There was Bob. Bob was imprisoned after going AWOL during the Vietnam war because, as a photographer, he just had his fill of full frame ferociousness. Bob went to a military brig where he became reknown inside the walls by inmates and guards alike for building both a full, double trailer semi truck as well as an old western fort completely out of used cigarette butts. Bob then went on to sell the two “sculptures” to the R.J.Reynolds tobacco museum for $10,000! Bob later retired to the hills of Pennsylvania where, he told us, “I’m just gonna hang out on the back porch eating mayonnaise sandwiches and shoot possum”. That was Bob.
Painting of Bob done by a guy whose name escapes me right now, but hangs in my kitchen at home
Then “Grundy”, a German immigrant that was as brutally mean as mean can get! The “dish-pit” was her domain, and anyone that wanted to cross the invisible line into it was scolded in a barrage of mixed German-English-Swear words befitting her cantankerous bearing as the matriarch of a brood of six kids that all hung out front on the cobblestones where they searched dumspters for day old bread and bruised vegetables. All of they’re bounty was destined for Grundy’s nightly “market special dinners” down at their one room studio in an old Pioneer Square industrial building. Grundy was let go when she got caught handing her oldest son Henry a case of turkeys out the north pantry doors one afternoon, and then drew a knife on Big Terry the kitchen manager. That was way back. That was Grundy.
Grundy painting by MK Monroe
And the stories about the regular customers back then, and even now, are as colorful as the characters themselves. From Gladys the hermaphrodite to Big Dom the 400 pound one eyed jazz musician (who would holler “Bourbon & branch water” as he stuffed himself onto a stool, then laid his glass eye on a bar napkin and put on his patch). Come in some day and ask about them, and I’ll regale you with the real deal assortment of NO BS stories just from MY 16 years here. I wish I knew what came before me. Ask about the fat drunk in sweat pants stumbling past the 3 salesmen in business suits, or the two kids I 86’ed the first month I was here, back in the 90’s; THE NUMBER 1 best story EVER!
Each story is a part of the fabric that makes up our corner of the market, and as the market gentrifies so go the stories. Everyone says “you should write a book” but its far more fun just living it!
Cheers to you and yours~
Mark @ Lowell’s
Fifteen Comments
Phil and Casaundra says:
June 24, 2015 at 11:37 am
Yesterday, completely unannounced (well at call 24 hours beforehand). I went to Lowell’s for brunch with my soon-to-be fiance. The staff and especially owner Mark made us feel welcome and did everything they could to make my suprise proposal to Casaundra go off without a hitch. Two mariachi musicians entered the restaurant at precisely 12:45 and sang two songs while I asked for Casandra’s hand in marriage. She said yes. Thanks Mark…you have my undying support for all that you do, because clearly it is a labour of love. Thanks for making our special day absolutely unforgettable. Now I have more reason to love your place, not just the view, the Reuben and the staff anymore. You give us hope in downhome family businesses…in the big city, with a small town feel. We’ll never forget it.
Jimmy says:
June 30, 2015 at 1:39 pm
I took my wife on a much needed weekend getaway trip this past weekend. This was our first time to Seattle and looking forward to coming back. We only stayed 3 nights but ate breakfast at Lowells 2 of those days! It was THAT good. I wish we went there for lunch but our plans never worked that way. Super fun staff, laid back environment, and amazing food. Thanks again for the great memories!
Catreena says:
July 21, 2015 at 6:15 pm
Worst chicken sandwich ever, wendys has them beat by miles for a good chicken sandwich and don’t cost 13.50 won’t eat there again and I’m from spokane washington area.
Nancy Armstrong says:
August 7, 2015 at 10:40 am
Do you offer gluten free options?
Elizabeth says:
August 14, 2015 at 7:47 pm
My husband and I stumbled upon Lowells 4 years ago when we were here for a Seahawks game. We sat upstairs and had the best breakfast ever. We just moved to Seattle last month and have been talking about going back but couldn’t remember the name of the restaurant. I looked up a picture I took out the window and have been searching the internet for a match. I found it today! We will be coming for breakfast tomorrow! Can’t wait!!!
Vickie F says:
September 4, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Far and away the BEST clam chowder on the west coast! And the grilled shrimp in something to come back for..over and over..
C.S. says:
October 2, 2015 at 11:09 am
My wife and I were downtown Seattle for one night and Lowells was recommended for breakfast by the staff at th e hotel. It was fantastic! The service was great, the food was to die for! Wish we were staying longer. Would eat here every time I’m in Seattle.
C.S. says:
October 2, 2015 at 11:09 am
My wife and I were downtown Seattle for one night and Lowells was recommended for breakfast by the staff at th e hotel. It was fantastic! The service was great, the food was to die for! Wish we were staying longer. Would eat here every time I’m in Seattle.
C.S. says:
October 2, 2015 at 11:09 am
My wife and I were downtown Seattle for one night and Lowells was recommended for breakfast by the staff at th e hotel. It was fantastic! The service was great, the food was to die for! Wish we were staying longer. Would eat here every time I’m in Seattle.
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