Welcome to Capitol Hill/Madison Park
The vibrant, lively, colorful heart of central Seattle
Located just minutes northeast of downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and Madison Park are arguably some of the city’s coolest neighborhoods. Capitol Hill/Madison Park is best known for its tasty restaurants, active nightlife, trendy shops, coffee houses, and the proud LGBTQIA+ community. More quiet enclaves of residential homes can be found in the northeast portions of the area. With a city-wide reputation for bending the rules, everyone lucky enough to stumble upon this part of town seems to find themselves truly accepted and feeling right at home.
In the early 1900s, Capitol Hill was known as Broadway Hill, named after the community’s main roadway. By the ‘50s, Madison Park was especially popular with downtown residents, thanks in part to the cable car which ran from the inner city out to the shores of Lake Washington. This made it a favored weekend getaway, especially in the summer months. In present times, locals still enjoy the scenery and outdoor recreation of the lake with fresh and friendly attitudes.
What to Love
- Capitol Hill/Madison Park is a very short drive from both downtown and Lake Washington
- The neighborhood is abundant with green space
- Some of the best coffee, cocktails, baked goods and meals in Seattle can be found here
- Fun events take place throughout the year like hydroplane races and pride parades
Local Lifestyle
Life in Capitol Hill/Madison Park is lively, colorful, and above all, fun. Lucky locals have some of the city’s best coffee and seafood at their fingertips, and Capitol Hill/Madison Park residents are spoiled for choice. There is also no shortage of ways to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors. Volunteer Park, spanning nearly 50 acres of land, consists of the historic Lake View Cemetery and Seattle Asian Art Museum, along with a playground, water tower observation deck, and tennis courts. Other scenery can be enjoyed at Madison Park, located along the banks of Lake Washington. This grassy space is a popular spot for swimming, laying out, and feeding visiting ducks.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
One of the biggest benefits of living in Capitol Hill/Madison Park is the high number of trendy, top-rated restaurants, shops, bars, and coffee houses in every single direction. From bakeries and coffee shops to Italian and Vietnamese cuisine, there is never a lack of new dishes to try.
Without question, the best way to start the day would be with a cup of coffee in one hand, and a fresh pastry in the other. Macrina Bakery is one of the hottest neighborhood spots to find just that, with a line often stretching out the door. Visitors come in droves for the French toast, brioche buns, and apple turnovers. Another delicious option can be found at Madison Park Bakery. Established in 1929, Madison Park Bakery continues to serve the community with one of the largest selections of donuts, cakes, cookies, and bread in all of Seattle.
Italian food is a favorite and Seattle does it well. Spinasse is a popular, high-end spot for refined classics complete with white-glove service. Executive Chef Stuart Lane trained in Italy and mastered the art of perfect handmade pasta. One of the most popular meal duos is their tajarin al ragu, followed by decadent tiramisu. Smaller tapas-style Italian plates are served at How To Cook A Wolf. Don’t let the funny name fool you; this eatery has a serious following for its ever-changing menu featuring seasonal PNW ingredients.
One of the neighborhood’s most iconic dishes can be found at Monsoon. This contemporary Vietnamese establishment is famous for its signature clay-pot catfish, a braised, caramelized catfish filet served in a clay pot. The dish is an indescribable, perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, without being too hot for some to handle.
Things To Do
Capitol Hill is the proud heart of Seattle’s LGBTQIA+ neighborhood. Throughout the month of June, the neighborhood is colorfully decorated in celebration of Pride Month, with locals looking forward to parades, picnics, and more. Pride is a year-round celebration, with local organizations holding panels, fundraisers, and other events to raise awareness. More quiet days can be spent at the Columbia City Farmers’ Market, searching through the produce, crafts, and prepared foods of almost 50 farmers and other vendors. The market is open every Wednesday from May through October.
Schools
Capitol Hill/Madison Park residents are located close to several top-rated schools, both public and private. Some of these are:
- The Bush School, kindergarten-12th grade; the only independent, private K-12 school in Seattle has been named the best private school in the state of Washington on several occasions
- Holy Names Academy, grades 9-12; this all-girls school has taken a spot on The Washington Post’s list of America’s most challenging high schools for several years
