As previously reported by Kjell7 News, for the past three months due to legitimate COVID 19 concerns, at Rubattino's in downtown Renton only the dive bar in the back (the Owl Room) has been open.
However, Kjell7 News is happy to bring you this exclusive story as the only media outlet to attend the grand re-opening of Rubattinos’ diner area. Yes, the diner area of Rubattino’s re-opened on July 31st, 2020. Kjell7 News has the “inside” scoop. Literally.
Rubattino’s is a bar and restaurant in Renton that dates back to 1917 and is well known by three different crowds. Those who love it for its diner in the front, those who love it for its dive bar in the back, and those who love it for both.
Upon entering on this historic re-opening day, the classic diner area looks and feels the same as always, with classic vibes and warm feelings. We were welcomed and instructed to sit at any unmarked table (there are excellent restrictions on seating for COVID concerns, as safety at Rubattino’s is a top priority). Kjell7 News tested out classic yet unpopular items, to truly gauge the level of re-opening. Even on day one, the staff has hit the ground running, and no, not from the night before. The ground round, for example, which is served alike a country fried steak (but rather than a country fried steak it is essentially a seasoned hamburger patty served with hash browns, toast, and three eggs) was just decadent as evermore. Kjell7 News also tried the sausage breakfast sandwich, and it was just like home cooking. Wait, it was better than home cooking. Basically it is like 20 times better than an egg or sausage muffin from fast food establishments. Also the coffee was hot and delicious with a real no BS kind of taste. Coffee!
And Kjell7 News, for the only real reason being to balance the front with the back, ordered three bloody marys. Best formula in town.
Kjell7 News also had previously reported in the earlier linked article that Rubattino’s had an obscure GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-rubattinos). We are glad to learn that this staple of the community has been funded enough to re-open its diner to the public. Now, both the Owl Room (dive bar) and the Restaurant (diner) are opened, and the circuit is complete. This piece of Americana did not fade into the night. It’s back in the landscape, folks.
Rubattino’s. Come for breakfast and stay till close. They close at 2 AM.
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