Joe Bar, Capitol Hill

During my most recent visit to Joe Bar a man brought his new puppy, a chocolate brown Portuguese water dog named Moses, into the shop with him to get a coffee. Moses was in full throttle cuteness mode, bounding from table to table, tugging at shoelaces and licking the hands of charmed customers (myself included) who couldn't help but reach down to pat his darling little head. "It's his visit to Joe Bar," the man told the girl behind the counter, beaming as proud parents always do.

If I died tomorrow I would like to be reincarnated as a Joe Bar barista. The place, its customers and, of course, its gorgeous staff, epitomize a particular type of Seattle cool that I have always adored. Located on a lovely tree-lined street, Joe Bar feels less like a Seattle coffeehouse and more like a European neighborhood cafe complete with a troupe of devoted regulars and a menu of sweet and savory crepes, panini sandwiches, antipasti plates and wine. My favorite place to sit is in the loft above the counter where I can easily observe the antics below as if it were a movie, as if the world and all these wonderful people were created for my utter amusement.

Creative gals take note: Joe Bar is home to the One-Eared Rabbit Collaborative, a program that gives visual artists the opportunity to present their work to the public.

Joe Bar
810 E Roy
(206) 324-0407