Seattle - February 16, 2007

Divide and Conquer

Copper Gate Opens

History is full of heroes. It’s also full of lucky stiffs. Take Columbus: One wrong turn and dude gets credit for discovering America. Poor Vikings, who got there first.

Make a pilgrimage in honor of the oft forgotten — to Ballard’s Copper Gate, a Scandinavia-inspired bar celebrating its grand opening this week.

Like Ikea on quaaludes, the tucked-away spot (from the crew behind Thaiku and La Carta) is modern (if Disneyfied). Urban explorers will appreciate the Viking ship-shaped bar; lounge lizards will love swooping sails made from vintage pinups.

Pronounce-at-your-own-risk cocktails (Stor Agurk, Einerbaer) surprise with ingredients like lingonberry and aquavit. Tasty small plates include Swedish meatballs and coffee-braised short ribs.

Quirky enough for a weekend destination; mellow enough to stay a neighborhood joint.

So what are you waiting for?

Make like a Leif and go.

Copper Gate, 6301 24th Avenue Northwest, at 63rd Street (206-706-3292).

  Boozehound, Classic Cocktails