The Hummingbird Saloon | Seattle Refined

The Hummingbird Saloon has been in business for nearly eight years and has become a staple for many people in the Columbia City community. During the pandemic, such neighborhood bars have become even more valuable to loyal regulars and newcomers.

Owner Eric Weakland describes the venue as “a popular local restaurant / bar with good food, craft cocktails and a cozy atmosphere”. He says they are also known for their weekly food deals and seasonal cocktail specials. Some recent Yelp reviews praised the saloon’s service, the variety of beers on tap, and unexpected food finds such as “Mac and cheese with the burnt ends of the breast” or the tuna nicoise with wasabi mayo.

The venue was originally founded by the Columbia City owners of Full Tilt Ice Cream and another family. Weakland took ownership in August 2019.

People often go to the restaurant bar’s social media channels for timely updates. For example, recent Instagram posts have announced an “unhappy hour” that runs until 6, demonstrations of Sounders games, and new food and drink pairings. A seductive combination that we spied on? A sandwich with smoked buffalo mozzarella on a baguette with sweet smoked Roma tomatoes and basil pesto aioli, with El Gusano Temprano, a cocktail with Flor de Cana extra seco, Hue-Hue coffee rum and horchata (“shaken to frothy, sweet bliss” ).

When asked how the company managed to find its way over the past year, Weakland said, “We have done our best to help our industry brothers and sisters currently affected by the layoffs by also offering a discount on food every day and offer drinks as a meal on selected days. Before that, we were part of the Flourish Community Church and the Flying Lion Brewing community. “

“Columbia City has always been a wonderful, vibrant, and inclusive community,” he continues. “As an entrepreneur, I intend to keep the standards we already have.”

But no one goes out of the past year unscathed.

“The pandemic has challenged every company, regardless of its size,” says Weakland. “I made the best possible use of the time, redesigned our menu and drinks so that it best suits the situation. I was fortunate that my church is so close. The running joke is that all of the stores in our neighborhood give away roughly the same $ 20. I thought it might be fun to sign one to see. “

Weakland is grateful for loyal customers who continue – and still – to show up. “The absolute best a consumer can do to support a business like mine?” he asks. “Come in! If you respect the staff, the rules we have made, and the people around you, we will all be successful. Most companies in the community will happily package your food to take away, bring it to your car, or make everything safe and convenient for you. ”

And that’s exactly how we are planning a visit to The Hummingbird Saloon in the near future.