Ballard Neighborhood Pub Crooked Nail Is Closed

Welcome back to Eater News, a semi-regular round-up of mini news bites. Have info to share? Email intel to seattle@eater.com.

• Lecosho, a meaty destination downtown for its late-night and happy-hour chops, is closed this week while a new hood is being installed, according to the general manager. The restaurant reopens for dinner at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 23.
• Ballard neighborhood pub Crooked Nail is closed after about a year, barely outlasting its predecessor, Chase Lounge, at 1556 NW 56th St. Apparently owner David Shelnut (formerly of Magnolia bar The Nook) died last year and the space has been for sale; according to a liquor license application, the next business moving in is Corner Shot from Kacy Fitch, a founder of Pike Place Market cocktail icon Zig Zag Cafe.
• This summer, Skal Beer Hall will replace the People’s Pub, which closed last August at 5429 Ballard Ave. Old Ballard Liquor Company founder and chef Lexi is helping Skal owner Adam McQueen honor Ballard’s Scandinavian roots with a Nordic food menu.
• As Babirusa finalizes its move from Eastlake to Belltown with a projected opening in March, the restaurant is doing a series of events to build steam, including yesterday’s pig roast at neighboring Navy Strength as well as three Debut Dinners this weekend. The company’s Gofundme campaign is also more than two-thirds of the way to a $35,000 goal.
• Swedish meatballs and vegan hot dogs? Ikea is adding the Veggie Dog to its European menus by the end of August, but it’s not hard to imagine it coming stateside before long.