I remember my first introduction into Dani Cone’s design world, when the very first Fuel Coffee opened about 6 years ago and two blocks from my house. A welcome addition to the sparse commercial strip of 19th Avenue, Fuel not only served up tasty brew but tasty design as well. Its graphic identity was well thought out, reflecting an appealing populist 1950s approach; one that continues in Dani’s recently opened High 5 Pie on the corner of Madison and 12th Avenue.
High 5 Pie Sign (Images: John Feit)
High 5 Counter
From the mint-green colored signage and espresso machine (a custom color), to the fonts and furnishings, Dani’s latest space uses a few, modest but strategic elements to express her devotion to strip-inspired American modernist design, a nostalgia fitting her selling that most American of treats, the pie. The counter design is economical — especially nice is the combination of the chrome edge band, black counter surface, and bead board around the machine. Basic, effective, and economical. The color of the High 5 logo and espresso machine is pure mid-century. In the top photo, note the sign in the distance, also a handsome placard, from the now open Rex.
Fuel Coffee
Fuel coffee is, of course, served at High 5. The shape of the logo-mug is a classic, and is just right for the Gulf Oil inspired logo.
Making Pie
While not exactly home-made, High 5 Pies are had crafted by skilled bakers, on the premises. The recipes, however, are home inspired, and come from Dani’s grandmother who lives in neighboring First Hill.
Cherry Almond Pie
Of course, the pies are what counts at High 5, and they are super yummy (just look at that crust). I am a fan of the savory pies, which have such unusual ingredients (for a pie) as broccoli.
Vintage Sign
Sure to be noticed when you leave (and are a pound or two heavier), is a large vintage sign above the entrance that was partially re-designed and fully restored by Dani. Thoughtful design on a budget and delicious baked are two good reasons to visit High 5, a Capitol Hill based business and very Capitol Hill in its presentation. Can I have seconds?
Editor’s note: High 5 is a CHS advertiser. John is not :)
John Feit is an architect on Capitol Hill, and works at Schemata Workshop. He blogs frequently on design and urbanism, with a focus on how they relate to and effect the Capitol Hill community.
I was with you until you said the pies were supper yummy. Their crust needs work.
I need to go try this place. A friend said he went there with 3 others, and all 4 had the same opinion.
Yeah, I’m with you… I really want to like this place, but every time I go in (usually on the wanting of a friend I’m with at the time), I’m left sorely disappointed.
The crust just isn’t good — Hell, I make better crust. Plus, I always feel kinda sick half-way into the piece and just want to throw it out, leave and go home.
The coffee’s good, though.
I only wish the service was decent, because at least that’d make up for the pie. Most times you get some “barista”/ pie server who acts like they don’t have the time of day for you and doesn’t understand how lucky they are to have a job given a $5 piece of pie is a luxury item and not a necessity in any economy.
Yeah, I thought they were going to bring someone in to make the crust better, but it hasn’t gotten better yet, and I probably won’t go back again at this point after giving it three tries. It is a nice space though.
That pie sign was from Spin’s Friendly Tavern, which was down by the courthouse, at third and James. It was a pretty sinister place, at least towards the end. Of course, that’s what made it fun to go to.
The crust is really good.
I have to agree that the only thing worse than the crust is the filling.