Pintxo Owners Debuting Two New Belltown Bars

Eater announced last month that Belltown’s tiny Spanish restaurant Pintxo had set its sights on more spacious digs. The restaurant also hinted on social media that the move would be complemented by the opening of not one but two new bars from owners Cory and Amanda Chigbrow. Now, more information on these developments:

First, Pintxo is still slated to open in its new space at 2219 4th Ave in May, in time for the restaurant’s seventh anniversary. The tapas-style menu and open-kitchen concept will remain, but there will be considerably more space in the dining room. Pintxo is also adding a charcuterie station with cured meats hand-sliced by the kitchen team. The larger kitchen will even allow Pintxo to offer baked goods like cocas — a Spanish flatbread — churros, and more. Later this year, the team anticipates adding lunch.

Second, one of the two new projects will be Bar Abajo at 2207 2nd Ave, taking over the current Pintxo space. The plan is for a “bright, easy, relaxed and welcoming bar setting,” slated for spring/summer of this year, according to a release. The focus here will be on “gins and tins,” with a long list of local and international gin options plus beer, red sangria, and frozen cocktails. Soaking up the booze will be tinned fish, almonds, olives, cheese, and charcuterie. “Abajo” is Spanish for “below,” referencing the venue’s position underneath another bar owned by the Chigbrows, The Upstairs.

And finally, another bar called Commonwealth anticipates a fall opening at 2219 4th Ave. Diners will enter through a back alley off Bell Street and select from a menu of craft cocktails with southern influences reflective of co-owner Amanda’s Kentucky roots. There are promises of an outdoor space with a fire pit in the slightly clandestine space.