BIZNOTE: Otter on the Rocks on the way to ex-Parliament Tavern space

When we reported Friday on the plan to revive the Admiral Benbow, we noted we’d happened onto that news while at 4210 SW Admiral Way researching something else. Now we have those details too. A liquor-license application was filed this week for the former Parliament Tavern space. The name on the application is one we recognized from past correspondence – Tanner Jitmongkonkul, whose business Sticky Treats & Sweets we’d spotlighted a few times when it had pop-ups at Itto’s Tapas.

He’s an Itto’s bartender and West Seattle resident who, with partner Erin, is working to convert the Admiral Way space into a cocktail bar called Otter on the Rocks. In our email exchange, here’s how he explains it:

We are so excited to bring a cocktail bar with a new concept to West Seattle. The focus will be properly prepared classics as well as signature cocktails. We will be doing a lot of house infusions and house syrups. As opposed to cocktail bars with a romantic setting, we are trying to introduce a much-more casual and approachable vibe, especially for those who are not familiar with cocktails. We like date nights, but we want Otter on the Rocks to be become a friends-gathering sort of space. We will be looking at some open mics, lots of themed nights, and some live music that fits the space. As far as food, we will be serving a rotating selection of “flatbreads” – a much lighter version of pizza with a lot more room for interesting ingredients. We are working with some local chefs to get this dialed in.

No timeline yet – Jitmongkonkul explains, “The permitting process through the City of Seattle has been extremely slow but we are trying to be very patient. We do have a long list of tasks to complete in order to bring this space up to city code so please be patient with us.” The Parliament opened in the space in 2015; occupants before that included Vidiot and Shipwreck Tavern.

25 Replies to "BIZNOTE: Otter on the Rocks on the way to ex-Parliament Tavern space"

  • Del Griffith July 31, 2021 (2:10 pm)

    Will be interesting to see what they mean by “live music that fits the space.” Parliament was such a great music venue for West Seattle. Saw all sorts of bands that wouldn’t otherwise have places to play. A big loss for sure. 

    • knathan August 2, 2021 (11:26 am)

      Totally agree- that spot was an absolute gem for live music. I saw some amazing shows there.

  • Tony July 31, 2021 (3:20 pm)

    So Exciting!!!We will miss Parliament’s live music but this new venture sounds interesting. Can’t wait to check it out.Thank you for researching this!

  • Tom July 31, 2021 (4:11 pm)

    Just hold the volume down to a level that does not slow booze sales.  Played a lot of dives.  That’s the real game.  If the barhops can’t hear the orders and the barkeep can’t hear the barhops, your “band” is counterproductive and won’t be back.  This old fart has been there and done that.  BTW your “originals” suck.  Chicks want the radio friendly hits.  Guys buying the drinks want the chicks.  Happy chicks make happy guys.  Happy guys buy more booze, and that makes happy barkeeps.  Do the math, Mr. Ego McRockStar. 

    • Maddy July 31, 2021 (6:44 pm)

      What are you talking about, mate. A lot going on in that comment. 

    • Lucy July 31, 2021 (6:46 pm)

      I just want to hear live music and see people smiling again. 

      • 22blades August 1, 2021 (8:52 am)

        ⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • CeeJay July 31, 2021 (4:47 pm)

    Really wish the Tugg Inn/Tugg Tavern were still around :/ missing that dive bar feel. Poggies is an okay alternative I guess.

  • Padseeluvu July 31, 2021 (4:52 pm)

    Very excited for this! Tanner is a fantastic bartender and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does with the space. 

  • Sam-c July 31, 2021 (4:53 pm)

    Sounds like an interesting and tasty concept. Looking forward to trying it out!

  • Claire O July 31, 2021 (6:19 pm)

    Tanner is an incredible bartender and I can’t wait to visit once this place opens. Great concept for a cocktail bar on the West side!!

  • Maddy July 31, 2021 (6:21 pm)

    I cant wait for otter on the rocks to open! Definitely gonna be the first through the door with a big group 😊 definitely a spot to look out for! 

  • Nicki July 31, 2021 (6:42 pm)

    I can not wait to hang out here!! So excited for a night out here!! Plus Tanner is an absolute babe! 

  • Mj July 31, 2021 (9:24 pm)

    Have been an owner in Admiral just be aware folks there have deep pockets and very short arms. I.E. there as cheap as cheap comes. Parliament, Vidit did make money from locals, but people’s who came from outside WS. 

    • Bill August 1, 2021 (8:16 am)

      What are you trying to say?

    • Auntie August 1, 2021 (12:31 pm)

      I think that’s a rather unkind generalization. Having been in the hospitality industry for years, I can tell you there are people from everywhere that are stingy and those that are generous. 

    • 22blades August 2, 2021 (5:26 am)

      Are you saying you’ve got yours so slam the door shut? I am not a small business owner but I know how difficult it is to start & maintain a storefront. If you’re alluding to the proprietor’s association to Itto’s, I’ve been a patron of that business going back 20 years or so back in his Capitol Hill days. He’s as hard working as they come. If there’s a bias I have, it would be against big franchises that have homogenized the retail landscape.   I welcome this business contributing to our neighborhood.

  • 22blades August 1, 2021 (8:59 am)

    Looking forward to a neighborhood bar with local & open mic music. There is a lot of great talent that doesn’t gig anymore or basement gems out there. One catch for me would be that I’d like to see vax ID’s checked & masks when not consuming. I realize that’s not everyone’s cup of tea but that’s my cup of tea.

  • DRW August 1, 2021 (12:12 pm)

    Im going to miss the musical diversity that the Parliament provided us here in West Seattle. What a great venue it was.

    • WSB August 1, 2021 (12:15 pm)

      Some has moved to other venues. Just before the current breaking news happened, I was about to publish an item about what was the monthly West Seattle Soul night now moving to The Skylark starting this Thursday).

  • jed August 1, 2021 (8:30 pm)

    does anyone know what happened with the previous owner, Tom? I mean, obviously covid destroyed the business, but I’m wondering what he’s moved on to. He was a neighborhood fixture and well liked. He put a ton of time and energy into making the Parliament the beloved scene that it was. Just hope he’s OK.

    • Parliament Fan August 2, 2021 (9:59 am)

      Not going into details, but I know Tom pretty well, and yes he’s fine.  Very sad to see Parliament go, there is really no replacing it.    Would YOU want to run a music venue in the midst of an ongoing pandemic?

      • jed August 2, 2021 (4:49 pm)

        thanks for the update. I suppose we have our memories. I would have hoped that PPP or the covid arts grants might help him persevere but I understand the odds are long

  • Gene Degeberg August 1, 2021 (10:20 pm)

    Must have live music!  Please have live music!  If you’re opening a cocktail lounge, please consider jazz and modern lounge music.  Please get a piano.  They are often free on Craigslist and you can have live lounge music every night of the week and jazz musicians and combo’s will be lined up to play as will customers be lined up to listen to music, eat and drink. 

  • Parlament Tim August 9, 2021 (12:22 am)

     I was at Parlament regular especially because of the small neighborhood friendly intimate space. Of course live music was awesome. I looked in the window recently and the bar itself was torn out. Hopefully new installation will still have the “L”shape rail at one end. Works great for conversations with more than to the person directly on either side of you. Also, I’m a beer guy but open to learning more about cocktails, but 2-3 beers on tap would be nice too. Especially and IPA. 

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