New owners, new start: See inside as Corner Pocket reopens in West Seattle
It’s been the #1 question in the WSB inbox lately – “what’s up with the Corner Pocket reopening?” This afternoon, we got answers – and photos.
As of less than half an hour ago, the basement bar at 4302 SW Alaska (actually entered off California) is starting a long weekend of “soft opening,” 3 pm to 2 am tonight, tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday.
Almost a year and a half after its sudden, scandalous shutdown, the Corner Pocket is reopening under all-new ownership – we reported last December on the group led by Pete Olive, with others who have been his co-proprietors at a Renton bar and arcade.
(Scott Fjelstad, Pete Olive, Terrence Vaccaro)
The Corner Pocket continues to be a place to play – pinball as well as pool.
During our visit about an hour ago, the new proprietors showed us the redone bar, seating, floor, pool tables. Overall, their intent – having been regulars in the olden day – was to bring in “major improvements” to what otherwise they hope will re-launch as a familiar neighborhood hangout. Even the restrooms have been upgraded – this is a view from inside the women’s room:
After the four nights of soft openings, official opening night is Monday, and the hours will continue 3 pm-2 am, with food available 5 pm to close (not during soft open, we’re told, but the menu will be available next week).
Awesome! Space looks great. Excited to check it out!
Yesssssssss!!! Let’s hope it can still be slightly skeezy.
Great news. Does anyone know if this is the former location of the former Alaska Pipeline Tavern from way back in the day?
Del Rio, yes it is. The Pipeline opened up in late August 1979, about a month before I turned 21. It became a regular hangout for me for several years. It was really nice when it first opened and for several years beyond.
I don’t recall any businesses being located there before that, and always suspected it must have been used for storage previously.
Mike
Love that local guys are the new owners. They get the WS vibe, but will run a tight ship. The inside is great, clean, but feels like a dive bar. Perfect for pool, hanging out, and happy hours.
Glad to see it open again. It always has had a personality of its own…
Looks awesome!!!!
This looks great. I’m actually allergic to the felt used on pool tables so I’ll probably stick to the pinball to avoid getting hives!
Glad to have some more RNT here in WS
miss that 907 vibes
And just like that, another dive bar in West Seattle dies. This reminds me of the Comet, where they took a true dive bar and ‘upgraded’ it to a full on hipster bar. Way to go guys, you are the problem.
It was closed for a year and a half and given the circumstances, there was absolutely no way it was reopening under previous ownership.
Oh cut it out. If you didn’t patronize the old dive bar enough to keep it open, and you didn’t buy it and reopen it yourself, then you are the problem. There’s a huge leap from clean, well-lit bathroom to hipster hangout.
Well this looks like a nice update, still keeping the character of the bar. I always loved the CP. Very Instagram-able bathroom, too. Good thinking!
Refreshing beverages and pool and pin ball. Seems like a plan to me.
Great updates and looks like they have a good beer list too! Looking forward to checking it out
Easy Street go screwed in this deal. We could have had a live music venue, now we have yet another boring bar.