Olive Way Excursion: New Bars, New Vibe

As neighboring Capitol Hill blocks (Pike Street) have become the darlings of new bars and restaurants (12th Avenue), it's easy to forget the less hyped blocks on the hill.

Hoping to rediscover something old, last night I ventured to Olive Way with friends to check out Knee High (1356 E Olive Way), the much talked speakeasy-themed bar that opened earlier this month. After a few old-fashioned cocktails, we left the Western edge of Olive Way and headed East to check out the new Bus Stop (1552 E Olive Way), the 2.0 version of the teeny Pine Street bar that closed in 2007 (you might remember that the Bus Stop garnered buzz in 2005 when Tori Spelling showed up to sing karaoke). The new bar felt a lot like the old Bus Stop, a no-frills dive bar that attracts a scene and be seen crowd.

When we left the Bus Stop around 11 p.m., we walked past a line of people at Tacos Gringos (1510 E Olive Way) and what appeared to be a full bar at both The Saint (1416 E Olive Way) and The Buck ( 1506 E Olive Way). By then, the street was buzzing with people spilling onto the streets from nearby watering holes.

With so much going on more popular strips in Cap Hill, it was refreshing to hangout on a block with ample seating and character to spare. I think it's safe to say that Olive Way has quietly become a destination in its own right.