There’s another new addition to the cluster of businesses at the foot of Phinney Ridge on 65th St. — the Ridgeback Cafe. The family-friendly restaurant opened for business on Friday evening in the old Renick Printing space at 500 N.W. 65th St, next door to Slave to the Needle.
Owner Justin Taft puts out the open sign for the first time
The Ridgeback is a neighborhood cafe featuring a full lineup of crepes, sandwiches, Belgium waffles and some tapas, as well. It serves beer, wine and espresso drinks. Owner Justin Taft says he created The Ridgeback in the same vein as his other restaurant, the well-regarded Hangar Cafe in Georgetown.
Taft said they received final permit approval for The Ridgeback from the City of Seattle at 2 p.m. Friday, and he opened the doors an hour later — months after they originally intended to open.
“It feels fantastic. It’s been such a journey, but it’s been a great experience,” a very satisfied and relieved-sounding Taft told PhinneyWood. “We’re so ultra prepared. We are so stoked.”
The Ridgeback will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hours are 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Fridays, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays. Taft eventually hopes to hold communal dinners on Sunday evenings.
Earlier this month, The Blue Glass restaurant opened a few doors down.
(Thanks to Dale at PhinneyWood for help on this story!)
So excited to give it a try, it is 1/2 block from my house and I have been patiently waiting for them to open. Wishing success to the Ridgeback Cafe!