#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
publicanseattle.com - facebook - seattlepi - seattlebeernews - nwbeerguide -  thestranger - yelp

#1657 #S980 - Claire's Pantry, Seattle - 12/26/2011

Pretty much exactly what you would expect for a lounge in a place named "Claire's Pantry" -- including a median age of about 68.

12360 Lake City Way Northeast Seattle, WA 98125-5447 - (206) 365-4542

Previous bars in this location: None known
Building constructed: 1972
facebook - seattleweekly - yelp  - urbanspoon

#1656 #S979 - Polpetta, Seattle - 12/24/2011

 Polpetta was briefly the last of three incarnations of this Italian restaurant from Sicilian "Mama Enza" Sorrentino, before exiting due to price raises by the landlord. The Polpetta version focused on a less formal cuisine, emphasis on meatballs, and like the others had a small bar stocked primarily with wine.

2128 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 - (206) 694-0055
Est. 2011 - Closed Dec 31, 2011
Previous bars in this location: Sorrentino Trattoria, Enza Cucina Siciliana
polpettaseattle.com - facebook - thestranger - queenannereview - eater - yelp

#1655 #S978 - MacLeod's Scottish Pub, Seattle - 12/23/2011

This seems like exactly the bar this space has been waiting for, and it already feels like this bar must have been here for 50 years.  The eccentric, triangular, brick structure -- a bit too elegant for the instant dive bar attempted by Harlow's -- is matched by a cozy, informally elegant interior.  They feature 50 types of whiskey with an emphasis on rare single-malt Scotch, and serve some generally high quality cocktails (I had a fine Red Hook -- rye, Punt e Mes, Luxardo Maraschino).

The bar is owned and run by Scotsman Allen Macleod, with "silent partners" Deming Maclise and James Weimann (owners of Bastille).

Historical notes:  A plaque outside the bar created by the Ballard Historical Society notes that Stephano Raggio originally built his as a three-story building featuring a crenellated turret, but the 3rd level was destroyed by fire and removed.  It was the Junction Building and originally housed the Junction Saloon on the ground floor.  The upper floors, originally business offices, were later converted to apartments.  I have found no other bars located in the building until Harlow's opened in Dec. 2010.

5200 Ballard Ave, Seattle, WA 98107 - (206) 687-7115
Est. 2011 - Building constructed: 1904
Previous bars in this location: The Junction Saloon, Harlow's Saloon
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