15th Avenue is becoming a vibrant street with a wide variety of restaurants and coffee houses to choose from. Like Pike Street it is growing even hotter then than Broadway.
Most
upscale restaurant on 15th is COASTAL KITCHEN. It was
here before any of the others and has established itself as the king of 15th. The restaurant is also quite popular for brunch. Menu changes often based on the current theme.
JAMJUREE has become a Capitol Hill favorite by serving some of the best Thai food in the area. Lunch entrees are served complete with soup, salad and rice and even Phad Thai in the combo for $6.50 to $7.75.
Both Liberty and Smith are more bar then restaurant.
LIBERTY has some of the best drink concoctions in the area (just check out their drink menu) but they also prepare sushi rolls and similar grub. Mornings are “Liberty AM” and they serve Espresso and offer wi-fi.
SMITH, is very hip with its “wild game” yet almost Bohemian atmosphere, and features premium pitchers (Stella, etc.) for under $12. Most of the food is pub grub but unique and around $10. Try the Devils on Horseback or a Burger with Bleu Cheese and substitute with the sweet potato fries.
22 DOORS is so gay it is sometimes referred to as a gay bar by guides. Their $11 burger is iconic.
PALERMO is the neighborhood favorite Italian restaurant and pizzeria because of the great value they offer. The food tastes great. The meatball sandwich is excellent, and the fettuccine melts in your mouth. On many evenings the tables in their very casual dining room are full. Be sure to print up their coupons from their website before you go.
Just 4 blocks east of 15th Ave (on 19th Ave of course) you find two restaurants worth mentioning:
MONSOON is the fanciest Vietnamese restaurant in the city. They also serve a decadent Dim Sum brunch on weekends starting at 10 a.m. This is unlike anything you have tried in Little Saigon with prices to match but nothing over $20. Check out their menu online.
There is not enough upscale Southern food restaurants and KINGFISH CAFE happens to be the best in the city with candlelight lounge and everything. Menu items include Miss Choo Choo’s Company’s Commin’ Ribeye Steak, My Way or the Highway Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Simply Griddled Catfish or Down Home Mac & Cheese. In no way would you consider this place inexpensive. No reservations so a line forms up to an hour before they open.
