Seattle’s Top 10 : Broadway

by

This is the main drag that slices across Capitol
Hill, one of Seattle’s edgier communities just up the hill from
downtown. Block after block of hip stores and a wide variety of cafés
and restaurants attract a thriving gay culture and gritty youth
population. On warm nights, Broadway is about as urban as Seattle gets
as it surges with pedestrians. Thanks to the avenue’s proclivity for
over-the-edge fashion, people-watching can be a year-round activity and
great source of entertainment. Broadway has, until recently, served as
the main route for the Seattle Pride March . The march has now moved out of the area.

Broadway Performance Hall

  • 1625 Broadway

  • 206 325 3113

Cal Anderson Park/ Lincoln Reservoir

  • 11th between E Pine/E Denny

Red Light

  • 312 Broadway Ave E

  • 206 329 2200

Bailey/Coy Books

  • 414 Broadway Ave E

  • 206 323 8842

Zebraclub

  • 421 E Pine St

  • 206 325 2452

The Vajra

  • 518 Broadway Ave E

  • 206 323 7846

Dick’s

  • 115 Broadway Ave E

  • 206 323 1300


Pill Hill

An affectionate term for
First Hill, the area almost indistinct from Capitol Hill along the same
high ridge above downtown. It’s thick with most of the area’s hospitals
and medical research facilities, hence the nickname.




There are several pockets of panhandlers and homeless street people along Broadway. Use your discretion if asked for donations.


Parking on Capitol Hill is at a premium; leave the car at the hotel and take a bus instead.


Top 10 Sights

  1. Broadway Performance Hall

    Originally Broadway High School, the hall is part of the campus for Seattle Central Community College. Victor
    Steinbrueck was instrumental in restoring this structure. Its repertoire
    includes film festivals, and music and dance recitals.

  2. Jimi Hendrix sculpture

    This cast iron sculpture of rock legend Jimi Hendrix is located by the popular Pike/Pine corridor.

  3. Cal Anderson Park

    Named
    after one of Washington’s openly gay legislators, the park features
    Lincoln Reservoir, Bobby Morris playfield, tennis courts, a children’s
    play area to the southeast, and an interactive water feature.

  4. Dance Steps on Broadway

    Sculptor Jack Mackie created an amusing series of inlaid bronze dance steps along the sidewalks of Broadway in 1982.




  5. Red Light

    This
    two-story bastion of quirk and fashion is Seattle’s largest vintage
    clothing store. Choose from a varied collection with the help of
    friendly and informed staff.

  6. Bailey/Coy Books

    A city institution as well as a Broadway favorite, this store is tiny by large chain standards. Expect a gracious and knowledgeable
    staff, and an enviable inventory – especially if you’re hunting for gay
    and lesbian literature.

  7. Zebraclub

    This
    outlet of Zebraclub’s downtown store has an equally modern collection
    of urban fashion from designers such as Betsey Johnson and Diane Von
    Furstenburg.

  8. The Vajra

    The
    name translates as “Destroyer of Ignorance”, and this shop is perfect
    for your Tibetan Buddhist meditation supplies. Look for blockprint
    tapestries, scented oils, and incense. It’s also a popular spot for
    tarot card reading.




  9. Harvard Exit/Egyptian Theaters

    Broadway’s two vintage movie houses showcase independent films from directors on the vanguard. The Seattle International Film Festival makes liberal use of both the theaters each year.

  10. Dick’s

    Seattle’s
    homegrown version of a fast food hamburger joint, and unadulterated
    Americana to boot since 1954, this branch is a magnet for crowds on
    weekend nights. Quick and delicious, but not recommended for cholesterol
    watchers.