The Unicorn: New bar to replace Satellite Lounge

unicorn graffiti
Originally uploaded by ladyJake

A mythological beast will soon take shape in Pike/Pine.

Welcome, the Unicorn.

Replacing the recently evicted Satellite Lounge at 1118 E. Pike, the Unicorn is the project of first-time bar owner Adam Heimstadt and his two business partners. "It's going to have a French, circus theme," Heimstadt said. "My house is filled with amazing crazy things and furniture that I've collected through the years. Carousel parts. A mishmash. This is going to be a great place for all these incredible things."

Heimstadt said the former Satellite location is the third place he's tried to get for a Capitol Hill bar. He and his partners looked at other locations including spots on 14th Ave and the place on Union that will soon house Po Dog Hotdogs. He's excited about the possibilities. "We're looking at 7,500 sqft of space to fill including the huge basement. We're going to open up the top first, the bottom later. The basement will be a mighty adventure," Heimstadt said.

Heimstadt wouldn't commit to a date for re-opening the top yet but says he plans to serve pizza at the bar and fill the space with arcade games and carousel parts. As for the 5,000 sqft basement, "We're going to continue the circus downstairs," Heimstadt said, adding that he's happy to finally have a place to display some large, stone unicorn statues he acquired.

In the meantime, he's going to continue working his bartender shift at the Twilight as he works with his partners to ready The Unicorn for its debut.

For the 35-year-old Heimstadt, who started tending bar when he was 20, opening a bar of his own has been a long-term goal. "I originally wanted to be a fashion designer," Heimstadt said. "I ended up being a bartender instead. The past 20 years of creativity are going into this."

You can follow Heimstadt's adventure on Twitter @adamheimstadt