A culturally rich and peaceful community.
Overview
Member to the Atlantic neighborhood, Central Area neighborhood lies in the northern sector of Rainier Valley between Mount Baker Ridge and Beacon Hill. Enjoy streets filled with homes unique in character, surrounded by a community bursting with charm and deeply rooted in history. As one of the fastest growing areas in the city, the Central Area sports a bounty of brand new amenities and 21st-century infrastructure in preparation for future needs. This has attracted all walks of life simply because now it has everything to offer; from parks and recreation, to coffee and drinks – even top schools – this is a neighborhood anyone would be proud to call home!
Food
- Tacos Chukis: Seattle’s most acclaimed taqueria, Tacos Chukis, is nestled away in a corner on the second floor of a small plaza just steps away from the Capitol Hill light rail station on Broadway East. Try their signature house taco and fall in love with this hidden gem.
- Humble Pie: Looking for some firewood pizza? A wide variety of wood-fired pizzas are available on the menu, catering to both vegetarian and meat-eaters. All of the pizzas use organic ingredients that are acquired locally, with many of them cultivated on-site.
- L’Oursin: When you want to visit Paris but don’t have the time or money, just stop by L’Oursin. Cheffed and co-owned by Paris Native J. J. Proville, enjoy all the subtleties of French cuisine, as he bottles their best kept secrets and transfers them behind the front doors of his new hit restaurant. Check out the natural wines or cocktail list for the real reason his garnered just a loyal following.
- Ezell’s Famous Chicken: You’ve probably heard of it before and for good reason. The most notorious fried chicken shop in town, boasting over 30 years of success along with Oprah Winfrey’s personal stamp of approval. Get all your classic fixings (spicy fried chicken, Cole slaw, sweet potato pie, homemade buns, you name it) for one of the best meals you’ll ever eat!
- Chucks Hop Shop: An instant classic, this watering hole has become a local favorite and gathering place for all walks of life. Enjoy food and drink that transcends barriers. Doesn’t matter where you come from or where you’re going, you’ll want to make a stop here along the way.
- Communion Restaurant & Bar: Fall in love with Seattle Soul food! Communion’s traditional food is inspired by culture and community with options ranging from wings to sauteed clams and mussels. Look out for this flavorful menu!
Coffee
- Central Café and Juice Bar: Central Café & Juice Bar is an environmentally friendly café that serves espresso coffee, freshly pressed juice lattes, smoothies, and teas, as well as pastries and deli products. Make it your one stop shop!
- Union Coffee: Develop your palate and explore the newest techniques and territories in the world of coffee. These coffee enthusiasts are constantly tweaking their process in order to produce the most interesting and exciting brew for you.
- Squirrel Chops: Coffee is great but the treats are the main attraction. All your breakfast and brunch needs are met here in full.
- Peloton Café: Looking for something healthy and satisfying? Well, Peloton Café has it all! Located in the Central Area, Peloton offers breakfast, lunch, coffee, bar and even a full service bike shop all in one!
- Good Neighbor Café: Serving assorted coffee drinks and specialty lattes, baked goods, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, crepes, quesadillas and even a daily soup selection – a well rounded spot for food and drink!
Drinks
- The Twilight Exit: A classic with quality drinks, tasty food, and that brooding/grungy ambiance found in every great PNW dive bar.
- The Capercaillie: Upscale neighborhood pub focused on serving high quality ales accompanied by a supporting cast of wine and cider. Truly a welcoming environment – even the best drinks can’t be enjoyed in bad company, you’ll always find an open door here.
- Bottle House: Fall in love with this cozy wine bar full of hand-picked wines, microbrews, and a number of cheeses and lunch options, perfect for a quiet night out! Take advantage of this neighborhood gem!
- Standard Brewing: If you’re looking for a spot to grab a chilling beer and good eats, Standard Brewing is the place for you! They have a variety of beers, well curated liquor selection, and great food!
- Wonder Coffee & Sports Bar: Sports bar with an Ethiopian twist! Have fun watching a game will also going to town on some Beyainatu and injera! It’s almost weird how well everything blends together!
Parks
- Powell Barnett Park: Compact urban green space and community hub. This park is hosts a large play area with a wading pool and tricycle maze for the little ones.
- Pratt Park: Mountain views, kids play area, basketball courts, and picnic tables, what else do you need?
- Judkins Park: 6 Blocks of shimmering green space with multi-use sport courts, baseball and soccer fields, playgrounds, and additional open lawn space.
- Jimi Hendrix Park: The historical and cultural value here is unrivaled, as this park resides next to the Northwest African American Museum in order of the Seattle-Native rock legend.
- Firehouse Mini Park: Fun and unique take on a playground with a re-envisioned firetruck serving as the centerpiece for playground goers and passerby’s alike.
- Spruce Street Mini Park: Fun and unique take on a playground with a re-envisioned firetruck serving as the centerpiece for playground goers and passerby’s alike.
Schools
WalkScore
90 – Walkers Paradise: Daily errands do not require a mode of transportation.
73 – Excellent Transit: Public transportation is convenient for most trips – you won’t have to travel too far to find your nearest transit station.
89 – Very Bikeable: Robust biking infrastructure with convenient commutes or fun trails in almost every direction.
