Lights out for Babalu

Babalu Space for LeaseBabalu patrons came out for one last hurrah on Saturday, February 23, and to wish owner Michael Prineas well wishes for “healing and recovery”. We’re not sure what’s wrong but we did spot him recently, using a walker.

The nightclub is now closed with a “For Lease” sign hanging in the window. The Sotheby’s “For Sale“ banner also remains on top of the building.

  1. Caroline said,

    It will be interesting to see what goes in next. When I moved to Wallingford in 1991 it was a great little bead shop. Then it was a Seattle Best Coffee, and either before or after that a non-chain coffeehouse.

    Wed, March 13 at 1:15 pm
  2. chris said,

    Bummer; although I never went (not really my scene) I thought it was sort of cool having a nightclub on 45th.

    Wed, March 13 at 1:22 pm
  3. Andrew said,

    I never went either, but I loved the diversity it brought to the neighborhood from a business perspective and a demographic one. It will be interesting to see how quickly they find another tenant.

    Wed, March 13 at 3:12 pm
  4. okok said,

    I appreciated the diversity and wish Id known it was going to close.. they had great salsa which now is in pittsville the u district

    Wed, March 13 at 4:30 pm
  5. Eric Maurer said,

    How about a good burger place, steakhouse or Italian restaurant. Please, we don’t need another fancy, high priced, hipster, vegan, Thai fusion, or Indian joint… we have enough of that. How about a place that serves great mac and cheese, a full bar and great burgers?

    Wed, March 13 at 5:57 pm
  6. Katie said,

    Well if they’re taking requests, how about a delicious bakery? La Boul’ is sadly lacking in quality (in my opinion) and we need the northern version of crumble and flake! Or a Tall Grass?

    Wed, March 13 at 6:44 pm
  7. Jen said,

    I think that the person who owns the Madrona Ale House should open a place there. That place is great — good pub food, but family friendly in the early evening.

    Thu, March 14 at 8:31 am
  8. Sean said,

    I foresee a futuristic, high concept bank + hair salon moving in. Just what we need!

    Thu, March 14 at 9:27 am
  9. neighbor said,

    i think another thai food joint would be good.

    lol @ #3

    Thu, March 14 at 11:15 am
  10. Ffej said,

    More history (or at least, what I remember, which isn’t the same thing):

    Before this location was an SBC, back in the 80s, it was a jewelry store for some time. Don’t know when it became a bead store (I guess I never noticed that.)

    Thu, March 14 at 1:36 pm
  11. LongtimeIntheHood said,

    Instead of wishing for a bakery or mac & cheesery, or Thai joint, or whatever – open it.

    Thu, March 14 at 6:25 pm
  12. Andrew said,

    I think Archie McPhees should open a second location there.

    Thu, March 14 at 9:36 pm
  13. Andy said,

    Must I point out the obvious? Pot / bongs / throwing stars shop.

    Seriously, with the demise of Tully’s on Meridian, it would be nice to have a decent coffee shop there.

    Thu, March 14 at 10:58 pm
  14. shari said,

    How about a new microbrewery so we can keep up with Ballard.

    Fri, March 15 at 2:42 pm
  15. yesyes said,

    I am still requesting a health oriented deli w/ organic juice bar.. and a place to practice yoga and/or tai chi or other movement arts

    Fri, March 15 at 4:52 pm
  16. Joe Donato said,

    I kinda want a chipotle to open there…..if we are taking votes.

    Mon, March 18 at 10:04 am