8 Oz. Burger Bar to Debut on Capitol Hill, Udon Shop Sets Sights on the U-District, & More

Japan's ultimate comfort food Udon is coming to the U-District.

First off, in Ballard, Bitterroot BBQ is scheduled to debut at 5239 Ballard Ave. N.W. the first week of December. The menu will feature dry-rubbed brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and more -- all served until 1 a.m. A full bar will also be in service. Also coming to the neighborhood in December, a Lebanese restaurant called Cafe Munir will take over the former Gabriel's Fire space at 2408 N.W. 80th St.

On Capitol Hill, El Mestizo at 526 Broadway Avenue has closed after a two-year run. The beloved neighborhood Mexican restaurant's owners hope to reopen in another location in the future. In more upbeat news, 8 Oz. Burger Bar aims to make its debut at 1401 Broadway Avenue on Monday, December 12. The restaurant currently has locations in California, Florida, and Louisiana.

Downtown, Mt. Townsend Creamery has opened a new shop at 89 Pike Street in Pike Place Market. The Port Townsend-based artisan creamery uses local milk to create all of its products.

In Fremont, a new distillery is open at 132 N. Canal St. Fremont Mischief features a tasting room and a retail shop with local goods.

In the U District, U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station is scheduled to open in the former Pita Pit location at 4515 University Way N.E. by mid-December. The eatery will feature $5 and under bowls of house-made udon, a Japanese comfort food comprised of soup with noodles slightly thicker than ramen.

And lastly, over on the Eastside, the people behind Pearl Bar & Dining are scheduled to debut their second venture at 900 Bellevue Way N.E. next February. Koral will be more rustic than its sleek predecessor, and offer New American cuisine like gnocchi with oxtail and oyster shooters with pepper vodka.