#1668 #S991 - Neptune Theater, Seattle - 1/25/2012

A historic Seattle movie theater, which first opened Wednesday, November 16, 1921, was let go by the art movie chain Landmark Theaters.  The local STG group, which manages the Paramount and Moore theaters, signed a long term lease for the location in Feb 2011 and remodeled it slightly into a venue for live music and other performances.

The bar in the back of the main floor is not exactly one you pine to go to when you're not attending a show.  But of course the bar is not the main consideration here, and it's great to see this historic place maintained, and with a pretty attractive set of performances (we've seen Tim Minchin, Concrete Blonde, Norm MacDonald, and Demetri Martin there, among others).  It also happily inherits the features of an old movie theater that most live venues lack -- a sloping floor, and ample seating.  They occasionally have issues with heat, but it's one of the better places in the city to see a show.

1303 Northeast 45th Street Seattle, WA 98105-4502 - (206) 781-5755
Est. Sep 25, 2011 - Building constructed: 1921
Previous bars in this location: None known
web site  - seattlepi - seattletimes - yelp

#1667 #S990 - Pete's Fremont Fire Pit, Seattle - 1/24/2012

Update: Pete's Fremont FIre Pit closed sometime in the third quarter of 2013.

---

The theme here is classic Fremont weirdness, with items from the Solstice parade and signage like a back bar at Archie McPhee's.  The barbecue struck me as mediocre, but serviceable, and the help is very friendly.  Pete, the owner, also owns Roxy's and the Backdoor at Roxy's across the street (his son informed me that he proposed calling the latter "Roxy's in the Rear," but this may have been just to needle his wife).  The bar is fairly limited.

The vibe of a place like this only seems to work if you attract an equivalent sort of eclectic regular patrons.  I'll be very interested to see if that happens.

501 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103 - (206) 453-3667
Est. Dec 4, 2011 - Building constructed: 1927
Previous bars in this location: Santolea
facebook - fremocentrist - thrillist - thestranger - fremontuniverse - yelp

#1666 #S989 - Bitterroot BBQ, Seattle - 1/23/2012

"BBQ. Beer. Bourbon. Ballard."  Sounds good to me.

These guys took the old ugly Acme Stamp building and created a  woody, narrow barbecue joint.  The meats are dry rubbed, and served with a variety of sauces at your table.  Sandwiches come on pretzel rolls from Tall Grass Bakery. Down the long hallway of salvaged barn wood is a cozy back bar, with a few additional tables.

The cocktails were not overly impressive -- my iced tea drink was a bit of a watery mess. But they have many good beer and bourbon choices.

5239 Ballard Avenue Northwest Seattle, WA 98107 - (206) 920-4196
Est. Jan 18, 2012 - Building constructed: 1900 or earlier
Previous bars in this location: None known
bitterrootbbq.com - facebook - seattlemet - myballard - dailycandy - seattleweekly - yelp - eater - thestranger

#1665 #S988 - 8oz Burger Bar, Seattle - 1/21/2012

The emphasis here is the burgers, which areThe emphasis here is the burgers, which are very good.  The bar choices are okay, and served in front of a great looking, 1920s, art deco style bar from Dayton, Ohio. very good.  The bar choices are okay, and served in front of a great looking, 1920s, art deco style bar from Dayton, Ohio.

1401 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 466-5989
Est. Jan 20, 2012 - Building constructed: 1996
Previous bars in this location: Tidbit
8ozburgerbar.com - facebook - legitbeef - eatinseattle - capitolhillseattle - seattleweekly - urbanspoon

#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
web site - facebook - thrillist - eater - seattlemet - seattleweekly - thestranger - yelp

#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.

---

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
timstavernseattle.com - facebook - thestranger - yelp - phinneywood

#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
seattlemet - eater - myballard - yelp - seattleballard  - thestranger

#1654 #S977 - Volume, Seattle - 12/23/2011

Update: Volume closed May 3, 2015. The space subsequently hosted another club called "Stage."

---

Volume is a new ultra lounge style nightclub, which means the standard sort of techno and hiphop music, VIP sections, and women with heels as long as their skirts.  It is a very young and primarily Asian crowd, and owned by the former owner of Aura.  The drinks are exactly what you would predict based on this.  But while the current club may be fairly unremarkable, it is located in what is probably the most storied bar space in Seattle, previous home of the Catwalk, the Casino, and the People's Theater.

Volume nightclub, Pioneer Square, Seattle, WA

The basement space is a remaining portion of the People's Theater, constructed in 1890, and the most notorious of Seattle's 19th century "box houses."  In these saloons with card rooms and theaters, women performers would serve drinks in between their stage acts, and if a patron was feeling particularly generous, the women would accompany them to curtained off boxes for more personalized services.  The People's Theater was eventually run by John Considine (AKA "Boss Sport"), who would battle it out for Seattle's theater and gambling audiences with such rivals as Alexander Pantages and Wyatt Earp (yes, THAT Wyatt Earp, who owned the Union Club on the next block).  He also battled Seattle Chief of Police William L. Meredith, a feud that culminated in a shootout in a drug store on 2nd and Yesler that left Meredith dead.

Considine would go on to establish theaters across the west and midwest, create the first popularly-priced vaudeville chain in the world*, co-found the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and eventually move to Los Angeles and produce movies.  His lasting legacy to the Seattle bar and nightclub world was his leading role in establishing Seattle's "Tolerance Policy," a well-established system for paying off the police, which lasted through the 1960s.  It was this very tolerance policy that in the 1930s would allow the old People's Theater space to become the most famous open place for gay people on the west coast.

In 1930, Joseph Bellotti purchased the space, with John and Margaret Delevitti operating it, and it soon became a nationally known club for gays, unofficially known as "Madame Peabody's Dancing Academy for Young Ladies." With Delevitti paying off the police, men could dance openly with other men at The Casino (an impossibility in most other cities) and drag queens could remain largely unharrassed.  The Casino and the Double Header upstairs, which remains to this day, would attract gay visitors and various celebrities from around the country, including the likes of Rudolph Nureyev, Johnny Ray, Margot Fonteyn, and Tallulah Bankhead. The unrestrained Ms. Bankhead is cited by historical sources as entering the upper bar with her retinue, ringing a cow bell, and shouting to the assembled queens, "Avon calling all you beautiful motherf***ers!" To this day the cow bell remains hanging on the wall of the Double Header (which has a fairly compelling argument for being the oldest continually running gay bar in the United States).

Before it became the rather formulaic 21st century dance clubs Heaven and then Volume, the space also hosted The Catwalk from 1994 to 2005.  The Catwalk brought a modernized edge to the place's bawdy history, hosting various S&M and gothic events, as well as fetish fashion shows.

172 S Washington, Seattle, WA 98104 - (206) 467-1828
Est. Oct. 29, 2010 - Building constructed: 1890
Previous bars in this location: People's Theater, The Casino, The Catwalk, Heaven
volumeseattle.com - facebook - yelp
*Murray Morgan, "Skid Road", 1995 p149

#1653 #S976 - Underground Asian Fusion Bistro, Seattle - 12/23/2011

About 6 months ago the friendly Korean owner of the pan-Asian restaurant upstairs moved his business into the former space of Marcus's Martini Heaven, in a basement space of the old Yesler Building, constructed right after the Great Seattle Fire.  The current owner can advise on sake and has various ideas for getting building up the bar, but at this point he could very much use the help of someone like Marcus Charles on how to attract a night-time crowd.

88 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104 - (206) 326-4800
Est. 2011 - Building constructed: 1890-1893
Previous bars in this location: Marcus's Martini Heaven
yelp

#1652 #S975 - Lalibela, Seattle - 12/23/2011

This Ethiopian restaurant has a tiny little lounge with a tiny selection of drinks.

2800 E Cherry St #A, Seattle, WA 98122-5007 - (206) 322-8565
Building constructed: 1954
Previous bars in this location: None known
urbanspoon - yelp - seattletimes - voiceplaces  

#1651 #S974 - Ras Dashen, Seattle - 12/23/2011

Ras Dashen is one of 5 Ethiopian restaurants within 1 block of Cherry and Martin Luther King Blvd.  From the web site, "There are several Ethiopian choices at the intersection of East Cherry Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way, but Ras-Dashen distinguishes itself with friendly service and an atmosphere spruced up courtesy of colorful woven baskets and massive jugs."

It is a large restaurant with a small bar, in a long building that feels like a manufactured home and used to be a church.  The restaurant has been open for about 5 years, and has a slightly formal but also comfortable neighborhood feel.  The food is quite good, and I much enjoyed the Meat Combo (Beef Tips, Gored Gored, Kitfo, Quanta Fir Fir, and Qey Wot).  The bar, well, not so much.  The woman working the bar while I was there convincingly debunked the theory that you can't really mess up a Gin & Tonic.  But they do appear to feature a very strong pour for a low price, and on weekends they turn into a nightclub (perhaps with slightly more experienced bartenders).

2801 East Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 709-7626
Est. 2006 - Building constructed: 1960
Previous bars in this location: None known
rasdashenseattle.com - seattleweekly - centraldistrictnews - seattletimes - yelp - urbanspoon