Capitol Hill Block Party: Where to Eat and Drink Around the Revelry

It’s that time of year again. The Capitol Hill Block Party — still going strong after more than two decades — takes over the neighborhood from Friday through Sunday, featuring a lineup of hugely popular acts such as Lizzo, Phantogram, RL Grime, and Mitski. Concert-goers will no doubt work up an appetite from all the activity. But while the block party does have a food court (located east of Poquitos on East Pike Street), along with enveloping restaurants in Chophouse Row and elsewhere on Pike Street between Broadway and 12th Avenue, the options might seem overwhelming. A good place to start is Eater Seattle’s list of where to eat on Capitol Hill, but let’s narrow things down further for those who want to pregame or refuel and keep the party going. (We checked in with these places and regular hours should not be affected by the event.)

Nue

A couple of blocks away from the main block party stages is this eclectic restaurant that serves up an array of global street food from a frequently changing menu, including Chengdu jumbo fried chicken wings, pineapple cornbread, and Brazilian black eyed pea fritters. The brunch and cocktail menus are equally dynamic, and there’s also a late-night happy hour from 10 p.m. until close featuring $5 pours of Saengkeulim Maeg Ju, a Korean lager with whipped cream and sprinkles.

1519 14th Ave

Dingfelder’s Delicatessen

This Jewish deli is only about a year old, but is already becoming a crowd pleaser for its signature pastrami on rye sandwiches, corned beef, brisket, half-sour pickles, potato salad, and other solid lunch bites. Located in an unassuming spot on the corner of Pine Street and 14th Avenue, the restaurant is good for takeout for those on the move during the party, but also has a spacious seating area with no reservations required, and is open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

1318 E Pine St

Stateside

Downhill from the hub is this neighborhood mainstay, which delivers excellent Southeastern Asian dishes. Highlights include the pleasantly umami cha ca la vong — marinated rockfish served with rice vermicelli noodles — chili cumin pork ribs, and fried chicken. The dining room fills up quickly for both brunch or dinner, so plan accordingly. Next door, sibling Foreign National is a solid spot for a pre-or-post concert drink.

300 E Pike St #1200

Little Neon Taco

A recent addition to the Essential 38 Restaurants in Seattle list, Monica Dimas’ bright, modern taqueria on Boren Avenue in First Hill is a little bit of a walk from the main concert fray on First Hill, but is worth the hike. The real stars are the street-style tacos: tender carnitas, crumbly, spicy carnitas, and inventive seasonal veggie concoctions piled high on soft, handmade corn tortillas. Don’t sleep on the drinks either, especially the micheladas.

1011 Boren Ave

Linda’s Tavern

This neighborhood nightlife staple has fully embraced the Capitol Hill Block Party hype in the past, even naming dishes after acts. But, really, it’s still just a solid, reliable spot all around for those who want to grab a burger and a beer, either inside the “Twin Peaks”-like country western-themed dining area or on the spacious patio out back. Be forewarned: an hour food and drink break could easily turn into three.

707 E Pine St