Capitol Loans, Seattle

It’s all here: guitars, amps, flat screen TVs, cameras, turntables and a never-ending array of tools, instruments and various gizmos. Many items at Capitol Loans, a Capitol Hill-area pawn shop, defy any sort of definition at all. But for those with a keen eye, it’s possible to find old gaming consoles in near-perfect condition, or swing in for a long-lost piece of nostalgia that you couldn’t find anywhere else. More than anything, curious customers enjoy being able to see and touch the merchandise before buying, which is a far cry from the anonymity of online auction sites – and without the wait time. Perhaps best of all, prices remain competitive, and the central location near Seattle Community College means it’s possible to come across some true finds on one of the long shelves inside, though it might require a bit of digging at first.