Lockspot Cafe

The Lockspot Cafe Purchased by Alison’s Coastal Cafe and Bakery Owner | Eater Seattle

"Dating back almost 100 years near the Ballard Locks, the Lockspot Cafe has long been known for its delightful fish and chips and great chowder, earned extra acclaim after appearing on Discovery Channel’s “The Deadliest Catch” as a sea captain favorite, and has even hosted local luminaries like Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. After longtime owner Pam Hanson—who worked at the cafe for more than two decades—decided to retire, Alison Soike and chef Ryan Faniel purchased the place and plan to fully take over by the end of the summer; they say they will honor the cafe’s history, keep it a “fish and chips place with great chowder” at heart, preserve the Lockspot’s rustic, divey vibes with only light renovations, maintain full bar service, keep the restaurant open during the transition, hold a formal farewell for Hanson, and stage a grand reopening thereafter. They also plan to elevate Lockspot staples by bringing in popular dishes from their previous kitchens and Alison’s menu—possible new additions mentioned include Faniel-influenced soul-food items such as fried chicken and Alison’s from-scratch biscuits and other breakfast foods offered at the cafe window." - Gabe Guarente