Beachside Café grand opening on Alki: ‘It’s been steady all day’

After 2 pm on a gray, drippy day, yet the new Beachside Café was still close to half full when we stopped in to check on how Day One was going.

Co-owner Sharon Bang (above photo, left) told us, “It’s been steady all day.” Some items even sold out – so they’re adjusting strategy for tomorrow. For a closer look at the menu, click the next photo to open a larger version:

As you likely know, the Beachside is in the 61st/Alki space that previously held the Alki Bakery, suddenly shuttered last November. The old awning is still up, but not for long:

Co-owner John Bang says the rainy weather delayed installation of the new awning, but they’re hoping for tomorrow. Meantime, if you want to check out the Beachside Café on Day 1, you have till 7 pm.

chas redmond April 4, 2011 (3:40 pm)

Was there this morning – the perfect kind of day for that corner. The waffles are fantastic and the coffee is excellent as well. Will try the waffles with bacon next time as a lady sitting next to me raved about them on her way out. I also like the new colors, some old, some new, it’s going to be a great place to hang out – again – and I couldn’t be more pleased. Thanks to John and Sharon Bang for adding this to the community. I’ll be a regular, for sure.

Terri April 4, 2011 (5:50 pm)

My daughter, two grandchildren and I were there this morning too. We loved the former Alki Bakery but I think we are going to love this new Beach Cafe even more. The waffles are wonderful and we can’t wait to try them dipped in chocolate. The breakfast special was very tasty. Everything is clean and shiny and welcoming. All of the items in the display case looked tempting, especially the cheesecake! We look forward to hanging out there again, when we are not across the street at the Alki Cafe. Thank you John and Sharon!

TDe April 4, 2011 (6:55 pm)

Friend and I split an Asian salad, camper sandwich and fruit tort this afternoon. The food was terrific and it felt great to be back in the space with the wonderful view. I’ll definitely return!

Alkira April 4, 2011 (7:47 pm)

Can’t wait to try it! Waffles dipped in chocolate?? :)

John and Sharon April 4, 2011 (9:02 pm)

We wanted to thank everyone for such an overwhelming support and love this community has shown us once again. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to own a business. Even when things weren’t perfect, being the first day, all of our customers were so patient and understanding. We will strive to serve this community better and not disappoint anyone. Thank you all again, and we look forward to many more years at this corner :)

WSGuy April 4, 2011 (9:33 pm)

If I was the new owners of this space, I would lobby Metro to stop parking their buses in front of the building for 30 minutes at a time. It blocks the view for customers who are hoping to enjoy a drink and a pastry while they gaze at the water. Very serious about this… I’ve rarely been to Alki Bakery and been able to see the beach/water. I hope Beachside can do something about it or the space will continue to loose to (corporate) Tully’s.

Glenda April 5, 2011 (7:04 am)

Why pick out “Tully’s” as corporate when there is a Starbucks right next door? Neither serve much in the way of food.

WSJeep April 5, 2011 (7:22 am)

That 30mins is normally the drivers lunch. Let the buss driver enjoy the view when most of the day they have to pay 100% to payment.

sun*e April 5, 2011 (9:18 am)

@WSJeep – Why can’t the bus drivers park somewhere else for lunch/enjoy the view and not block the view for the customers in the cafe?

kirsty April 5, 2011 (12:18 pm)

An upside to being right by the layover bus stop is that riders might choose have a coffee and a pastry there (where you can see the bus) rather than at SB or Tullys. I’ve done this myself many times.

Sandra April 5, 2011 (8:09 pm)

I was there yesterday, and enjoyed every minute. Wonderful community event posters still line the wall, and the menu has plenty to offer. Was even lucky enough to be one of WSB’s photos (above)! Am looking forward to trying their frozen yogurt next time..

Jeff April 6, 2011 (2:01 pm)

The bus has parked there for a long time and I don’t think it really hurt the Alki Bakery business any. Pretty sure it won’t be a deal breaker for customers here either.