September 30, 2026

Bar Dojo sets October opening at SAM

Photo by Brian Miller [enlarge]

The unveiled space last week ...

Brown paper has come off the windows where the former Market, within Seattle Art Museum, faces First Avenue. Market replaced SAM's former in-house Taste restaurant five years ago. At 1300 First Ave., Taste succumbed to the pandemic.

Since its 2021 debut, Market's operator has been FeedMe Hospitality & Restaurant Group of Lynnwood, which last year decided on a refresh and rebranding for the space, which will reopen next month as Bar Dojo. (Its primary location is in Edmonds.) Market closed for renovations last December.

MRJ Constructors has been at work for several months since then, but now the uncovered widows reveal the space within. That spans about 3,000 square feet. A pre-opening event was held there last week, the DJC was pleased to discover, and signage says it'll open in October.

The makeover, requiring no architect, is mostly cosmetic. There's new lighting overhead and other fresh decor. The menu should be mostly familiar to regular Bar Dojo patrons. New signage went up over the summer.

Photo via Bar Dojo [enlarge]

... and a selection of its Chino Latino menu offerings.

Its website states, “Bar Dojo is bringing its uniquely Chino Latino dining experience to the heart of downtown.” The new venue will be open for brunch on weekends, with varying hours Mondays through Fridays. (The museum itself is closed Mondays.)

And more, “Our newest location will feature the bold flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and warm hospitality that have made Bar Dojo a destination in Edmonds.” There's also an outdoor seating area, which Taste and Market both previously lacked.

The final new menu hasn't yet been disclosed. In Edmonds, definitely worth a visit, reliable Bar Dojo favorites include the Kurobuta Pork Dumplings, Lemongrass Wagyu Beef and Broccoli, and the Miso Black Cod.

Restaurateur Shubert Ho is the mastermind behind various FeedMe ventures. Those include Salt & Iron, Ono Poke, SanKai, Fire & the Beast and a catering business. Bar Dojo also has counter-service locations at Lumen Field and the Chateau Ste. Michelle winery in Woodinville.