Former FX McRorys owner to open new Kraken Bar & Grill at Northgate

What’s better than professional hockey at Northgate? Maybe hanging out in a restaurant run by Mick McHugh, formally of F.X. McRory’s, while watching professional hockey at Northgate.

McHugh announced on Thursday he’s opening the Kraken Bar and Grill at the new Kraken practice facility. He told KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson that the digs will have the spirit of F.X. McRory’s.

“Anyone can come in and watch the Kraken practice,” McHugh said. “No charge, anytime they’re in town. They’re going to have kids leagues, adult leagues, figure skating — the place is going to buzzing. We’re going to be open every day of the year.”

After 40 years in business in Pioneer Square, F.X. McRory’s shut its doors in June 2017. Hugh, who has opened 16 bars and restaurants, said he was keeping busy serving up meals at Cathedral Kitchen on First Hill when the Northgate organizers spoke with him about the practice facility at Northgate.

“I have a lot of respect for those guys,” McHugh said. “We’re going to move the needle out there.”

Dori acknowledged that the facility at Northgate is at the forefront of Seattle’s remaking. McHugh added that Simon Property Group, which owns the mall, has been aggressive around the country at reimagining malls to diversify into office buildings and housing.

“They’re going to have another half block of apartment buildings, a new office building where the Nordstrom building used to be,” McHugh said. “It’s transformational and I think it’s all driven by light rail. Then to have a hockey team in their development will be really wild.”

Light rail service to Northgate begins in October

The menu isn’t set yet, but Dori said he’s ordering a 40-ounce prime rib. If all goes well, Dori might get his chance Labor Day weekend.

Listen to the Dori Monson Show weekday afternoons from noon – 3 p.m. on KIRO Radio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.