Legendary Bar Wizard Murray Stenson Departs Queen City Grill

Add Queen City Grill to the list of bars that can claim Murray Stenson no longer. The Belltown spot where the legendary bar wizard began shaking and stirring back in September is now in his rearview mirror, Stenson confirms to Eater. He began working at Queen City in September after a short four month stint at newly opened Elysian Bar.

A tipster first alerted us to Stenson's departure, which Stenson says occurred on December 26. The most famous barman in town tells us he's now consulting with two restaurant chains while searching for his own bar location. Last October, Stenson told Eater he was looking for something in downtown Seattle, about the size of Il Bistro—which he revisited for four months last year. At the time, he made it clear his stop by his old haunt was temporary, saying "I'm old and set in my ways. It wouldn't be good for customers, for the business, or for me if I stuck around too long." We'll let you know where he's headed as soon as we have the word.