Crown Hill’s Family-Friendly Cafe and Bar the Dane Plans to Close in April

One Crown Hill favorite is about to leave the neighborhood. Coffee and beer cafe the Dane announced on Facebook that it plans to close permanently Sunday, April 4, after four years in business.

Though the owners didn’t mention a specific reason, the official statement hinted at pandemic challenges. “We look forward to every minute we have left,” the message read. “As the world recovers from this virus, support all the small businesses that you can!” My Ballard first reported the news.

When it opened in March 2017, the Dane offered all-day service, with Stumptown coffee and Smith tea served in the morning, and local beer on more than 30 taps rolling out for the later crowd, along with a rotating menu of sandwiches and snacks. It sold food from local purveyors, such as Salmonberry Goods, and hosted food trucks, including vegan sensation Cycle Dogs, which is still parked out front even as it plans its first fixed location in Ballard. During the pandemic, the Dane shifted to some takeout offerings, cocktail kits, and built tents outside for covered patio seating.

Over the years, the Crown Hill cafe also gained a solid reputation as a great family-friendly spot, with drafts for the adults and a separate nook with toys, books, and games for kids. Pre-pandemic, there was story time on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, plus family bingo, trivia nights, and occasional live music for all ages.

There’s no word yet on what will take over the space, or whether the owners are eyeing a potential revival down the road. Eater Seattle reached out to the Dane, and will update this article if any more info is made available.

• The Dane [Facebook]
• The Dane Closing After 4 Years on Crown Hill [My Ballard]