Viadoom? Downtown Seattle businesses see opportunity for via-deals at longer happy hours

Downtown Seattle businesses are bracing for a decline. But some are trying to turn the major construction headache into an opportunity.

And what does that opportunity taste like?

Behold:

Viaduckfat Hushpuppies—Duck Liver Mousse, Cranberry Jam, $6

99 Problems But a Fish Ain’t One—World Famous Salmon Burger, $9.99

Bertha’s Belvedere Vodka Martini, $9

These are some of the specials featured at Tom Douglas Seattle Kitchen over the next three weeks when the viaduct shuts down.

Tom Douglas Seattle Kitchen marketing director Madeline Pennington says not everyone will have the option of working remotely and will have to make the trek downtown. Since they’re here already, why not stay longer to eat and drink while traffic simmers down?

“We’re saying eat and drink!” says Pennington. “All of our restaurants have come together to create a list of awesome happy hour deals, dinner specials, drink specials—basically a lot of things to avoid traffic.”

Other restaurants are also offering freebies to lure customers, despite Mayor Jenny Durkan’s daily plea to avoid downtown or make alternate commute plans. Ivar’s is giving out clam chowder at its fish bar. At Kidd Valley, customers will get free fries with their order. If the idea of making an 8 a.m. meeting downtown stresses you out, the Alexis Hotel is offering a 20 percent discount to “save yourself a little viaduct sanity,” according to the hotel’s website. Here's a comprehensive list of offers from Seattle waterfront businesses.

The viaduct closes Friday, 10 p.m. as workers prepare to re-align SR 99 into the tunnel. The shutdown is expected to last three weeks.