Thanks for the tips. Via social media, the Great American Diner and Bar has announced it’s closing its West Seattle Junction location (which has long been listed for lease). Today is the last day, proprietor Glen Quadros tells WSB, while adding that the closure is temporary, in a way. First, here’s the announcement:

Dear West Seattle

There are moments in life that are difficult to put into words, and this is one of them.

After nearly nine unforgettable years, the time has come for us to say goodbye to our home on California Avenue.

When we first opened the doors to Great American Diner & Bar, we simply hoped to build a place where everyone would feel welcome—a place where good food, warm service, and genuine hospitality could make someone’s day just a little brighter. We never imagined just how much this community would give back to us.

West Seattle, you became family.

You celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, new jobs, first dates, and countless everyday moments with us. Some of you came every morning for coffee. Some joined us every Friday for happy hour. Many of you walked through our doors as customers and left as friends.

When the pandemic turned all of our lives upside down, you reminded us what community truly means. During those uncertain months, we kept our lights on and our kitchen going because we believed our neighbors deserved a familiar place they could count on. Whether it was sunshine, pouring rain, or even the rare Seattle snow, we were here—and you were there for us too. Every takeout order, every encouraging message, every familiar face helped keep us going. We will never forget that. …

When we first reported on the 4752 California SW plan in May 2017, Great American was the sixth restaurant/bar to try their luck in that space in 10 years; the one it followed, Shelby’s Ice Cream and Bistro, lasted less than six months. But Great American almost outlasted all those predecessors put together. It was particularly memorable for being open to serve customers on holiday – the lists we have assembled for many years showing which West Seattle restaurants were open on Thanksgiving and/or Christmas invariably included the diner.

However, the proprietor tells us, this isn’t a permanent farewell to West Seattle: “We will be opening in the very near future somewhere close by to continue the Wonderful tradition of the Great American Diner.” Glen also notes that he and his family operate Skillet & Vine Bistro (2800 East Madison).

ADDED WEDNESDAY: Here’s the sign now on the diner’s door:

A year and a half after Cori Luckenbach closed Bebop Waffle Shop at California/Admiral, she’s relaunching a mini-version next door, and it’s about to open:

Bebop Waffle Shop Grand Opening – Saturday

BEBOP is opening a new walk-up waffle shop, and we are celebrating its grand opening this SATURGAY, 8 AM-3 PM, FOR PRIDE. Bebop is serving our signature classic Belgian waffles to-go and WAFFLE DOGS — waffle batter wrapped around a hot dog and griddled to order. Bebop operates out of Baked, which is still up and running, serving custom cakes.

There will be free stickers and tasters, plus a full-on party atmosphere all day – HAPPY PRIDE. 2604 California Ave. SW

After receiving that, we asked Cori about the status of her former corner space’s metamorphosis into The Last Parlor. She says there’s one last round of inspections to go, and it’s a challenge because it involves renovations in a century-old building.

As previous reported, two chicken chains are on the way to The Junction. We have updates on both:

STARBIRD: We noticed while passing by this morning that Starbird has put signage in the windows of its future West Seattle location, the spot where MOD Pizza abruptly closed two years ago, on The Whittaker‘s 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW frontage. The window signage spotlights its sides as well as its chicken.

Our report from April – when the construction permit was issued – had more about what this California-based chain will offer.

DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN: We first reported last year that Dave’s Hot Chicken and Gong Cha are going into the two-years-empty ex-Haymaker space in Junction 47 at California/Alaska. Building residents have just been notified that construction is about to start – here’s the notice they received:

The vacant commercial space on the ground floor of the West Building is officially coming to life. We’ll be welcoming a Dave’s Hot Chicken and a bubble tea café into the old Haymaker space, with plans to open later this year.

To make that happen, renovation work is scheduled to begin this coming Monday and is estimated to last approximately four months. We wanted to give you a heads up on what to expect.

Here’s what you should know:

There will be some construction noise as the space is reconstructed, including some core drilling. The good news is that the contractors have assured us the noisiest work should be limited to roughly the first month. There are several layers of concrete between the restaurant space and the second floor, so depending on where your home is, you may hear very little or nothing at all.

Work hours will be:
• Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

We anticipate this process going smoothly, and we’ll keep you updated as we have new information to share.

Dave’s Hot Chicken has one Seattle location already, on Capitol Hill.

(WSB photo from 2025 Taste of West Seattle)

Set your post-summer calendar for September 24, the date set for the Taste of West Seattle, a food-and-drink-sampling extravaganza benefiting and organized by the West Seattle Food Bank, which is still recruiting participating providers – with food trucks welcome this year too!

The West Seattle Food Bank is gearing up for the return of one of the community’s favorite culinary traditions: The Taste of West Seattle, happening September 24th at the Hall at Fauntleroy.

For two decades, this event has brought together local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and neighbors for an evening that celebrates West Seattle’s food scene while raising critical funds to help ensure everyone in our community has access to food and basic necessities.

This year, organizers are expanding the event by welcoming local food trucks to participate alongside traditional restaurant partners, giving guests even more incredible flavors to experience while creating new opportunities for passionate local chefs and business owners to showcase what makes them unique.

“We know how much pride local businesses take in feeding this community,” said Robbin Peterson, Development Director for the West Seattle Food Bank. “The Taste is a chance to introduce yourself to hundreds of potential new customers while also supporting your neighbors facing food insecurity.”

Participating businesses donate approximately 300 tasting portions of a featured menu item. Guests sample offerings from around West Seattle before voting for their favorites in several categories, with Best Taste awards presented at the end of the evening.

Restaurants, breweries, wineries, and food trucks interested in participating still have time to sign up.
Businesses interested in joining or sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact Robbin at West Seattle Food Bank (robbin@westseattlefoodbank.org) as soon as possible or visit The Taste of West Seattle.

Confirmed participants to date include:

A Butter Place
Baker’s Dozen Catering (operates out of Distinguished Foods)
Dolcetta Artisan Sweets
Elliott Bay Brewing Co.
Ghostfish Brewing Co.
Ku Mana’s (operates out of Distinguished Foods)
Locol
Metropolitan Market
Mission Cantina
Mom’s Micro Garden
Peninsula Soul Food (operates out of Distinguished Foods)
Phoenecia
RINGA Beverages
Spruce Hill Winery
The Neighborhood
Viscon Cellars
West Seattle Grounds

And introducing our first food trucks:

Dolce Vita PNW
El Koreano
Additional participants will be announced throughout the summer.

For food lovers eager to attend, tickets for the 2026 Taste of West Seattle will go on sale June 26. As in previous years, proceeds from the event directly support the West Seattle Food Bank’s mission of providing food, emergency assistance, and hope to thousands of local households.

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Two years after opening in The Junction, which was a year-plus after the longtime Alki location’s closure, Pegasus Pizza and Pasta has just announced new owners. Via email, here’s the announcement and photo we received today:

After more than 30 years as the head chefs and culinary backbone of Pegasus Pizza and Pasta, Gabriel Castro and Isidro Ocampo have acquired the popular West Seattle restaurant, promising continuity and fresh energy for the neighborhood favorite. Gabe and Isidro have been with Pegasus Pizza and Pasta since 1996 said the transition feels like a natural next step.

“We have poured my heart into this kitchen since day one,” Gabe said. “We have cooked for generations of West Seattle families, celebrated milestones with our guests, and built a team that truly cares. Now, as owner, we are excited to carry this restaurant forward while making it even better for our West Seattle community.”

Gabe continues, “Pegasus Pizza has always been special to me, I even met my wife here at Pegasus.” The previous owner has semi-retired and moving on, passing the torch to Gabe and Isidro. “I am incredibly grateful to Ted (the previous owner) for mentoring us and making Pegasus Pizza and Pasta what it is today.”, said Gabe.

Customers can expect the same beloved menu favorites and familiar warm hospitality that have defined Pegasus Pizza and Pasta for years. At the same time, their new ownership brings several enhancements, including offering a full breakfast menu (8 am-2 pm), in-house delivery (coming soon), 14 new flavors of fried jumbo wings and other expanded menu options. The new team has been focused on updating some kitchen equipment as well to enable faster and more reliable food
production. …

The announcement also says they’re planning a “Grand Reopening Weekend” Friday through Sunday (June 12-14).

… you’re might be interested in an Other’s Day brunch tomorrow at The Locöl Kitchen & Bar (7902 35th SW), which wanted to be sure you had advance heads-up, so in case you haven’t seen this in our calendar:

Other’s Day Brunch Seattle: A Gathering for Women Without Children

For women who feel like others on Mother’s Day. You don’t need another event where you feel like the only one without kids. You don’t need to explain your story. You don’t need to make it comfortable for anyone else. You just want to be in a room where you feel understood. This is Other’s Day!

Founded in Chicago in 2022, this year we are happy to have a Seattle gathering hosted by Other’s Day ambassador, Melissa Miller! This event takes place at The Locöl Kitchen & Bar from 11-2 pm on Saturday, May 9th.

Tickets are still available online here.

Tickets are $40 per person and include a bottomless Mimosa Bar and a giant build your own Waffle Charcuterie buffet!

Four years have passed since Fire Tacos & Cantina opened at 2738 Alki SW – far surpassing the duration of seven preceding restaurants in 11 years at that corner – and tonight Fire Tacos is celebrating, with a deal for you. They just sent this announcement:

We’re celebrating Fire Tacos’ 4-year anniversary today. To say thank you to the community, we’re offering $1 tacos from 4–9 PM (dine-in only) We’d love for West Seattle to come celebrate with us – your support over the years means everything to us. I hope to see you there if you have a chance!

— Fire Tacos & Cantina
Erika & Jorge

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Just south of Highland Park, Greenbridge has a place for brunch again, and for lunch and dinner, or just coffee or a cocktail. Zoco Cafe and Wine (9901 8th Ave SW) aims to be a neighborhood gathering spot that just so happens to have excellent food and a menu with local wines. “We want everyone to feel like they can come here and stay–catch up with friends and family,” says Amador Coyantes, who soft-opened the restaurant early this month with his sister and co-proprietor Silvia Camarillo and plans a grand opening starting May 1. Coyantes says he’s attended church just down the street for years, so this location just felt right.

(Server Nicole Macias with her uncle, Zoco co-owner Amador Coyantes)
The response has been far beyond what they expected. “Amazing! We didn’t do any marketing. It was a soft opening with all the neighbors around.” Camarillo’s daughter Nicole Macias says the first days serving guests made it clear how much the community needed a new restaurant after the Greenbridge Cafe closed last November after 14 years. “They’re seeing everyone, bringing their friends. It’s really welcoming. People say they’re super excited to have lunch and dinner here.”

The only thing obviously missing during the first couple of weeks of Zoco Cafe and Wine’s soft open was the wine. “We finally got the liquor license last week,” Coyantes says, and that means they are now polishing up a list of Washington state wines to feature along with their cocktail menu. That also means they’re ready to put on a grand opening celebration, scheduled for May 1st, 2nd and 3rd. “We want to bring some music, have gift cards and other surprises,” he says.

The brunch menu is a mix of traditional American and Mexican dishes, and for dinner, many American and Italian options, a natural choice given Coyantes and Camarillo’s 30 years of restaurant experience, much of it with Italian food. The options are tantalizing. For brunch, options include a Dulce de Leche french toast with a Mezcal sauce, walnuts and caramelized banana; a gluten-free Avocado toast with eggs, and a fried chicken and waffle dish. But it’s the Chilaquiles Verdes with a house-made poblano sauce that they say has some customers coming back daily to order. For dinner, there are appetizers, burgers, salads, pastas and even a ribeye steak. Coyantes says the Italian dishes in particular have been a hit. “People love the pastas. We want to keeping going in that direction,” he says. “Eventually we want to do homemade fresh pasta.”

For those who come in regularly, Zoco is offering a loyalty rewards program to earn discounts off future meals. Food can be ordered to go through Toast, Uber Eats and DoorDash. While their website is being developed, they are keeping customers up to date on Instagram. Zoco Cafe and Wine serves their brunch menu 8 am-3 pm Tuesdays-Sundays and stays open for dinner until 9 pm Thursdays-Saturdays. They are closed Mondays.

Also happening tonight: The Neighborhood restaurant/bar in Morgan Junction celebrates its first anniversary! The Neighborhood will be open 3 pm to 9 pm, regular hours but lots of celebratoryy extras – food specials, live music by Justin Kausal-Hayes, face painting by current resident artist Autumn Tranquilino from 5 pm-7 pm, gift-card raffle, and more. The Neighborhood is at 6503 California SW (and also just launched a new website).

A happier anniversary is days away – Arthur’s in Admiral celebrates nine years in business this Saturday. Leading up to the celebration, Arthur’s proprietor Rebecca Rice has brought back $5 draft beers, “a throwback to pricing back in 2017 when we opened!” That’s continuing until month’s end, but Saturday, March 28, is the big celebration day, with “a few additional throwbacks and celebratory bits, nothing overly formal, just hoping to provide a great excuse for people to come by, grab a drink, and celebrate with us.” Arthur’s (2311 California SW) will be open for its weekend brunch, 9 am to 3 pm, that day.

Four biznotes from food providers!

THAI-U-UP IN HIGHLAND PARK: Last year, we reported that the owners of the former Morning Star Market site at 9th SW and SW Henderson were exploring ideas for the lot including food trucks. Tonight we got a tip that one is there for a test run – the Thai-U-Up truck, 4-8 pm daily for two weeks. (That’s the truck that was at the 30th/Roxbury gas station for years.)

CRAVE IN MORGAN JUNCTION: The Filipino street food pop-ups by Crave at The Neighborhood in Morgan Junction are now happening every Tuesday instead of every other Tuesday, 4-8 pm or until sold out. (Tuesdays are a night The Neighborhood, at 6503 California SW, would otherwise be closed.)

DINNER AT THE ALHADEFF: With its renowned Culinary Arts program, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) is famous for food. Its sit-down Alhadeff Dining Room is offering three nights of prix-fixe dinners next week, 6 pm March 17-18-19, by reservation, $45/person. Above is the Wednesday menu (18th); see the Tuesday (17th) menu here and the Thursday menu (19th) here. For reservations, email david.hatfield@seattlecolleges.edu.

WINE DINNER WITH DARBY X DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood Restaurant co-proprietor Jackie Mallahan sends word they’re selling tickets for a multi-course dinner April 23rd on their terrace (2722 Alki SW) in partnership with West Seattle Junction-based Darby Winery: “Guests will enjoy a multi-course chef’s menu paired with Darby wines, guided by the winemaker and Chef Dan Mallahan. Throughout the evening, you’ll hear stories from the cellar and the kitchen, ask questions, and experience the collaborative spirit that makes each pairing shine.” Tickets are $150, available here.

Thanks to Alan for the photos and the report that Little Prague Bakery has reappeared at 6045 California SW:

I just wanted to give you a heads up that the Little Prague European bakery is back open for business. I spoke with one of the employees there … and they reopened today. They had some pastries out, and I don’t want to overwhelm her, but I definitely want some foot traffic for her.

She said they’re not back up to full speed yet, but they hope to be in the next few days … it’s exciting to have them back in the neighborhood.

Little Prague was in the space for years; then The Home Skillit moved in for a very short time late last year.

Thanks to Tom Trulin for the photos and info! Tom reports that today is the first day that Sunfish, the fish-and-chips restaurant at 2800 Alki SW, is back open after its traditional winter break.

Tom is usually the first Sunfish fan to report in on their late-winter reopenings, which we appreciate!

Happy 28th anniversary to Circa in The Admiral District (2605 California SW; WSB sponsor)! They’re celebrating tomorrow (Thursday, February 5) and you’re invited to the party – co-proprietor Gretchen says that’ll include “free funfetti cake and $2.80 Manny’s Pale Ale all day and night.

(Added Thursday)

Happy Hour from 2:30-5:00, and dinner and drink specials after 5:00. Lots of decorations, ’90s music and ’90s staff!” If you want to get the party started early, Circa opens at 9 am

(Photo courtesy Ku Mana’s)

If you went to the Taste of West Seattle last fall, you might have sampled food by Ku Mana’s. Proprietor/chef Ndikumana Rasheri is now offering her Burundian food three nights a week at Distinguished Foods in the West Seattle Triangle, and asked us to tell you about it. Here’s her story:

I moved to the U.S. with my family when I was eight years old. We came for educational opportunities, but one of the most valuable lessons I learned was in the kitchen. When I was twelve, my older sister taught me how to cook. She used to tell me, “If you don’t learn how to cook, no man will marry you.” I laughed at the time, but looking back, that was the start of my love for cooking.

As I grew older, cooking became much more than just a skill. Cooking became my passion. I don’t cook just because of tradition or expectation, or to get a husband (haha); I cook because it brings me joy. I love experimenting with flavors and creating meals that are both comforting and rich in culture.

Some of my happiest memories are from the kitchen, learning how to make rice, beans, chicken stew, and many traditional Burundian dishes. Food became my way of connecting with my roots and culture , and every meal reminded me of home. … My dream has always been to share Burundian cuisine with the world, to give people a taste of our rich flavors and warm hospitality.

At Ku Mana’s my goal is to create unforgettable meals that celebrate culture and bring people together. We aim to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation through every meal, creating a space where guests can savor the vibrant floors and warmth of Burundian culture.

You can check out the Ku Mana’s menu here. You can order online and pick up food noon-8 pm Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, at Distinguished Foods, 4611 36th SW.

P.S. If you’re not familiar with where exactly Burundi is – southeast Africa; here’s a map.