It’s had a few past lives – but what matters most is its future, and next Thursday is the day that 4439 35th SW will open as “The Bridge.” At right, meet Rita Dixson and Trevor Garand, both West Seattle residents; you might know them from Talarico’s and Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), respectively, or someplace else.
Rita and Trevor are longtime friends (more than 20 years!) who always wanted to go into business together – and now they have. This past Wednesday morning, they made time in their frantic pre-opening schedule to let WSB in for a chat and a look around. (In the photo, they’re standing next to the northwest corner of the 1,800-square-foot patio they’re particularly thrilled about, looking ahead to summertime – a place where they hope to have live music as well as people enjoying beverages and food in the sunshine.)
We brought you first word of The Bridge more than three months ago – first a brief mention, then a little more shared by Rita. That’s actually a relatively quick turnaround time for a restaurant/bar type project. And while your editor here never made it into Redline (the space’s last incarnation), we’re told this is quite the makeover.
“It needed a lot of TLC,” smiles Rita. Above, that’s the cozy, natural-light – through opaque blinds, since the bus stop is right outside and not much of a view – northeastern corner (which doubles as a stage). It’s right next to the big, homey brick fireplace:
Other homey touches include a beautiful rug under much of the main seating area. The Bridge is 21-and-up only, so its food will be “casual American bar food, with a twist” – a spirited twist, you might say, with treats including Jack Daniel’s-tinged berries and cream; then there will be the chicken caprese and French dip sliders, bacon-wrapped tenderloin, and other savories … “Come in and have a little food on your way home to dinner,” as Rita suggests. The tables are all in place now, most of them barstool-high, with a few booths in the back.
Photos over the booths pay tribute to The Bridge’s name – different angles of the West Seattle Bridge, to which the new establishment is so close, they are hopeful of becoming a favorite stop for commuters:
They also are proud to be in The Triangle, as it changes and evolves. And yes, there was a development proposal on the Huling-owned site, but The Bridge has a long-enough lease, its proprietors say, that they’re certain it’s not proceeding any time soon (don’t worry about falling in love with The Bridge and then losing it). So they’re getting ready to welcome you for a drink (18 draft beers!), a snack, and even – a game of table shuffleboard:
As for TV sports – The Bridge has four screens (one behind the bar), and while they don’t plan to have the sound up for everything, if there’s a big game, you bet. They’re planning to open at 4 pm Mondays-Fridays, probably earlier on weekends. Again, Opening Day/Night is next Thursday, February 24th – and if you stop by, wish Rita a happy birthday – for her, it’s a double reason to celebrate. P.S. You can find “The Bridge” on Facebook, here.
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