Sweet Streets: 12th Avenue, Capitol Hill
From E Olive Street to E Marion Street, a look at our city's foodie haven.
By Seattle Mag February 4, 2011
PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE: Trend-setting hipsters
It probably already held the title, but thanks to the most recent hipness outbreak along 12th Avenue, Capitol Hill is even more officially entrenched as Seattle’s capital of cool—as well as a growing foodie fave. Between the reassuring anchors of Seattle University and the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct lies a diverse mix of restaurants, retailers and residences. The trend here is toward developments that blend all three. Joining earlier mixed-use efforts—the elegant Agnes Lofts, its curb-appealing tenant Boom Noodle, and the pop-arty Eleven-Eleven East Pike and Cupcake Royale—is the chic Trace Lofts, recently welcoming an influx of tenants, from a wine bar to an exercise studio. The latest entry is the pretty Packard Building, holding 56 slick apartments and space for four retailers. With hot spots dotting both sides of the street, it’s as if they’re daring people to move here.
Don’t Miss:
1. Octo Sushi
Try the snow crab ball topped with mango or the tobiko wrapped in soy paper. 1621 12th Ave.; 206.805.8998; octosushi.com
2. Eltana Wood-fired Bagel Cafe
Since its wood-fired stoves are running all day anyway, the owners of this Montreal-style bagel bakery and café decided to offer 24-hour drive-up service, which should give Cap Hillsters plenty to chew on. Packard Building, 1538 12th Ave.; 206.724.0660; eltana.com
3. Revival Home and Garden
Best source for a signature home accent piece, say, funky Cru wine rack ($75) or a glam cane bed by Red Egg ($3,000). 1517 12th Ave.; 206.763.3886; revivalhomeandgarden.com
4. Northwest Film Forum
Where film buffs get their fix of indie, local and classic film fare, and filmmakers hone their craft. 1515 12th Ave.; 206.329.2629 office, 206.829.7863; movie line; nwfilmforum.org
5. Boom Noodle (pictured left)
Pleasing bowls (try the Tokyo ramen with braised pork), small plates and chilled noodle salads keep this Japanese joint booming. A great spot for people watching. 1121 E Pike St.; 206.701.9130; boomnoodle.com
6. Izilla Toys
Adults will happily regress and children rejoice at this bottomless toy store, which also hosts music classes, storytelling times and family game nights. 1429 12th Ave.; 206.322.8697; izillatoys.com
7. Plum Bistro
This vegan’s delight offers compelling cow-free cuisine, from spicy mac and “cheese” to Jamaican tofu wraps. 1429 12th Ave. E; 206.838.5333; plumbistroseattle.com
8. Osteria La Spiga
Perennially popular Italian restaurant serving richly authentic regional cuisine. 1429 12th Ave.; 206.323.8881; laspiga.com
9. Pacific Supply Co.
Head to the Hill’s only hardware store for all your fix-it needs and revel in the old-timey feel of one of the neighborhood’s oldest buildings on what used to be Seattle’s auto row. 1417 12th Ave.; 206.322.1717; pacsupply.com
10. Tavern Law
Hip professionals are drawn to its Prohibition-era speakeasy style. Trace Lofts, 1406 12th Ave.; 206.322.9734; tavernlaw.com
11. The Local Vine
Sleek wine bar/shop with strong, long wine list. Trace Lofts, 1410 12th Ave.; 206.257.5653; thelocalvine.com
12. KAN Orchids + flowers
A delicious new space for diva blooms and bouquets. Trace Lofts, 1412 12th Ave.; 206.402.5696; kanflowers.com
13. Barrio
Hot happy-hour spot for singles, featuring $3 Mexican beers and $5 churros. Trace Lofts, 1420 12th Ave.; 206.588.8105; barriorestaurant.com
14. Barre3
Combining the grace of the ballet barre with yoga and Pilates, this is Seattle’s only location of the new chain of fitness studios. Trace Lofts, 1404 12th Ave.; 206.257.1694; barre3.com
15. High 5 Pie
In the Trace Lofts showcase corner spot, Dani Cone uses Grandma Molly’s all-butter crust to craft sweet and savory homages to a simpler time. Trace Lofts, 1400 12th Ave.; 206.695.2284; high5pie.com
16. Café Presse
Sweet French bistro for a really late night (serving until 1:30 a.m.). Order from the sumptuous to-go menu until 1:45 a.m. 1117 12th Ave.; 206.709.7674; cafepresseseattle.com
17. Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Skilled baristas serve up rich brews and dreamy desserts. Catch one of the free coffee tastings, offered daily at 3 p.m. 1115 12th Ave.; 206.323.1544; stumptowncoffee.com
18. Licorous
Delish cocktails, beer and wine: Stop in for a nosh and a drink before dining at Lark, its sister establishment next door. 928 12th Ave.; 206.325.6947; licorous.com
19. Lark
From meat (crispy duck leg) to fish (carpaccio of yellowtail), chef Johnathan Sundstrom provides a rustic, earthy dining experience meant to be shared with family and friends. 926 12th Ave.; 206.323.5275; larkseattle.com
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