It’s a relaxed Sunday afternoon, past the busy brunch period, yet the Green Cat Cafe maintains a comfortably lively atmosphere. The espresso machine’s hiss blends with the upbeat music, cooks in the compact open kitchen call out and laugh, and patrons fill the wooden tables and eclectic chairs inside and spilling onto the sidewalk.
Settling by the window, the aroma of sizzling garlic drifts over. Across the room, a focused blonde is deep in thought, writing in a notebook. There’s a sense of belonging here, as if everyone’s been regulars forever, which, in a way, many have. The Green Cat, a true Capitol Hill institution, has been serving the community for around a decade – a significant achievement in the ever-changing restaurant industry.
This vibrant scene is a stark contrast to just a couple of months prior. Passersby would have seen only a locked door and shadowy, dusty interiors. Official-looking notices were plastered on the entrance, and the cafe appeared completely stagnant. Curiosity was rife. Had the Green Cat closed permanently? What had happened? What about the prime real estate?
Now, with the Green Cat Cafe bustling once more, the menu proudly declares, “open under its original management.” Over coffee, Mark Edmison, the “current/former” owner, clarified the situation.
“Essentially, I sold the cafe in March 2001 [under a contract agreement],” Edmison explained. “The new owners… were new to the restaurant world – but they were really enthusiastic. A husband-and-wife team from Mercer Island, eager to jump in. I trained them and then focused on my other venture,” referencing his co-ownership of Sapphire, a more upscale restaurant in Queen Anne.
However, the initial enthusiasm of the new owners soon gave way to difficulties. According to Edmison, the Green Cat “began to lose its spark. Operating hours were reduced, they stopped baking pastries, and items kept disappearing from the menu.” Most notably, the original Green Cat staff – those hired under Edmison – were either dismissed or resigned as time went on.
Financial difficulties arose, and the business seemed precarious. Edmison intervened, reclaiming control, settling unpaid rent, and addressing overdue bills. With support from a loan and trusted partners, including Paul Garber and Stephanie Speer (both now familiar faces behind the counter), and local music promoter David Meinert, Edmison regained ownership of the cafe in mid-May. He immediately set about revitalizing the space. Under his guidance, the Green Cat quickly reopened, with beloved menu items reinstated.
On a recent lunch visit, I explored the Green Cat’s extensive vegetarian menu, which offers options from egg or tofu scrambles to granola and fruit, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and brown rice bowls. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised to find everything appealing and delicious – even without meat. The penne special was vibrant with a colorful mix of mushrooms, roasted red peppers, garlic, fresh herbs, and finely chopped vegetables ($7.50), accompanied by addictive garlic toast. The chunky tomato-tahini soup ($4/$6) was tangy and flavorful, subtly creamy, with that uniquely nutty finish only tahini provides. The special salad ($5/$6.75) was a generous portion of crisp, tender spinach, lightly dressed with a citrus vinaigrette and marinated tofu. Pablo’s Potatoes ($5.50), a Green Cat classic – rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes topped with Tillamook cheddar, sour cream, and salsa – were the ultimate comfort food (and, incidentally, a perfect hangover remedy). In the past, friends had mentioned inconsistent service and mediocre food at the Green Cat. However, my lunch arrived promptly, the cafe buzzed with happy energy, Garber and Speer were efficiently managing orders, and it was hard to imagine the cafe had ever faced trouble.
Edmison was happy to hear my positive feedback. “It seemed like I wouldn’t find partners,” he admitted. “Like no one could come up with the necessary funds. But when things were at their lowest point, everyone pulled through in the end. It was just meant to be for the Green Cat.”
Green Cat Cafe is located at 1514 E Olive Way (Capitol Hill), Seattle, WA 98102, phone 206-726-8756. Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
Alt text: The Green Cat Cafe’s charming street-side presence on Capitol Hill, Seattle, inviting patrons into its cozy atmosphere.
Alt text: Inside the Green Cat Cafe, showing the warm and bustling interior with customers enjoying their meals amidst the cafe’s eclectic decor.
Alt text: A delicious and vibrant vegetarian penne pasta dish, the daily special at the Green Cat Cafe, showcasing fresh vegetables and herbs.
