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Classic Seattle Diner Beth’s Cafe Closes Indefinitely, But Hopes to Return

Plus, Temple Pastries sets an opening date, and two homebrewers ready their new Kirkland beer spot

The front of Beth’s Cafe with its red awning backlit at dusk
Beth’s Cafe has been around since 1954 as a 24-hour diner.
Madge Bloom/Beth’s Cafe [Official Photo]

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Classic Seattle Diner Beth’s Cafe Closes Indefinitely

Longtime Seattle favorite Beth’s Cafe is shutting down, at least for now. In a Facebook message posted October 12, the restaurant announced that it could not operate at the 50 percent capacity mandated by phase two in the state’s COVID reopening plan, and expressed the hope that it can reopen whenever full seating is allowed. For decades, Beth’s built a reputation as a reliable 24-hour greasy spoon, serving up classic comfort food, such as burgers, pancakes, and sandwiches, as well as a massive 12-egg omelette that has garnered attention from TV shows like the Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food. But its future was uncertain, even before the pandemic. In April, owner Chris Dalton died after a long battle with cancer, months after he put the Green Lake place up for sale. From all accounts, the current owners of Beth’s Cafe appear to have no intentions of closing for good, though. “We look forward to a speedy recovery, and who knows, we may be open sooner than you think,” the new Facebook message said.

Anticipated Bakery Temple Pastries Eyes Late October Opening

One major new sweets shop is getting closer to opening its doors. After months of anticipation, Temple Pastries — the pastry operation born out of a well-regarded pop-up — is eyeing an October 23 debut for its new fixed location in the Central District. The partnership with Broadcast Coffee will feature furikake croissants, breakfast sandwiches, macarons, and sweet potato jam doughnuts, with a full espresso bar. Broadcast will also carry over their seasonal drink menu, including the Flapjack, which is a maple, hazelnut, cinnamon and flaky sea salt coffee drink, and its new adjacent roasting space will be operational beginning in November.

Homebrewers Take Over Former Flycaster Brewing in Kirkland

New beermaker Brewing Savage Co. — run by homebrewing couple Will and Layken Savage — is opening in Totem Lake Thursday. It takes over the former Flycaster Brewing Co. that was around for six years before it sold to Brewing Savage, and will have eight beers on tap to start (six from Flycaster’s inventory, and two new pale ales), as well as bottle and crowler options to go, along with some wine and cider selections. Snacks will be fairly simple (cheese and crackers) before food truck partnerships ramp up, and there will be limited seating available for dine-in service. When the newish brewery opens, it will compete in the Kirkland beer space with the likes of Black Raven, Chainline, and Maelstrom.

Beth's Cafe

7311 Aurora Avenue North, , WA 98103 (206) 782-5588 Visit Website