Darling Pioneer Square Bar E. Smith Mercantile Is Closing

Pioneer Square’s small-but-respected Gold Rush-inspired bar and general store, E. Smith Mercantile, has announced via social media and its website that June 30 is its last day in business. The bar had recently taken over the former home of Arundel Books next door, doubling in size and adding Sunday brunch, but all of that is soon coming to an end.

A message on the bar’s Facebook page reads “...all good things sometimes must transition into different good things. It is with a heavy heart, yet hopeful, surrendered spirit that we wish to share with you our intentions to close our brick & mortar for E. Smith Mercantile.” There’s a longer letter posted on the official site.

In an interview with Seattle Met, owner Jessie Poole chalks the closure up to a “slump in retail sales” that couldn’t be recouped by the bar’s tickets, and ongoing Pioneer Square construction. Before all’s said and done, E. Smith is hosting a few “closing” events, including a chef’s dinner on June 17, rummage sale and ice cream social on June 23, and a closing auction party on July 7.

E. Smith Mercantile opened five years ago with a bar seating just 12 people, behind its retail area. Despite its small size, it became a respected destination for original cocktails, plus snacks like deviled eggs.

In April last year, E. Smith Mercantile knocked down the wall separating it from Arundel Books, and expanded into that space with about 12 more seats and the ability to serve brunch. Perhaps it will come as some solace to fans that the owners gave plenty of warning ahead of the June 30 closure date.

• E. Smith Mercantile Doubles Capacity at Its Tiny Cocktail Bar [ESEA]
• E. Smith Mercantile Will Close Up Shop in June [Seattle Met]
• E. Smith Mercantile [Official]
• E. Smith Mercantile [Facebook]
• All Coverage of E. Smith Mercantile [ESEA]