Look Inside the Comet Tavern, Reopening Today in Capitol Hill

[Photos: S. Pratt]

The venerable Comet Tavern officially reopens today. The Comet's return isn't just good news for Rainier beer drinkers and shuffleboard players. It's good news for the city.

The beer-stained floors are decidedly less sticky since Dave Meinert (Lost Lake, Big Mario's, 5 Point) and Jason Lajeunesse (Lost Lake, Big Mario's, Barboza, Neumos, Moe Bar) took over the lease and began to clean up the space after the Comet suddenly shuttered last October. New booths and bathrooms are in, but most of the interior has been kept as-is (the neon C from Pike Place Market still hangs) to preserve the bar's more than 80 year history. Lajeunesse says:

We're invested in these places because we're invested in Seattle. Above all, our commitment is to preserve and create small, independent businesses because they benefit the city culturally and financially. If neighborhood legends like the Comet Tavern turn into chain restaurants, the soul of the city is gone. Seattle doesn't need another Panera Bread, they need more places like the Comet." The Comet now has two dozen taps filled with "the largest selection of cheap beer in Seattle," microbrews and cider. (Today only, Ed and Ethyl's Ales pints are 45-cents.) Happy hour is Monday through Friday, with pitchers of beer starting at $4 at 4 p.m. They're a buck more per hour until they cap at $8 at 8 p.m.

For the first time in three decades, the Comet is offering a sandwich and chip menu (wild boar sloppy joe, veggie BLT) and snacks, including pickled eggs, beef sticks, and hot nuts.

Hours are noon till 2 a.m. daily, live music starts up tomorrow.

Grid View

· The Comet Tavern [Official Site]
· All Eater Inside Coverage [-ESEA-]