The best Filipino food on Capitol Hill has been right in front of you for years.
Knee High Stocking Company has been on the Hill for fifteen years, and since the summer of 2018, Jeepney has been serving the full menu that is available at Knee High, just in to-go boxes from a walk-up window out front. Pamela Carpio is a co-founder and owner of Knee High Stocking Company and has been serving up her special mix of “American comfort food with Filipino flavors and ingredients” for years. Self taught, Carpio runs the business of the kitchen but isn’t afraid of taking over the cooking. “I’m not trying to be traditional, I’m not trying to be cool, I just want the plates to come back clean. That’s my main goal.”
According to Carpio, Jeepneys are the Filipino transit system. Repurposed American military vehicles, these people movers are often painted bright colors and covered in religious symbols. “A Jeepney is individualistic, part vintage, part modern, very self expressive, functional and low key, that’s us.”
The COVID-19 pandemic gave Carpio an opportunity to re-invent or pause or whatever they needed to do. “This saved us during Covid”, Carptio tells CHS about Jeepney’s walk-up window. Despite indoor dining restrictions for most of 2020, the walk-up window was open all year.
Pandemic upgrades for the window include a curated series of cocktails, along with house made shrubs and travel cocktail ingredients to accompany the Filipino food menu.
Knee High Stocking Co. is a speakeasy, barring those under 21, but the walk-up window allows people of any age to enjoy the food, from the Loaded Potatas Bravas to the Pork Adobo bowl. They’ve also added a small bodega selling liquor, candy, soaps, spices, and other local and regional sundries. Their desserts are brought in from Crumble and Flake, just up the street.
Ultimately, Carpio just wants her customers to enjoy themselves. “I want people to imbibe, have fun, and enjoy the food,” she said. Knee High does have air conditioning and several fans if you decide to skip the window and choose to eat inside, but be sure to make your reservation. Also, try the Ube bread pudding.
Knee High Stock Company and the Jeepney walk-up is located on the corner of East Olive Way and East Olive Place. You can order for pickup via text at (206) 979-7049. Learn more at jeepneycaphill.com.
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