The Westy Sports and Spirits on 35th Ave. SW will open by the end of November and become West Seattle's newest sports bar. The owners say they see it as a cut above conventional sports bars with their decor, food and spirit offerings but suggest that it will be a neighborhood hangout and a comfortable place to watch your favorite sports.
UPDATE Nov. 16
The Westy Sports and Spirits has confirmed their official opening date, Wednesday, Nov. 26. It's been a long time coming but finally the doors will open. They posted on their Facebook page the following:
"Wednesday Nov. 26th as we open our doors at 3pm!
The next week will be filled with all of our product arriving and staff training. We will be having a couple of invite only soft openings to prepare our staff to welcome the neighborhood and all of West Seattle to it's new sports viewing destination."
Original Post
It’s been a year. That long to get a building transformed and a business built, up against a process that seemed at times to be directly opposed to making it a reality.
But finally the week of Nov. 17 the Westy Sports and Spirits at 7908 35th Ave. SW will conduct some invitation only soft opens with the full opening certain “by the end of the month” said owners J.P. Vidican and Paul Ritums. The actual opening dates are still (yes still) pending awaiting sign off by the Health Department. The process ran into conflicts with the city over permitting which took time, issues where once approved elements had to be re-approved and other delays over getting people to do the work required. But that's all behind them now.
The former electronics repair facility has been completely transformed into a hip, urban, industrial space, with an attitude and orientation several cuts above what you might find at your average sports bar. Wood, metal, pipes and exposed lighting give the Westy a masculine edge but there are some feminine touches too such as hooks under the bar to hang purses, and a nicely appointed ladies room. This is a place with personality. Vidican and Ritums did the majority of the construction work required themselves.
14 to 16 people will staff the restaurant/ bar which also features 16 large flat screens, a shuffleboard, two Skeeball machines, and a private room (16 people) for meetings or meals. Eight cable feeds will deliver sports from everywhere they are played on earth. The bar can play audio in three different areas (not counting the rest rooms where it will also be heard). 90 people can be inside at full capacity.
The Westy will be open 11am to 2am weekdays and open early on the weekends at 9am (for the soccer and early games). The regular menu will be discounted during happy hour.
The food is going to be on the gourmet side with things like Queso Fundido a three cheese fondue served in a roasted onion with bread and tequila macerated dates, Duck Tacos, Irish Nachos, Chicken and Waffles and Clams Borracho which is Manila Clams and linguisa sausage. Dinner might be a Salmon Burger, or a Cuban Sandwich or even a steak. Of course they will also offer wings, mac and cheese, burgers, and for those early days, some “breakfast geared options” but not conventional breakfast.
There will also be some gluten free and healthier options. Prices are generally $15 or under with a just a few more than that.
They will serve 12 beers on tap with 10 domesic craft beers and a hard cider. Domestic beers and other selections will be available in bottles. Craft cocktails, and tap cocktails (think Seahawks blue and green specialty drinks served fast and good) will be available along with a few wines. Interestingly, both owners, through an association with BrovoSprits, have bottled beverages named after them with Brovo Jammy Vermouth named after and directed by Vidican and an Amaro named after and blended to the taste of Ritums. Both will be available for sale at The Westy.
While the Westy does have a large garage door style opening, the delayed start meant they will wait to get their sidewalk dining option until the weather improves likely next spring.
“Our goal is to focus on the quality aspect that sports bars don’t offer,” said Vidican. “We’ll offer a better cocktail, some better choices and healthier cuisine but have it be very much a neighborhood bar.”
“As much as we’re going to be about sports,” said Ritums, “It can be that neighborhood hangout spot where you want to go get a cocktail or grab a bite to eat. Sports are a big part of it, but it’s not going to be all of it.”
Check out www.thewestyseattle.com for more information. The site will get more content as the business gets up and running.
For now, finally getting open is the end of a long road. West Seattle's newest sports bar is about to embark on a new one.
