Photos by Leora Bloom
Rione XIII
Leora Bloom: Ethan Stowell's newest brings new life to Capitol Hill's 15th Ave E. Toothsome handmade pasta, and there's nothing shy about the flavor of the food. Addictive fried artichokes with aioli; crispy, creamy suppli filled with oxtail; pizzas are generously topped even tho the crust is so good it needs nothing. Well-stocked bar with a great cocktail list.
Smith
Leora Bloom: This bar/eatery, with it's walls of freaky portraits and dead animals, is better known for its bar scene, but it also attracts an eclectic mostly kid-free Capitol Hill crowd for dinner and brunch. There's usually a line for brunch, and once you're in, the crowd and the music makes it feel like it's still Saturday night. The food is creative and well-prepared, but not precious.