Chophouse Row

Chophouse Row is my #1 place to visit in the vibrant neighborhood of Capitol Hill, near Seattle's downtown.

I was strolling down 11th Avenue in Capitol Hill one day, and was intrigued by a neon sign that read "Chophouse Row!" Of course I had to explore, so I followed a red arrow down a charming alley, lined with shops and restaurants. The alley then led to an internal courtyard where a band was playing, and a crowd was relaxing at trestle tables.

Chophouse Row opened in 2015, when a developer took a 1920's auto repair shop, then built a modern apartment and office tower around it with a co-working space. 

The shops and restaurants radiate a warm ambiance from all the original features, including the oak and fir floors and exposed wooden beams. More modern elements come into play with the steel and concrete structure of the seven-story modern tower. 

What makes the Chophouse Row concept special, is that it's the perfect balance between old and new!

5 best things to do at Chophouse Row

1. Stroll along the alleyway.

The best starting point to explore Chophouse Row, is the alleyway entrance on 11th Avenue and Pike, in Capitol Hill.

The old auto repair shop fronts 11th Avenue, with large windows that open to Xom Vietnamese Restaurant.

I love strolling along the alleyway at Chophouse Row, with plenty of brighly colored tables and chairs. On the right is the historic auto shop. On the left the concrete and steel columns from the new tower are visible, with more steel beams overhead.

2. Listen to music in the courtyard.

I really enjoy the fun atmosphere in the courtyard at Chophouse Row, where everyone gathers around to listen to live music. I recommend first picking up a coffee or smoothie at Meetea Cafe in the courtyard. My favorite flavor is the mango slush.

3. Dine at restaurants

There are 3 restaurants at Chophouse Row; Colibri Mexican Kitchen, Osteria La Spia (Italian) and Xom Restaurant (below) serving authentic Vietnamese dishes. There's also a natural wine bar, Light Sleeper, serving wine and non-alcoholic drinks, pizza and small plates.

Xom restaurant is above and below.

4. Relax at the cafe.

The Meetea Cafe is adjacent to the bike shop, and has big windows overlooking the central courtyard at Chophouse Row. Order coffee, fruit teas and smoothies, or light toast snacks. I love sitting in a cosy corner and soaking up the atmosphere.

5. Shop at Chophouse Row

Here are my top picks for shopping at Chophouse Row:

• Good Weather for high end bicycles.
• Poprox Studio with beautiful dance merchandise, and classes for kids and adults in a stunning studio.
• Butter Home selling cool gifts like turkish hand towels and bink day bottles.
• Bootyland Kids with sustainable, organic garments for kids.
• Sweet Alchemy with small batch icecream in flavors like blackberry crumble and blueberry lavender.
• Atelier Madrona with custom designed perfumes.