Looking for one-of-a-kind experiences in Seattle? Make some time to explore the Pike/Pine Corridor. This area, centered around E Pike Street and E Pine Street in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, is full of diverse culture, excellent nightlife, and foodie hot spots.
The Pike/Pine Corridor district takes Seattle’s cafe culture to the next level. Hang out with cute kitties at NEKO Cat Cafe Seattle and try the world’s tastiest blends at Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Book lovers can lose hours sipping and page-turning at The Elliott Bay Book Company.
If your tastes are on the sweeter side, grab a scoop at Salt & Straw. Music lovers can wrap up their day with a visit to the Jimi Hendrix statue or with a wild gig at Chop Suey.
Ready to throw yourself into an alternative side of Seattle? Craft an incredible city experience with this complete guide to Pike/Pine Corridor, including what to see & do, where to eat & drink, and where to stay.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our Seattle Travel Guide and Washington State Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
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What to see & do in the Pike/Pine Corridor
Cal Anderson Park
Get a feel for the Seattle lifestyle in Cal Anderson Park. The park dates back to the 1800s and has close ties with the Lincoln Reservoir. Now, it’s a beautiful outdoor space with plenty to see & do.
Cal Anderson Park is a haven for sports enthusiasts. Get stuck into soccer, baseball, and soccer games, or grab one of the tennis courts. Watch the skaters trying out daredevil tricks at the skatepark.
Pretty walking paths are ideal for a morning stroll with a coffee from nearby Cafe Argento. The trickle of fountains and texture pools set a serene tone and are perfect for cooling off on a sweaty day. Make sure to stop by the AIDS Memorial Pathway, a stunning blend of tech and artwork commemorating this dark moment in history.
Just steps from Cal Anderson Park, be sure to pay tribute to one of Seattle’s most famous native sons at the Jimi Hendrix Statue. The statue keeps the legendary star rocking out in his hometown for generations to come.
The Elliott Bay Book Company
For bookworms, The Elliott Bay Book Company is the coolest place to visit in the Pike/Pine neighborhood. This independent bookstore is an atmospheric place to pick up your next read. Founded in 1973, the bookshop features over 150,000 books on its cedar wood shelves and is a hub for literature lovers in the community.
Little Oddfellows, the cozy cafe inside the store, is the perfect place to nourish your mind and soul. They brew up coffee from a local wholesaler and offer tasty baked goods, salads, and sandwiches. There’s even wine and beer if you want to stretch your reading session into the evening.
The Elliott Bay Book Company is a big supporter of local writers, with a huge section devoted to the Pacific Northwest and a program to help local authors sell their books in-store. It’s the perfect way to get a feel for the local literature. The store also has regular readings and talks from huge international names and up-and-coming writers.
NEKO Cat Cafe Seattle
Get your furry fix at NEKO Cat Cafe Seattle. It’s the ultimate place for cat lovers to get caffeinated. The founder lived in Japan and Vietnam for three years and decided to bring their adorable cat café culture back to the United States with her.
Settle into the stylish modern space, with plenty of spots to curl up with your new kitty friends. The menu at NEKO Cat Cafe has a fun Asian twist, with pocky sticks, milk tea, and sake available to order.
NEKO Cat Cafe Seattle isn’t just a place for patrons to relax and unwind with little balls of fur. They are passionate about giving their abandoned cats a second chance at finding a home. The pets have a wonderful sanctuary during their stay at the café but are also available for adoption. Who knows? You could be leaving Seattle with a new friend for life!
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Get the ultimate coffee experience at Starbucks Reserve Roastery. One of the most popular places to drink coffee in Seattle, the roastery offers a selection of the finest and rarest coffees in the world. The immersive experience throws you into the art of coffeemaking with an industrial-chic design and fun demonstrations and events.
You’ll have a fantastic time watching the coffee come from the copper swirls of the custom-engineered pneumatic system. Head to the main bar at the Starbucks Reserve Roaster to watch the baristas take the beans and work their magic to deliver them to your cup.
Events at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery will throw you into Seattle’s coffee culture. Learn about rare brewing methods, become a coffee sommelier with a tasting session, or learn the art of the perfect espresso martini.
But the highlight of Starbucks Reserve Roastery is its incredible menu. Sample the world’s most exquisite coffees and try the latest innovative creations. Pack the most into your experience with a flight of some of the finest drinks on the menu.
Salt & Straw
Seattle might be famous for its coffee, but the ice cream is just as good! Try it for yourself at Salt & Straw. Originating in Portland, OR, this Pacific Northwest ice cream company makes hand-made treats using quality local ingredients.
Over the years, Salt & Straw has built up a cult following for their artisanal ice cream, taking inspiration from the flavors of the area. The flavors of the West Coast include tasty classics like mint chocolate chip and gooey chocolate brownie. Keep an eye out for more unusual creations like honey lavender, pear & blue cheese, and Arbequina olive oil.
With funky décor reflecting the cool vibe of the Pike/Pine Corridor, it’s the ideal place to stop and refuel between sightseeing. Grab a scoop on the go or, if you’re finding it impossible to decide, sit down and take a tasting flight. Whichever one you like the best, you can buy a tub of it to take home with you.
Chop Suey
Get stuck into Seattle’s music scene at Chop Suey. The live music venue has had deep roots in the city’s underground music since 2000, giving you a chance to experience an authentic atmosphere that celebrates the area’s heritage. It’s a great place to try local bands, spot an up-and-comer, and see top international acts while you dance the night away.
With its low lighting and dive bar décor, you’ll have the feeling you’re in the coolest music venue in the city, reserved only for those in the know. There are different genres every night of the week, from top drag acts to Pacific Northwest soul. Chop Suey has a full bar to get your night started, and you can bring food in from outside if you get hungry.
Head there on a Saturday for a night of remixed singalong classics. The ‘Dance Yourself Clean’ event is the ultimate electronic indie dance party.
Where to eat & drink
It’s not a surprise that a trendy area like Pike/Pine has a diverse range of cuisine and an inventive choice of superb Seattle restaurants. Work your way through endless culinary delights, then hit up some of the coolest bars in the city. If you have the stamina, many of the bars in this neighborhood (and elsewhere in Capitol Hill) stay open into the small hours.
Nothing beats tacos and margaritas from Fogón Cocina Mexicana. “Fogon” translates as an old woodfired stove, which is exactly what they use to create their exceptional handmade corn tortillas. Their fun, family-owned space is the perfect place for your Mexican feast.
Ristorante Machiavelli has been a staple in Pike/Pine for over 30 years. The cozy spot serves no-frills authentic Italian dishes and doesn’t take reservations, so get there early to get a good spot.
Graze tasty fusion fare at Stateside. This super stylish eatery serves a refined combination of French, Chinese, and Southeast Asian dishes.
Grab a pint at Optimism Brewing Company. The cool industrial space has a great choice of beers, a sunny courtyard, and excellent food trucks to line your stomach.
Pine Box was a former mortuary, meaning you can have a drink amongst glorious historic architecture. Perch yourself on a table upcycled from oak coffins and work your way through the extensive craft beer and cocktail menu.
Dreaming of warmer climates? Choose from over 200 different rums at Rumba. The 1950s Caribbean-style bar and restaurant use house-made syrups in their cocktails and eclectic beach décor.
Where to stay
Sonder The Boylston
Get the local experience with the amenities of a hotel in this 3-star accommodation. The apartment has a top location right around the corner from Salt & Straw. When you need a break from the city, light and modern rooms give you a serene atmosphere to recover.
Sonder at Pivot
These cheerful apartments immerse you in the local neighborhood, with floor-to-ceiling city views and a short walk to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Curl up by the firepit on the roof terrace, work up a sweat in the gym, or head downstairs for delicious Mexican food.
Silver Cloud Hotel – Seattle Broadway
This 4-star hotel has everything you need for a great stay in Seattle. Rest your head in spacious rooms with lots of homey touches. Let off some steam in the fitness center, then head to the lively bar and restaurant for signature Northwestern food.
