West Seattle restaurants: Table 35 reportedly has closed

CB November 1, 2010 (10:39 pm)

That corner is cursed.

Baba November 1, 2010 (10:53 pm)

Are they going to have a fundraiser? Where can I donate?

ellenater November 1, 2010 (11:02 pm)

That corner IS cursed.

Justin November 1, 2010 (11:03 pm)

Wow baba that was just mean

B November 1, 2010 (11:08 pm)

Baba, I think it’s on the wrong side of Alaska and Fauntleroy. Isn’t that right?

On a serious note. Sorry to hear it’s closed.

dawsonct November 1, 2010 (11:20 pm)

Directionless; no theme or culinary emphasis. More like someone threw darts at a bunch of menu ideas.
Maybe it’s half a block too far south.
—
It’s a HUGE space with a very large kitchen, in our current climate I don’t see it as capable of sustaining a destination restaurant. It would probably make a better space for a full-service hot deli, open breakfast, lunch, dinner. Small amount of retail, and push the catering.
My guess is that place needs to average about 3-500 $25 covers per week in order to cover all expenses. Probably won’t happen any time soon.

Alki Area November 1, 2010 (11:21 pm)

Sorry to see them fail. But my god, you have better odds in Vegas with your money than opening a restaurant, they’re notoriously difficult.

The last place that lasted there was Guppy’s, West Seattle’s first and only gay bar. It was a great place, a great little neighborhood bar and very successful. It didn’t die from business/profit reasons, but they lost their lease since the owner of the building wanted a restaurant instead. Well, that’s working out well.

ZippyDogs November 1, 2010 (11:23 pm)

The Tap Room is coming in. Over 120 beers on tap – this is what we heard through the grape/restaurant vine.

WSB November 1, 2010 (11:43 pm)

Zip, before tonight’s reports of actual closure, we’d heard a rumor of a similarly named enterprise coming in … had left messages with the enterprise in question but no callbacks. All I can tell for sure so far is that nothing with “Tap” in the name has a business license or liquor license application for that space … so far …

ellenater November 1, 2010 (11:33 pm)

enough with the beer. more cider!

JanS November 1, 2010 (11:59 pm)

just this weekend a friend and I drove by Table 35, and we both expressed the lack of desire to ever eat there. I’m thinking many had the same feelings. It never turned into what the owners say they envisioned.

Dano November 2, 2010 (12:37 am)

Bring Guppy’s(Or a like minded gay bar…) back!… A friendly, community minded bar with a colorful, neighborly, generous, client base. West Seattle is deserving of this…. We are a kind, tolerant, creative community. I miss Guppy’s, and I know MANY locals that would shower them with business…

Beth November 2, 2010 (12:43 am)

I would love to have a late night or even better 24 hour coffee shop/diner in West Seattle for us writers/artists who don’t sleep much or for anyone who wants to get out of the house at 11pm but doesn’t want a beer and doesn’t want to cross the bridge. But I do agree, that corner is unappealing for some reason….

Michael November 2, 2010 (1:06 am)

I like all the ideas, but the fact is that if they could only keep the lights on for 10 months without making a profit, they were seriously undercapitalized.
.
It’s odd that with the past economic problems restaurateurs keep opening on a relative shoestring. That makes the odds of survival even longer in the restaurant business, which is notorious for a high failure rate and a significant timeline to profitability.

The HepCat November 2, 2010 (1:18 am)

Too bad about Table 35. But really, did they have a chance? Above poster was correct. HUGE space, no clear menu direction, awful parking. I really am sorry that their hard work had to come to this, that corner is doomed. Like the 24 hr diner idea, though didn’t we have a Denny’s on California that went belly up years ago, or perhaps I was still in my alcoholic haze?……….

Chris November 2, 2010 (1:52 am)

Menu was all over the place. Food was horrible. Not a big surprise.

(required) November 2, 2010 (2:06 am)

Well, at least Talarico’s is still in business.

Andros November 2, 2010 (3:41 am)

I miss Guppys too and I’m not even gay.

redblack November 2, 2010 (6:24 am)

dano, i think it’s because west seattle is a kind, open-minded, tolerant community that we don’t have a gay bar.
.
back to the topic, i think the way table 35 closed was just as ignominious as their service.
.
when we first went there, service was bad and the staff didn’t have their act together. yeah, okay, fine. i’m patient, and i know that it takes time to learn the menu and stuff.
.
the worst part was that the women’s bathroom had major plumbing issues, and plumbers were all over the place – including behind the bar using a sink. water was on the floor. hoses were running out the back door.
.
my wife went to use the bathroom, greeted by a plumber who evidently couldn’t be bothered to tell her it was out of order.
.
neither could management. or any of the staff. no signs. no apology. so i had to “stand guard” while she used the men’s room. which she said was also funky.
.
goodbye, table 35.

Pete November 2, 2010 (6:25 am)

Went there once and thought the service, food and atmosphere were terrible and never went back. When you are new to a neighborhood you have to make a good first impression or IMHO you are doomed.

coffee November 2, 2010 (6:45 am)

WE do need a 24 hour place, but that is not the location! If you are going to do a 24 hour place you need parking of some sort. Again, the old West Seattle Motors on Fauntleroy would be a perfect spot! Small, parking, etc.

homesweethome November 2, 2010 (7:04 am)

I think of everything in that space as Godfather’s Pizza…regardless of what the new place is.

Kristen November 2, 2010 (7:07 am)

Maybe the new Wing place should have bought the space, walking by the other night, seems like they could fill a big space! So sorry for the owners of Table 35 – that stinks.

NotMe November 2, 2010 (7:16 am)

Not all restaurants do poorly there, and there is plenty of parking – considering where it is located. Ovio did well there. They closed for “personal reasons” that had nothing to do with bad food and bad service.

Sue November 2, 2010 (7:20 am)

I think this would be a great spot for a Tutta Bella. Please please please!

SAR November 2, 2010 (7:42 am)

I don’t think the corner is cursed. I think that the food was nasty!

WSnewbie November 2, 2010 (7:42 am)

Seems like the only place that did well was a gay bar. Get one back in that location.

k November 2, 2010 (7:44 am)

So sorry for the owners, but good to know West Seattle won’t support less than mediocre food.

T-Rex November 2, 2010 (7:59 am)

Vote #2 for Tutta Bella!!

Junctionite November 2, 2010 (8:00 am)

How about a Sushiland or Genki Sushi? The space is large enough.

rw November 2, 2010 (8:06 am)

The restaurants at that corner should make a deal with the parking lot owners across the street. Free convenient parking along that stretch would be a big plus.

west seattle person November 2, 2010 (8:08 am)

We went once. We eat out a lot and aren’t too picky about things having to be perfect, but the service at Table 35 was DREADFUL. The French Dip was awesome and liked their approach to the kids menu, but I’m really surprised it lasted as long as it did.

I like the location, but do think it’s just too big.

west seattle person November 2, 2010 (8:09 am)

Is Tutta Bella that pizza place in Wallingford? That’s a great place!

Yardvark November 2, 2010 (8:55 am)

I think it was a huge accomplishment for that place to go ten months, considering the food, the service, and the confusion. When I first ate there, I predicted two months at the most.

That said, kudos to the owners for taking a risk on a dream.

austin November 2, 2010 (8:56 am)

Who on earth complains about parking in the Alaska Junction? I went to Elliot Bay Brewery for dinner last night and we parked on the street, for free. Even if there wasn’t street parking there are a few blocks of parking lots just west of California, also free. Are there really people who think that every store and business should have its own suburban style parking lot so they don’t have to walk more than thirty feet to the front door?

beth November 2, 2010 (9:04 am)

We HATED Table 35. We go out to eat frequently, and though we’re picky, we just stopped in there for a drink. It reminded us of a bad bar in Atlantic City! The staff in their matching mustard yellow jackets, the fights on the giant TV — good riddance, I say!

Jill November 2, 2010 (9:50 am)

Amen, Beth and those talking about the mediocre food and dreadful service. It lasted way longer than it should have.

cali November 2, 2010 (9:53 am)

We went twice. The first time they brought out my sliders and told me to wait on eating them. Then they returned with a thermometer and made sure the temp was right. It was weird.
I vote for Taco Bell, they are open late night!

roger:that November 2, 2010 (9:59 am)

I say hey to another Spagetti Factory there…that would be great. And what’s with all these people who complain about parking? Quit being so lazy and walk a few feet if you need to…man.. that’s why there are so many fat people…no exercise! Anyways, I could have told you Table 35 wasn’t gonna last…and i never even ate there. Spagetti please.

pie November 2, 2010 (10:12 am)

Went there once for my husband’s birthday, they seated us next to the open kitchen door where on the other side we had a lovely view of the garbage. Asked to get another seat if one came available, that didn’t happen even when seats cleared out.
.
Waited 20 minutes to order one well drink, another 20 to get it, another 20 to get menus, another 20 to flag down waitress to tell her to get us our bill because we wanted to leave after this terrible service, another 20 to receive it, and another 20 to flag her down because it was the wrong bill.
.
Charged us full price for an hour and a half for one vodka cran. We figured the least they could have done for ruining his birthday dinner would be to comp the drink but they were clueless. We vowed to NEVER go there again. Not sad at all to see it go. I hope something good comes in and stays.

on.35th November 2, 2010 (10:21 am)

I think W. Seattle should have a gay bar again, why should they all be up on the Hill. Guppy’s did great in that spot, they should reopen.

Dale S November 2, 2010 (10:32 am)

I wish West Seattle had more breakfast choices, like a Waffle House. The hours could be short, 6:00 AM till Noon 7 days a week. Heck, make it a Breakfast Buffet but let us eat quickly and cheaply as possible. Not much in the Junction.

GAnative November 2, 2010 (10:44 am)

Sorry to see it go!!! We had great food, great service and a great time everytime we went there!

Christy November 2, 2010 (10:49 am)

Glad I used my LivingSocial coupon before they went. Lots of people probably got screwed. (You pay $20 in advance for $40 worth of food)

Donna November 2, 2010 (10:50 am)

I went there once a week when my daughter was taking ballet up the street. They had good prices on happy hour food. They did have a problem with turnover in personnel and consistency in the menu. You had to know what to order and what to avoid too. For instance, the soup was almost always a miss but some of it was okay. That said, it was convenient so I patronized the place but it was more often than not empty aside from one or two other people drinking at the bar.

Everyone thinks they can do better than the restaurant that fails in the space before; however, this restaurant, in my opinion was doomed early on. They had to adjust their menu soon after opening because they decided it wasn’t going to work. They had some severe personnel problems and the employees were talking about it to some of the customers (overheard this first hand). Finally, the atmosphere was just unappealing. Hopefully something will go in there that will compliment the surrounding businesses.

Dave November 2, 2010 (11:15 am)

As I said when they opened, the menu was way too big and all over the shop cuisine wise. If any prospective restauranteurs would like to pay me $500/hr I could give you these and other insights. Alternatively you could watch a few episodes of “Kitchen Nightmares” and you’d be ahead of 99% of other new restaurants.

umm November 2, 2010 (12:20 pm)

Oh man, this works out perfectly for me. My boyfriend and I had a bet going to see how long they would last; I said less than a year, while he gave them a few more months. I guess $50 is in my pocket!

Laura Sisson November 2, 2010 (12:50 pm)

Not sure where roger:that thinks the parking for this place is. You can pay in a lot up the hill and across the street or on the other side of the intersection. You can circle the block a dozen times looking for free street parking. Or you can hope that there is an open spot behind Husky Deli. I have never gone to any restaurant in that location because there is NO parking. It’s on the corner farthest away from all of the parking, so I never think about it. I’ll go to Husky, Bakery Nouveau, Talaricos, Puerto Vallarta or any of the other eateries that are in the Junction, but I always forget about the place on the end! Maybe if something that interests me goes in there, I’ll remember it.

ColesMom November 2, 2010 (12:54 pm)

We went there for Happy Hour a bit after they had opened. We sat at the bar, asked the bartender what she would recommend? She stated that she was new and hadn’t tried the food yet. Hadn’t tried the food yet?? I don’t care if it’s your 1st day, everyone on staff should taste the food & offer good suggestions to patrons. We tried several appie’s, all were very basic and unappealing. Speaking of unappealing, the TV had white trash middle aged women beating each other up playing on it. We couldnt take anymore so we left & went around the corner to Fresh Bistro where we had a great experience. No surprise they’re closing!

gtothen November 2, 2010 (1:08 pm)

Someone tell Zippy’s!! Rumor has it the owner of his property is having some financial issues keeping the property (maybe it turns out you do have to be nice to customers!!) And we all know that Zippy’s can do well with no parking!! ;)

Highland park resident November 2, 2010 (1:24 pm)

I third a Tutta Bella! I’d like some nice Italian place, not as expensive as Ovio but not pizza oriented like Talarico’s.
I also had poor food and service at Table 35 and didn’t go back. I do admit that I miss Ama Ama, which had good happy hour food and killer spicy fries.
Other suggestions: A good Korean barbeque place, or a Middle Eastern menu are lacking in W. Seattle.
Please don’t let Zippy’s move!

3TD November 2, 2010 (1:56 pm)

I vote for Tutta Bella in the Revo spot! Love The Tap Room for this corner. Someone with $$ needs to come in and add the right vibe, get the right people in and break this CURSE. I love West Seattle restaurants and know that there is a winning combo for that corner and for REVO

bsmomma November 2, 2010 (1:59 pm)

Godfathers!!!! That was my 1st jog. :) Memories in that ‘ol place (but I’m not sharing heehee)! I would LOVE to see a family oriented sit down simple food with decent prices place go in there! Don’t get me wrong, I like some of the places around there but sometimes, I just want to go have some yummy spaghetti (not with super light watery marina sauce), while my husband has a burger and fries and the little one can have a grilled cheese or something along those lines.

JumboJim November 2, 2010 (2:03 pm)

There was a reason my nickname for this place was Table 86. I ate there twice. Bad food both times – and I’m very UNpicky.
To complain that the nearest parking is “up the hill and across the street” is ridiculous. Must be 80 feet from the door to the lot.
That said, I hate to see anybody’s business go under and wish the owners good luck down the line.

Kristina November 2, 2010 (2:16 pm)

I also received mediocre service and mediocre food there; I tried it twice and never felt the desire to return. WS has so many great restuarants – why go with something “less than” for a “same as” price? That said, I do feel sorry for the owners and staff, and hope they all find themselves landing on their feet.

Baba November 2, 2010 (2:30 pm)

I can never understand the “cheapskates” that are willing to spend $100 on dinner but can’t find 5 bucks for parking.

JBL November 2, 2010 (3:14 pm)

My vote is for a Melrose Market type of space. West Seattle needs a great cheese shop. That space can EASILY accommodate multiple businesses selling their goods. Meat Shop, Cheese Shop, produce… Awesome.

pie November 2, 2010 (4:05 pm)

Really Laura?? You’re complaining about not being able to find a parking spot? There are 4 free parking lots within EASY walking distance. Plenty of residential streets with parking close by, and you’re complaining about parking in the only area in Seattle that has free street parking. Or there’s a pay parking lot pretty much across the street that is super cheap and always empty (for the reasons listed above).
.
Makes no sense.

Keith November 2, 2010 (4:14 pm)

Surprised that it lasted as long as it did. Gave them a couple of chances but both experiences were sub-par.

The return of Guppy’s or something like it would be awesome. Or a full-size Full Tilt; fill that big space with pinball machines! As for the Tap Room, isn’t that coming to the Admiral junction?

lenguamor November 2, 2010 (4:27 pm)

I said it when the news here was of a menu so haphazard and unfocused: no restaurant can survive with such a scattered focus. Bring back Guppy’s!

knm November 2, 2010 (4:35 pm)

I place my vote for a old style breakfast diner. Open late would be good too! Waffle house? Yes, please!

ad November 2, 2010 (4:49 pm)

I feel sorry for the owners and employees of Table 35, but this does not surprise me. I was told a story by friends about how they saw staff treated poorly during their dinner, so I never wanted to go there.

Growing up my single mother was a waitress, working three jobs. Sometimes the owners of one of the three restaurants were just horrible to her. I never understood how they would yell at and belittle their employees infront of customers. Even if employees are at fault, you don’t want to see conflict during your meal!

I would like to see an all-day-breakfast-joint there, that is open into the late night. :)

ad November 2, 2010 (4:50 pm)

knm, yess, exactly! I had not read your post before I posted.

Baba November 2, 2010 (5:00 pm)

@knm, ad etc, Are you just complaining to complain? Heartland cafe had this concept at first, why didn’t you patronize the place???

LAP November 2, 2010 (5:17 pm)

Truth be told – my experience there was less than impressive. It is always sad when a business closes, but the restaurant business is particularly tough – and I always cross my fingers for the intrepid souls who get out there and open new places for us to try in the hopes it will be our new favorite!

lenguamor November 2, 2010 (5:29 pm)

Side note (business closure): Juneau Market also seems to have closed, only months after reopening from that fire upstairs.

WSB November 2, 2010 (5:33 pm)

We’ve been checking on that one for days. Finally found people in there to ask (my e-mail to a previously known address had gone unanswered). They insisted “remodeling” but wouldn’t say anything more. So we’ll be continuing to watch … I have a long multi-bit business roundup that probably will wait till tomorrow so it doesn’t get lost under elections tonight – there are several other notes about moving, closed, and opening businesses … TR

virtual_judy November 2, 2010 (6:06 pm)

The place was ok at first but soon developed a gloomy-ness — and the women’s bathroom was just plain scary!!!

MissGuppies November 2, 2010 (8:18 pm)

Would love to see another guppies w.their awesome food and games! Those guys were incredible cooks, great prices and awesome events like beareoke and movie nite. Plenty of pinball and shuffle board. Truly miss Guppies! Most successful biz ever at that corner. That’s the best view in west Seattle at junction. Safran owner should be more tolerant. Build up one level.

Nonny Moose November 2, 2010 (10:08 pm)

The rent asking price is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. Explains a lot. Guess we’ll be getting a chain restaurant there…

Brontosaurus November 2, 2010 (10:26 pm)

@thehepcat
Are you thinking of Johnny’s Urban Americana? I used to love that place. I think it closed down around 10 years ago, and was replaced by condos:-(

Bob Loblaw November 2, 2010 (11:17 pm)

Bring in Trader Joe’s!

West Side November 3, 2010 (1:10 am)

I vote for cursed too.

I used to work at the corporate Godfather’s office when they still had one on the West Coast back in the late 90’s. Back then the West Seattle Godfather’s had more complaints than any other location in Washington state. Almost 40% of the pizza made was given away for free.

The restaurant that went in either right after Godfather’s or right after Guppy’s had awful service. I made reservations there 2 weeks in advance for Valentine’s day. The night of they couldn’t find my reservation. They shoehorned us into a tiny table that then took over 2 hours to get mediocre food.

I never tried Ama Ama, but we did go back when it was Table 35. Again service was definitely not up to snuff. Slow, inattentive, couldn’t even get a drink order. Waiters seemed to be angry and territorial with other waiters. However the food we had the one time was very good. The Gorgonzola ravioli probably put 20 pounds on me but it was super yummy. And it’s ok anyway because I don’t mind walking half a block to my free parking spot and working off the food I just ate.

I’d like to see Guppy’s or something similar go back in because I miss the air hockey.

Todd November 3, 2010 (8:16 am)

It’s not the corner that’s cursed. Just the stream of people with no idea how to run a restaurant that think they should open one. The folks who ran Table 35 turned it into a cheap, tacky eyesore along with their unfocused menu. Banners on the rooftop, neon signs in every window, and goodness knows what they were thinking with the huge TVs and tawdry lighting inside. I drive by that corner every day and realized it would take their going out of business to have any hope of someone returning that spot to something classy — or at least not a tacky embarrassment.

pie November 3, 2010 (9:52 am)

Cupcake Royale seemed to lift the curse on the other cursed corner in the Junction. Hopefully the next place in will end the constant change.

dawsonct November 3, 2010 (11:41 am)

$12,000/month rent. Good luck to the landlords finding a business that can successfully pay the rent and a payroll every month.
I think JBL is on the right track. The space is huge and should maybe be broken into smaller retail spaces, and specialty foods would be a great addition to the Jct.

george November 3, 2010 (11:53 am)

How about The Kettle?

WSB November 3, 2010 (12:08 pm)

OK, all you insiders, where are you seeing the listing? I’ve tried all the lookups I use. If it’s some super-secret place, maybe a kind soul will consider e-mailing me: editor@westseattleblog.com

lenguamor November 3, 2010 (5:47 pm)

$12000 a month?! Beyond crazy.
I like the idea of a sort of extended Sunday market, with the meat, cheese, and bread vendors selling from booths inside. The owner would either have to significantly lower his insane demands or the city could subsidize part of the cost, which I’d be in favor of; both would be better.
The city does worse every day with its money than spending a few $ each month to promote healthy food choices from good vendors.
Who knows…it could be the humble beginnings of our own mini-Pike Place Market!

NotMe November 3, 2010 (8:09 pm)

I don’t know where you guys get this stuff… the rent is not $12,000 per month… it’s about $5,000. Why don’t you actually ask the owner?

ryan November 3, 2010 (9:01 pm)

That corner is so bad it started the collapse of godfather’s pizza.

ws November 3, 2010 (11:19 pm)

Table 35, I mean, wtf, come on?!

KL November 4, 2010 (4:27 am)

I think Bakery Nouveau should open a new store here! They could fill it up for sure!

A Nonny Moose November 4, 2010 (1:17 pm)

The listing agent told me $9,500 was the rent price just a few weeks ago. Maybe the agent and the building owner need to have a talk. Or maybe someone has already negotiated it down to $5,000 in which case good for them. They’ll need some strong mojo and a reasonable rent to counteract the negative associations the neighborhood has about that corner…see comments above for proof!

HA November 4, 2010 (2:43 pm)

They closed because of corrupt and poor owners/management that had no business opening a place in the beginning. Karma is a B***h. I’m surprised they stayed open this long.

I agree with a 24/hr place! An “Office Nomads” sort of set up, but with beer and wine and coffee and Wifi. That sounds like my heaven.

PF November 6, 2010 (12:30 pm)

Does anyone know the real story of why Guppy’s closed?

Melissa November 12, 2010 (11:08 am)

I second most people on here – terrible that the owners have to deal with the restaurant closing, but on the other hand, I can’t say I’m surprised. The food, service and ambience was bad. Happy hour all day long? Really?

Plus, I am one of those people who got screwed with the Living Social deal. Ugh. I doubt the owners will be crediting any of that after closing up shop, but here’s hoping they are “remodeling”?

retired November 15, 2010 (9:07 am)

I second Bakery Nouveau. They definity could use a space that large. Maybe then the weekend lines would not block the sidewalk.

grr November 16, 2010 (4:37 am)

I wish Cafe Flora would open a spot in WS..

Julie November 16, 2010 (9:55 am)

We went about a month ago because my sister had a Livingsocial coupon to use. It was a Saturday night around 7:30. There was only 2 other people in the whole place, and they were just drinking at the bar. I was a little worried about the food since there wasn’t anyone else in the restaurant actually eating. We were seated immediately, however, were told that they were only serving appetizers, not dinner because they were out of food!!!! They claimed that their food delivery supplier hadn’t shown up, so they didn’t receive their weekly food supply. We didn’t know quite what to say! We thought we would try and get a few apps to share and some salads, but they said they didn’t have any salad either. My question was, if you have a Safeway a block away, why can’t go pick up some items and make it work? Not just say that you aren’t serving food. Well, needless to say, we didn’t stay, and went over to Taliricos for some awesome pizza. With management like that, I am really not suprised that Table 35 isn’t any more.

lovesfood November 16, 2010 (10:41 am)

i think a doughnut shop would look good in that space!

e November 16, 2010 (12:05 pm)

The writing was on the wall from the first week these guys opened. This is hardly a loss to anyone but the owners. The “cursed corner” concept is a myth. This space just needs someone with a good imagination and business skills.

I heart West Seattle November 16, 2010 (2:39 pm)

Another excited vote for Tutta Bella!!

Jason Petorak November 16, 2010 (5:04 pm)

I am so excited to hear that they went under. They had mediocre food, and a horrible manager/owner.

I wish ANY establishment the best of luck, as long as it’s not the re-opening of Table 35.

mark s. December 7, 2010 (9:27 am)

Count me among those happy to see something new move in. Had bad food. Gave them another chance when one of the owners told me they had a new chef. Still bad. Bacon tasting fishy? No good. Not a curse, just a bad restaurant.

Ama Ama was fantastic in every way and is sorely missed. In their case, I’d say it wasn’t a curse, it was bad timing. Opening a restaurant right as the economy bottoms out was just tough luck on their part.