West Seattle, Washington
03 Sunday
Two coffee biznotes:
WEST SEATTLE GROUNDS TURNS 1: In our photo are Celia and Michelle at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW), which is celebrating its first anniversary all day and into the night, until 10 pm: “To say thank you, we are giving away donuts from a trendy donut wall all day with a purchase of a coffee.” And 6-10 pm tonight, they’ll have live music with Jonny Gold, “playing an acoustic set of classics and originals.”
On to Highland Park:
BEDHEAD COFFEE UPDATE: Since we reported last week on the opening of BedHead Coffee (1513 SW Holden), proprietor Michelle has locked in her hours: Tuesdays-Fridays 6:30 am-2:30 pm, Saturdays 8:30 am-2:30 pm, closed Sundays/Mondays.
(WSB photos)
Meet “Cletus” the one-ton smoker, out on the deck behind Lady Jaye, which (as we reported earlier this week) opens this Wednesday (September 18th). When we first reported on the plan for this new Junction venue (in the ex-Pecado Bueno space at 4523 California SW), they mentioned the intention to spotlight smoked meats and cocktails. They meant it. Co-founder Evan Carter tells the story of needing a forklift to get the smoker into place. We met Evan and the other three co-founders during a preview visit this afternoon:
Evan’s at left. L-R with him are Sara Rosales, Tyler Palagi, Charlie Garrison (all formerly of Radiator Whiskey). They have spent the last few months remaking the space into their new restaurant/bar.
The “dark, warm wood” focus is inside and out; the patio is part covered, part not, and retains the fire pit that predated Lady Jaye. Some art too, including this:
So what’s on the menu, you ask? A specialty will be the “Forever Smoked Turkey Drum,” with ancho barbecue sauce and lime crema. Smoked chicken, too. And a sandwich with smoked bologna. It’s not all for carnivores, though. Evan explains they’re smoking veggies, too. And the opening menu’s selection of salads includes shaved summer squash as well as a salad with burrata cheese, green beans, and crostini.
As for the beverages, they’re focusing on whiskey and agave. But the menu also includes beer (draft as well as bottle/can) and wine plus seltzers/spritzers.
Lady Jaye is all ages and will seat about 60 inside (including the bar, where you can have the “full dinner experience”), ~35 on the patio. They’ll be open 3-midnight for starters, adding weekend brunch soon.
8:27 PM: Thanks to Vanessa for sending the photo and tip! BedHead Coffee opens at 6 am tomorrow (Monday, September 16th) on the southeast corner of 16th/Holden in Highland Park, according to the sign in its window. This is the same spot where DutchBoy Coffee closed in May.
MONDAY MORNING UPDATE: Just stopped by; BedHead is indeed open and proprietor Michelle says she’ll be open 6 am-2 pm Mondays-Saturdays.
(UPDATE: That’s changed to 6:30 am-2:30 pm Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 am-2:30 pm Saturdays.)
Busy volunteers at the check-in for tonight’s West Seattle Wine Walk (did you know the Junction Association runs on lots of volunteer power?). It was sold out in advance – so keep watch for next Wine Walk announcement and buy your ticket(s) early! Tonight’s participating wineries included West Seattle’s own Welcome Road Winery, pouring at VAIN:
Both of those businesses are WSB sponsors, as are participants Viscon Cellars (pouring at CAPERS), Click! Design That Fits, and Menashe & Sons Jewelers.
Fourth opening-date report of the day! Earlier this week, Michael sent that photo from outside 4523 California SW, where Lady Jaye has been taking shape in the ex-Pecado Bueno space. Today, we heard from co-proprietor Evan Carter, who says they’re planning to open next Wednesday (September 18th). We first reported on Lady Jaye back in June, when Carter talked with us about the “exciting flavors” and “elevated cocktail experience” planned for their all-ages establishment.
1:27 PM: Whimsical touches decorate Larry’s Tavern, which will open today at 4 pm at 3405 California SW. We got a peek on Wednesday afternoon – the pirate-ship chandelier is toward the front, with numerous beer signs along the walls …
Lots of shopping to find what you’ll see. (And some custom touches are still ahead, like a Western Neon-made sign in the works for out front.) As promised, lots of game opportunties. There’s a 4-person Pac-Man table. Darts, too:
(Not just machines – they’ll have Wednesday night trivia starting soon.) Co-proprietor Joel Stedman tells us they’re starting with 12 beers on tap – a wide variety from “cheap draft” on up:
When we first spoke with him in July, they weren’t sure about food offerings – now they’ve settled on personal pizzas and sandwiches, mini egg rolls, tater tots, nuts, simple things like that. And outside food is welcome – for example, if you want to get a pizza at Spiro’s next door, bring it on in! While Larry’s (which is adults-only) opens to the public today – we’ll be stopping in for a few more photos after 4 and will update this story – Saturday is the “grand opening,” as originally announced.
ADDED 10:53 PM: As promised, photos from right after Larry’s doors opened:
(WSB photo, June)
If you’ve been wondering about the status of the future coffee shop that Itto’s Tapas proprietor Khalid Agour plans to open at 35th and Graham in the Upton Flats development – we have an update today:
Construction is taking longer than planned. We will be opening – hopefully – sometime in October. Construction is coming along.
We have finalized the name – “Nos Nos Coffee House.” Nos Nos is a popular coffee drink in Morocco. It literally means “half half” and is made from half espresso and half milk.
We can’t wait to open up the space to our beloved West Seattle community that have been waiting patiently.
Our previous report was back in June.
Thanks for the tip! After a reader told us they’d heard that The Nook (2206 California SW) in North Admiral is ending their coffee operations, we stopped by this morning to verify. That’s Johnny at the espresso machine and he tells us Sunday’s the last day for morning operations at The Nook because he’s moving to Alaska. But the evening bar operation WILL continue under the helm of his brother Jimmy. The Nook’s been open for 2 1/2 years and added coffee just after their first anniversary.
That’s a video invitation to the 2019 West Seattle Beer and Music Festival on August 23-24, now just 10 days away at Alki Masonic Center in The Junction (4736 40th SW). Here’s your reminder of what it’s all about:
Sponsored by Beer Star, West Seattle Beer and Music Festival creates an outdoor, summer party vibe, ideal for fostering connections amongst the community. Patrons can taste beers from over 20 local and national breweries while grooving to a mix of funk and soul musical acts.
It was started by West Seattle beer and food entrepreneur Joe Jeannot, who felt there was a need for this type of event: “I’ve always wanted to throw a beer festival. West Seattle doesn’t have a lot of festivals so I thought this was the perfect neighborhood to launch. I just love bringing people together, I’ve been doing it my whole life.”
New this year is a Run4Food .5k race benefiting West Seattle Food Bank, the festival’s charity partner. The costumed .5k race takes place at 2:45 PM on Saturday, August 24th, just before General Admission gates open at 3 PM. Individuals can purchase tickets for $40, groups of six for $230. $10 of every individual ticket and $50 of every group ticket goes to West Seattle Food Bank. Admission includes entry to the Saturday session of the festival, tasting tokens, and a glass. Awards for top qualifiers and best team costume will be given by race sponsor, Project 968.
As a city, Seattle knows its beer. According to Forbes magazine, Seattle has the 9th-most breweries per capita of all US cities, and the third-most microbreweries overall. The Festival’s carefully-curated selection of beers aims to keep even Seattleites with the most experienced palettes satisfied. The selection will be wide-ranging, with a focus on specialty batches.
“I love specialty beers that start a conversation and make you check the nose, look and taste the beer,” says Jeannot. “I tried to assemble those at the festival.”
The music stage is headlined by New York based teacher-turned-rapper Mega Ran, whom Noisey once called ‘your new favorite rapper’. Last year’s crowd favorite Marmalade headlines the music stage Friday night. For those that don’t want the party to end, there are nightly after parties DJ’d by DJ Indica Jones – beloved amongst Seattle’s hip, underground dance scene. Dogs are also welcome in the Festival on Saturday the 24th from 1-5 PM.
The best ticket deal is two-day VIP, which includes admission to the festival both days with early admission Saturday for an exclusive tasting event, entry to the nightly #NotDoneYetAfterParty, and an exclusive tasting glass with 20 taste tokens to use throughout the weekend. Tickets available online from Stranger Tickets. A portion of each ticket sale goes to West Seattle Food Bank.
See the music and beer lineups here. And if you live nearby – here’s a special notice for you:
A nonprofit bar is the plan for Jaimatadi, on the way to 3278-B California SW. We just spoke with Deep Katyal, a tech entrepreneur who’s planning the foray into nightlife. He says that after buying the newly built space he had to figure out what to do with the commercial space. The plan is for a small venue serving beer and wine, with entertainment, and karaoke – in multiple languages. The twist: Proceeds will all go to nonprofits; patrons will have a choice of three charities their tab can go toward. He’s chosen one, CRY, but hasn’t decided on the other two yet – maybe one involving pets, he says, since his wife “loves dogs.” He’s hoping to open within two months, depending on how much longer the liquor license takes.
Though demolition has been happening around it and the signage is down, the original Youngstown Coffee Company location at 5214 Delridge Way SW is NOT out of business. We checked on it today after a reader question, driving by the site and then going up to Youngstown Coffee’s newer Morgan Junction location, where we found proprietor Zoe. She says the Delridge location is reopening on Monday – the property owner is redeveloping the rest of the site, and part of the initial work required closing the shop for a while. Meantime, her plan for salads and sandwiches in the ex-Harry’s Chicken Joint (etc.) space next to the Morgan shop is almost ready to go – she had a few trial runs this past week and hopes to officially launch soon.
Two biznotes from the food-and-drink department:
THAITAN CLOSING: After a tip (thank you!), we confirmed that The Thaitan at 5258 California SW is closing. We were told at the restaurant that Saturday (July 27) will be their last day. They plan to reopen elsewhere, location TBA. We reported back in January 2018 that a 9-townhouse proposal was on file for the site (with townhouses also planned on the two commercial sites north of it) and the city website indicates that the project continued to proceed, though the newest document is dated this past February. The restaurant has been The Thaitan for almost a decade.
RED CUP ESPRESSO FOR SALE: Multiple readers have asked about the “for sale” sign at the drive-up coffee shop at 4451 California SW:
The shop IS still open. A close-up look at the sign reveals the signage points you to redcup4sale.com. We sent an inquiry and received the reply: “Alex has decided to go back to school to become an EMT, so he’s put the Red Cup up for sale. The owner of the property is hoping it will stay a drive-through coffee shop, or something along those lines.”
(Photo courtesy Joel Stedman)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One day after we reported that Larry’s Tavern was in the works for 3405 California SW, we know more about what its proprietors are planning.
We spoke today by phone with Joel Stedman, who along with wife Margo Beaver bought the building after West City Sardine Kitchen‘s owners put it up for sale.
Joel says he and Margo live in West Seattle – she grew up here – and have long wanted an establishment here. They also own the Magnolia Village Pub, Targy’s Tavern (Queen Anne), the Duvall Tavern, and Pint Defiance in Ruston, which he describes as a “Beer Junction-type place.”
He says the plan for Larry’s Tavern – named for his dad (“we always wanted to do an homage to him”) – is to be “comfortable and casual.”
It will be 21+ only, and beverages will be the focus, though they’ll offer some food; they’re still working on the plan for that, “discussing with our chefs” from their other venues. Joel says their other venues are known for a “very good beer program,” so Larry’s Tavern is likely to be the same.
He expects it’ll be “a place you could go watch a game,” or play one – Larry’s will have pool tables, and likely some game machines too, perhaps pinball, perhaps Pac-Man. Hours are likely going to be 4 pm-2 am, 7 days a week.
But first, a “light renovation” to the building – “paint, floors, decor, bar top,” and of course signage. With the city still in the throes of a permit backlog, it’s hard to say how long it’ll take them to get ready to open. They’re hoping by mid-September. In the meantime, they will be working “diligently” with the excitement of being able to serve their West Seattle neighbors: “We’re really pumped.”
ORIGINAL SUNDAY REPORT: One month after West City Sardine Kitchen closed because its owners sold the building, we know a bit about what’s next. While walking California SW between Admiral and Alaska Junctions after the West Seattle Grand Parade, we noticed a brand-new liquor-license-application flyer posted on the window of the building (3405 California SW): It says the building will become Larry’s Tavern. The license applicants are the same people shown in county records as having just bought the building for $950,000, including Joel Stedman, who – according to an online search – owns/has owned several other taverns around the region, including the Duvall Tavern. We have a message out seeking more info on the West Seattle plan and will update whenever we hear back.
MONDAY NOTE: We talked today with Joel Stedman and will publish a separate followup this afternoon/evening.
Thanks for the tips! Less than two months after we broke the news that Locust Cider planned a taproom in the former Alki Urban Market space, it’s open. All ages are welcome; hours are noon-8 pm Sundays-Wednesdays, noon-9 pm Thursdays-Saturdays. Check here to see what’s on tap.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
As we often say, thanks for the tip!
A reader asked us what’s happening with 2701 California SW, after seeing what looked like kegs. Our research led us to a brewery-and-more plan in city files, and we subsequently connected with Nick Berger, a West Seattleite who, along with partner Phil Cammarano, plans to open The Good Society Brewery and Public House later this year.
They are both longtime West Seattleites. Before we get to the basics of what they’re going to do and when, Nick explained the mission (which in turn explains the name): “We want to marry good beer with good deeds.”
Elaborating, he continues: “We are a local neighborhood brewery that strives to put community at the center of its identity by incorporating the funding of local causes, both social and environmental, into its basic operating model by serving trend-setting beer and fostering an environment where all the community is welcome.”
Thanks to Rosario at West Seattle Coworking (6040 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the tip on a new neighbor – as of today, Delridge-founded Youngstown Coffee Company has expanded, with proprietor Zoe adding a Morgan Junction location at 6032 California SW.
That spot was briefly home to a coffee shop that spun off from the now-closed Harry’s Chicken Joint next door.
And later this summer, Zoe plans to open an eatery in THAT space – it’ll be called Crisp, offering fare such as salads and wraps. More info on that as it gets closer to opening, but for now, you can visit Youngstown’s new Morgan location 6 am-5 pm weekdays, 8 am-5 pm weekends.
Three West Seattle Junction notes:
FIRST WEST SEATTLE .5 K: The first-time West Seattle .5K today was a sudsy success, with seven venues participating in the sold-out event that put a different twist on the term “beer run.” The Beer Junction was packet-pickup central before the four-hour .5K began:
More than 200 peoole signed up. If you missed out, watch for early word next year.
MURAL RESTORATION: Work continued this week on the next historic Junction mural to get some TLC:
THat’s Bob Henry at work on the “West Seattle Ferries” mural behind the KeyBank/Bin 41/Pharmaca building. As we reported last month, crowdfunding continues to cover the costs of restoration, and a commemorative keychain remains available through the end of this month for donations of $50 and up. Here’s how to donate.
FARMERS’ MARKET PARTY SUNDAY: And one more reminder that tomorrow brings a party at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market in the heart of The Junction – it’s celebrating 20 years, with cake (first-come first-served) and founder Chris Curtis ringing the opening bell at 10 am. See you there!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“Exciting flavors and an elevated cocktail experience” are the ingredients for what the proprietors of restaurant/bar Lady Jaye plan to bring to the current Pecado Bueno space in the West Seattle Junction this summer.
The space has been for sale for a while; commenter Thee first spotted the liquor-license application. Then tipster Jeremy encountered part of the team at a catered event and provided information that put us on the trail. We connected with Evan Carter, one of the partners, and got answers to our questions.
So what are those “exciting flavors”? “Our food will be styled as Americana, heavily influenced in Southern roots with our own NW flair and ingredients featuring smoked meats. Our food menu will be curated by chefs Tyler Palagi and Charlie Garrison (formerly of Radiator Whiskey) who specialize in fresh ingredients, farm to table, unique cuts and smoked meats.”
As for the “elevated cocktail experience,” this explanation: “While we plan on being family-friendly, our concept will rely heavily on the bar program. Sara Rosales (also formerly of Radiator Whiskey) will be at the helm utilizing her knowledge and passion for American spirits and hiring a talented bar staff to help execute the program. She will collaborate heavily with chefs Tyler and Charlie to create a cocktail menu that pairs perfectly with the food and concept.”
The food and drinks, Carter adds, “will be seasonally influenced, even creating Farmers’ Market specials using ingredients procured from the local vendors on Sundays.”
We also asked about the decor/motif; the space at 4523 California SW has gone through several iterations in the past decade, first part of CAPERS, then for two years a Wing Dome before Pecado Bueno opened in 2013.
Carter says, “The interior will be cozy and rustic, with warm colors and dark wood garnishing the walls and furniture. The patio will be partially enclosed with comfortable seating around the warming fire pit so it can be utilized year round. The other half will be open for seating seasonally.” The dining room will seat 50, bar area 20, patio 50.
Lady Jaye will be open for dinner weekdays (3 pm-midnight), “all day for brunch service followed by dinner service on Saturdays and Sundays with a unique breakfast-cocktail menu incorporating a ‘Bloody Mary Project’ as well as low ABV cocktails and smoked pineapple Mimosas” (10:30 am-midnight Saturdays-Sundays).
And we had to ask about the namesake. Carter says only, “You will soon be introduced to the mystery of Lady Jaye.”
How soon? Aiming for mid-summer, but as with every project these days, a lot of factors including permit time will factor into that. But whatever the wait, Carter promises it’ll be worthwhile: “Our mission is to combine outstanding food/drinks with an energetic and fun atmosphere. Who says you can’t get great food and cocktails AND have a good time?”
P.S. For Pecado Bueno fans, we’re checking on their timeline for closing here. (PB has three other locations.)
(WSB photos)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Kurt Niemeyer has a degree in marine science.
His love for sealife is visible throughout his new restaurant/bar on Alki, the Pacific Room.
The ex-Hawks Nest West/Bamboo space at 2806 Alki SW is now totally transformed into a classy – but not overly high-brow – dining, drinking, and entertainment space, three months after we reported the Pacific Room was on the way. Until its grand opening next Tuesday, it has soft-opened by reservation. We stopped by this afternoon for a preview.
Kurt, a West Seattle resident, explains that his restaurant career started as something he did between maritime gigs from diving to piloting. He found himself in management, and eventually had a idea for his own place – now the Pacific Room.
If you visited the space in its previous incarnations, you wouldn’t recognize it now.
(Photo courtesy Locust Cider)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A “neighborhood-y” taproom is what Locust Cider plans to bring to Alki.
We mentioned Friday that the Woodinville-headquartered company is the new tenant for the ex-Alki Urban Market space (2820 Alki SW). This morning, we talked by phone with co-founder Jason Spears to get details on the plan.
He and brother Patrick Spears founded Locust Cider just four years ago. They already have expanded to add taprooms in Ballard and Tacoma, plus Colorado and Texas, but “we’re actually a pretty small company,” Jason insists. “The taprooms we operate are all super-small, neighborhoody, and cider-irst, plus beer and wine.” (They brew the beer, too.)
They’re expecting to have about 50 seats in the Alki taproom, with something their others don’t have: A larger kitchen, so they can serve more food, rather than it being an “afterthought” as is more typical for taprooms. Jason says “cool things are in the works,” details to come, though he offers one: They plan to build on what they’ve been offering with a “really cool gluten-free Brazilian cheese bread,” which is used as the base for “a little hand pie” among other things.
They plan to open with 16 cider and beer taps (and a few by-the-glass wines) in a space that’s more like a coffee shop than a bar, he explains, “a little different” than the stereotypical taproom. Locust offers a cider/beer club for which you can buy a membership, he adds, called “The Swarm”; he says club members “turn into a family,” with everything from special events to an online discussion group. But even if you don’t sign up for that, “the vibe” at the taproom is meant to be a “casual place to hang out and build community.”
He hopes the Alki taproom will be open in July – “we’re not doing much construction, just a facelift inside, shouldn’t take too long.” Hours will be in the noon-9 pm vicinity.
And yes, children will be welcome. Jason is a dad himself. And one of his two kids is inspiration for something else that’s important to Locust Cider – “our cause,” as the company website describes it. His four-year-old daughter Lucy was born with hydrocephalus. Brain surgery is the only way to treat it – Lucy’s already been through it multiple times, as is typical for patients, and Locust raises money for research, through donating part of its proceeds, as well as a $25 donation from each Swarm membership.
Overall, Jason says Locust Cider’s goal is to “become part of the neighborhood, not a big destination place.” He says he’s well aware that West Seattle is “one of the tightest communities” around and he hopes the new taproom will enhance that.
Three West Seattle biznotes:
SPRUCE MODERN APOTHECARY: The photo is from the folks who just opened this new business at 4156 California SW, offering “mindfully curated green beauty, wellness and lifestyle goods, as well as a holistic skincare studio. …. We want to welcome our community to come check us out!! We fill a need in West Seattle and the city for sustainable home goods, plant based wellness, and lots of nontoxic skincare and general self-care items for everyone.” They’ll be open Memorial Day, though usually they’re closed on Mondays. Hours 10-6 Tuesdays-Saturdays (“occasionally 7 in summer”), 10-5 Sundays.
LOCUST CIDER: That’s who’s taking the ex-Alki Urban Market space at 2820 Alki SW, according to a liquor-license filing that appeared online today. Locust Cider is based in Woodinville and has a taproom in Ballard. Reached via e-mail, their executive team promises more info next week, so stand by for a followup.
TALARICO’S ADDS LUNCH: Talarico’s Pizza in The Junction (4718 California SW) wants you to know it’s just expanded its hours, now open 11 am-2 am Tuesdays-Sundays (3 pm-2 am Mondays)
8:41 PM: Beautiful night at The Hall at Fauntleroy, inside and out, as the West Seattle Helpline hosted its annual Taste of West Seattle, raising money for emergency assistance that helps keep people from becoming homeless. Dozens of local food and beverage venues/providers were there with samples and sips – like Mission Cantina (WSB sponsor) with esquites con nopale:
Flying Apron‘s offerings included chocolate cupcakes with curry frosting:
The tasting tables were spread throughout the Hall and across its grounds, including both of its big rooms:
Serving up chicken paella, Colleen and Kim from Dream Dinners West Seattle (WSB sponsor):
Lots of beverages too – winemaker Ben Viscon of Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) was pouring:
Michelle, Brie, and Shauna from Pecos Pit BBQ (WSB sponsor) were dishing up all-beef spicy hot links and mac ‘n’ cheese:
We have a few more photos to add – plus, we’re awaiting the results of Taste-goers’ voting – more later!
ADDED LATE THURSDAY: Also at the Taste – Husky Deli‘s Jack Miller:
And from Salty’s (WSB sponsor), Victor was serving aleppo-pepper-crusted ahi:
New participants included Indulge Desserts, a relatively recent arrival at 35th/Henderson.
ADDED FRIDAY: Update from the Helpline:
The winners for best…
Taste – Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes
Veggie Taste – Mission Cantina
Pour – The Bridge
Mocktail – All In
Sweet – Bakery NouveauThough there are still some donations and matches coming in, so far we have raised over $57,000. This is enough to keep over 160 families safe and stable in their homes while they recover from unexpected hardship!!
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