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| Young customers entertain themselves while waiting for a table. |
Opening day at Lake City's new Elliott Bay Public House and Brewery may go down as one of the largest events of the year in the Lake City neighborhood.
When the new business opened its doors at 11 a.m. on Monday, there was already a line of people outside hoping to be among the first customers into the new business.
By noon, the restaurant was nearly full. And at dinner, the wait for some was more than 1 1/2 hours to get a table.
A hurried wait and kitchen staff tried valiantly to keep up with wave after wave of enthusiastic customers that poured into the establishment. By evening some of the wait staff seemed exhausted by the onslaught but still worked with a smile.
One of the most common things overheard at table after table was that Lake City needed an establishment like this.
Todd Carden, one of the businesses owners, was among those rushing around, making sure the restaurant was running smoothly. "I think all of Lake City came out," he said as closing time approached and the bar area was still nearly full of customers.
The popular restaurant is known for its other two locations in West Seattle and in Burien. They are also known as a family-friendly establishment, a hallmark of the business shown Monday by the large number of families with kids in tow.
Around 6 p.m., the start of 'happy hour,' the wait grew to over 45 minutes. Dozens of parties decided not to wait and left.
An informal survey of 7 parties found that they were all going to other restaurants nearby, a spillover effect hoped for by many in the local community. Three parties crossed the street to Romios, two planned to walk to Thai One On and two were going to see what other restaurants the neighborhood offered.
Two parties were disappointed to find that nearby coffee shop and bakery Kaffeeklatch was closed during the long wait.
On opening day the brewery opened membership in its Mug Club. The club, a popular feature at its other establishments, offers members an engraved mug kept at the bar, 4 extra ounces of beer with every purchase and invitations to special mug club events and promotions. Membership in the club is a one-time fee of $50.
By late afternoon the Mug Club was completely sold out.
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| Customers enjoy their first dinner at Elliot Bay Brewery. |
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| The bar area was standing room only late into the evening. |
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| The Lake City Lions Club placed American Flags on the building exterior. |
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| The first wave of customers sit in booths after the 11 a.m. opening. |
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| Owner Todd Carden photographed with Vera, Cassondra and Hannah. |
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| Customers show pride in their neighborhood with stickers handed out at the opening. |
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| A receipt on opening day. |
Thanks for this wrap-up! It was indeed a fabulous day for Lake City. I went there for dinner with my husband and we waited (happily) for a table for over an hour. The beer was great, the food was terrific, and the place was packed! We met Todd, the owner, also. He's really committed to making this work and making LC better. It was so nice to see so many happy people there ;) We will be back OFTEN!
ReplyDeleteJust go back from having lunch there. Portobello mushroom salad=amazing. I can hardly speak about the stout ice cream served on a brownie. I'm planning to fast for the rest of the week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, welcome surprise, to see a new
ReplyDeletevibrant business here in Lake City. Having lived
here now 7 years, I know progress is slow, but
it seems recently to be outpacing itself.
Our time has come, and continues to be coming.
Brown Bear up the street, the old Carl North Property
being developed, Victoria Park, Cedar Park, Romio's
and many derelict properties being "gentrified".
Lake City Center, surrounded by Fred Meyer, the
banks, PO, library, Value Village, and many
others, not to mention what a lovely "metro hub"
we have here.
And venture down to the Burke Gilman trail, newly
re-opened and stroll the Lake Front, enjoy Will
Rogers Park, Virgil Flame park.
Lake City is one damned nice place to live!!!!!
I'm happy to see Elliot Bay Brewing Co move into the neighborhood, however, I'm not sure why my last posting was deletd. I mentioned counting it a blessing to have it here, and that Kaffeeklatch may try to have more extended hours in the future. IF this was considered a 'uncivil' comment, then the blog moderator may want to re-think what their criteria is for what they'll allow or delete. I wasn't trying to be snarky or uncivil at all. I can understand the need to keep things civil, but if some discussion or observation can't be shared, then you eventually will alienate and lose some readers.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteWe're not sure what happened to your comment and apologize. We did not see anything uncivil or delete any comments. It may have been a glitch with blogger. Please feel free to repost your comment.