After 13 years in Capitol Hill, Sam’s Tavern announced Thursday that it will close its original location. The bar and restaurant shared the news in a social media post, reflecting on its long run at the corner of 11th Avenue and East Pike Street — a spot the business once described as a “cursed corner.”
Despite the location’s reputation when it first opened, Sam’s Tavern said it transformed the space into something special over the years.
The Capitol Hill restaurant will stay open for one final weekend “for now,” according to the announcement, which also hinted that the closure may not be permanent. “And who knows … this might not be the end,” the business wrote.
Owner and founder James Snyder told Capitol Hill Seattle (CHS) that he has sold the rights to the owners of the space, husband and wife team Walter Lee and Mari Tiscareñoto, after 13 years of leasing it from them. He told CHS that, “You have to sell it to someone who has capital and a long runway.” Reportedly, the plan is for them to reopen Sam’s Tavern under the same name.
Sam’s Tavern is encouraging customers to stop by for a final celebration this weekend with the staff, asking guests to “show love to the team, tip your bartenders big, and let’s close this chapter the right way.”
In addition to the Capitol Hill spot, there is also a Sam’s Tavern location in South Lake Union, which has been temporarily closed since April 13 due to a power outage. It remains to be seen when (or if) that location will reopen, but it is also reportedly under new ownership according to CHS. The chain previously had restaurants in Bellevue and Redmond.
