As someone who’s called Seattle home for over two decades, I’ve got more than a few memories of late nights at the old 13 Coins. The original Boren Avenue location—just a few paces from the old Seattle Times building—was open 24/7 and had the kind of dimly lit allure that made it feel like a secret clubhouse. Whether you were ending your shift, your show, or your night out, you’d slide into one of those iconic high-backed booths or, if you were lucky, a swiveling captain’s chair at the counter.

Like a lot of Seattle landmarks, the Boren location eventually gave way to change, closing its doors on January 1, 2018. But the family-owned restaurant didn’t stay dormant for long. Just a month later, 13 Coins reopened in Pioneer Square right next to the Embassy Suites where many of the hallmarks remain: high-backed booths, swiveling captain’s chairs, and a menu that offers the classics from breakfast staples to big ol’ steaks, to old-school Italian fare.

Now, 13 Coins is refreshing its approach to happy hour with a new menu. At a recent media preview, The First Pour, we got an early taste of the lineup, which leans into its signature blend of nostalgia and comfort the restaurant has always been known for.

Among the standouts: a set of classic 13 Coins Sliders—small but flavorful burgers topped with American cheese and a swipe of Thousand Island, served on toasted brioche buns. And don’t miss out on the Parmesan fries – a perfect pairing with the sliders, not to mention the classic Vodka Martini to top it all off.

The Chicken Parmesan Sliders, a nod to one of the restaurant’s most popular entrée (the Breast of Chicken Parmigiana – aka “The Believer”), feature panko-crusted chicken with melted mozzarella and marinara. They’re rich, satisfying, and seemed to be a hit at the preview. For something a bit lighter, the Chicken Lettuce Wraps punch above their weight with crunchy pickled vegetables and a Thai-style peanut sauce for just the right kick. And, the Mango Ahi Poke Stack adds a fresh, citrusy hit to the mix.

The bar is getting in on the action too, with new cocktails that play well with the updated happy hour menu. The Fresh Fruit Margarita, for example, finds a perfect match in the crispy potato chips served with a punchy Sriracha aioli. For those skipping the alcohol, zero-proof standouts like the Honey Cucumber Lemonade and the playfully named Cosnopolitan offer plenty of flavor—minus the buzz.

Other standout drinks include a Strawberry Aperol Spritz that balances bitter and sweet, and a nostalgic Blue Hawaiian Rum cocktail that feels right at home among the restaurant’s retro vibes.

With the stadiums just blocks away, 13 Coins’ new happy hour lineup is a smart play for pre-game or concert eats – or a casual hang after work. And when Seattle is summering, the outdoor patio can’t be beat. The new happy hour menu launches Monday, giving us all a fresh reason to revisit a longtime (almost 60 years) Seattle favorite. 

The new happy hour rolls out and officially launches Aug 4. Happy Hour is daily from 3-6pm and Sunday – Thursday, 9pm -close.