Ivar’s Whalemaker Lounge gets a makeover

It’s o-fish-al! After s three-month remodel, the Whalemaker Lounge at Ivar’s Salmon House (401 NE Northlake Way) has re-opened for business. The snazzy new lounge has a whole new interior, including expanded seating, plus they’ve flipped the bar 90 degrees to the right and extended it, topping it with a copper.

The folks over at Ivar’s tells us the lounge also has more water views, and the fireplace, which might have an updated fireplace tile, has river rock masonry with “KEEP CLAM” etchings on the hearth rocks, “as a nod to the company’s flounder and a hidden surprise for patrons to find.” There are some other little surprises around the lounge, including a reverse image of “So a Whale Walked into a Bar” visible only to those looking into the mirror on the bar.

We’ve added “before” and “after” pics below, but you should also check out the new interior here on Flikr.

The Whalemaker also offers fancy new signature drinks, and from now through May 16, the lounge is hosting Spring Cheers, a rotating series of themed drink specials and events. From Ivar’s:

Each Tuesday will feature local craft brews, Wednesdays will offer up a showcase of Northwest wineries, and Thursdays get a mix of spirits and creative cocktailing. In addition, the revamped bar menu will spotlight Northwest seafood with a global twist, in dishes like Roasted Jalapeño Cured Salmon Poppers and Alder-Grilled Salmon Skewers with peach-currant chutney. For refreshments, diners will have brand new signature beverages to choose from, including the Herbal Berry Bash (rum, sour, strawberry purée and basil), and the non-alcoholic Pom-berry Soda (pomegranate syrup, cranberry juice, mint leaves, lime, mandarin segments and lemon-lime soda).