Eastlake Gem Babirusa Is Resurrected in Belltown

Babirusa, Rene Gutierrez and Charles Walpole’s respected Eastlake restaurant that closed its original location in December, is reopening in Belltown this Thursday, March 15, taking the place of Kushibar at 2319 2nd Ave. The reopening also brings back a staple of sibling restaurant Blind Pig Bistro, which closed in 2016: Six-course chef’s tasting menus that change nightly.

In a space with relatively simple decor — pops of red and pink set off rustic wooden tables and chairs, white walls and big booths, and exposed concrete — and lots more room than the original restaurant, diners can order the tasting menu or choose a la carte options that include hamachi with rhubarb and olive, lamb tartare, braised pork cheek, fish and chips, and a Painted Hills beef burger.

Suzi Pratt for Eater

The menu below is a sample and is subject to change.

Gutierrez and Walpole are also raising money via Gofundme for some renovations to the Belltown space, like patches on the roof, insulation for the patio, and a few more upgrades. As of press time, they’ve hit more than $27,000 of a $35,000 goal. People are ready for the return of Babirusa and the spirit of Blind Pig Bistro.

Babirusa will be open Monday to Wednesday 4 p.m. to midnight, Thursday 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Friday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.