#937 - The Shipwreck, Seattle (West Seattle) - 11/8/2009

Update: The Shipwreck closed Nov 18, 2012.


The Shipwreck is a nifty neighborhood tavern -- and a true tavern, not just because it is limited to beer and wine, but because it has that old, stolid, tavern feel. The curveball is an open upper level with a ping pong table curiously placed over the main bar, which makes the evening vaguely redolent of "Captain Kangaroo" with cascades of ping pong balls popping into your beer at any moment. Yet another pleasant addition to the California stretch of West Seattle.

Historical Notes:  The "Happy Hour Tavern" is listed at this location from 1948 into at   least 1970.  In 1980 it is "Ye Old Hour, " in 1985 "Luther's Pub," and in 1990 it is "TNT's Place."

4210 SW Admiral Way, Seattle, WA 98116
Est. Oct. 10, 2009 - Closed Nov 18, 2012 - Building constructed: 1926
Previous bars at this location: Happy Hour Tavern, Ye Old Hour, Luther's Pub, TNT's Place
west seattle herald - yelp

#936 - Chao Bistro, Seattle - 11/6/2009

Update: Chao Bistro closed in June 2012.

There's nothing particularly wrong with Chao Bistro, and in some neighborhoods, I'd probably seek it out (the owners are affiliate with soul-less Belltown venues Amber and Venom). But in a neighborhood with as many choices with personality as Capitol Hill, it's not clear to me why anyone would choose this place.

1200 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 - 206 324 1010
Est. Sep. 25, 2009 - Closed June 2012
Previous bars at this location: Pike's Bar and Grill,  1200 Bistro
chaobistro.com - facebook - yelp - the stranger - seattle weekly

#935 - Quinn's Gastropub, Seattle - 11/6/2009

Quinn's has excellent food (try the wild boar sloppy joes) and good cocktails (try the Missed Opportunity). It's right in the middle of the Capitol Hill nightlife activity, and I probably avoided it earlier only out of personal, sentimental reasons. The space is a little open and the crowd a bit boring, but from now on out, if I am on Capitol Hill and in the mood for some top rate drinks and/or food rather than decor and people, the choice will be Tavern Law or Quinn's.

1001 E Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 325-7711
quinnspubseattle.com = seattle times - seattle times 2 - yelp - sneaky sunday