The Bear and The Bee Opening "Whenever the Paint Dries"

[Photos: The Bear and The Bee]

The Bear and The Bee is headed for Belltown. Owners Marcus Johnson and Jessica Gifford already own a few watering holes on a single Second Ave. block, including skeeball and booze spot The Rabbit Hole and "Speakeasy-style bar" Bathtub Gin. The pair also bought Lava Lounge after it nearly closed last year due to a spike in rent prices. Now, Johnson and Gifford are starting up a deli just across the street from The Rabbit Hole in the former Wally's Grocery space.

"We're trying to keep up with quirky neighborhood names," Johnson tells Eater. "We've always wanted to open a sandwich shop around Belltown." Menu details are still being ironed out, but count on breakfast steak sandwiches and juice from Healthy Bonez, a new company started up by a friend of the owners. Lunch features big, messy sandwiches made with bread from Grand Central Bakery, including one with herbed turkey, capers, and grilled onions.

The interior will seat 22, including a large table in front. Johnson is planning to add on a side deck in May or June which will tack on about 15 more seats. The Bear and The Bee will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday.

When's it opening? "Whenever the paint dries," according to Johnson. Translation: in about a month, depending on permits and inspections.
· All Spring Tracking [-ESEA-]