Chophouse Row’s Awaited New Wine Bar Looks to Open in Late November

For years, the popular Chophouse Row wine spot Bar Ferdinand drew in scores of oenophiles until it closed in February. But some new blood will soon arrive. Light Sleeper — the brainchild of several industry vets, including former Damn the Weather chef Eli Dahlin and accomplished sommelier Ezra Wicks — plans to open in late November.

There will be around 20 wines by the glass on offer to start, across the spectrum (local, global, skin contact offerings, dessert varieties), while the food menu will keep things simple with a rotating selection of bar fare, including small pizzas. Despite the limited restrictions on seating, the new bar will attempt to introduce dine-in service, with both walk-ins and online reservations available, plus seating in the heated Chophouse Row courtyard adjacent to the space.

Dahlin tells Eater Seattle he wants the experience to feel like a tasting menu restaurant where customers can “explore as many options as possible,” but aims to get away from the shared plates trend. He’s also planning to introduce a takeout-only lunch option, since many people line up for nearby counter By Tae during the daytime.

Neighboring bottle shop Wide Eyed Wines will act as a cellar of sorts, offering the restaurant’s entire inventory for purchase. Dahlin says it will allow customers to get their favorite selections without the typical markups for bottles that restaurants usually charge (there would only be a corkage fee if diners want to open a bottle up right there, rather than take it home).

There will also be a small selection of classic cocktails available, but the emphasis will always be on wine, with “everything represented,” Dahlin says. Follow the bar’s official Instagram page for further updates.

• Capitol Hill’s Prominent Wine Destination Bar Ferdinand Closes Permanently [ESEA]
• Light Sleeper [Official]
• Light Sleeper [Instagram]