Where to Eat & Drink in First Hill

Photo Credit: Lark Restaurant

Bars & Nightlife

The Fireside Room:

With plush seating, dim lighting, and a well-curated cocktail menu, the Fireside Room at Seattle’s historic Hotel Sorrento blends old-world charm with a welcoming vibe. Open since 1909, the hotel itself is one of Seattle's oldest, and the Fireside Room preserves that vintage feel with dark wood paneling, elegant archways, and a central fireplace that’s perfect for cozy evenings. The space is popular for its live jazz, silent reading parties (where guests hang out together as they quietly read), and other community gatherings.
Address: 900 Madison St

The Hideout

This dimly lit cocktail bar has been drawing a crowd since 2005. Founded by artists Greg Lundgren and Jeff Scott, The Hideout is known for its eclectic, rotating display of over 100 pieces of local and emerging art covering the walls. A curated cocktail menu offers both classic and inventive drink, from negronis to off-menu cocktails. One of the Hideout’s most notable traditions is its “art vending machine”—a converted cigarette machine that dispenses mini art pieces for a few dollars, adding an extra layer of charm to the experience. Also occasionally hosts community events, DJ sets, and other gatherings.
Address: 1005 Boren Ave

Restaurants

Lark

Beloved Seattle restaurant Lark opened in 2003 under the ownership of chef John Sundstrom, a James Beard Award winner. Known for celebrating the Pacific Northwest’s seasonal bounty, Lark emphasizes local, artisanal ingredients sourced from regional farmers, fishers, and foragers. The menu changes monthly, offering a four-course dining experience that reflects the best of each season, with dishes like foraged mushroom ragu and wild King salmon. In 2014, Lark relocated to a larger space featuring a mezzanine bar and private dining areas that host special events and gatherings, earning it the Seattle Design Award for Restaurant Design of the Year shortly after the move.
Address: 952 E Seneca St

Stella

Located within the Hotel Sorrento, Stella offers a welcoming, modern Italian dining experience with a Northwest twist. Headed by Chef Paolo Pezzali, who previously worked at the Space Needle, the menu leans into coastal Italian flavors while celebrating local ingredients. You’ll find pasta dishes, Italian-style small plates, and classic entrees, plus solid cocktails and a good wine list. Cozy setting has a fireplace, garden seating, and live music on weekends.
Address: 900 Madison St.

Gold Coast Ghal Kitchen

Gold Coast Ghal Kitchen is all about bringing comforting West African flavors to a cozy, casual setting. Owned by Chef Tina Fahnbulleh, who grew up in Liberia and Ghana, the place started as a pop-up back in 2018 and has now become a full-fledged restaurant. Popular dishes include fufu with goat peanut soup and savory hand pies filled with spiced beef. It’s a small spot with a warm vibe, decorated simply with African art. Chef Tina keeps things seasonal and fresh, often switching up the menu to reflect what’s available locally.
Address: 1009 Boren Ave

Ananas Pizzeria

Ananas Pizzeria is a unique addition to the scene, thanks to chef-owner Khampaeng Panyathong, who’s also behind the popular Lao-inspired Taurus Ox on Capitol Hill. Opened in 2023, Ananas offers a fusion of Laotian flavors with classic pizza. Panyathong’s “Lao Pizza” features toppings like bamboo shoots, pork belly sausage, and Lao tomato sauce, while the namesake "Ananas" pizza combines pineapple with jalapeño and Japanese togarashi spice. The spot has a dive-bar feel with late hours, making it a nice choice for night owls looking for something different.
Address: 1106 8th Ave

206 Burger Co.

A Seattle favorite with multiple locations including First Hill, 206 Burger Co. was founded by Suren Shrestha, who developed a passion for high-quality burgers while working in a university cafeteria in Washington. Shrestha’s mission was to create a burger experience that emphasizes fresh, quality ingredients, including grass-fed beef and antibiotic-free meats. The menu keeps things straightforward with classic American burger options, but it also offers unique items like the masala-spiced chicken sandwich. Customers rave about the crispy fries and milkshakes, especially the Oreo shake.
Address: 1000 Madison St.

Ba Bar

Founded by siblings Eric and Sophie Banh in 2011, Ba Bar is a go-to spot for Vietnamese-inspired street food. You'll find staples like phở, vermicelli bowls, and imperial rolls, while also featuring French-Vietnamese options like pâté chaud and baguette sandwiches. High ceilings, a long bar, and cozy seating attracts locals throughout the day and night. The bar serves creative cocktails, making it a popular evening spot for late-night bites as well.
Address: 550 12th St.

Coffee Shops & Quick Bites

Sugar Bakery & Cafe

Around since 2006, Sugar Bakery & Cafe became a full-fledged favorite for locals when Quynh La, originally hired as a baker, took over in 2016. The cafe offers a variety of breakfast pastries, cakes, and lunch items, making it a go-to spot for coffee and baked goods. Known for its popular pink champagne cake, almond croissants, and buttery cookies, Sugar Bakery also serves creative seasonal items like malasadas and custom-decorated cookies.
Address: 1014 Madison St.

URL Coffee

URL Coffee is a design-forward spot known for its relaxed, minimalist aesthetic. Opened by local owners Zoey Jung and Ethan Choi, URL features a blend of warm wood finishes, paper lanterns, and artwork that create a calming environment ideal for both work and casual meet-ups. Try the signature iced latte, the "Walk to Work," topped with a cinnamon-dusted sweet cream. Beyond coffee, URL serves light bites like avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches.
Address: 524 Broadway

George's Polish Deli

George's Polish Deli has been a beloved spot for Polish and Eastern European delicacies since it first opened in 1979. Known for its authentic house-smoked Polish sausages and hearty sandwiches, it’s now run by Mark Oliver, who took over recently to continue the legacy. Locals rave about the grilled sausage sandwich; the Reuben is a favorite too. The shelves are also stacked with imported specialty foods like Hungarian paprika, Lithuanian cookies, and traditional Polish treats, and more.
Address: 907 Madison St.

Coffee Tree & Poke

Combining coffeehouse ambiance with fresh poke bowls, Coffee Tree & Poke is perfect for a healthy take-out meal or a coffee break. They offer locally roasted coffee along with a food menu that includes breakfast sandwiches and customizable poke bowls, where guests can choose from a variety of fresh toppings.
Address: 613 9th Ave.

Tam Noodle Box

Tam Noodle Box offers a wide range of Pan-Asian noodle dishes with options like ramen, udon, stir-fried noodles, and rice noodles. The menu also features small plates and tapas-style options, such as spring rolls, dumplings, and bao buns. Fast-casual experience offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
Address: 412 Broadway