#1236 #S744 - Big Mario's - 9/15/2010

Most the interest that Mario's holds is from the vibe of the relatively low-key Capitol Hill crowd it attracts with its nothing-fancy, New York style pizza and bar.  Mario himself brings carries the cred for a such a joint, having migrated from Naples and slung pizza in the various burroughs of New York.  But the place is actually owned by Mike McConnell, who also owns Via Tribunali and Caffe Vita.

The place looks and feels like it's been operating in a college neighborhood for 50 or 60 years (they have jager on tap and sell 40-ounce bottles of Olde English).  The cocktails are nothing special, but they have a good selection of beers and sell tasty slices until 4am Thursdays through Saturdays.

1009 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 922-3875
bigmariosnewyorkpizza.com - facebook - all consuming - seattle weekly - the stranger - seattle met - seattle times - yelp

#1235 #S743 - Waid's Haitian Cuisine & Lounge - 9/15/2010

Update: Waid's closed June 29, 2014

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For a Seattle restaurant/bar, Waid's is otherworldly.  It's not just the Haitian food and the worldly variety of music; it's how the the space rises unexpectedly around a Central District corner, and the outsized personality of the man himself (e.g. check out the gorgeous wedding photos on his myspace page).

We had the tasty Ekrevis Lakay ("Using their love for cooking, my fabulous chefs have managed to make lobster out of shrimp (so typically Haitian). Sautéed in shallots, garlic and bathed in coconut milk which produces a curry like sauce that will carry you away to an island that is so dear to me"),  a mango-rita, and a shot or two suggested by the owner/host.

Waid's is currently embroiled in a fight for its liquor license and survival.  This is a great shame, as the place is not only a unique and lovely bar but, in the words of 'LaTanya Horace, who works for a Seattle nonprofit called Neighborhood House that helps immigrants and refugees. "It has become the community center for the biggest, most random and diverse group of cultures you could imagine."'

The unusual reach of the place is also evidenced by the groups that meet there.  "A staggeringly diverse array of groups relies on Waid's as a place to meet and hold fundraisers. To name a few: doctors from Harborview Medical Center; swing-dance groups; the Environmental Law Society at Seattle U; the Jua Lekundu Foundation (for Tanzania); Seattle's Burning Man crowd; Planned Parenthood; a Gay Pride group; a belly-dancing society; a Harley biker club; and African-American fashion designers." (ibid).

With luck, Waid's will still be open when you're reading this and for several years to come.  But if you're not sure, and have never been there, you should check it out quickly.

1212 E Jefferson St, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 328-6493
Est. 2006 - Closed June 29, 2014 - Building constructed 1977
Previous bars in this location: None known
waidshouse.com (warning: sound) - facebook - myspace - blog - seattle weekly - yelp

#1234 #S742 - King St. Bar & Oven - 9/15/2010

The Seattle Times describes this place as having a "sports-lounge atmo with antique-y touches."  If you use words like "atmo" and "antique-y," then maybe this is a swell place for you.  It offers nothing of interest to me -- the decor, drinks, and food are all utterly boring. But I do commend the owners for shutting down the nightclub portion which brought in large crowds and not a small amount of morons and fights.

170 S King St., Seattle, WA 98104 - (206) 749-9890
kingstreetbar.com - facebook - seattle pi - seattle times - yelp