(Image: Finch & Pine)
Pacific Northwest cafe Finch and Pine has permanently closed leaving a Capitol Hill food and drink space that has hosted a steady rotation of interesting food and drink projects ready for its next.
The cafe space built with the redevelopment of the Belroy Apartments more than a dozen years ago on Bellevue Ave has hosted projects over the years from an intriguing list of Capitol Hill-related owners including Fuel Coffee founder Dani Cone, Team Maranation’s Kamala Saxton and Roz Edison, and Joe Bar’s Wylie Bush.
Finch and Pine debuted in the space with the circular tiled bar in 2021 as Sitka and Spruce alum Sara Moran became a first-time owner.
“There are many reasons we have made this decision. Running a restaurant requires most, if not all of your attention,” Moran said as Finch and Pine announced its closure. “There are many factors that have made it more and more challenging. However, ultimately, and the main reason is because I’m ready for a new chapter.”
“I appreciate all of the love and support from our community over the past four years and all of the wonderful staff we’ve had,” Moran writes.
Moran says she plans to continue as a chef for private events but you might see her “pop up” around the city.
Meanwhile, the 800 and change-square-foot cafe at 711 Bellevue Ave E and the towering cedar tree out front are waiting for what will grow next in the space.
The Finch and Pine closure also brings Capitol Hill closer to a pedantic milestone as the long-running “_________ and _________ ” naming trend winds down. Sitka and Spruce, and Anchovies and Olives, you are remembered. Herb and Bitter, we are happy you are aging gracefully on Broadway. Long may your “_________ and _________ ” name wave.
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Before Dani, there was Chico Madrid.
I miss that place still!
2014 naming culture was a trip. time for something new.
It was Tired and Overdone a long time ago.
And ridiculous from the get go. After the 10th place did it you’d think that’d be a signal that your cutesy little name idea isn’t even a little bit unique.
Sad to see another empty storefront appear on Bellevue Ave, I’ve walked by it a lot on my morning commute. I saw some work being done inside the former plant shop (I think?) beside The Lookout the other day though, so hopefully that’s a good sign.
Makes me sad we never got a fish place named Barnes and Barnes.