What Is the Best Street in Capitol Hill?
Capitol Hill is one of Seattle's most vibrant and historic neighborhoods, known for its stunning Victorian mansions, hip bars and restaurants, and eclectic mix of residents. But with so many great streets to explore, which one reigns supreme? After some careful consideration and plenty of hours spent wandering the neighborhood, the winner is easy: 15th Avenue East is the clear best street in Capitol Hill.
A Perfect Mix of Old and New
15th Avenue East personifies the very essence of Capitol Hill. Older craftsman homes and mansions from as early as the beginning of the 1900s front the street. These gracious old homes, many beautifully restored, give a sense of what Seattle was like in its formative years.
But 15th Avenue East is anything but backward-looking. Trendy cafes, boutiques, and eateries mix in with the historic homes, drawing in locals and visitors alike. The street strikes that perfect balance of preserving Capitol Hill's heritage while embracing its modern, bohemian vibe.
Fantastic Food and Drink
From dining and drinking spots, some of the best can be found on 15th Avenue East in Capitol Hill. Victrola Coffee Roasters is not to be missed by any coffee enthusiast. This small coffee shop has on-site roasted beans paired with a list of pastries and light fare.
When that magical hour of happiness arrives, step into Smith, one of the pubs listed in most 'best bars in Seattle' roundups. With its long list of craft beers and cocktails, plus gastropub eats, it's pretty much the perfect place to unwind after work or during a weekend afternoon.
For dinner, you can't beat Rione XIII, an upscale Italian eatery with mouthwatering pasta and pizzas. For dessert, step into Bakery Nouveau for some of the finest pastries and cakes around town.
Plenty of Green Space
Although it's smack in the middle of the city, 15th Avenue East manages to offer tons of outdoor activities. Just a few blocks away is one of Seattle's favorite green spaces: Volunteer Park. This 48-acre park includes walking trails, a conservatory, a reservoir, and plenty of open space for picnics and lounging.
15th Avenue East is also home to a few pocket parks and community gardens. These small green areas, between houses and businesses, serve as a nice oasis amid the busy city.
A Flourishing Arts and Cultural Scene
Capitol Hill has always been at the center of Seattle's arts and cultural scene, and 15th Avenue East is no different. This street is filled with galleries, theatres, and other performance spaces showcasing local artistic talent.
Some of the standout spots include the Harvard Exit, a movie theater from the 1920s that nowadays offers live productions, and Ghost Gallery, which features rotating exhibits of up-and-coming artists when it comes to visual art.
The Verdict Is In
From this perfect mix of history and hip to brilliant food options for drinking and eating, vast green space, and a lively arts scene, 15th Avenue East is easily the most outstanding street in Capitol Hill. It's an afternoon well-spent for Seattleites and outsiders alike. Trust us, you will not be disappointed!
