With Glo’s suddenly the shiny new kid, Pike/Pine’s Lost Lake might feel like the grizzled veteran of the Capitol Hill diner class. The joint turns 10 this week.
As the pandemic recovery continues, it might be getting back it its old ways.
Lost Lake opened in May 2013 as a 24-hour diner, but its current hours are 7 AM to midnight, with extended openings on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Kerry Martinek, Lost Lake’s general manager, admits that finding staff to work overnight is a challenge but the diner is considering the possibility of returning to round-the-clock service.
“We’ve been talking about it and we’re trying to go in that direction. There’s no date on that yet,” Martinek says.
Lost Lake has come away since 2013. Part of the extended Capitol Hill Block Party and Neumos family of Pike/Pine joints, its siblings also include the Big Mario’s pizza bars and conjoined twin dive bar the Comet. Co-founder Dave Meinert left the ownership in 2018 in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations leaving Jason Lajeunesse in charge of the company. Partner Joey Burgess spun himself out to create his own family of Capitol Hill businesses with husband Murf Hall including Queer/Bar, The Cuff, and, now, Oddfellows, and Elliott Bay Book Company.
Martinek, who has been with the cafe for almost two years after being a regular customer since its opening, is excited about the anniversary and considers Lost Lake to be a one of a kind establishment.
Did you know, Comet is about to serve brunch, yuuuuup, it’s true
Despite COVID’s damaging effect on small local businesses, the diner has managed to bounce back well. The street patio, which was a lifesaver during the pandemic (and, at one time, part of much bigger plans for 10th Ave long before COVID concerns), is being updated with new plants, and Martinek says that the crowds on Capitol Hill are back, especially at brunch.
The diner’s ownership is also exploring the possibility of expanding to the south. Plans for a new diner-style cafe in White Center are underway. “I don’t know the opening, but it will likely be in the fall. It won’t be another Lost Lake, but it will have a “similar woodsy theme”.
Lost Lake has grown a loyal following, from customers and also with some current staff members having worked there for up to seven years, creating a sense of familiarity and comfort for regulars. Although you might see the same faces during the gray days as you do on the sunny ones , the cocktails change seasonally. “We just launched our new springtime cocktails. So we’re doing a lot of not just cocktails, but we’re trying to incorporate mocktails. There’s a lot of people that don’t drink so let’s have something that’s not just syrup.”
For its birthday, the diner is planning a party worthy of grown-up 10-year-olds with boozy milkshakes and $2.99 cheese burgers. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this week, Capitol Hill’s favorite “woodsy” diner is throwing itself a birthday party on Thursday complete with balloon animals and bear costumes. The throwback burger deal is happening all weekend long, comes with fries, and is cheaper than Dick’s ($3.05 and no fries). In keeping with the diner being a family-friendly spot, the event is open to children, and everyone is welcome to join the party.
The anniversary party will take place on Thursday from 3 to 7 PM but Martinek reminds neighbors to stop by for a visit anytime. “We’re trying to bring events here and we’re a safe place, a safe place for us, a place for our friends, a safe place for kids and people on the weekend,” Martinek says. “Yes, there’s tons of areas in Seattle to go to there’s lots of wonderful neighborhoods, but don’t forget where you live.”
Martinek also has advice for the folks that are visiting, “Capitol Hill is a great destination for everyone on the weekends, but treat it like your own neighborhood… don’t throw your trash on the ground.”
Those are wise words from a 10-year-old.
Lost Lake is located at 1505 10th Ave. Learn more at lostlakecafe.com.
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Yessssss! Need my 3am diner needs met. I love getting a late night bite with my book at the booth
Second this!
THERE YOU GOOOO!!!
More 24 hour places, let’s go. This is not the suburbs
My favorite part of these articles is reading how much of Seattle is really just 5 rich people owning every restaurant, bar or venue.
Then you don’t get out much.
It’s so very uplifting
Not entirely true BUT in an industry where profit margins are super slim, workers are harder to come by, and rent is always going up, the ability to have a cushion for giving workers paid time off, health insurance, and maybe savings for the inevitable equipment failure, often comes from the efficiency in purchasing, payroll, etc that having multiple places affords. You must not know many people who own restaurants if you’re calling them rich guys. Restaurant owners are some of the hardest working people I know.
Bring back the hot turkey sandwich!
The food and service was once pretty good. Now both are miserable.
Maybe you would feel better after an $11 beer from their bar.