Sundays in Capitol Hill mean brunch at almost every restaurant, and it can be difficult to choose between all the delectable looking menus. Suite101 went to brunch at a different Capitol Hill restaurant every Sunday for one month, to compare not only menus, but dining experiences. Here are the results of that experiment: Rated 1-5.
Linda’s Tavern: (206) 325-1220, 707 E. Pine St., Seattle, WA 98122
Linda’s is an old tavern with buffalo heads on the wall, a jukebox, pool tables, brunch and dinner menus, and dozens of good-looking, skinny, straggly-haired twenty to thirty-five year olds. The brunch menu is long and wide-ranging—Linda’s serves many omeletes, veggie scrambles, hueveos rancheros, pancakes and waffles at reasonable prices. Eating here is relaxed and fun, and the food is truly delicious. The only problem is the understaffed kitchen and disorganized staff. Suite101 waited to sit down for 45 minutes—while inside half the tables were empty. One server explained the wait by saying that the kitchen was backed up, but did not reveal why people were left standing on the sidewalk instead of sitting inside reading the menu over coffee.
4.0 very slow, reasonably priced, large portions, excellent vegetarian options, fun atmosphere
Julia’s: (206) 860-1818, 300 Broadway E Seattle, WA 98102
Julia’s has the ambience of an improv theater café, and in fact they hold drag shows here on weeknights. The brunch crowd is a few years older and more straight-laced than the one typically at Linda’s, and the prices are a bit higher. The food is very good, and the service is friendly, if a little slow. Suite101 enjoyed tasty biscuits and gravy, vibrant sautéed green veggies, and well-cooked eggs.
3.5 slow friendly service, large portions not cheap, decent vegetarian options, plenty of space
Glo’s: (206) 324-2577, 1621 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98102
Glo’s is a Capitol Hill local favorite, which explains why two dozen people stood outside waiting half an hour and more for a table on Sunday afternoon. The problem here is not one of organization, but of space. Glo’s is tiny, and, like a two lane road in a growing city, it’s just not built to accommodate heavy traffic. The menu is not huge, but it covers the basics: eggs, pancakes, hash browns, granola, veggie scramble (not on the menu, just ask).
3.5 fast friendly service, cheap with large portions, few vegetarian options, small crowded space
B & O Espresso: (206) 322-5028, 204 Belmont Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
Something is wrong with B& O Espresso. The place is really beautiful, like an English tearoom, roses and cakes and chandeliers and oriental rugs. But the brunch menu is pathetic (few options, very small portions), and outrageously priced. Suite101 asked a server what came with the eggplant sandwich, and was barked at. “I don’t know. You want a list of ingredients?” By the time the check came, Suite101 was aggravated and still hungry, and ready to vow never to come back.
1.5 grouchy service, overpriced with small portions, meager vegetarian options, lovely setting
Brunching in Capitol Hill is delightful; most restaurants serve delicious food to lively crowds at fair prices—just avoid B & O Espresso.
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