Stories

Not everyone in Seattle is lucky enough to have a Dick's Drive-In in their neighborhood. Dick's recently announced that they would be opening a new restaurant and they are letting the people decide where to put it. Here's the full press release. Click here to vote. Here's the full press release.

Seattle – Where to build the next Dick’s Drive-In Restaurant? That is the question. After 36 years and millions of burgers and fries, Seattle’s famed Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants today announced plans to build a new drive-in somewhere in the Seattle metro area by calling on customers and fans to help select the next location. The expansion is the first new Dick’s Drive-In for the company since the Queen Anne Dick’s opened in 1974. “We are very excited to make this historic expansion after 36 years,” says Jim Spady, vice president of Dick’s Drive-Ins and son of co-founder and namesake, Dick Spady. “And we want to involve our customers and the community, asking... (more)

Today at the Beer Authority

Join Pete and Marika fight MS by raising a pint and some $ for Bike MS. They are riding their bikes for 2 days around Skagit County to fight this terrible disease so come support them by having a pint of our feature beer, Boulder Brewings Never Summer Ale.

All proceeds from the $5 featured pints go to bike MS!

The Beer Authority LLC | 12716 Lake City Way NE | Seattle | WA | 98125

Just in case you hadn't already noticed, the Sugar Shack is gone. But, have no fear, their replacement Cafe Kopi has the same baker. For more info on the new place and their menu check out Maple Leaf Life.

Cafe Kopi - 8056 Lake City Way

Ever have one of those moments where something takes you straight back to your childhood?  Thursday evening my partner had one of those moments.  We were on our way to the farmers market, thinking of fruit, bread, and cheese when she stopped on the sidewalk along Lake City Way.  The sweet aroma of fresh pastry drifted by and her eyes lit up, “We have to go to Minoo!  They just took a batch of Zulbia out of the oven!”  When we moved to Lake City we were blessed to move next to Seattle’s only Persian bakery – which happens to make treats my partner’s grandfather used to make for her as a kid.

One thing led to another and we ended up with a small pink box of goodies for home and another for me to share with co-workers, plus a batch of fresh baked pocket bread.  Minoo is a fantastic bakery, with subtly sweet treats for all occasions.  Pick up a few cookies for dessert on a weeknight or a more elaborate cake for any special occasion. ... (more)

With the drizzle and cooler temperatures today, I planned a trip to the Lake Forest Park farmers market this morning to pick up some beets.  If you miss the Lake City farmers market on Thursday, or simply eat up all your goodies by the middle of the weekend, head north on Lake City Way to the Lake Forest Park market on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.  The market is staged in the lower parking lot of the Lake Forest Park Town Centre.

The goal for today was to get my most requested canned good, Grandma’s pickled beets, put up before the warm weather returned.  My family would be happy for the rest of the year, and I wouldn’t be sweltering away in the kitchen.  While at the market, I also picked up some giant bunches of basil.  Basil and pesto are also big favorites in my family and are very simple and inexpensive to preserve in season.  While the beets were simmering, I made the following to freeze:

Whirled Basil
1 bunch basil
Pinch of salt
Drizzle of olive oil
1/2 to 1 tablespoon... (more)

Have you been to the Beer Authority's new Beer Garden? Today's the day.

Today's the perfect day to stop in because Barry's trying out a new grilling menu. This Wednesday - Friday from 5:30-8 they'll be grilling up sausages, franks, and burgers. If things go well they plan to have a regular rotating menu. Check out the menu below.

 So grab a friend or two and head on over to the Beer Authority for a beer and something to eat.

The Beer Authority 12716 Lake City Way NE, Seattle WA 98125 

Pig Boy Polish Sausage w/Chips  $4 (grilled onions, sour kraut and Stone Ground mustard included)

Beef Frank w/Chips $4 (grilled onions, sour kraut and Stone Ground mustard included)
Bad Boy Cheese Burger 1/3lbs w/Chips $5 (grilled onions included)

Head to the Beer Authority this Sunday for the World Cup. Don't forget to check out their new outdoor seating. Here are the details:

Sunday at 11:30 am is the World Cup final between the Spanish and the Dutch.  We're having a happy hour during the game so come on down and blow a vuvuzela for your favorite side...cheers!All Draft Beers $3.50 during the match

! v. 

Spanish fans wear red, Dutch fans wear orange!

Now that it's finally gorgeous summer weather, I've been itching to go to places with nice outdoor seating. Last night I headed to El Norte to meet a few new friends; the deck there was a perfect, sweet little place to enjoy the early evening. They have a handful of new picnic tables, flowerboxes, and some cool blue outdoor lights for when the sun sets.  What a nice little Lake City spot. This picture doesn't do it justice -- go see for yourself! 13717 Lake City Way NE.

Just read in the Seattle Times that Bothell has sealed a deal for a McMenamins inn and overall funspot to come to Bothell in 2013: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012136669_m

If you haven't been to a McMenamins venue before, here is a link to a similar spot (school turned into a small hotel in Portland, OR): http://www.mcmenamins.com/427-kennedy-school-home

I'm in no way affiliated with McMenamins, but I've been going to their historic hotels and pubs in WA and OR for years, and they are all well done, lovely, and a heck of a lot of fun. Sure, they're known for house-made beer, wine, and spirits, but they're also garden-, music-, and family-friendly. And they'll have a pool and movie theater to boot. This should be good news for the North end. (You may recall that McMenamins tried to work a deal to create a similar venue at St. Ed's a few years ago, but it didn't happen.)

Kudos to Bothell -- I've been heading up there a few times lately -- it's quite a nice little downtown. Perhaps the vibrancy... (more)

Have you heard the news? Seattle Beer Week starts tomorrow.

Events are happening all over town. We've got a fare share of events here in the north end at the Beer Authority, Fiddler's Inn, and Hudson's. Seattle Beer Week runs May 13th-23rd. Check out the full list of events here.

THE BEER AUTHORITY

This Saturday (5/15) is the Drowing the Witch of Marzana Festival. What's that you say? It's an eastern European pagan holiday that celebrates the coming of spring by drowning the effigy of the witch Marzanna. Stop by for tasty Polish drafts and food.

Wednesday (5/19) is the "If It's Not Scottish, It's Crap" featuring, you guessed it, Scottish beers.

Friday (5/21) Dirty Beer Night. Stop in and vote for your favorite dirty beer. The winners will be on sale the following week (7Seas Ballz Deep, Midnight Sun's Panty Peeler, Oskar Blues Old Chub...).

FIDDLER"S INN

7pm on Tuesday (5/18) is Beer Cheese and Chocolate night. Featuring Theos Chocolate, New Belgium Ale, and the Essential Bakery

12pm on Wednesday (5/19) is the Lazy Boy and Left Hand BBQ  

Later that night stop in again for the Undiscovered Beer Tour featuring undiscovered beers from all over Seattle

HUDSON

Sunday at 11am (5/16) stop in for the Brett Brunch featuring four beers paired with a special three course brunch.

Here are a few photos of El Norte on Cinco de Mayo.

Although, I was a bit disappointed that they didn't have food on Wednesday, their food menu looked really tasty. It's great to hear that they'll be serving food until 2 am. Right now the only options that late are Dicks and the wide array of fast food joints. I'm also really excited about their back patio.

Have you had a chance to stop in yet?

I've heard from friends that El Norte lounge (the sibling project to Mr. Villa) had indeed gotten their liquor license and was going forward. I can't, however, verify it on the WA Liquor Control Board site ( http://www.liq.wa.gov/Media_Releases/MediaReleasesReport3.as) and the most recent news I can find is this: http://seattlecrime.com/2010/01/07/city-fights-to-keep-new-b

The site is clearly being worked on. (See pic.) Anybody have the inside scoop? Open for Cinco de Mayo, perhaps??

It's no secret that we here at Lake City Live are jonzing for more coffee shops to open up in the neighborhood. In the meantime, I'm happy to announce that Cafe Lati, one of the two independently-owned cafes in the area, is celebrating it's one year anniversary. They have daily drink specials going from now until this Sunday, April 4th.  Become a fan of their Facebook page to find out all the deals.

More importantly, when you are about to take that quick run to the Starbucks on Lake City, why don't you head over to Cafe Lati on110th and 35th instead. Supporting your local businesses is the best way to get even more opening.

It's no secret that I love Lake City. I get personally offended when Seattlites don't know Lake City exists. For my birthday this year, my roommate bought me a retired Lake City Way street sign that is now hanging in my kitchen.

As much as I love Lake City, sometimes I get jealous of my friends who live in neighborhoods with hip, trendy places to have brunch. Don't get me wrong, I love Claire's and The Breakfast Club but they are in no way are they hip or trendy.

A few weekends ago I decided to check out Hudson for brunch. Hudson opened about a year ago (April 2009) on Lake City Way in Maple Leaf near Coopers and Mr Villa. It's a great place to grab a drink and they serve up a classy dinner but I'd never been in for brunch.

My friend and I were seated quickly. The menu was simple but every thing looked tasty and reasonably priced. I decided the the baked eggs and my friend ordered the pancakes. While we waited for our food other people started to trickle in. I was soon jealous of the couple next to us sipping... (more)

Remember when that 73-year old guy drove his SUV into the Lake City Dick's burger joint the other day? He might have been drunk. He told the cops he hit the gas when he meant to hit the break.  He's being charged with a DUI.

This is all according to the Seattle P-I, which reports that Dick's plans to re-open soon. According to the article, many of the restaurant's windows have been replaced by plywood since the accident, but luckily the restaurant's poop-chute was not damaged. This so-called "poop-chute" (so-called by me, that is. No one else seems to be calling it that) is a pipe located inside  the restaurant. It's "basically a vent in the plumbing that goes up through the roof and allows sewer gases to escape to the atmosphere," according to the P-I. Had the poop-chute been damaged in the SUV attack, it would have made it harder for Dick's to re-open in a timely manner.

Read the full article here: Man charged with DUI in crash that closed Dick's

Josh Trujillo, at the Seattle PI, reports a car crashed into the Lake City Dick's Drive-In late last night.  Apparently the restaurant sustained enough damage to close down until further notice. 

Luckily no one was injured during the accident; although I'm sure many a Nathan Hale student will be feel differently when they can't get their 1am Deluxe burger fix tonight.

Update on how the crash happened from the Seattle Police Dept:

A witness said he saw the vehicle drive into the front counter of the building. The driver got out and said that he hit the accelerator instead of the brake.

This witness was standing in line waiting to order when he turned and saw the vehicle driving towards him. The witness jumped out of the way, injuring his knee as he did so.  Seattle Fire responded and treated him on scene. He was not transported.

Officers contacted the driver and placed him under arrest. He was transported to the North Precinct and processed for DUI and later released.

This Saturday the Shanty Tavern is hosting a Tribute to Johnny Cash. San Francisco band Sick Wolf will be rocking with Johnny Mercury. If you've never been to the Shanty Saturday's your chance! (9002 Lake City Way NE Seattle 98115)

Before you head the Shanty stop by The Beer Authority (12716 Lake City Way Northeast 98125) to support Team in Training. Each month The Beer Authority is holding a fund raiser for a different non profit. So buy a pint of Elysian Immortal IPA this Saturday and all the proceeds will go to fight blood cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma...). This from Barry:

Contributing will never be easier - or tastier! All you have to do is stop by this Saturday between noon and 9pm and have a pint (or fill your growler) of Elysian Immortal IPA! Each pint is only $5.50 and all the proceeds go to Team in Training. A big shout out goes to Elysian Brewing who is our partner for this event.

This Sunday I'm headed to my parents' house to watch the Super Bowl, drink beer, and eat chili cream cheese dip. Unfortunately, you didn't make the guest list. Since you're not invited to my mom's I took the time to put together your North Seattle Super Bowl Bar Guide. You can all thank me later. If you're cool like me and have a party to go to, don't be that smuck who doesn't bring anything. Pick up a growler at the Beer Authority on your way to the party.

Lake City - Pinehurst

Stop by The Beer Authority (12716 Lake City Way Seattle 98125) for Super Bowl. They're serving up chili all day long. Don't like chili, Barry will have local takeout menus available to for you to order some grub. If you haven't had a drink at the Beer Authority this is the perfect time to check it out.

The Rimrock's (12322 Lake City Way Seattle 98125) is my favorite place to drink when I want to forget what time it is and waste the day away. You're bound to find people drinking at this bar anytime of the day.  Bored with... (more)

Drink a beer, help Haiti. Sound too good to be true? Well, fortunately, it's not.

This Saturday at the Beer Authority, owner Barry Adams is pouring $5.50 pints or $20 growlers of Victory's Prima Pils. If we drink the entire keg we'll raise over 600 dollars for Haiti Relief. So stop in any time from noon to 9pm and do your part. Don't feel like drinking, donations will also be accepted.

Can't make it this Saturday? No worries. You'll have another chance to drink for a good cause. This Saturday kicks off the Beer Authority's 12 Months of Giving. One Saturday every month will be dedicated to fund raising for a specific charity.

Each event will be all day (noon to 9pm) on one Saturday per month.  We will provide a full keg and sell pints/growlers for $6-7 with all the proceeds going to the charity/organization. 

The Beer Athority on Lake City Way at 12716 Lake City Way NE | Seattle | WA | 98125

Search no further, the Beer Authority is now pouring draft beers on site and growlers to go. If you're a beer fan and haven't been in to the Beer Authority, you're missing out. Owner Barry knows more about beer than I know about my own parents. So stop in and enjoy a draft beer on site and if you like, take a growler home with you.

The Beer Authority is located on Lake City Way at 12716 Lake City Way NE | Seattle | WA | 98125

On Draft Now:

 

• Russian River Damnation Golden Belgian
• Ninkasi SleighR Double Dark Alt
• Big Al's IPA
• Russian River Pliny the Elder Double IPA

 

Up Next:

 

• Port Townsend Winter Rye
• Oskar Blues Gordon Double IPA/Imperial Red
• The Whip Pale Ale brewed by Queensryches (yes the band) Michael Wilton through Lazy Boy

 

Thursday, August 27th from 5-7pm at the Beer Authority. 

Erik Carels from Snoqualmie Falls brewery will be here to taste and talk about his company's beers - the Wildcat IPA, Steam Train Porter, and Haystack Hefeweizen.  No fee for this tasting either..

The rumors are true - Ezell's Famous Fried Chicken is now open.

We may not be one of Seattle's neighborhoods that boasts a Molly's Moons or cupcake shop but Lake City is now the envy of every neighborhood in Seattle (other than the Central District which already has an Ezell's). Near the corner of 145th and Lake City Way, Ezell's shares a parking lot with Starbucks. Their current hours are Monday -Saturday 10am - 9pm and Sunday 11am - 8pm

And so we say to our Seattle neighbors, keep your cupcakes, we don't want them. But feel free to stop by and have some of our fried chicken.

This Thursday, August 13th from 5-7pm, at the Beer Authority.

We're having Mike Armstrong from Skagit River Brewing in to taste the Skagit River brews we normally carry plus a mystery beer that is not available in bottles! Beers being tasted will include the Skullers IPA, Trumpeter Stout, Jenny's Scotch, and Steelie Brown. As for the special beer, people will have to show up to find out... No fee!

Join us for our 5th annual Incredible Feast!

August 23, 5-8pm

This event is truly one of Seattle's most enjoyable and delicious food events, showcasing an astounding variety of gourmet dishes, along with excellent local wines, microbrews, live music, country-fair-style games (with great prizes!) and a dessert auction. 

 Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets and at any of our seven Farmers Market info booths.  We've sold out every year, so be sure to get your tickets in advance!  Prices: $80 per person, or $150 per couple, $10 for kids 13 and under.

An Incredible Feast has received accolades from food writers, chefs, bloggers and the local food community as being one of the best, if not the best food event in Seattle.  Held in a farmers market transformed into one big private outdoor party, guests can sample over 30 unique dishes made from local farm ingredients, enjoy local ( wines and beers, and meet the chefs and farmers behind the food.   ...(more)

Tired of making the trek the grocery store? Want to shop for groceries in the comfort of your own home? Now you can.

AmazonFresh recently added 98125 to the list. Orders over $75 include free delivery - otherwise it will cost you $5, unless you're a Big Radish. Same day orders are avaliable for many items.

I enjoy walking to the grocery store and wandering the aisle but this might be a good way to stock up bulk items.