10 more Seattle restaurants have closed — but some have been saved
This new list of Seattle-area restaurant closures comes with some interesting twists, including places that are closed-but-not-closed and "temporary" shutdowns. The latest list of Seattle-area restaurant closures has revealed that ten restaurants have closed, with some of these being called "indefinite" or "temporary," while others have been saved. Emmmett Watson's Oyster Bar in Pike Place Market, the city's first-ever oyster bar, closed after 45 years, reopening on May Day. Shikorina Bakeshop & Cafe in the Central District has relocated to Capitol Hill, where Hana Yohannes has relocated her sweet spot to be an organic and sustainable bakery. Mau Kau in the Chinatown International District, a classic restaurant from the past, has been under new ownership and plans to remain unchanged. Taqueria Cantina in Belltown was forced to shut after multiple fires were set inside in an apparent arson last November, but has since reopened. Eight Row in Green Lake announced an indefinite closure due to the lease being expiring, but the family-run orchard-and-farm-to-table restaurant will continue service through June 29. The downtown Seattle location of Ethan Stowell chain is currently being closed, but plans to open as soon as possible.
प्रकाशित : तीन सप्ताह पहले द्वारा Bethany Jean Clement में Lifestyle
This latest list of Seattle-area restaurant closures comes with some interesting twists. A number of places can fairly be called closed/not closed, with new chapters already begun. Then a few spots are calling their own closures “indefinite” or “temporary.” And, of course, there are some actual final farewells. First …
Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar in Pike Place Market: Fans of all things old-school in Seattle can consider this a bullet dodged: After 45 years, the city’s first-ever oyster bar closed April 14 — but new ownership has come to the rescue, reopening on May Day. Started by the storied local journalist of the place’s name with partner Sam Bryant in 1979, this low-key spot tucked away in Pike Place Market was run by Bryant’s family until the sale; reached by phone, they said they were happy about this turn of events. The proprietor now, Brian Trask, formerly of the nearby Can Can, says he plans only respectful, incremental changes, including the addition of a hard liquor license. So a little bit of Seattle history will carry on, with oysters and martinis.
Shikorina in the Central District: The house with the purple door on Union near 23rd that was formerly home to this bakery now sits vacant, but the good news is that Hana Yohannes has relocated her sweet — and organic and sustainable — spot to Capitol Hill. Now known as Shikorina Bakeshop & Cafe, it’s in the space on Pike near Broadway that briefly housed Ben & Esther’s vegan deli. The high-ceilinged place with pretty lavender accents is ready to take care of your baked-goods-and-caffeine needs for Pride 2024 and beyond — find it in our list of 63 Seattle bars and restaurants with LGBTQ+ owners to support.
Kau Kau in the Chinatown International District: Another Seattle restaurant classic that might have been lost survives, thankfully: After more than 60 years, this place that my colleague David Gutman once called “the godfather of roast duck” is under new ownership, in the hands of former dishwasher Hock Wo, as Northwest Asian Weekly reports. Wo has been at Kau Kau since 1972 — before the current location opened. “He’s done every role from chopping vegetables to barbecuing,” his son, Randy Wo-Eng, told NAW. “He’ll remain the face of Kau Kau,” Wo-Eng said, and the menu will remain unchanged.
Taqueria Cantina in Belltown: This community favorite for drag shows and more was first forced to shutter after multiple fires were set inside in an apparent arson last November. Then, owner Daniel Ceballos says, the landlord decided to cancel its lease. But the place has risen from the ashes, relocating to Harbor Steps with drag brunch and plenty of mimosas back on the calendar. It’s now known as La Pérgola — find it in our Pride 2024 bar-and-restaurant listings, too.
Mission Cantina in West Seattle: A fixture for almost 20 years — with two weddings on the premises — this place closed in mid-February, to neighborhood fans’ sorrow. Now it’s back, with West Seattle Blog reporting that new owners — a couple who were two of those fans, intent on carrying the good times on — reopened the place at the end of May.
Eight Row in Green Lake: After five years, and with the lease expiring, this family-run orchard-and-farm-to-table restaurant announced an indefinite closure — but, they say, “Rest assured, we will be back.” Along the way, Eight Row landed on the James Beard Awards semifinalists list three years in a row. Calling this “the conclusion of the project in its current form,” the Eight Row newsletter noted the difficulties of the coronavirus pandemic and the tribulations of the family’s Wenatchee orchards in the forms of fire, hail and new extremes of hot and cold. “In this context we are compelled to return to the farm and help puzzle together the future,” the Eight Row owners wrote, including “how to survive in a world increasingly dominated by large-scale industrial agriculture.” Service at the restaurant will continue through June 29. After that, they say, “we eagerly anticipate hosting you in a new space as soon as it becomes feasible.”
Victor Tavern downtown: The downtown Seattle location of this new Ethan Stowell chain is not currently open for business, but Stowell is leaving the figurative door ajar, with Puget Sound Business Journal reporting that the closure may be temporary. Actually open: the Victor Taverns in South Lake Union and Edmonds. And coming soon: another Victor on Eastlake.
Lionhead on Capitol Hill: Originally started by Seattle-area restaurant star Jerry Traunfeld in 2015, this Broadway spot for Sichuan-inspired cuisine was sold to chef Garrett Doherty and business partner Benjamin Chew in 2019. Doherty and Chew subsequently opened sibling Tyger Tyger in Lower Queen Anne, which Chew continues to operate. A handwritten sign posted last month at Lionhead read “closed until further notice,” but Capitol Hill Seattle Blog notes that the business is for sale, with a listing reading, “Take over existing concept or bring your own concept!” Doherty did not respond to a message seeking more information.
Champagne Diner in Interbay: After five years in an unlikely spot tucked away off Elliott in Interbay, this dreamy little updated diner has finished its run. Owner Bryn Lumsden thanked patrons, staff and partners as the place wound down in April; he continues to run Pioneer Square standby Damn the Weather.
Mandarin Gate in North Seattle: After almost 40 years in the Oak Tree Village strip mall complex, this old-school favorite for Chinese American food has closed. Vanishing Seattle celebrated its “divey bar and legendary karaoke,” with legions of longtime fans chiming in to share their memories and love.
Full Tilt in White Center: After the recent death of beloved owner Justin Cline, the original Full Tilt in White Center has closed. On the shop’s website, “Mrs. Full Tilt” thanks the community for its embrace and all who’ve shared the space, and says, “Full Tilt was never just about the ice cream. But now Justin is gone, and it just isn’t the same without him. It’s time for Full Tilt as we know it to end.” (The Full Tilt in Columbia City, under different ownership from the start, carries on.)
The Swinery in West Seattle: This eatery and butcher shop lasted 15 years through many changes before shuttering in March. The current owners expressed their thanks and heartbreak, saying, “The economy has made it impossible for us to continue,” according to West Seattle Blog. A Seattle Times reader in the neighborhood reports that a replacement is lined up: “They are calling themselves ‘In Pizza We Crust’ … I am not making this up.” And indeed, the family-owned venture by that name confirms they’re moving from solely operating out of a truck into the Swinery space this summer (and it’s noteworthy that they also “give a slice of the profits back to local charities”).
Patxi’s Pizza in Ballard: After 10 years, the Seattle branch of this California-based chain has closed. My Ballard reports that manager Tice Azure is on the hunt for a nearby location for his own Chicago deep-dish spot, with the staff on board.
Sailfish in Ballard: After less than two years under the auspices of the same owner as Ballard Cut and Parish Northwest, this seafood-oriented place on Market Street and Ballard Avenue has closed. Restaurateur Tommy Patrick, who also operated Bunsoy in the same spot, tells My Ballard that he’ll be consolidating for economic reasons, moving Ballard Cut into the space.
Haymaker in West Seattle: Brian Clevenger’s General Harvest restaurant group has closed this outlet after five years, following the closure of the other Haymaker location on Eastlake last fall. According to a spokesperson, the company has decided to focus on “two brand concepts” — first, the pasta-and-more restaurants in various neighborhoods, including Raccolto, Vendemmia, Autumn and the new-in-Fremont Haerfest; and second, the less expensive GH Pasta and Pizza model.
Seattle Social Cafe & Bar in Belltown: After less than a year (and less than stellar online reviews), this place (which replaced longtime tenant CJ’s) closed, with signage posted on-site indicating that the tenant had been evicted by the King County sheriff.
The Rock Wood Fired Pizza in Lynnwood and Bothell: These two locations of the Tacoma-based pizza chain are closed, while eight more remain open. Management did not respond to a request for more information.
विषय: Food & Drink