OPENING TODAY: 2 Fingers Social in South Delridge

(WSB photos. L-R, Ed and Andrew)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Five months after we first reported that 2 Fingers Social was on its way to South Delridge, the doors open at 4 pm today.

We stopped in last night for an opening-day-eve look at what co-proprietors Andrew Spence and Ed Wheeler describe as their “esoteric” establishment, with numerous “nerdy/geeky” touches.

However you describe it, one look inside shows how they have thoroughly transformed the space at 9211 Delridge Way SW [map] – formerly home to businesses including a payday-loan operation and medical-marijuana dispensary – with countless custom creations, from the lighting fixtures to the barstools.

“We spent six months grinding out every possible aspect” of their establishment,” Andrew explains. “Everywhere you look, you’re going to find” something unique.

“We’ve had all these ideas for years,” Ed adds.

As movie and music fans, they have taken inspiration from some of their favorites. Designs on the tabletops were inspired by “Hellraiser.”

The lighting-fixture cans on one side include symbols from “Mad Max,” “Star Wars,” and “Star Trek,” among others. The font they’re using for the name/logo – already available as merch – is Ouija board-style Captain Howdy.

Some of the rustic wood you’ll see inside is from a barn, discovered via Craigslist.

Some is from “a nice lady on Mercer Island.”

As their creations erased the traces of the earlier businesses, they hauled out more than three tons of old material.

And you’ll want to check your standard bar expectations at the door, too. While there’s a big screen over the bar, Ed and Andrew emphasize this is not a sports bar. You’ll see old movies, maybe even classic music videos on that screen. No sports.

As noted in our May report, 2 Fingers Social will be all-ages in the early hours of each business day/night (4 pm-midnight seven days a week, all ages until 8 pm). The co-proprietors are both parents and it’s important that their kids can be there sometimes.

As two veteran bartenders (whose resumes include several years working together at Chupacabra on Alki), you won’t be surprised to hear that they plan for their drinks to stand out – in their value and simplicity. “Back to basics,” Andrew says. “Traditional cocktails that stand the test of time.” They promise two-ounce pours – the “two fingers” of the establishment’s name. One and a half is more common in the industry, they explain. They also say they’ll have higher-quality liquor in their well drinks, which will be $6. They’ll be “more bourbon/scotch-centric,” but not limited to those types of drinks. (And yes, the co-proprietors will be tending bar, though they plan eventually to have guest bartenders from around the city.)

As for their food, hot sandwiches with quality ingredients will be a focus. For example, one sandwich will include paté that is being made for them by the chef at West Seattle’s French restaurant, Marée on Alki.

So what’s it like to work extensively for months and finally be about to open?

“I’m excited,” Andrew says. “But it’s weird not to have a tool in my hands.”

Ed describes the feeling as “surreal … not quite sure if it’s sunk in yet.”

When 4 pm arrives, it probably will. But they’re already looking to the future – by next summer, a “huge patio.”

P.S. As a neighborhood establishment, they’re hoping to see many arrive by walking, bike, bus. If you’re driving, there’s street parking.

18 Replies to "OPENING TODAY: 2 Fingers Social in South Delridge"

  • Joe October 13, 2017 (10:47 am)

    Are they dog friendly?

    • WSB October 13, 2017 (10:58 am)

      You can’t legally have non-service animals inside a drink/food establishment. But check back when they open the patio promised for next summer…

      • Wsrez October 13, 2017 (12:45 pm)

        Thanks for saying this.

    • Terri October 13, 2017 (4:32 pm)

      As Chupacabra alumni, perhaps they will at least serve a decent Salty Chihuahua.

  • Erithan October 13, 2017 (11:17 am)

     Goodluck, and happy opening! The puzzle box table top is awesome, always glad to see hell raiser fans. =)

    Parson wording, not quite awake, I’ll have to plan to try and get over there sometime!

  • HelperMonkey October 13, 2017 (11:21 am)

    Sweet Hellraiser tables! 

  • Merry October 13, 2017 (11:52 am)

    Awesome! Looking forward to stopping in to check the place out. Super nerdy, love it!

  • Steve October 13, 2017 (12:12 pm)

    It sounds really cool!  Can’t wait to check it out!!

  • sw October 13, 2017 (12:35 pm)

    This looks fantastic.  Will definitely be stopping by soon.  Good luck, guys!    

  • Diane October 13, 2017 (12:36 pm)

    We hope there’s decent non-alcohol drink choices, too- good pure juices, draft root  and ginger beers, non-sugar sparkling waters, etc. The family hours are genius!

  • dawsonct October 13, 2017 (12:37 pm)

    Really looking forward to this place. 
    I’m going to wait for the “I was there opening night and the place was packed, too noisy, and service wasn’t up to my expectations. I’m never going back” crowd to clear out.

  • mona October 13, 2017 (12:58 pm)

    What a gorgeous addition to the neighborhood! Can’t wait to check it out!

  • Jack October 13, 2017 (3:10 pm)

    SO EXCITED! I love Hellraiser and very happy we can bring our kiddo! 

  • Kimbee October 14, 2017 (1:39 am)

    Welcome to the neighborhood! 

  • Diablo October 16, 2017 (8:14 am)

    The “Hellraiser” tables are awesome ! It is nice to see new fun business coming to this once stagnant area. I hope I can bring my pooch in the summer to hang out on the patio.  Welcome to the neighbor hood!!

  • Ricky October 16, 2017 (4:07 pm)

    Thank you for not being yet another lame bro sports bar in West Seattle! FINALLY!!! Sorry, not sorry bros. 

  • Bev October 21, 2017 (3:41 pm)

    I’m truly excited!!! Down the street from us, we will be by to come suport for sure. Question, you say family friendly, can we bring kids? I thought this was just a neighborhood bar.

    • Bev October 21, 2017 (3:47 pm)

      Sorry just read the family hours. This is totally awesome that we can bring the kiddos too. Hope there’s something they can do while parents hang out. 

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