The restaurant scene in 2003 for West Seattle was nowhere near what it has become today. And it's arguable that the event that began a clear trend toward eateries and bars that were both classic and cool began with the opening of West 5. Smack in the heart of the Junction at 4539 California Ave. SW two men who had never run a restaurant before chose to open a place "because West Seattle needs a cool retro bar and restaurant,"  Dean Overton said to partner Dave Montoure. Both born and raised here Overton came from the entertainment industry and Montoure from business. The location had previously been a shoe store , a bowling alley and a hobby store. They celebrated fifteen years in business, Feb. 8

"We learned a lot, " said Overton, "mostly about management."

They made a conscious choice to stick with high quality comfort food like their Astral Mac n' Cheese, Meatloaf, and what is likely the best BLT sandwich in West Seattle. But Overton ascribes the succes of the restaurant to the employees there saying, "We have people who have been with us from the beginning and a few others who joined later. They are the ones who built the clientel and kept people coming back."

History is a big part of West 5 which itself is drawn from the form way telephone numbers were assigned in this area. Vintage photos are on the walls, over generous booth seating in the back. A large crown full of incandescent lights is the primary light source for the back of the place and a long bar, separated by a railing keeps kids where they need to be and adults able to have a seat and enjoy a meal or a classic cocktail. They take pride in their Mai-Tai's another sixties call back.

"When we opened the Herald published a piece welcoming ten new businesses to the Junction. Now, 15 years later only two on the list are still here. Us and the Seattle Fish Company, " said Overton.

There are some "seating changes" coming up this year he said but the menu will remain, the drinks will stay high quality and the neighborhood vibe will never change. That's apparently how you make a successful restaurant. Serve good food and drinks, hire good people and be consistent. West 5 figured that out and made it work.