We're Opening on Capitol Hill: Summer 2009

Seattle Chefs Brian McCracken and Dana Tough are opening a new speakeasy style bar in Seattle. Last summer the duo opened Spur Gastropub in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood which has already been recognized as one of the country’s six top gastropubs by Food & Wine magazine. This year they join lead bartender David Nelson in opening Tavern Law in late June on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. The 21-and-over restaurant/bar will anchor Trace Lofts, the historic-meets-modern residential and retail project located on 12th Avenue within the Pike Pine Triangle. At Tavern Law the trio will focus on classic cocktails and full-flavored, refined foods served in an environment reminiscent of Speakeasy-era establishments of the 1920’s.

In 1832 the Pioneer Inn and Tavern Law legalized drinking in public bars and saloons. The Golden Age of cocktails thrived for nearly a century until the 1919 Volstead Act almost destroyed the craft by outlawing the production and pleasure of alcoholic beverages. However, in hidden rooms and dark basements, thirsty patrons still sought spirits. And so the Speakeasy was born, booming until the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. Tavern Law is a celebration of this history. To join Tavern Law’s email list for more information, email us at speakeasy@spurseattle.com .