Kirkland, WA – Life is too short to drink a bad martini — and soon, Kirkland won’t have to. The iconic Von’s 1000Spirits, beloved for its $7.99 scratch martinis and legendary sourdough kitchen GustoBistro, and spirited atmosphere, is set to open a new location this June at 115 Park Lane, Kirkland.
This marks the third location for the celebrated Seattle institution, wh ich first made waves in downtown Seattle before expanding to Woodinville in 2022, quickly gaining what regulars affectionately call a “cult following.” The Kirkland opening will carry on Von’s legacy of lively hospitality, scratch sourdough pastas and pizzas crafted from a 75-year-old sourdough starter passed down through generations — and, of course, an extensive collection of over 1,000 spirits.
A Family Legacy 100 Years in the Making
Von’s roots run deep. The story begins more than a century ago with founder Merrisa Claridge’s great-grandfather, German Firnstahl, who founded the Sunny Jim Peanut Butter Company in Seattle — a Northwest icon that his son Jerome ran for 35 years. Jerome’s son and Merrisa’s dad, Tim Firnstahl, carried forward that entrepreneurial spirit by opening many of Seattle’s most legendary restaurants — including Jake O’Shaughnessey’s, once recognized by Guinness World Records for the world’s largest spirits selection, and FX McRory’s, a Seattle classic known for its whiskey and steakhouse culture.
That same legacy lives on through Von’s 1000Spirits, Sharps RoastHouse, and Northwest Spirits — the family’s woman-owned distillery in Woodinville, where Merrisa Claridge continues to innovate, blending history, craftsmanship, and community spirit into every pour.
A Homecoming to Kirkland
For Merrisa, the Kirkland opening feels personal. Her family owned the Kirkland Roaster & Ale House in the 1990s — a local favorite that thrived for 15 years and was featured in The Seattle Times (archived article here). Bringing Von’s to Kirkland is not just an expansion — it’s somewhat of a homecoming.
A Spirited Experience
At Von’s Kirkland, guests can expect the best of the brand’s signature personality:
- The famous $7.99 Scratch Martini
- Innovative craft cocktails using handcrafted spirits from the family distillery, Northwest Spirits
- Scratch sourdough pastas and pizzas made fresh daily
- An expansive wall of over 1,000 spirits from around the globe
- And the beloved Wagering Wheel, a nod to Von’s playful spirit and love of tradition
“Our mission has always been simple — to dust the daily living off souls,” says owner Merrisa Claridge. “We believe in craft, care, and a little bit of magic. Kirkland feels like the perfect next chapter for us.”
About Von’s 1000Spirits
Von’s 1000Spirits is a restaurant born from five generations of hospitality, celebrating sourdough cookery and Northwest spirits. Known for its lively energy, handcrafted cocktails, and scratch sourdough menu, Von’s has been a downtown Seattle staple for over 35 years. Following its successful expansion to Woodinville, Von’s continues its mission to share craft, care, and a touch of magic — one martini at a time.
New Location: 115 Park Lane, Kirkland
Opening: June 10, 2026
Website: vons1000spirits.com
Instagram: @vons1000spirits
