In Capitol Hill, Seattle, a vending machine became a local legend. This machine dispensed drinks with mystery buttons. No one knew who restocked it, adding to the intrigue.
Located outside Broadway Locksmith, it was a vintage Coca-Cola unit. Customers could press the mystery buttons for unusual flavors, many of which were no longer produced. Over time, all buttons became mystery buttons, heightening curiosity.
Rumors swirled that the machine was haunted, which some attribute to its eerie 1970s aesthetic. It became a cultural phenomenon, even inspiring a short film.
In 2014, unidentified people were seen restocking it, but the city's records showed no permits for the machine. By 2018, the price for a drink had increased to $1.00, coinciding with the city's sugary drink tax.
On June 29, 2018, the machine vanished after maintenance. A note nearby read, "Went for a walk." A Facebook message humorously suggested it needed to find itself.
The machine's disappearance was noted by employees, who speculated it had been removed deliberately. Its Facebook page continued to post edited images of the machine in various locations, fueling the legend.
As of August 2023, the machine remains missing. The neighborhood has changed, leading some to question if it ever truly existed.
