Thanks to ALS for the photo and tip that the Pegasus Pizza sign was taken down at 2768 Alki SW tonight, two weeks after the eviction notice was posted. After ALS published the photo tonight in a comment below our story from December 2nd, we went by; the sign (which was still up when we passed by this morning) was gone and no one was around. There’s been no public hint of what’s next for the space – no “for lease” listing, for example. We’ve also been checking court files, where a mid-November order to pay the restaurant’s landlord more than $146,000 had preceded the eviction action, but the only thing that has appeared in the case file since then is the King County Sheriff’s Office “return of service” certifying that the eviction had been carried out. Though the “unlawful detainer” (eviction) case was filed in July, the court documents say the restaurant owners owed the landlords money dating back to last December and had been ordered in March to pay up or clear out. A payment plan was then worked out, documents say, but the July action alleges that the amounts due weren’t paid.

Thanks for the tips! West Seattle is temporarily down to one McDonald’s – the overhaul at Westwood Village continues, and now the Morgan Junction location is completely closed for three weeks, after having been drive-thru-only for a while. We just went down for a look after several texts and emails about the closure, and found not only yellow tape across both driveways, but also this sign on the door:

Permits in the city’s online system indicate this is remodeling work, including equipment upgrades. This McDonald’s is operated by the same franchisee as the one in Admiral; when that was remodeled four years ago, we were told the Morgan Junction restaurant would be, too.

The sign for Luna Park Café says “fall repairs and maintenance,” but that work will stretch into winter. Three months have passed since café proprietor John Bennett announced that the beloved restaurant would close temporarily for some work. This week a reader asked if we had any updates. So we checked in with Bennett, who replied:

Our original plan was to be closed for a couple of months to replace some equipment and do deep cleaning. Luna will be 34 years old in March and was in need of repairs. Once we got into it, one thing led to another and we are replacing more equipment and doing more repairs than we originally thought we would do (even the 1958 Seeburg jukebox had to go to the shop for a complete overhaul).

The good news is that Luna will stay the same with some improvements to the menu and upgraded tech systems. Even retro has to step into the 21st century eventually. The bad news is that it is taking a lot longer to get the equipment and do the work. We are estimating reopening in January or February 2023. We look forward to another 34 years!

(Preview photos provided by Driftwood)

We first told you in June about the plan for Driftwood, the restaurant/bar on the way to the former Alki Beach Pub space. West Seattle-residing co-proprietors Dan Mallahan and Jackie Mallahan have just announced that they plan to open Driftwood on Thursday, January 5th. Dan Mallahan is executive chef, developing a menu that the announcement says “will feature shared plates, mains, and desserts including items such as Whistling Train Farm’s whole roasted honey-bear squash, cider poached pear, house feta and pumpkin seeds, Structures Brewing steamed local clams with glazed pork belly and buttered turnips from Little Big Farm, and Mama’s apple cake with poached star king apples from Collins Family Orchards, spiced pecan, goat cheese, and burnt-sugar bourbon gastrique.” The “coastal cocktails” and beer/wine will have a local/regional emphasis, too.

Stats: “The 2,200 SF space will seat 48, including bar seating and special water-view counter space, and will offer additional seasonal outdoor seating for up to 22. The patio will offer semi-private dining for groups of up to 16.” 

They’ve already started taking online reservations for Driftwood, which is at 2722 Alki SW and will be open 5-10 pm Thursdays through Mondays.

That’s the notice that was posted this morning on the door of Pegasus Pizza (2768 Alki SW); we went there after a reader tip. The doors were chained and locked.

Court records indicate an “unlawful detainer” (eviction) case was filed against the business in July, and that the eviction order followed a hearing and ruling on November 16. According to case documents, the restaurant was ordered to pay its landlord, Alki 37 LLC, more than $146,000. We are working to reach Pegasus’s owners for comment. They moved into this building 15 years ago from a different location on the same block; the space underwent changes six years ago.

Recently we noticed online permit activity for 3401 California SW, long the home of the West Seattle location of Spiro’s Pizza and Pasta. The owners weren’t ready to comment on their restaurant’s future until today. Here’s their announcement:

Dear West Seattle,

Since 1991, Spiro’s Pizza & Pasta and the Voltsis family has had the privilege and honor of being a part of the community. From the little location at 3401 California Ave, we have been able to grow our businesses, as we have been able to watch the area expand as well. Through our modest doors we have seen generations of families come in, and watch their children grow, and through time come in with their children. We are forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful neighborhood over the past 31 years.

After three decades at this location, it is time for us to sadly say goodbye to West Seattle. We will close our doors in West Seattle for the final time December 16th, 2022. We ask that you welcome the new tenants, West Seattle residents Mike Meckling (Woodinville Cut Shop, Neumos) and Ben Jenkins (Shadowland, Dumplings of Fury) who will be opening a family-friendly Mexican restaurant offering authentic Mexican food by chef Danny Ludwig.

We will forever remember our time in West Seattle, and we thank you for the many years of patronage and friendship.

With our sincerest gratitude to West Seattle,
Jim, Sia, Evan and Eleni Voltsis

You can read the backstory of the multigenerational family pizza business here. West Seattle was their first location; Spiro’s is also in Shoreline and Mukilteo.

(File photo)

10:21 AM: We noted last month that La Rustica, the Italian restaurant at 4100 Beach Drive SW, would be closed for much of November due to kitchen-floor work. Co-proprietor Kat Hoffman sends word today that the work is done and the restaurant indeed is reopening tonight, You won’t notice anything different, since the work really was just in the kitchen: “it has been a lot of hard work to get it done.” They want to be sure patrons know how much they appreciate the “patience and support.”

4:30 PM: Kat just told us the reopening is delayed until Saturday – they have to fix their hot-water heater.

You’re invited to a grand opening tomorrow (Saturday, November 12th) in The Junction! Here’s the announcement we received tonight:

Bali’s Himalayan Chai & Salt Snacks Counter is having its grand opening from 10 am to 2 pm tomorrow, Saturday November 12!

Bali’s Himalayan Snacks Counter is hosted inside Puerto Vallarta Mexican restaurant, thanks to owner Eduardo Morales. We’re in Alaska Junction, 4727 California Avenue.

There will be free tastings of Bali’s Pink and Masala Chais and his delicious spicy pakoras and tasty parathas with your choice of sweet or savory fillings.

Stop by and say hi to longtime West Seattle resident Bali Khan, and check out the new venture!

Back in August, we reported that Portage Bay Café was expanding to West Seattle. At the time, Portage Bay’s owners weren’t ready to disclose where. Now, it’s out. Last night (thanks to David for the tip) was closing night for Agave Cocina, in Mural at 4725 42nd SW, and today this sign is on the door:

When last we spoke to the proprietors of Portage Bay – famed for its breakfast/brunch offerings at 4 locations elsewhere in the city – they were still finalizing plans, but hoping to be open in West Seattle by year’s end. Agave had been in the space since May 2019, a year after the closure of its original tenant, Fresh Bistro.

(Photo sent by Toni – mural/signage by Andrew Miller)

Maybe you noticed the new coat of paint on the former West 5 building in The Junction (4539 California SW), which as reported here in June is being transformed into Camp West – and now includes the mural-style signage above. We’ve received a few inquiries about its progress. So we asked Patrick Haight, a member of the Camp West ownership team, how it’s going. He says the exterior “was painted to match our color scheme inside,” adding that kitchen equipment and coolers are in place – after a longer wait than they had expected after placing orders in late May/early June – while tables and booths are arriving soon. “The supply chain and available inventory has been challenging. However, we are just being patient in wanting the right equipment to meet our needs. An October opening is where our timeline stands, barring no more delays. We are optimistic and excited to get our Camp West Seattle up and running.” As noted in our June report, it’s a sibling establishment to Tacoma’s Camp Bar.

Four and a half months after we first told you about West Wings – the new restaurant moving into the ex-Copper Coin space at 2329 California SW – the opening date is set. We stopped by today to check on the new restaurant’s status and learned they plan to open this Saturday (August 27th) during the Admiral Junction Funktion street party, noon-9 pm, with a “limited menu.” Then the first official day is Sunday, 11 am-9 pm. You can read more about West Wings, whose proprietors are West Seattle cousins Tony and Paul Barbano, here – wings with 15 sauce options (including “Alki Bonfire”), burgers, salads, more.

Quick notes on local food/beverage venues:

OPEN REALLY LATE: The South Delridge burger joint Boss Drive-In (9061 Delridge Way SW) has extended its hours.

Thanks to Mike for the tip.

MOVING SOON: As announced by a banner in the 4500 block of Fauntleroy Way SW, that’ll be the new home of El Chapulin Oaxaqueño food truck in about four weeks.

We stopped by the truck’s longtime location in The Junction, by Lula Coffee‘s drive-thru, to ask about the reason for the move; they said the main motivation is that they need more space. (Thanks to Ian – who also sent the photo – and Ivy for the tips.)

CHICKEN SANDWICHES: As hinted when Ma’ono closed its West Seattle restaurant, its popular chicken sandwiches will be popping up at proprietor Mark Fuller‘s newest venture, the Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way). Mondays and Tuesdays, 4 pm-10 pm, for starters.

ICE CREAM: If you haven’t been to Youngstown Coffee (6032 California SW) in Morgan Junction lately, you should know in these waning weeks of summer that they’re now carrying six-ounce pre-packed cups of Ice Cream Social, homemade-style ice cream from Tacoma, in a variety of flavors. (Vegan options, too.)

Food news? Other biz news? Breaking news? Tips always appreciated via westseattleblog@gmail.com or texted to 206-293-6302.