Opening night for new West Seattle hangout The Bridge: Snow? So?

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(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
You still have a few hours to be part of opening night at The Bridge, the new hangout/bar/eatery at 4439 35th SW (map), not far from the Fauntleroy entrance to its namesake. WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen visited shortly after The Bridge officially opened its doors and started to pour – 4 pm today. Of course proprietors Rita Dixson and Trevor Garand were greeting their first customers:

This day/night will be memorable for them for more than the obvious reason – for one, as mentioned in our preview last week, today is also Rita’s birthday. And then – there was the snow shower that moved through the area right around opening time – Trevor was a good sport about posing on The Bridge’s 1,800-square-foot patio:

Inside, the big brick fireplace was waiting to warm everyone up:

The Bridge is online here, and on Facebook here. P.S. They tell us they’re planning on Wednesday karaoke. Per their FB page, they’re opening at 4 pm weekdays, 1 pm weekends.

Michael February 24, 2011 (8:49 pm)

It probably would be really helpful to mention that it’s the former Redline Sports Bar (or Legends Sports Bar, for us longtime WS natives).

WSB February 24, 2011 (9:17 pm)

sorry, we had referred to its previous incarnations in previous coverage, but at some point it always feels like it’s time to stop referring to something as the former whatever and just let it stand alone. I do need to add the map. It’s “behind” (south of) the KFC, if that helps, by the bus stop on southbound 35th that’s just south of Avalon, almost across 35th from the stadium/golf course entrance … TR

IKennedy February 24, 2011 (8:57 pm)

Welcome to the neighborhood! Looks like a neat place – we’re looking forward to checking it out!

sun*e February 24, 2011 (9:08 pm)

Sorry we missed it but we’ll check it out soon and hopefully frequent it often. It looks comfy and inviting… a place where “everyone knows your name.” :)

Alki resident February 24, 2011 (9:13 pm)

What other establishments are near there?Cant picture location.

redblack February 24, 2011 (9:18 pm)

alki res: taco time, starbucks, KFC, 7/11… pretty much next to the KFC, one door to the south. oh! and alki lumber looms overhead. :)
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sorry if this has been reported, but i checked the links and don’t see any mention of their hours. (and their flash page is a little kludgy, at least on my computer.)
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4 p.m. daily? lunch?
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’cause i’m planning on being pretty thirsty tomorrow.

WSB February 24, 2011 (9:44 pm)

Redblack, 4 pm weekdays. When I interviewed them last week, they were thinking about earlier on weekends. On the info tab of their FB page, I find 4 pm opening on weekdays, 1 pm on weekends. Will add that to the story.

jiggers February 24, 2011 (9:31 pm)

That was the Redline? Holy____!

lighten up February 24, 2011 (9:42 pm)

Went to opening night b/c of all the great press and I am a sucker for supporting any local business. The one area by the fire was pretty cool. Honestly, though, I was disappointed, overall by the space. It was like someone cleared out their garage and put a few tables in there. Kinda cold. Really loud, in a echo-ey kinda way without great music. The menu seemed good, but it just isn’t a spot I would go hang out with friends. Maybe as it evolves.

redblack February 25, 2011 (6:01 am)

gracias!

RJB February 25, 2011 (7:29 am)

Can’t believe that use to be the Redline. It is a very big space…I for one give them cudos for opening a restaurant/bar in this economy. I really hope they make it… I for one will be there tonight to support them…and to eat of course!!

Wednesday February 25, 2011 (7:47 am)

I hope they will have live music..we need more live music venues

The Wiz February 25, 2011 (7:55 am)

Does anyone know if The Bridge is kid-friendly? Or is more of a bar atmosphere? I am thinking along the lines of early dinner time (5-6pm). I don’t want to show up and be “that guy” with the kid at place they shouldn’t be!!

WSB February 25, 2011 (8:08 am)

21-up only.

MJC February 25, 2011 (8:26 am)

I was fortunate enough to attend the soft open last night and let me tell you, IT WAS FABULOUS! We had the bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese (truly to die for) among other fantastic dishes. Not only is the food terrific, it is priced very well and the bloody mary was the best I have had in the city. I cannot wait to frequent The Bridge, it may be my new favorite restaurant. OH and the interior improvements make you forget this place was ever anything but The Bridge! Congrats to Rita and Trevor you have done an amazing job!

alkikmac February 25, 2011 (8:31 am)

The link for their menu is not working. Did anyone notice if they have happy hour specials?

hatcher February 25, 2011 (9:06 am)

Yes! They have awesome happy hour! $3-$5 apps and $3 pints…the good stuff. Their food is amazing! Cheap wells and wine too. Hours are 4-6. Not sure if it goes on the weekends?

jiggers February 25, 2011 (9:17 am)

I can’t wait to get back to W.S. and stop in. I’m happy for you Rita. You know who I am but, I haven’t been in Talarico’s since October recovering from abdominal surgey. I hope you guys bring in karaoke for a few nights a week.

spicyfunk February 25, 2011 (9:21 am)

I was there last night for opening night. As others have said, the food is awesome. Had their burger with marinated peppers and mushrooms – YUM! And their fries are the best – must be double fried or something. Buddy had the french dip sliders and said they were incredible – super tender and topped with french-fried onions. I recognized a lot of peeps from the hood so it already made me feel like it’s a neighborhood spot.

cakeordeath February 25, 2011 (10:39 am)

Karaoke on Wednesdays. Live music very occasionally. A good happy hour menu. The space feels very warm and inviting, but big enough to accommodate lots and lots of people. The outdoor seating in the back will be great during summer. It’s huge an there will be a satellite bar outside!

westseagal February 25, 2011 (11:12 am)

The menu link is now working on thebridgeseattle.com. We had the chicken caprese sliders, the tender bites & the buffalo bites … all very yummy & delicious!!

pollo February 25, 2011 (12:03 pm)

Though it is preferable to allow a place to stand on its own (which it does, spectacularly in this case) it is a testament to the hard work and vision of the owners that that space used to be the redline. Not to trash on it or anything, but there have been sooooo many changes, updates, and incredibly positive shifts.

Anyway, my night at the bridge was incredible. Quick service, specially with how packed they were(I mean packed). My server had tons of character and she knew the menu…which was delicious. I had some specialty cocktail withe jaeger and rum (I know, I ordered it because it sounded so weird) but it was amazing!!!

in short, I’m shocked that was the opening night. Looks and felt like they have been doing it for years. I wish all places opened so smoothly…then so many people wouldn’t be scared to try newly open places :)!!

Keith February 25, 2011 (3:57 pm)

Can’t wait to check out that patio!

robwestseattle February 25, 2011 (4:51 pm)

Wow! Most of these reviews are just glowing!! Should some of these reviewers have disclosed their personal relationship with the owners? I mean, look how excited they are!!! Best ever!! A+++
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I’m headed there for dinner tonight. My review is forthcoming. I hope I’m ecstatic!!!!

Dan February 25, 2011 (5:55 pm)

Rob,
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We ate there last night. We can be fairly critical if a place doesn’t have its act together, but let me tell ya, they were on their game. Friendly speedy service, tasty grub, great atmosphere. And the check had no mistakes.
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And nope, we have no relationship at all with the owners.

austin February 26, 2011 (9:15 am)

It’s become a common theme on today’s social-anonymous internet to accuse individuals of being on the take or somehow otherwise financially associated with a business when those individuals have positive opinions of said business. It is a petty, arrogant, and cowardly way to attack those with differing opinions.

redblack February 26, 2011 (10:00 am)

checked it out last night. having been in legends and redline, i’m fairly stunned. the bridge bears none of the taint of the old joint.
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they knocked out the wall that used to divide the bar from the seating area, and the new floor plan is wide open and comfortable; like a well-behaved party in a great big living room. and they used my two favorite colors for paint. new window seating at the stage. booths on the south wall instead of pinball. they cleaned up that fireplace, which is a really nice, old piece of masonry work.
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the bathrooms are the most shocking transformation, though: newly-tiled and clean. (instead of clogged, dirty, peeling, and scary.)
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criticism? it’s dark in there, unless you’re by a window in the day time. (and there aren’t many windows.) hard to read the happy hour menu, which was printed on red paper in small font. bring a flashlight and some reading glasses. or ask for the braille version. :)
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we had a couple of drinks and one app, so i can’t speak too much for the menu – but it looked creative and tasty, and pretty affordable. the beer selection was solid and diverse – something for every palate (12-15 taps + bottles) and the cocktails were simple and effective – you know, compared to feedback’s laboratory concoctions.
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i’ll be back soon.
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overall, i’ll give it four out of five stars for the building transformation alone. i mean, it’s a bar. it’s not the lobby of the grand hyatt on kaua’i.
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don’t just take my word for it, though…
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and, no, i don’t get paid or otherwise compensated to say these things. i certainly would if someone offered it, though.

Roland Davis II February 26, 2011 (11:17 am)

Had a great time, food, drinks, service and best of all its in West Seattle!

Alkirobot February 26, 2011 (11:53 am)

Wasn’t expecting much from the food, being that it is first and foremost a bar, but it was really good. Cocktails and service were good, but I expected that alot more than the food. Will be back often. Loved my night there.

The Bridge February 26, 2011 (5:23 pm)

Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful feedback we have received!

@redblack- we have changed our happy hour menus to a format that we hope will be more user friendly. Thank you for your input and glowing words.

We have also adjusted our sound system and it sounds wonderful. Makes ya want to boggie!

Thank you again for all of your feedback and we hope to see you soon!

sun*e February 27, 2011 (7:40 pm)

We ate there tonight and the food, as well as the service, was excellent. They even gave us (how nice, right?) some delicious dessert to share and it was wonderful! We will definitely be back again and again. :)

Jay February 28, 2011 (10:25 am)

Went to “The Bridge” last night. Pulled up a stool at the bar, had some tasty food (Ahi, bacon wrapped steak tenders and crap dip) and enjoyed the company of Jesse and Nick. Some folks were playing a great game of shuffleboard and the atmosphere was relaxing. Will be back!

Foodie613 March 5, 2011 (12:26 pm)

Holy Cow! What a great new place! The food is unbelievable. I went in with an open mind and the food along with the service was simply so far above the par, it took me by surprise. I thought maybe the glowing reviews were friends and family of the ownership stacking the review deck. Based on my experience, this is in no way the case. The praise is well earned and deserved. All I can say is “Try it”!

Sorry, comment time is over.