Korean fried chicken and Tex-Mex cuisine: New restaurant openings to try around Seattle this fall

Although last year saw many longtime restaurants close for good, Seattle's food scene is rebounding from the pandemic lows with plenty of new openings this fall.

If you plan on dining indoors, be sure to bring your COVID-19 vaccination card or snap a photo of it as King County's vaccination verification requirement went into effect on Oct. 25.

From a swanky downtown steakhouse to a popular Korean fried chicken spot, here's a look at some of the newest restaurant openings around the city, as well as a preview of some still to come.

Open: The Chicken Supply

After several successful pop-ups over the summer that were completely sold out, The Chicken Supply opened their brick-and-mortar location in Greenwood last week. The spot mixes crispy, gluten-free fried chicken bites with Filipino side dishes like pancit, coconut collard greens and marinated vegetables for a classic comfort meal.

Open: Bourbon Steak Seattle

Looking to rebound from the economic downturn of the COVID-19 pandemic, the downtown corridor just earned a new elite steakhouse headed by chef Michael Mina. Located on Pike Street and 4th Avenue, the swanky new spot features everything you would expect at a high-end chophouse: caviar, oyster platters, lobster tails and local cuts of beef along with an extensive cocktail and wine list.

Open: Restaurant Christine

After the closure of the Himalayan Sherpa House, the quiet Tangletown neighborhood got a brand new restaurant this month with the arrival of Restaurant Christine. With a focus on using seasonal ingredients, the new restaurant serves up Pacific Northwest comfort fare like local oysters, tender halibut cheeks and pasta for lunch and dinner.

As for the Himalayan Sherpa House — which was beloved by this foodie — a note from the owners on Yelp says that they plan to reopen next year in a new location.

Open: Halcyon Brewing

Along with crispy plates of fried chicken, Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood also earned a new watering hold as Halcyon served its first pour last weekend. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Naked City Brewery, which closed in 2018, the new family-owned spot features 14 taps, cider, wine and several hot dog options for a quick bite.

Open: Wunderground Cafe

Mixing medicinal mushrooms like reishi and lion's mane with premium coffee, Wunderground opened their flagship cafe in Capitol Hill over the weekend after several successful popup shops this summer.  Along with coffee and their specialty mushroom-infused drinks that are packed with health benefits, the cafe also features bites like grain bowls, salads, bone broth and sandwiches served on house made bread.

Open: Station 18 Drinks and Eats

Located in the old Ballard firehouse on Russell Avenue N.W., Station 18 Drinks and Eats opened up last month and serves up pub grub, pizzas, beer and cocktails in the century-old space. The restaurant features multiple TVs, making it a good spot for gameday, and a dog-friendly patio.

Open: Kricket Club

After finding a following serving contemporary Indian cuisine at Fremont's Meesha, chef Preeti Agarwal opened her second restaurant in the Ravenna neighborhood earlier this month. Based on the sports clubs in India, Agarwal's new spot includes street-food-inspired dishes, regional specialties and creative cocktails to bring people together and add a new dimension to Indian food in the city.

Coming soon: Maíz

Getting your hands on fresh, handmade corn tortillas will soon be much easier after Maíz opens in Pike Place Market on Nov. 2. Along with artisanal tortillas, the spot plans to offer tacos de guisados (stewed dishes served atop tortillas), freshly baked pan dulce, crispy tostadas topped with ceviche or chicken tinga and tamales.

Coming soon: Pelicana

Many sports fans mourned when Bill's Off Broadway closed for good last summer after over 40 years in business. And while nothing can replace the iconic wateringhole, a new Korean fried chicken chain that is expanding to the West Coast will breathe new life into the hangout spot. While the signage is all in place, an official opening date has not been given, according to Capitol Hill Seattle.

Coming soon: Dough Joy

A newcomer to Seattle's growing doughnut scene, this plant-based doughnut truck opened in the Ballard neighborhood in the spring and sold out from pre-orders on its very first day. The queer-owned food truck serves up exciting vegan flavors like a maple-glazed "Faconator" doughnut topped with smoky coconut bacon and a tajin-sprinkled mango glazed doughnut.

After a successful spring and summer, Dough Joy will soon find a permanent home on Capitol Hill in the space formerly occupied by Old School Frozen Custard. The owners have set up a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the new location.

Coming soon: Jackalope Tex-Mex

Marrying Mexican dishes with the smoked meats of the south, this new cantina is the latest project of Jack Timmons of Jack's BBQ. And true to Timmons' Texas background, the menu features plenty of smoked brisket, chicken tinga and carne asada. In addition to plenty of carnivore-friendly options, the restaurant will also serve up puffy tacos, a specialty in San Antonio. 

While no opening date has been released, the restaurant said on Instagram that it plans to open sometime in the fall of 2021.