Bar Tartare plans to open at 704 First Avenue in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood, co-owner Sara Rosewall told What Now Seattle. She and her husband, Jake Whipple, hope to welcome customers before the end of 2026, depending on permitting.
The project gives the longtime hospitality professionals a chance to build a business together through their company, Rose Whip Productions. Both bring about 15 years of industry experience, with Whipple’s background in bartending and Rosewall’s in front-of-house service and management.
“We’ve both been in management for a long time, and it can be tough having all of the responsibility, but not much of the power when it comes to decision-making,” Rosewall said. “So we’ve always wanted to do something together that was our own.”
Tartare is something they regularly order when dining out, so it helped shape the concept. But the team wants their own bar to feel comfortable for guests who might find fine dining or craft cocktail settings intimidating.
The couple initially considered a larger project. Finding a suitable space and financing proved difficult, so they chose a smaller concept they could manage themselves.
Their Pioneer Square space already had a bar and a layout that suited their plans. Exposed brick, wood paneling, hardwood floors, and folding front windows also drew them in.
“We wanted a second-generation space that already had sort of the layout of a bar so we didn’t have to do a full renovation,” Rosewall said.
Plans call for about 40 seats. The couple expects to handle front-of-house service together on quieter nights, with one or two additional people helping during busier periods.
The menu will center on tartares, including a classic steak preparation and a likely salmon option. Vegetarian and vegan versions are also in development.
“We basically want anyone to come in, with any sort of dietary restriction, and be able to find something on the menu that they can enjoy,” Rosewall said.
Fried dishes will round out the food menu, drawing on another of Rosewall’s favorites from growing up in the South and Midwest. Whipple will lead the cocktail program, which will include interpretations of classics and original drinks.
The owners plan to work at the bar themselves to be involved in every step of operations. For them, working directly with guests is part of the appeal of opening a bar, and being present will help establish the service they want from the beginning.
“I love working in restaurants and bars, I love taking care of people, and I love hosting parties for people,” she said.
While they look forward to welcoming tourists and event crowds, Rosewall and Whipple also want to get to know their neighbors. Regulars from previous jobs have become close friends, and they hope those relationships will develop at Bar Tartare, too.
“I just think it’s a really neat thing to be able to take care of people and get to know people and see them regularly and have them come in and really get to know them outside of what their cocktail preferences are,” she said.
Follow Bar Tartare on Instagram for opening details while the team gets everything ready.
