 "Photo: Clara Ganey | The Spectator")
The immediate atmosphere upon entering Capitol Hill's newest café and bar, Oddfellows, is one of distinct Seattle flavor.
Since its opening roughly three weeks ago, it is already apparent that Seattle hipsters have found yet another local gathering place. There are more skinny jeans, thick black rimmed glasses and Apple users per square foot than anywhere else in the city-and that's saying a lot.
Oddfellows is located in the historic Oddfellows Hall, home of the Century Ballroom. The Hall has had a long history with local artists but most recently was put in the limelight when it was sold in 2007 to developer Redside Partners LLC, the same management company responsible for the Trace Lofts on 12th and Madison. After the sale, there were immediate fears that the space-a building that once hosted Al Gore and served as a backdrop for several scenes in the movie "10 Things I Hate About You"-would be yet another victim to Seattle's gentrification and condominium boom. But rather than a wrecking ball, the complex received upgrades and still stands-a new beacon of hope for the historic hall's longevity.
The café was co-created by local bar entrepreneur Linda Derschang and Chef Ericka Burke of the Volunteer Park Café.
The space itself is reminiscent of a European pub and ideal for people-watching-inside or out of the large windows. With tall ceilings, low lighting and a generally open atmosphere, the café is unpretentious and accessible. The café is a mixture of new-age industrial décor coupled with rustic overtones, all with an old Americana-vibe. It is shabby-chic meets 19th century colonial apothecary, a seemingly odd mixture that works.
Seattle University students can rejoice at Oddfellows' presence. Forget Vita, Online Coffee Co. or Victrola; Oddfellows is bound to become the next Sunday night homework spot for Seattle U students. Not only do they offer Stumptown coffee and an assortment of drinks (and tea from the Hill's popular Remedy Teas), they also serve ambitious and elegant comfort foods at a reasonable price-something not often achieved by some of the wannabe hip, Seattleite cafés around the hill.
An added perk is Oddfellows free and fast wireless Internet connection. Unlike Vita's snail-like connection, Oddfellows gets you connected quickly and easily.
The food, at least for a starving, money-tight college student, is one of the more immediate sells of this new establishment. The menu is located on an old brick wall adjacent to two eerie yet artistically effective 19th century photographs of a man and women. Though not an abundant menu, it fits well into the coffee shop vibe.
From a braised, pulled pork sandwich to a roasted beet and pear salad, the café offers simple yet distinctly upscale food. The best thing about the selection is the typical meal at Oddfellows won't set the diner back more than $10. The café also offers a wide selection of vegetarian options.
The BLT sandwich with avocado was especially tasty at only $8 and served with a pickle. It was simple and good, easy to eat and elegant.
Oddfellows is as easy as that. At no point does it feel as if it's something it's not. The fusion of a quiet coffee shop, a late-night bar and a quaint café at Oddfellows offers a flawless experience for the local Seattle café-aficionado crowd.
Oddfellows is open from 7 to 2 a.m., and turns into a bar-only establishment at midnight. As far as food is concerned, a light breakfast is served until 11 a.m. after which full food service is offered until midnight.
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