What do freshly painted rainbow crosswalks, excellent restaurants, one of last lesbian bars in the country, and a thriving nightlife have in common? It’s all part of Capitol Hill, Seattle’s historically gay neighborhood just up the hill from downtown. Capitol Hill’s LGBTQ+ community is still holding on and staying connected, even as the population spreads. For this guide, Michael Mattmiller and his husband Jay Petterson, chair of Seattle’s LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), have found an amazing array LGBTQ-owned businesses and resources all across the Emerald City, and bring it back to Capitol Hill’s central core for some dinner, drag, and dancing.
... moreTerra Plata
A Seattle institution, Terra Plata’s earth to plate menu brings together the best food sourced from the region with Chef Tamara Murphy’s amazing creations and Linda di Lello Morton’s wine selections. The roof top overlooking downtown is the best place in Seattle to enjoy a summer evening. Paella nights on Monday are great, and don’t forget the churros for dessert. Linda and Tamara have made community the center of their work, regularly donating their services to Greater Seattle Business Association events and launching the Food is Love Project, providing restaurants with the funding to survive the pandemic pre-making meals for families in need.
Cone & Steiner Mercantile
Combination neighborhood market and deli, we stop at the Pioneer Square location when working from Jay’s office. It’s easy to grab the tuna melt and a snack, or pick up a bottle of wine or gift on the way to an event.
Welcome Road Winery
Our West Seattle winery and tasting room, Leigh and Kristen produce great wines and have a relaxed tasting room perfect for a weekend afternoon between Admiral and the Alaska Junction. Join the Roadies Wine Club and try our favorites – the Atelier or Road Trip Red.
Marination Ma Kai
Roz has created the summer destination on Alki beach at Marination Ma Kai, with Hawaiian-Korean cuisine that can be eaten on the picnic tables overlooking the West Seattle Water Taxi dock. The slides, tacos, and fried rice are all fantastic. We also use Marination’s cartering service when having large groups at our home, with convenient delivery service. For those in Columbia City check out Roz’s other restaurant, Super Six, but be sure to get there early for brunch and beat the crowds.
Tutta Bella Pizza
Seattle’s first Vera Pizza Napoletana-certified Neapolitan pizzeria, Tutta Bella is still Seattle’s best. With locations near where we spend time in Columbia City, South Lake Union, and near Michael’s office at Crossroads in Redmond, it’s always convenient, and now can be found in grocery stores across the region. Founder Joe Fugere is a tireless advocate for Seattle’s small business community and has been recognized by GSBA as a community leader.
Cupcake Royale
We love cupcakes, and Cupcake Royale is our favorite. It’s easy to stop by the West Seattle location pick from the bright assortment of icing – especially each June when a special Pride cupcake makes an appearance. Other times Michael goes for the chocolate and Jay goes for the Classic. Cupcake Royale’s Oregon Hill Strawberry and Salted Carmel Cupcake ice creams keep finding their way into our cart at the grocery store.
Intrigue Chocolate
Located just down the street from Jay’s office in Pioneer Square, this shop produces an array of exotic chocolate flavors and creations. For Pride month, try the “Rainbow Collection” spiced chocolate bars, and the truffles are always amazing. Or for something decadent try the Cinnamon hot chocolate.
Bebop Waffle Shop
In the heart of Admiral in West Seattle, our twins love coming here for a “special treat” breakfast. Try all the different specialty waffles from the Bacon Waffle to the Fruit & Granola Waffle. Or celebrate Pride monthly by trying my favorite, the Kate McKinnon with peanut butter and bananas.
Wezee’s Plumbing
Whether it’s an emergency, regular maintenance, or an upgrade, the team is knowledgeable, professional, and efficient. Named GSBA’s 2020 Business of the Year, founder Louise Hansen has created a culture of compassion at Wezee’s and supports many community organizations, including Seattle Counseling Service and Camp Ten Trees.
Rain City CPA
Jordie and the team at Rain City can help explain tax concepts and rules in ways that even we can understand, and make sure to keep us on top of our deadlines - no small feat. Their professional demeanor and willingness to answer the most basic questions make Rain City our choice for tax needs.
Out on a Limb
While we love trees, we didn’t know what to do when one of our trees began tilting and growing into the side of our house. We discovered Out on a Limb through Fresh Chalk and are thankful for their expert remediation services. Today the tree is back upright and providing shade outside our home.
Queer/Bar
While we don’t get out as often as we used to, Queer/Bar is one of our go-tos on Capitol Hill. We’ve been coming here and its predecessor in the same spot since we moved to Seattle. It’s right in the heart of LGBTQ Capitol Hill, and we always see people we know. One of these days we’ll make it over in time for the RuPaul watch party.
