An Unmarked Curiosity on Capitol Hill
For decades, a Coca-Cola–branded vending machine stood quietly in front of Broadway Locksmith on East John Street in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Dating back to at least the late 1990s, it looked like any other vintage machine—until customers noticed the “mystery” buttons.
Pressing one would dispense unusual sodas, sometimes discontinued flavors from various brands. No one knew who stocked it, but it always seemed full.
From Local Oddity to City Legend
In 2002, the machine offered just one “mystery” button alongside five labeled selections, selling drinks for $0.55. As word spread, all six buttons became “mystery” selections. The machine’s 1970s appearance, unpredictable offerings, and location on a busy sidewalk fed local speculation.
Some imagined it haunted; others thought Broadway Locksmith was in on the secret, though staff denied involvement. By 2014, photos of unidentified people restocking the unit appeared online, and the price per drink had risen to $0.75.
An Unexplained Exit
In January 2018, shortly after Seattle introduced its sugary drink tax, the cost climbed to $1.00. Then, on June 29, 2018, after maintenance work at the nearby bus stop, the mystery soda machine vanished. A note left nearby read, “Went for a walk.”
That same day, a message appeared on the machine’s Facebook page: “Going for a walk, need to find myself. Maybe take a shower even.” Employees of Broadway Locksmith said it must have been removed deliberately, given its electrical connection.
A Digital Trail, but No Return
Following its disappearance, the Facebook page posted altered images showing the machine in locations like the Space Needle and the Eagle sculpture. In 2022, an image surfaced showing the machine in more damaged condition.
By August 2023, Broadway Locksmith employees confirmed there had been no sightings since it was taken. With Capitol Hill’s growing corporate presence, some doubt the neighborhood will see another mystery like it. For now, the fate and operator of Seattle’s mystery soda machine remain unsolved.
In Seattle’s Capitol Hill, a vintage Coke vending machine drew interest with “mystery” buttons that dispensed rare and discontinued sodas from various brands—then it disappeared.
Its operator remained unknown throughout its decades-long run…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/4aOAQFukL3
— Fascinating True Stories (@FascinatingTrue) August 11, 2025