SEATTLE — A neighborhood staple that some called “Capitol Hill’s living room” has new owners.
Oddfellows Cafe + Bar was purchased by the same people who own Elliott Bay Books —Tracy Taylor, and married couple Murf Hall and Joey Burgess.
“I’m excited to pass the baton to a group of people that care as much about the neighborhood as I have,” Oddfellows former owner, Linda Derschang, said in a Facebook post.
Previously, the space had been an acting studio, art gallery and initially the dining hall for the original Odd Fellows Lodge.
Derschang posted a variety of photos of the original space that later became the cafe 14 years ago.
Derschang said the cafe opened on a snowy day in late December 2008 and some customers even skied in.
“When designing Oddfellows, I was trying to create my dream cafe, a hangout and social hub for a very diverse clientele of locals and travelers, old and young, for people that wanted a spot to read and people watch, or to gather as a large group for drinks and dinner. Many people have called Oddfellows Capitol Hill’s living room and I would agree. (I’m crying a little as I write this). Since the very beginning it has been everything I hoped it would be. A huge thank you to everyone that has loved Oddfellows! I hope you will continue to support this magical place for years down the road,” Derschang said on Facebook.