#1664 #S987 - Manhattan Drugs, Seattle - 1/21/2012

Another interesting addition in the takeover of the Seattle bar world by Chris Pardo and Laura Olson's Pterodactyl Group (Grim, The Social, Detention, Auto Battery, Queen of Norway, Po Dog). This entry is a plush steakhouse, featuring Nebraska prime corn-fed steaks, and a gun-antlered ram.  (I noticed a similar piece in LA's Angels and Kings.)  They offer some nice, medium-priced, small plates from chef Khampaeng Panyathong (The Herbfarm, Spring Hill, Grim’s), and have a medium-sized bar where Roman serves a first rate Old Pal.

1419 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 325-6574
Est. Jan 5, 2012 - Building constructed: 1920?
Previous bars in this location: None known
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#1663 #S986 - Urban Family Public House, Seattle - 1/21/2012

The Urban Family Public House is for beer lovers, and that shows not only in what they have (a factory-like row of 25 taps of beer, focusing on American craft and Belgian beers), but what they do not (food, liquor). They are apparently going to install brewing works in the back, and add some food items like Pannini sandwiches.

The bar is owned by three friends who moved from Washington DC, and the pictures on the wall are family members of them and their employees. The tables are made from some nice, old, re-used wood from a place in Tumwater, and the walls are exposed, century-old brick.

5329 Ballard Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107 - (206) 783-2337
Est. Jan 13, 2012 - Building constructed: 1906
Previous bars in this location: None known
urbanfamilypublichouse.com - seattlemet - seattleweekly - seattlebeernews - thestranger - yelp - seattlemet  - urbanspoon

#1662 #S985 -Tim's Tavern on 105th, Seattle - 1/14/2012

Update: Tim's Tavern closed Aug 23, 2021.

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This appears to have been a small, neighborhood dive since 1937.  It seems to have been established then by John "Jack" Perry as "Jack's Tavern," and by the late 40s was "Mackey's Tavern."   By some point in the 1950s it became the "105th Street Tavern" and appears to have remained that into the 80s, at which point it begins to be listed as "Van's 105th St. Tavern."  Van Moore purchased the bar in 1970, but does not appear to have attached his name to it until many years later.  He sold the tavern to Tim Arnot in late 2011, and the latter has retained "Tavern" in the name although they now serve cocktails.

Some notes from the web site:  "His plan is to expand the tavern into the adjoining retail space and relocate the bathrooms to the back. Coming soon there will be a new large neon sign out front and a pool table and small stage for jam sessions and music night.... In the spring and summer, our beer garden is sure to be a big hit!"


602 North 105th Street Seattle, WA 98133 - (206) 789-9005
Est. Dec. 6, 2011 - Building constructed: 1926
Previous bars in this location: Jack's Tavern, Mackey's Tavern, 105th Street Tavern, Van's 105th Street Tavern
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#1661 #S984 - The Ridge, Seattle - 1/14/2012

The Ridge is a nice, neighborhood place from Chris Navarra (Prost!, Feierebend, Die Bierstube), Chris Gerke (Nickerson Street Saloon), Tom Griffith (T.S. McHugh's, Ten Mercer), and Larry Wikan (beer distributor).  The pizzas are fairly good, and are named after nearby businesses ("True Value," "Ken's Market Combo").  They are complemented by various other better than average food items and beers.  Like Navarra's mini-empire of German pubs, they feature large old photographs on brick walls, and warm, glowing lighting.

7217 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103          
Est. Jan 12, 2012 - Building constructed: 1918
Previous bars in this location: None known
ridgepizza.com - facebook - thestranger - phinneywood - yelp

#1660 #S983 - Lucky 8, Seattle - 1/3/2012

Update:  Lucky 8 closed on  Friday May 17.

Lucky 8 is serves updated versions of classic American-Chinese food -- the kind you find in any town in America, but somewhat better.  The chef is Justin Strnad (Osteria La Spiga, Palace Kitchen, Purple). The decor is slightly kitschy but comfortable, with a large gong in the kitchen area, and they have free (bicycle) delivery for people in the Capitol Hill area.  There is a small bar, with fairly limited spirits -- at least on this visit shortly after they opened.

1407 14th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98122 - (206) 328-0888
Est. 1/1/2012 - Closed 5/17/2013 - Building constructed: 1963
Previous bars in this location: None known
lucky8schinahouse.com - thestranger - eater - capitolhillseattle - yelp

#1659 #S982 - The Rock, Wood Fired Pizza & Spirits, Seattle - 12/31/2011

You will not be disappointed in Rock Wood if you know what it is. If you prefer good cocktails, you will definitely not find happiness in the sorority party style cocktail menu of the Rock bar, which one hopes reaches its nadir in "Jello Boosters" ("Rockstar Energy Drink, Booze, and Jello in a Syringe"). Yes, they do have "Spirits" right in the name, but you have a pretty good idea of just how seriously a bar takes their spirits when their drink ingredients include "booze."

 Similarly, if you are seeking a fine restaurant with distinctive pizza and food, you'd be well advised to turn around and head to Serious Pie or Delancey.

But that said, the Rock delivers reliably on exactly what it simply is -- a casual, family restaurant that leans toward young people, with a high number of vanilla menu options served in large portions, with modest prices, amidst a bit of Disney-esque decor. It is basically TGIFriday with a pizza and a "classic rock" theme -- as if Hard Rock Cafe had been ordered to merge with Applebees.

If this suits your tastes and mood, the food is reliable, with enough options that any reasonable person can find items to their tastes, and served by friendly people. The pizza is a bit doughy compared to most the city's wood fired options (which lean toward Neapolitan or New York style), and indeed, shows little evidence of the wood oven at all. But it is serviceable, and probably a good compromise between adults and children.

 This place is part of an ambitious chain that started in Tacoma, and is spreading through the Northwest, Colorado and Canada. I am a middle-aged male with no children, who eats out for most my meals, and prefers a little more adventure and expertise in my drinks and cuisine. Hence the I've-Had-Better rating. But for families -- particularly if you like TGIFridays and Applebees -- you will likely be quite pleased with Rock.

300 Roy Street #101, Seattle, WA 98109 - 206-254-4900
Est. 12/30/2011 - Building constructed: 2008
Previous bars in this location: None
therockwfp.com - gastrolust - yelp - eater

#1658 #S981 - The Burgundian, Seattle - 12/28/2011

Update: The Publican changed its name to The Burgundian in March 2012, in order to avoid a legal dispute with a Chicago bar with the same name.

It's remarkable what a difference can result from a bit of a reputation and the right product for the neighborhood.  I don't know how well they'll do over the long run, but on their first night open to the general public, the Publican was absolutely slammed.

The emphasis here is on beer, ala the owners' other locations, Bottleworks and Brouwer's Cafe.  But unlike the huge choice of Belgians at Brouwers, the Publican is focused on American micros (21 on tap) and includes a significant selection of tequilas and bourbons.  The food is primarily breakfast type meals, with a few burgers/sandwiches.  The service was friendly but clearly overwhelmed on this night, as people filled the tables, crowded the bar, stood and waited for spaces.  I'm eager to see how this place does in terms of a regular crowd and with a few of the opening kinks worked out.

Historical notes:  Most notably, this location hosted the Luau Polynesian Lounge from 1997 to 2010.  Between then and now, it was briefly the Pour House and then Bandolero.

2253 N 56th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Est. Dec 28, 2011 - Building constructed: 1928
Previous bars in this location: The Luau, Pour House, Bandolero
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