Rubattino’s. Open For Night Owls, But Not For The Early Birds.

Rubattino’s is a bar and restaurant in Renton that dates back to 1917. It 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 its front and back. I, myself, am in the third category.

But you see, right now, only the dive bar section is open, as they haven’t been able to get the diner re-opened since it was (for good reason) closed due to the COVID pandemic. They have an obscure GoFundMe page that I just found. I say obscure because it only has raised $295 since April. This is not how I knew that the diner was closed. I knew that the diner was closed from calling them to see if it was open. So finding this GoFundMe when googling the place tonight puts a sad face on my face.

A former card bar, Rubattino’s is a historical landmark and many have written about its unique lore. (Example: http://rentonhipster.blogspot.com/2009/07/rubattinos-rocks.html).

The bar part of it is actually called the “Owl Room” and many say it used to be the Owl Room Card Bar, and you could find yourself a game there. Many locals call Rubattino’s “Rubes” for short. And let me tell you, their Owl Room specializes in alcohol. I may have to get me some of that.

The (yet to be re-opened) diner part in the front of Rubattino’s is connected to a showroom called Delancey’s On 3rd that can be rented out as a dining or entertainment venue. Some use it for personal magic shows, and some use it for retirement parties. With the right fee, it’s your oyster. When walking down the street, one may not realize they’re connected (Delancey’s On 3rd and Rubattino’s), but they are, literally and figuratively. They have the same ownership and also share a locked door, kind of like adjoining hotel rooms.

It is great that the Owl Room remains open, but I really will be happy when they start whipping up their delicious, affordable diner food once again. I don’t want this piece of Americana to fade into the night. I want it to become a burning bonfire so bright that all of the cattlemen and women come from far to both wet their whistles and cure their hungers.