Northlake Tavern & Pizza House

They are closed as of 1/31/2023 and we are sad. We tried to get in for one last pizza during their last two weeks and weren't successful. On our first try, we went on a Monday, only to find out they weren't open on Mondays. On our second (and last) try, we arrived at 3:20 pm. After standing on line, we finally made it in the front door at 5:00 pm. At 5:20 pm, with two groups still in front of us, they announced that they were closed, with a 2 hour backlog of orders, and since the posted closing time was 7:00 pm. Oh well, lots of memories of eating here in the past. Another Seattle-area institution is gone.

Northlake was an absolute landmark of the University District beginning in 1954. My youngest son I had the privilege of driving up from the Portland area to bid farewell to the Northlake. We went on Friday January 27. They closed for good on January 31.As a UW student then a Seattle resident until 1995, this was like going to a memorial service for a best friend. In fact one of my best friends who died too early was a Northlake devotee. So we toasted Mike Farrow with our first bites.The pizza was still world class and one of a kind.You'll be missed Northlake!

We went during their last month in business. The 4 hour wait was a bit much but I suspect it was due to years ' worth of customers coming by for just one more Northlake Pizza . They did miss the pizza we ordered to eat there, to go along with the two unbaked pizzas we ordered to go, but they kept our beverages topped up.Honestly, I 'm certain they were caught unprepared for the business they got behind the news they were closing forever at the end of January 2023. Despite the standing-room only crowd, the phone ringing off the hook, and the 50 orders ahead of us, the two pizzas we took home to Tacoma to bake (yes, Tacoma) were everything we remembered about proper Northlake Pizza.Sad to see Northlake Pizza go, but they had a great run (1954-2023), and had once been touted as the best pizza in the country. Thanks for all the good memories.

This review is written 1/11/23. This place announced it is closing the end of this month. It’s void reputation far exceeded today’s experience. People were left standing at the entrance for 30+ minutes even though there were 8 empty tables in the back. The waitress was indifferent to this situation. The pizza arrived eventually and was warmish, not hot. Not worth the price. The male waiter did his best to salvage the situation.

Fair well to an old favorite. After enjoying Northlake Tavern for more than 40 years they tell us they are closing at the end of the month. Get your Northlake fix while you still can. Good bye old friend.