Near the corner of Pike and Broadway in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, a gluten-free sanctuary awaits passersby who duck into the European tavern-esque exterior. Once inside the dining room, sleek and swanky yet down-home vibes reign supreme -- the ideal setting for filling up on comfort foods and warming up with a golden pint. When the time comes to select from the taps upon taps that line the back of the bar, guests may find themselves hard-pressed to choose just one. Where this prospect would usually indicate the end of the party for the beer-intolerant, gluten-free crowds are right at home at Capitol Cider. As a naturally gluten-free fermented beverage that forgoes beer’s wheat and barley, cider is the name of the game for those looking to get their drink on while avoiding these common culprits. Owner Julie Tall, herself a longtime gluten-free gourmand, knows this better than many.
Enter Capitol Cider’s gluten-free pints and plates. At the self-proclaimed “largest independent cider bar in the country,” patrons can count on a comprehensive and dynamic rotating tap list. In fact, options are so extensive that a tasting flight may often be the most viable option… after all, who should have to choose between a Pacific Northwestern perry (hard cider made with fermented pears instead of apple juice) or a New England dry cider? For lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late night, the gluten-free, soy-free, and peanut-free kitchen serves up classic comforts including hearty soups, salads, burgers, and pasta entrees such as fresh, locally made Manini’s rigatoni with a savory, seasonal touch.
Itching for a brunch outing where you don’t have to skip out on menu staples? You’ll also find gluten-free morning favorites such as banana bread french toast (complete with pear butter and maple syrup), biscuits and gravy, and all your favorite egg dishes (go for that side of toast for sopping up creamy yolks!) on Capitol Cider’s brunch menu. Don’t miss the chance to upgrade your mimosa expectations with a cider rendition featuring Seattle Cider Company.
Take a seat in the upstairs dining room or head to the basement for a speakeasy feel and keep the rounds coming as you challenge friends to your favorite board game. Looking to host a private event? Allow the kitchen to bring some gluten-free flare to your guests with a hearty spread of hors d'oeuvres including sliders (we’re talking pulled pork and harissa veggies on Manini’s buns) and other special-diet-friendly fare.
Capitol Cider is one of those Seattle spots that continues to prove the obvious: Gluten-free diners CAN have more fun. Join the crew throughout the upcoming Washington Cider Week on September 8-18. Stop in to celebrate the honorary beverage or grab your ticket for the 7th annual Cider Summit. Cheers!
