Cafe watch! Caf Calaveras, Mintish, and a new Sugar Bakery on Capitol Hill

Sugar Bakery plans to open its second Capitol Hill location, succeeding its First Hill origin in 2016. The new café will occupy the former Plum Chopped space adjacent to Colibri Mexican Kitchen. Mintish, a Levantine-inspired coffee house, has celebrated its soft opening at 515 Harvard Ave E, where it will offer dishes like Za’atar grilled cheese. Meanwhile, Café Calaveras has opened in Yesler Terrace, replacing Tougo Coffee, which closed after 17 years. Owner Clarissa Griego emphasizes a warm, culturally rich environment through her café's design and menu.

Signature drinks include Café de Olla, brewed in a clay pot, and La Chingona, a bold espresso drink. These developments highlight a resilient café scene in Capitol Hill, counteracting recent closures. As the neighborhood evolves, these establishments aim to enrich the local dining experience.