Capitol Hill’s New Self-Pour Wine and Beer Taproom Plans Late July Debut

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Capitol Hill’s New Self-Pour Wine and Beer Bar Plans Late July Debut

In the works since last fall, a self-pour beer and wine taproom called Rapport is preparing to open July 27 on Capitol Hill. The new spot — which will also serve snacks like salads, flatbreads, and cheeseboards — has made some adjustments to its plans due to COVID-19, including an emphasis on takeout and patio seating, but the general idea of patrons serving themselves won’t change. According to a rep for Rapport, the wall of self-pour taps will be sanitized constantly and help reduce staff and customer interaction, which would theoretically promote more social distancing. The concept isn’t completely foreign to Seattle, although it is rare. A Chicago-based self-pour bar called Tapster had planned to open a location in South Lake Union this summer as well. Rapport will open at the location where Starbucks’ so-called “independent” cafe Roy Street Coffee and Tea used to be.

Popular Vegan Ice Cream Shop Frankie and Jo’s Opens New U Village Location Soon [UPDATED]

Even though the summer weather hasn’t completely arrived yet, vegan ice cream fans will no doubt cheer this news. Frankie and Jo’s is close to opening a new U Village location, its third outpost in Seattle, following the ones in Ballard and Capitol Hill. The original opening date was supposed to be Saturday, but a rep tells Eater Seattle an unexpected delay has pushed it back, and there will be an update forthcoming. On the menu will be the shop’s regular flavors, such as chocolate date, salty caramel ash, and beet strawberry rose sorbet, along with seasonal scoops, including Eclipse (toasted coconut and dark chocolate ice cream with sunflower butter cups) and kale lime leaf. Right now, all locations are available for to-go orders, and there’s now nationwide delivery for pints.

Former Phinney Ridge Meat Destination Martino’s Readies Revival

In a carnivorous comeback, Martino’s Smoked Meats and Eatery — which closed in 2016 — is planning to open again soon. On Wednesday, the fast-casual spot specializing in California-style steak sandwiches announced its intentions to take over the space formerly occupied by Hecho, which closed in May (the owners are the same). While details are slim at this time, co-owner Chris Martino had said back when the spot closed years ago that a return would happen “if we can expand the concept to be a bit more of a restaurant than just takeout sandwiches.”

UPDATED, July 10, 2020, 6:21 p.m.: The item about Frankie and Jo’s was revised to note a last-minute delay in the pending opening.