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West Seattle food/drink: Pecos Pit BBQ update; Westside Public House goes dark

November 19, 2015 8:32 pm
|      87 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

Two updates from the world of West Seattle food and drink:

PECOS PIT BBQ UPDATE: Nine months after we first told you a Pecos Pit BBQ restaurant was planned for the former Beni Hoshi Teriyaki spot at 35th/Fauntleroy, we have another update. Spokesperson Nick Nordby says the restaurant is expected to open in spring. They’re still working on outdoor deck seating and a drive-through (exiting onto Genesee, according to a document in the city file) as well as indoor seating. Nordby says founders Ron Wise and Debra Wise have teamed with Salty’s (WSB sponsor) proprietor Gerry Kingen to expand, starting with this location, but serving “the same famous Pecos Pit BBQ found on 1st avenue for decades, along with some new habit-forming options. Offerings include our traditional pork, beef, and chicken sandwiches in a decidedly sloppy style, plus beef brisket, and hot links,” along with “stuffed smoked potatoes … and a ‘Walkabouts Bowl’ filled with the meat of your choice plus cheese, cold slaw and sauce” and salads. You can even buy bulk, smoked meats including Pecos pork, beef brisket, turkey legs, and smoked chicken.” They’re aiming for a full liquor license, he adds. No word yet how soon work will start.

WESTSIDE PUBLIC HOUSE GOES DARK: We haven’t been able to directly confirm that Westside Public House at California/Edmunds in The Junction is gone, but all signs point that way. The pub at California/Edmunds hasn’t been open since Sunday night – just days after its first-anniversary celebration – and a peek through the windows reveals most furnishings gone. Its website and phone line are both down. No message on the door, no message on the still-up Facebook page, but its Tuesday night trivia provider posted on their FB page that they got word it had closed after Sunday night. The pub’s year in the space followed three years by A Terrible Beauty; before that, Table 35 was there for 10 months and Ama Ama for 21 months. (WSB file photo)

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87 Replies to "West Seattle food/drink: Pecos Pit BBQ update; Westside Public House goes dark"

  • Michael Waldo November 19, 2015 (9:06 pm)

    I am not surprised. We were excited to go once. Especially when I saw shrimp and grits on the menu.
    It looked like a dive after only a couple months open. There was no servers. I placed my order at the bar and the cook brought out the food. Nether were very friendly. The service non existent and the food just OK. We never went back.

  • redblack November 19, 2015 (9:11 pm)

    re: WS public house:

    man. that property is where ambition goes to die.

    i intend no disrespect to those who have tried. is the rent for that corner spot exorbitantly high or something?

  • foodie November 19, 2015 (9:25 pm)

    Too bad this pub didn’t last. I would like to see Julia’s there or a dim sum restaurant. I really wonder if another type of retail would succeed at that corner.

  • sophista-tiki November 19, 2015 (9:36 pm)

    cursed spot. There is one of those on lower QA too. Nothing ever lasts there, still my fav incarnation was Ama Ama. so cool

  • datamuse November 19, 2015 (9:40 pm)

    Yay, Pecos Pit!
    .
    Westside: I’m really beginning to think that corner is cursed.

  • Let's Try This Concept: November 19, 2015 (9:42 pm)

    Batter up: A vegetarian restaurant ala Cafe Flora.

    Right?

  • the truth November 19, 2015 (9:57 pm)

    redblack,

    The rent is 13k which is really high. If you do not open really strong you can’t make it. If you do open strong but take your foot off the gas you don’t make it. It is insanely expensive!

  • K'lo November 19, 2015 (10:14 pm)

    Not to mention lack of parking . . .

  • Delilah November 19, 2015 (10:16 pm)

    Re west side. Note to landlord – reduce the base rent and set up a percentage rent structure. When your tenant succeeds – you succeed. Having a long term successful tenant is better for you financially than having to re-let the space every few months.

  • coffee November 19, 2015 (10:25 pm)

    13K a month?? OMG insanity. Looks like landlords wanting piles of cash again. No wonder it cannot stay occupied. I never went, and didn’t hear anything positive about the place. Too bad.

  • A November 19, 2015 (10:26 pm)

    Who owns that corner property? Figure it will eventually get razed for a new apartment complex with retail. 13k lease is awfully steep for a lowrise old building. Doesn’t it also house curious kid stuff and Kathy’s school of dance?

    Edit: just looked at Google maps – curious kid stuff is separate building

  • Curtis November 19, 2015 (10:48 pm)

    well, someone just got lucky. The NEXT go around will have all those new apartments within walking distance. My wish, is for a 24 hr family diner style joint. With all of the new apartment dwellers in the neighborhood, it just might work. Or maybe we can get Roscoe’s Chicken n’ Waffles to open up a Seattle location?

  • jetcitydude November 19, 2015 (11:00 pm)

    The rents that high? The space is just too big to operate a restaurant unless its another chain ugghhh. Although an Olive Garden would be good.

  • I. Ponder November 19, 2015 (11:09 pm)

    Not sure awful food and service signifies the location is cursed.

  • Westgirl November 19, 2015 (11:27 pm)

    Sad. I loved that they had a ping pong table at Westside!

  • CBOB November 19, 2015 (11:37 pm)

    Oh man! We were just in there 2 weeks ago for a quick drink and awesome fries. We were planning on going back for dinner this weekend! Sad :(

  • JanS November 20, 2015 (12:32 am)

    maybe the building is haunted…the ghost of __________ past…

    remember when there was pizza there, for years and years and years?

    so, for one year of business , the rent is $156,000? Seriously? Damn, some landlord is making out like a bandit ! And betting that’s not the only place they own. Highway robbery !

  • M November 20, 2015 (1:44 am)

    I remember when this was a Godfathers Pizza. Herman Cain was the CEO of the chain at the time. Ergo, The Mark of Cain.

  • luke November 20, 2015 (3:49 am)

    I second the idea for a restaurant like Cafe Flora!

  • WS Wanderer November 20, 2015 (5:32 am)

    I know this wasn’t the intention, but I like the name “Batter Up” as Let’s Try This mentioned. It could be a diner specializing in waffles and pancakes.

    But seriously, my vote is for a sit-down veg/healthy restaurant. Chaco Canyon’s great but expensive for a place without table service.

  • M November 20, 2015 (6:12 am)

    What’s it going to take to get an Ethan Stowell or similar restaurant in WS? We need more destination establishments.

  • Joe Szilagyi November 20, 2015 (7:02 am)

    We need pizza in that spot.

  • Bring back Godfathers November 20, 2015 (7:03 am)

    That corner is cursed! The only thing that was ever worthwhile there was Godfathers!

  • Anne November 20, 2015 (7:15 am)

    Don’t think parking is really an issue. Talaricos, EBB & Bang Bar all do well- with pretty much the same parking availability.
    The right place with right food just hasn’t clicked at that corner — yet.
    The Junction is a prime location- & even though business has been up & down over the years – it’s always been a prime location- rents will be high- higher than other places for sure.
    It’s the way of things & businesses have to offer a service or product that brings people in & makes them want to come back.

    Love that idea of a diner – kind of thought the now empty space in building on corner of Avalon & 35th would be a good spot for something like that.- no parking to speak of but there’s lots of new buildings & foot traffic with big bus hub right there. seems an ideal place ?

  • Villagegreen November 20, 2015 (7:35 am)

    Skillet Diner.

  • Alyxx November 20, 2015 (7:53 am)

    Between Godfather’s and Guppy’s (the bar), it was empty for YEARS. The landlord was hostile and the rent was absurd. I miss Ama Ama also…That last place was a dive, I went in once and was roundly ignored until I left.

    What will go in there? I hope not a chain of any kind, but I hope something that can hit the ground running.

  • Mayor of Alki November 20, 2015 (7:58 am)

    RIP Westside Public House. They had some of the best burgers in West Seattle and was one of the only sports bars in the neighborhood. We never had any trouble with the staff, the drinks were cheap, and given that this was a BAR no qualms ordering food and drinks from the rail. Real disappointed that it’s closed and the lack of sports bars around to watch a game on the weekend.

  • Sue November 20, 2015 (8:04 am)

    I went to Westside once. I stood at the podium to be seated and waited and waited and was totally ignored. While waiting, I realized the TVs were screaming loud and even if they seated me, it would be unpleasant. Walked out and never tried again.

  • HelperMonkey November 20, 2015 (8:18 am)

    I don’t think “the curse” has anything to do with Westside Public House failing. You all do recall this is essentially the same people that were running Terrible Beauty (into the ground). Shame. I hope something good goes in there – Ovio Bistro (pre-Ama Ama) was by far the best business that was ever in that spot, although Godfathers sure made it a long time. Rocksport – are you out there? Come back!

  • Scott November 20, 2015 (8:22 am)

    The curse of Godfathers Pizza hits again. I wonder what the time line looks like since Godfathers Pizza left?

  • ACG November 20, 2015 (8:38 am)

    When was Godfather’s there? Only been in West Seattle a little over 10 years, so that was before my time.

  • Sue November 20, 2015 (8:43 am)

    I think the “curse” is simply that every business there seems to have been understaffed. Perhaps it’s because of the high rent, that they feel they can cut corners with staffing. But in its many incarnations I had meals where I had to wait WAY longer than reasonable to order, or to get my order, because one waitress was trying to cover a dozen tables with no assistance.

  • they November 20, 2015 (8:51 am)

    I have been going to Pecos since they first opened on 1st ave food was good and they kept it simple. It will be interesting to see how the area will handle the new traffic because this new location will be a hit. Oh yea don’t forget to ask for extra napkins you’ll need em….

  • Common Sense November 20, 2015 (8:51 am)

    They basically set themselves up for failure after putting up those signs that lack any tasteful design whatsoever. Surprised no one told them that their logos looked like they came right from a middleschooler’s notebook.

  • sam-c November 20, 2015 (8:53 am)

    Well, if we are going for chains like Jet city dude mentioned, I would love a Chili’s – every time i see a commercial for them, I think, ‘no fair, the only chili’s here is at the airport’. Used to love chili’s growing up. teenage hangout for me back then :)

    Or a Boom Noodle. I think I have to mention that every time talk of new restaurants comes up in West Seattle. A Boom Noodle should go in that corner.

  • Better a Filled Space November 20, 2015 (9:18 am)

    Conveyor belt concept restaurant would work well there. Or a order at counter and bring a number to the table place. The space just doesn’t work for traditional table service. Awkward set up.

    The price point on the rent would need a chain presence. Bad idea for an experimental food concept wanting to turn a profit.

    If you wonder why the Junction vicinity has eating places in small spaces, and why they don’t get someplace bigger, this should answer the question. They did the research.

    $500 to 5k is roughly the rental range on the northern fringe of the Junction. (Oregon St.)

  • BJG November 20, 2015 (9:23 am)

    $13K/mo? Wow. Add to that the cost of renovations with new licenses, probable replacement of commercial appliances and all-new furniture, plus hiring (at top Seattle wages) of full staff. Add a bookkeeper and accountant. a social media consultant, insurances and advertising costs.
    Consider that there will probably be a change of ownership as development looms. Then keep the place open long hours to please the wishful neighbors writing here and, oh, keep prices low and family-friendly.
    It’s unlikely that investors will be lining up again to lose everything they have. Maybe corporate food will slide into the retail space after the monster apartments squat there.

    Some of us remember that Carlisle Furniture occupied the space for years when small locally owned businesses could still make a living in “downtown” West Seattle. Yes, more nostalgia…

    • WSB November 20, 2015 (9:54 am)

      Please note, we have no way to confirm whether the alleged rent charge quoted by a commenter is or was true. Unlike real-estate sale prices, rent/lease costs are generally not public information (unless, for example, they come up in a lawsuit or other situation that does generate public documentation). There’s no listing for this spot that I can find (or have seen previously). If you’re interested in what other spaces around the area that ARE listed are going for, you can browse http://commercialmls.com – I’m not an expert in the intricate calculations that commercial rents involve but you can see the square-footage charges for spaces old and new. – TR

  • datamuse November 20, 2015 (9:33 am)

    Boom Noodle would be AWESOME.

  • FauntleroyHomer November 20, 2015 (9:51 am)

    If the rent DOESN’T get changed to something like R/B suggests, lower with incremented revenue-driven bumps, then it doesn’t matter what goes in there.

    I’d think a late night diner style for post-event would be a welcomed addition to town? With some specialties that keep folks coming back?

    Stumble in after bar close and get something super tasty, for there or to go?

  • TheKing November 20, 2015 (10:01 am)

    Please no more coffee or pizza or McD’s. Fudruckers would put them all to shame. Except Godfathers, they do have a curse. I would hit their pizza and then the bmx shop just across the street when I was a kid . The good old days.

  • Azimuth November 20, 2015 (10:12 am)

    There’s a great place in Woodinville called The Commons that would be super mega awesome in West Seattle. It’s the same people behind Purple but it is more family-friendly & casual.

  • miws November 20, 2015 (10:16 am)

    BJG, Plus, Carlisle occupied the entire Westside Public House/Bang Bar space.

    .

    Mike

  • Nw mama November 20, 2015 (10:17 am)

    In other restaurant news, public health dept tweeted that la rustica is closed. Looked up the record and relieved to see it was not for food safety violations but a leaking roof.

    • WSB November 20, 2015 (10:32 am)

      NWM – Please note – we get the Health Dept. mail too – that does NOT mean it’s STILL closed; the notice mentions it happened two days ago. Ever since getting burned by publishing, without verification, a PH notice that a place was closed, and discovering later that it had been reopened hours later, without the PH department including that information, we verify first. Will be going by LR later to find out firsthand. – TR

  • rcl November 20, 2015 (10:25 am)

    This guy owns the property – https://westseattleblog.com/2014/01/west-seattle-development-leon-capeloutos-second-junction-project-starts-design-review-tomorrow/ –

  • Anne November 20, 2015 (10:42 am)

    Late night diner- for post events- would that really keep a place afloat? Not that I’m opposed to the idea.
    That place- like others on the block need to have offerings that will keep folks coming in-consistantly- not just occasionally.
    There will be more & more competition in the Junction soon- a dumpling place- not sure of exact location- a bar & grill- I think along Alaska St. Tapas place has just opened on California & Genesse.
    Would be curious to find out what kind of rent/ lease the other restaurants in the Junction pay- especially on that block.
    They all seem to be doing ok.

  • wscommuter November 20, 2015 (10:57 am)

    Pecos can’t get here soon enough.
    .
    That’s all.

  • Jon Wright November 20, 2015 (11:22 am)

    I get sad whenever reminded of Ama Ama. I STILL miss that place.

  • Wes C. Addle November 20, 2015 (11:31 am)

    Also and FYI, the New Leaf Vietnamese place in Admiral looks close to opening. The Paper is off the windows and the tables and everything are all set up.

  • MD November 20, 2015 (12:25 pm)

    I had similar situation with the pub. Sat at the bar the first week they opened and was one of 6 in the entire place……ignored by the bartender the entire 15min I sat there. Yeah I could have spoke up but at that point I wanted to see how long it would take for an acknowledgement. Walked out and haven’t been back since.

  • trickycoolj November 20, 2015 (12:32 pm)

    Pretty sure Boom Noodle went belly up. Blue-C Sushi just moved into the old Boom Noodle in the U-village which I went to last night before a Husky basketball game. Blue-C certainly has turned into the North End’s new Red Robin by the look of how many families with large numbers of kids I saw there last night and it was up to a 40min wait just after 6pm (thankfully there was a booth to save us from the madness in the bar). A conveyor belt sushi place might do well since they do seem family friendly in how you can split dishes so easily.

    We’re already getting a Bar & Grill but I would love to see an expansion of the actual Bar & Grill restaurants a’la Greenlake and Eastlake.

    I don’t envy the next proprietor for having to hit the sweet spot for making it worth the hassle of the junction parking at dinner hour (High Point isn’t really walkable to the Junction at night) and hit the right price point to not feel too splurgey for a weeknight.

  • John November 20, 2015 (12:35 pm)

    M-
    My wife had an email conver. w/ one of the empire builders, Ethan, or Matt Dillion, etc. They said they couldn’t get a workable lease in WS. Prob what’s keeping all but chains out. The tipping point will prob be after the next 1000 apt units, and gridlock keeps everyone on the peninsula!

  • jetcitydude November 20, 2015 (12:46 pm)

    Ita Bermuda Triangle for bars. I am curious to know what the rent really is. I think its way too big of a space to have a bar in there anyways although it is in a very heavy populated area and with all the new development and money coming into the immediate area a person with business experience should be able to do well there.

  • DRS November 20, 2015 (1:31 pm)

    Boom Noodle is moving back into its original Capital Hill space!
    http://www.boomnoodle.com/v2/news.html

  • Kimmy November 20, 2015 (1:37 pm)

    Boom Noodle is no longer. Blue C and Boom Noodle were owned(?) by the same group, Madison Holdings, who also looks to be no longer in business, but Blue-C lives on. As I recall, there is a ramen place going in soon in the Junction?
    .
    I can’t think of any type of food we need here with ramen and dumplings on their way–maybe a Seattle’s Best Foods experiment where all my favorite foods from different places exist under one roof? With comfy couches and good beer? And arcade games!
    .
    Edit, I just saw that post that said Boom Noodle is coming back. Hah! What do I know?

  • M November 20, 2015 (1:53 pm)

    Maybe 13 Coins should move into that space.

  • Mcat November 20, 2015 (2:42 pm)

    We went in there once when it first opened and the service was absolutely terrible. It has less to do with the location and more to do with bad landlords and management.

  • wetone November 20, 2015 (3:23 pm)

    Pecos….Funny how out of whack Seattle DPD and government are or maybe just money hungry…. Drive-through exiting onto Genesee which is a one lane residential street. Already over used from all the apartments and mini’s DPD and city have allowed on Avalon. Pecos’s will have 4 parking spots so most business will be drive-thru, all one has to do is look at Taco Time drive through to see results. Pecos traffic will most likely be backing onto 35th… Only in Seattle and once again stupidity at it’s best. West Seattle people better wake up soon or your travel time will be doubled very shortly….

  • me November 20, 2015 (3:39 pm)

    Pike’s Pit BBQ just opened 3 weeks ago near the fish toss at Pike’s Place … same people, same food … the pulled pork is friggin’ insane.

  • sc November 20, 2015 (4:22 pm)

    ACG
    My husband I had our first date at Godfather’s and we’ve been married 28 years!

  • Julia November 20, 2015 (4:47 pm)

    Good Chinese food, please.

  • Cashmere November 20, 2015 (4:53 pm)

    agree, westside public house had nothing to get me to come back. only nice thing was not having to wait for a table cause they were never busy! for a reason. What about something like a Coho? the one in redmond and issaquah are super tasty, family friendly, and have a northwest feel. West Seattle needs more GOOD food options, we went out last friday night for dinner and 45 min wait at west 5, jaks, matador, and elliot bay. Go figure

  • M November 20, 2015 (5:03 pm)

    Nix the Cafe Flora idea. Our digital overlords (the ones taking over WS) are carnivores. Vegetarians don’t make good overloads. A vegetarian restaurant in that location would fail miserably.

  • Sue November 20, 2015 (6:08 pm)

    I’m with Julia – GOOD chinese food would be most welcomed. Last 2x I was in Chopstix, my feet stuck to the floor under the table and in the bathroom. If that’s how well the floor is (not) cleaned, I don’t want to see their kitchen. And Lee’s while decent food, is not chinese food in my book.

  • Jetcitygirl November 20, 2015 (6:11 pm)

    Drive through on that small site exiting only to a neighborhood one way only residential street— with drivers lining up and pouring onto 35th and the 7-11 parking lot, bocking the alley come on DPD City of Seattle – Logistics Cmon????

    N O T H A N K S !!! NO on the Drive through -unless it is for bicycles!!!

  • East Coast Cynic November 20, 2015 (6:44 pm)

    I’m w/ Julia and Sue—Quality Chinese Food…..or if Windy City Pie could get some investors, they could bring some Chicago Deep Dish to California Ave:).

  • kg November 20, 2015 (6:50 pm)

    The corner is not cursed.
    Most people seem to forget that the first half of Terrible Beauty’s run was a success. At some point during their tenure management just let things go. I recall going several times a month either with family for a meal or with friends for a pint, spending and tipping well.
    Once the food and service declined I/we stopped going.

  • unknown November 20, 2015 (6:53 pm)

    Julia and Sue if you want some good “Chinese” food go to Roxy’s (Roxbury Bowl) they’re not bad, kind of reminds me of the “Chinese” we’d get in Burien when we were kids in the late 50’s and 60’s

  • Boomer November 20, 2015 (7:00 pm)

    The Capitol Hill Boom Noodle was open even before the U Village location and is still open. Many of the staff moved over to the original CP Hill location when their sister restaurant took over their space in UV. Not as convenient with kids as the UV location but can’t beat the kid boom boxes for healthy yummy.

  • uncle loco November 20, 2015 (7:18 pm)

    Chinese food would be great. I miss Fong’s.

  • hj November 20, 2015 (7:21 pm)

    Yes, Westside’s demise had nothing to do with evil landlords or rampant development or cursed corners. After many late night discussions with various bartenders from the TB days, I have developed an interesting theory of what the backstory behind the place was, but it’s not confirmed so I don’t want to spread rumors.

  • Northwest November 20, 2015 (7:22 pm)

    Godfathers Pizza was at California ave sw and sw Edmonds thru the 80s.

  • redblack November 20, 2015 (7:26 pm)

    pecos pit should move in at tbe california and edmunds spot formerly occupied by godfather’s, ama ama, O2, and WS public house.

    problem(s) solved.

  • PigeonPoint November 20, 2015 (7:52 pm)

    How about Rocksport 2.0? Would love to see that revived…

  • kg November 20, 2015 (8:31 pm)

    @ hj
    As someone who worked in the hospitality industry, off and on while in school, none of the stories you have heard about TB would surprise me in the least. Although I would subscribe to your newsletter.

  • aa November 20, 2015 (8:37 pm)

    I can’t believe in all these comments only a few are reacting to the absurd notion of a drive thru at the new peco’s spot! It is ridiculous! I’m almost speechless. How? What? And when they start to dig up the gas tanks at the 7-11 it is going to be quite a cluster you know what.

    And just when the BBQ place by the brewery was getting a following.

  • Jetcitygirl November 20, 2015 (11:12 pm)

    People the location
    Is 35th / Avalon- old terriyaki place across from taco time, Not former terrible beauty in the Junction,
    Seattle City Light owns and is leasing the property – in this case to Saltys / Pecos.
    No drive through unless it’s for bicycles. Has Anyone seen the Starbucks drive through line across the street, Really??!!

    • WSB November 21, 2015 (12:18 am)

      JCG, the “ex-Terrible Beauty” is regarding the second part of this story. Sorry to create the situation for possible confusion but we do often put short business stories into roundups (as with crime, development, other topics) because of volume. – TR

  • HelperMonkey November 21, 2015 (12:50 am)

    To all of you looking for good Chinese food, head to WahKue in Burien.

  • wetone November 21, 2015 (9:42 am)

    PECOS site plan (courtesy from prior WSB story) for those that have not seen. This plan will add big impacting traffic and safety issues to this area. This is West Seattle’s busiest intersection and main ingress egress choke point. All traffic legally exiting drive through will have to turn right heading east down Genesee (1 lane residential street) for 2 blocks leading out to Avalon, or one could illegally turn left from drive through which is entrance to east bound WSFWY…. once again a very bad no common sense plan approved by DPD and Seattle government…. PECOS owners show little concern about impacts to area with this business plan….Sure would like to know how much the city leases location :) City should have just knocked building down and parked out………

    http://cloud1.wsbcdn.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/siteplan4400.pdf

  • jetcutydude November 21, 2015 (12:31 pm)

    Yeah PigeonPoint I second that thought. They’d do better though in the old Feedback Lounge now were there’s some parking. Anyways,what I heard was that the formers owners of the rock were done completely of the industry and are making a living doing something else now. Its easier to do when you’re young, but when you get older, your body burns out fast. It’s not as fun anymore. People have no clue how hard it is to operate a business daily (especially a restaurant) and be there physically for up to 16 hours plus a day.

  • Hungry November 21, 2015 (6:51 pm)

    Can I get a Pecos beef, Hot with a side spike….Yum

  • me November 21, 2015 (7:47 pm)

    Darn! They had some cool pinball machines there! I weep.

  • Jake November 22, 2015 (1:12 pm)

    Wow…for all those thinking that the pub was a dive all I can say is you really lead some sheltered, prissy lives. It was a typical bar with good food. And for what it’s worth, I never waited more than a few minutes for service, even when it was busy.

Sorry, comment time is over.