Fresh Eats

As South Lake Union continues to grow with high tech and biotech jobs attracting retail and residential development, so too does the attraction for more dining and drinking establishments. These spots will help bring life and character to distinct corridors in the neighborhood. New restaurants will be fixtures for folks who live and work in South Lake Union and a boon to food-conscious Seattleites outside the neighborhood who are looking to savor the city’s next big thing.

Here’s a guide to what’s new and what’s next:

SOUTH SIDE

THE BUTCHER’S TABLE

Sugar Mountain, the company that brought you Beecher’s Cheese, Pasta & Co., Bennett’s, Liam’s, and the food truck Maximus/Minimus is now headquartered at 801 Blanchard Street. Sugar Mountain will install a steak and raw bar concept called The Butcher’s Table. Projected opening: Summer 2016.

SOUTH SHORE OF SLU

EL CHUPACABRA

The third location of this popular restaurant opened in summer 2015 in the former Hooters space. It serves Tex-Mex specialties as well as vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options. Now open.

MOLLUSK

Gastropod chef Travis Kukull and Epic Ales brewer Cody Morris will be opening Mollusk, a Southeast Asian curry and pan-Asian restaurant in the True North building on the southwest corner of Dexter Avenue North and Aloha Street. Now open.

NINTH AVENUE

ELTANA WOODFIRED BAGELS

The local company’s fourth wood-fired bagel café will serve soups, salads, sandwiches, and wood-fired bagels for breakfast and lunch. Now open.

BALLARD PIZZA CO.

Chef and restaurateur Ethan Stowell will be opening his third pizzeria on Ninth Avenue, similar in concept to Ballard Pizza Co. and Frelard Pizza Co. It’s set to offer salads, pizzas, local beers, and value-priced wines. Projected opening: Early 2016.

SAM’S TAVERN

Expect burgers, Sam’s renowned Bloody Marys, and cheap Rainier beers at the tavern’s second location. Projected opening: Early 2016.

JOSH HENDERSON IS ADDING THREE CONCEPTS TO HIS HUXLEY WALLACE COLLECTIVE AT NINTH AVENUE:

—Vestal will feature Henderson’s dishes inspired by his travels and his youth. The design focal point will be a large chef’s counter surrounding a coal-fired hearth. Projected opening: March 2016.

—Poulet Galore is a rotisserie chicken takeout counter serving whole and half chickens dressed with chimichurri, barbecue sauce, and more. Projected opening: March 2016.

—Cantine Bottle Shop and Bar will offer beer, wine, and cocktails, plus a separate space for snacking on said chicken, cheese, charcuterie, and pickles. Projected opening: March 2016.

HURRY CURRY OF TOKYO

Enjoy traditional Japanese starters such as karaage (fried chicken) and gyoza, plus the restaurant’s eponymous traditional curries. Sip wine, beer, sake, and sake cocktails, too. Projected opening: January 2016.

DOPPLER

Amazon’s Doppler building is located at The Regrade at 2021 Seventh Avenue.

ANAR/MAMNOON STREET

Anar will serve healthy handcrafted juices and bites; mamnoon street will build on the modern

street food of its main restaurant. Projected opening: Early 2016.

MARINATION

A new brick-and-mortar location for one of Seattle’s favorite food trucks/places for tacos

with a view. Projected opening: December 2015.

GREAT STATE BURGER

Another Huxley Wallace Collective spot; plans are for a small menu of about three burgers ($4–5 each), fries, onion rings, shakes, and more. Projected opening: Early 2016.

BAR NOROESTE TAQUERIA

Tacos, ceviches, braised meats, salsas, and more. Expect an elegant, late-night bar with a low-key DJ. Projected opening: February 2016.

CINQUE TERRE

Sister restaurant to Barolo Ristorante offering approachable, fresh Italian coastal dishes and pizzas. Projected opening: February 2016.

SKILLET

The brunch institution’s fourth location. Projected opening: December 2015.

POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP

A high-quality deli chain known for tasty, toasty sandwiches. Projected opening: December 2015.

TERRY AVENUE

LOCAL PUBLIC EATERY

This Canadian chain from the folks at Joey’s specializes in craft beer and elevated bar food. It will take over the former Cal’s Classic American Kitchen space at 404 Terry Avenue. Projected opening: Early 2016.

A version of this story originally ran in the 2015-2016 Winter/Spring issue of Discover South Lake Union magazine.