July 13, 2022

Mariners set to open brewpub and restaurant at former Pyramid location

Images courtesy of Seattle Mariners [enlarge]

New sinage is already installed on the 100-plus-year-old building.

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Hatback restaurant has 20 TVs.

The Seattle Mariners announced plans to open a new restaurant and brewpub in the historic 1201 First Ave. building, across the street from T-Mobile Park, this August.

The DJC reported back in October 2021 that the team had signed a long-term lease to re-develop the 24,500-square-foot former warehouse space, which had last been home to Pyramid Brewing.

The new restaurant is called Hatback in a homage to one of the Mariners most storied players, Ken Griffey Jr., who used to wear his cap backwards. The menu is based around American classics such as steak, burgers and pizza. The revitalized space has indoor and outdoor seating, with a capacity of up to 150 people. It also has 20 TVs for sports fans to catch a game.

Steelhead Alley, a new taproom and brewpub, will also open in the former warehouse this August. That establishment will feature resident brewery Métier Brewing Company, a local, award-winning black-owned brewery led by Rodney Hines. Steelhead Alley will offer a classic bar fare menu and specialty programming such as the “Meet the Brewer Series,” beer talks, tasting parties and more. Outside these spaces, and opening alongside them, is a seasonal beer garden with a mix of food trucks and a collection of outdoor games.

The renovation of the existing warehouse space included the addition of a catering kitchen, several bars, and a divisible interior. The over 100-year-old building – which dates back to 1914 – also received a full seismic upgrade designed by project structural engineer, Lund Opsahl. Andersen Construction is the general contractor with SHKS Architects providing design and restoration consulting for the project.

The Mariners also announced that a 9,500-square-foot flexible event space will open at the space in 2023 and will include the building's original brick walls. “After these past few years, we're excited to be able to provide an opportunity for our community to come together again,” Fred Rivera, executive vice president of the Mariners, said in a press release. “It's important for us to reinvest in the neighborhood's health and economic vitality, and this is only the beginning of what's to come with this project.”