Get to know the neighborhood with 101 facts about Capitol Hill’s colorful backstory. This blog will be updated with posts about widely recognized and little-known neighborhood trivia over time; follow @101bwy on Instagram to see more facts as they are added here.
“Espresso Vivace” translates loosely as great enthusiasm and excitement for espresso, the new world coffee. This favorite hole-in-the-wall spot on Broadway, was founded in 1988 with a mission to research, develop, and promote espresso as a culinary art. David Schomer, co-founder and coffee master, brought latte art to Seattle after seeing baristas in Milan, Italy practice this technique.
Capitol Cider is the largest independent cider bar in the country and occupies two floors in a 100+-year-old building in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The food here is 100% gluten free, and creates a variety of delicious comfort food using local produce.
Elliott Bay Book Company has a long history in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, but the independent store moved to a new home in Capitol Hill in 2010. The store fits nicely in the heart of the neighborhood, among residents in the second-most literate city in the country. (Move over, Washington, D.C., we’re coming!)
Blue Moon Burger, established in 2005, is a locally owned burger chain in Seattle. This burger joint supports local farmers, the community, and those that support community and charitable efforts. From Black Angus Beef burgers to black bean or veggie patties, anyone can find something to eat! They even have a gluten free fryer for delicious gluten free onion rings and fries.
There are 10 stops on the First Hill Streetcar that connects the diverse neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Central Area, Chinatown-International District and Pioneer Square. The First Hill Streetcar is one of two in the Seattle Streetcar system and travels on a 2.5 mile line. Based on 2016 data, 3,000-plus riders use the streetcar per day.
Volunteer Park was acquired by the City of Seattle in 1876 for $2,000 and spans 48.3 acres of Capitol Hill. The park is home to many attractions and statues, including this one of William H. Seward, the United States Secretary of State from 1861 to 1869. Seward was a dominant member of the Republican Party and also served as Governor of New York and was a United States Senator.
Little Free Library provides people with 24/7 access to books. This nonprofit organization encourages and inspires people who love to read. So far, there are 50,000+ little free libraries in more than 70 countries. A few dozen of the libraries are in Capitol Hill, including this one on the edge of Cal Anderson Park.
Outer Planet Craft Brewing is Capitol Hill’s only nano brewery, which means they produce small batches (no more than 3 barrels) of beer in each batch. Located on 12th Avenue, just a few blocks from 101 Broadway, the brewery has a tasting room and offers more than half a dozen beers on tap.
What was originally the Broadway High School now serves at Seattle Central College, renovated following a 1969 master plan. The Broadway campus includes an activity center, bookstore, and student government buildings, in addition to this performance hall, which was built from the central section of the high school.
The Asian Art Museum, which is currently closed for renovation until 2019, has not been restored or renovated since it was built in 1933. The museum is located at the heart of Volunteer Park and serves as both the original home of SAM as well as a community resource. To be a part of the renovation and expansion of the Asian Art Museum, visit seattleartmuseum.org/inspire.
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