After Two Decades, Madrona Eatery and Ale House Will Shutter After Service This Friday

Madrona Eatery and Ale House, a stalwart business for the past two decades at 34th & E. Union, will close this week. Friday is the last day for ale house owner Burke Shethar, whose landlord has declined to renew the lease on the property.

A last-minute effort by Madrona neighbors to persuade the landlord (a resident of Hawaii)  has apparently failed. No telling what will replace the pub, which is next door to newly built apartments and Brian Clevenger's new Vendemmia, and across the street from longtime favorite St. Cloud's. Also in the cluster of neighborhood businesses: Ethan Stowell's Red Cow and a wine bar called Bottle Shop.

Burke Shethar

Shethar has scheduled going-away parties for the 24th and 25th, and an auction for July 28th. A contractor will show up on the 29th if the hood and coolers don't fetch their reserve price. Ever the good boss, Shethar has lined up jobs for his staff with a bar group in Ballard. "The reality is sinking in that this 20-year run is coming to an end," he says, recognizing that he now has to find a job for himself as well.