is known for its leisure and recreational activities. From picnics to casual sports, it’s a lively spot for friends and families. The south end has a popular field for sports and sunny days, a basketball court, and a skate park.
Molly Moon’s and/or Salt and Straw Ice Cream
These ice cream parlors offer unique, handcrafted flavors that push the boundaries of traditional ice cream. Perfect for dessert enthusiasts looking for innovative tastes, one is from Seattle and the other from Portland. Both are delicious and you can’t go wrong. Grab a scoop and go sit on Cal Anderson field on a nice day and soak up Seattle.
Renowned for fusion Asian-Italian, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Located in a cute corner residential building filled with gorgeous plants, this gem is easy to miss in the hustle and bustle of Capitol Hill.
Chophouse Row is an old row-style urban development that cleverly combines office spaces, retail shops, and food/drink spots, all centered around a communal courtyard that invites locals and visitors alike to gather, dine, and explore. Its eclectic mix of tenants and regular community events make it a dynamic hub of creativity and collaboration. These are a few of our favorites.
Good Weather is not just a café but a celebration of Seattle’s cycling culture and a love for wholesome, delicious food. Situated within Chophouse Row, this spot is part bicycle shop, part eatery, and fully dedicated to promoting an active lifestyle. Their menu, featuring an array of fresh, seasonal dishes, is perfectly crafted to fuel your day. Whether you're in for a bike tune-up or a casual meet-up, Good Weather offers a welcoming space to enjoy good food, great coffee, and the company of fellow bike enthusiasts. They do an all-difficulties group ride on Sunday mornings too.
La Dispensa (Osteria la Spiga)
La Dispensa, part of the esteemed Osteria la Spiga restaurant, is tucked away inside of the Chophouse Row building and is extremely hard to find even if you know what you’re looking for. You can get the same top-notch food as at its parent restaurant upstairs (and then some, like party foods and a few Italian pantry staples), in a small space shared with arts groups and the entry of Cloud Room workspaces. To find it, enter Chophouse Row courtyard, go toward the fireplace, and go in the small door that is to the left of Light Sleeper. The counter and a few small tables will be in the hallway in front of you.
Likely a surprise to no vegans, Plum Bistro stands at the forefront of Seattle's plant-based dining scene. Located across the hall from Osteria la Spiga on the upper floor of Chophouse Row and renowned for its innovative approach to vegan cuisine, it proves that plant-based dishes can be just as satisfying and flavorful as their meat-containing counterparts. From the famous mac 'n' yease to their creative salads and entrees, Plum Bistro caters to both vegans and curious omnivores alike. With its warm atmosphere and commitment to sustainability, it's a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in delicious, guilt-free dining.
A cafe and bar that prides itself on a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that caters to all. From coffee to cocktails, it’s a versatile spot for any time of day. They have a Sunday Supper dinner deal, well worth the money in food (two meals and a dessert) and drink (a shared bottle) for $50.
Elliott Bay Book Co, Little Oddfellows
Little Oddfellows is a charming extension of its namesake, offering a perfect spot for book lovers to enjoy a good read over coffee, light bites, and baked goods. This café encapsulates the spirit of Seattle’s literary scene, providing a tranquil space within the bustling, iconic two-story bookstore. Patrons can savor their flavorful offerings while surrounded by the comforting aroma of books, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a quiet escape or a casual meeting spot. If there’s a line for the cafe and you’re overwhelmed by the book selection, press any button on the Short Edition machine on the wall right before Little Oddfellows—it’ll print you a short story you can read to get in the ~bookstore cafe~ mood.
Broadway & Marion (First Hill)
A vibrant campus that's a cornerstone of the First Hill community, known for its beautiful grounds and academic excellence. If you want to transport yourself out of the city for a bit, step onto campus for plenty of small brick tree-lined paths.
A hidden gem offering authentic Mexican street tacos. Known for its flavorful meats and homemade salsas, it's a must-visit for taco enthusiasts. They have a counter-service window by the north end of the line, but this is a full brick-and-mortar location with seating. Their specialty is their al pastor, which I heavily recommend.
Celebrates East African coffee culture with expertly roasted beans and traditional brewing methods, excellent if you like to pick up a specialty bag to brew at home. A cozy spot for coffee lovers, they go beyond the traditional classic coffee drinks with some specialty beverages that still puts the delicate flavors of their coffee first. The local lemonade they sell is to die for and I have not found it anywhere else.
Brings a slice of Spain to Seattle with a selection of tapas and wines. Perfect for a leisurely meal or a social gathering. Chef Grayson Pilar is an up and comer in the Seattle food scene, also running the nearby Frye Art Museum’s in-house cafe and recently receiving an awards nod with a James Beard semifinalist spot.
While L’Oursin offers a French dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes, Bar Bayonne is its much chiller younger sister who lives next door and knows all the same things. It’s more community and neighborhood centered—sitting at the bar feels comfortable and informative. You’re bound to see or hear the staff do something great, whether it be make a “house salad” made of iberico ham and iberico ham potato chips, or shave incredible aged, cured meats that melt in your mouth. Come by for some tasty French or local wine but stay for the good energy.
Broadway & Terrace (First Hill)
Free-entry art museum showcasing a diverse collection of works, from classic to contemporary. Visit Maripili chef Grayson Pilar’s second Seattle-area concept, Cafe Frieda, inside the building.
A modern café catering to the digital age, known for its high-quality brews and tech-friendly environment. A staple for students and locals looking for some place unpretentious to get some work done. The large windows and light-colored decor make it feel like it exudes light even during dark Seattle winter days, and it feels good to sit by the window and enjoy a well-done simple cappuccino.
A delightful bakery offering a range of sweet treats and comforting coffees. The French and Japanese-fusion inspired pastries are both delicious and absolute works of art. A cozy spot for a break or casual meet-up.
Yesler & Broadway (Yesler Terrace)
An urban green space offering recreational activities and a community garden. Includes Yes Farms, a community farm. The summer has a spray park at the top where you’ll often find kids playing at (as much as you’ll find human children in Seattle).
A focal point for community events, classes, and activities, fostering a sense of neighborhood unity. Primarily serves children, but hosts a variety of events and also offers scholarships for their programs.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent service, this coffee shop is a local favorite for work or relaxation surrounded by plants and local artwork. They regularly host community events ranging from arts and crafts to live music and vinyl listening sessions.
14th & Washington (Central District)
Offers hand-made, wood-fired pizzas with locally sourced ingredients. A casual, eco-friendly dining option. While they do great delivery, their small outdoor space is cozy and enjoyable on a warm night out with friends.
A go-to spot for authentic Vietnamese sandwiches, salads, and noodle dishes. Though Saigon Deli is known for its fast service and delicious flavors, its low pricing sure doesn’t hurt, either.
A small but charming park, perfect for a quiet stroll or a peaceful reading spot. It has gorgeous trees if you’re a big fan of botany, and a must in the fall for some stunning colors.
12th & Jackson (Little Saigon)
Renowned for its phở, offering a cozy dining experience with a focus on traditional Vietnamese flavors—Phở Bac broth has been known to bring me back from the dead after any number of bad stomach days and colds. The Boat, the literal boat out front, offers incredible chicken, waffles, and drinks. This building was the original home of the first Phở Bac. You can’t go wrong with either option, just choose whichever has the shorter wait.
Phin Vietnamese Coffee
A coffee shop that specializes in Vietnamese coffee, providing a strong, flavorful cup.
Offers a communal dining experience with a variety of broth and fresh ingredient options. The service is unparalleled, especially on a slower day. There are lots of bigger and more popular hot pot spots, but this one tucked away in a building you may never have looked twice at is a great and affordable option. To get there, you’ll want to go into the main floor of the building up the steps from Jackson. The tomato broth is a must, but don’t worry, you can do a split pot.
Hello Em Viet Coffee & Roastery
Focused on Vietnamese coffee culture, with beans roasted on-site for the freshest flavors. The Pandan Croissant is worth the walk up the hill to get to the shop, which is always bustling. They also host a community space for the Vietnamese community, which can be seen in the back of the shop. Along with classic Vietnamese coffee drinks, Hello Em plays with nearby flavors in their offerings, with options such as pandan condensed milk coffee.
A grocery store offering a wide range of Asian foods and ingredients at affordable prices. They have both an indoor and outdoor market and will have a lot of the specialty items you won’t find at Uwajimaya. I don’t know if this will find the right Puerto Rican, but on the off chance: if you need recao/culantro for sofrito, go here and look for “ngo gai” to find some fresh!
7th & Jackson (Chinatown)
A landmark welcoming visitors to Chinatown, rich in history and cultural significance.
A popular spot for traditional dim sum, known for its wide variety and bustling atmosphere. With copious seating, you’ll often find your wait to be very short and service very fast, even on busy evenings.
Offers a selection of dim sum and Chinese dishes, favored for its authenticity and quality. You can’t go wrong picking between here and Jade Garden.
A Korean chain that specializes in Korean BBQ with a variety of meats and side dishes for a full-flavored dining experience. Once came here with someone with a sesame allergy and they were so careful that my friend actually lived to tell the tale, so I now have endless respect for Baegopa because Korean food is 98% sesame and cook at your table is about as high-risk as it gets.
A casual spot for Asian fusion dishes, perfect for a quick bite or a drink with friends.
Famous for its noodle soups and congee, a staple in the community for comfort food. Make sure to get the wonton soup. Also check your wallet and have a couple 20s on hand, as they’re cash only.
5th & Jackson (Japantown)
Offers Korean-style rice dogs, a trendy and delicious twist on a meat stick. Expect a long wait, but it’s well worth it for the fresh-cooked dogs. Consider ordering ahead, and make sure to pay attention for your order.
Hood Famous is known for its Filipino-inspired desserts, particularly the ube cheesecake. That said, don’t miss out on their savory dishes—they can fry chicken skin to perfection (when they have the special dish) and their arroz caldo is a bowl of comfort. They aren’t slacking on the coffee or drink side of things, and you can get both a mean espresso and a great cocktail here too.
Delivers an authentic Sichuan hot pot experience with a wide selection of ingredients and broths.
A hidden gem offering Japanese comfort food in a cozy setting.
Blends traditional Japanese dishes with a modern gastropub vibe. Their drinks are unique, with a menu option to let the bartender choose for you. I am not that adventurous, but my friends are and it has gone well for them; I guess they read minds!
An Asian supermarket offering a vast selection of groceries, gifts, and prepared foods. Make sure you explore every corner, including going straight through to the back of the store to their food hall, which also contains the entrance to Kinokuniya bookstore. The incredible J Kenji Lopez Alt makes a great video for shopping here if you’ve never been, watch that here.
A bookstore specializing in Japanese books, manga, and stationery, perfect for literature lovers. Make sure to go upstairs for their full merch offerings—they have all kinds of novelties, figurines, games, and more.
Occidental Mall (Pioneer Square)
A Pioneer Square staple, this café combines quality coffee with art, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a brew amidst rotating art exhibitions. Also a great spot to grab a coffee and a quick bite to eat before going to a Seahawks or Sounders game.
A modern bistro that serves up innovative dishes and expertly crafted cocktails, making it a favorite for those looking to indulge in a sophisticated dining experience.
A waterfall is probably near the bottom of the list of what you’re expecting to find in Pioneer Square, and yet, it’s here. If you love a good water feature for lunch, I would recommend the Waterfall Garden; just make sure it’s open.
These need no real introduction, they are the heart of Seattle's sports. These stadiums are not just for games but also host a variety of events and concerts throughout the year, like the extremely fancy Field to Table where the city’s best chefs bring curated menus to Lumen Field for charity.
Wine Tasting Rooms Galore!
Pioneer Square boasts an impressive array of wine tasting rooms, offering a chance to sample wines from across the region in a vibrant, historic setting. Perfect for wine enthusiasts looking to explore local vineyards' offerings. Check out Cone & Steiner, Browne Family, and Locus.
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What to see near the Seattle South Lake Union Streetcar
