Allow me to be the first to welcome Sonics fans (back) to Uptown! Last week, KJR 950 AM, Simply Seattle, and SonicsRising announced the "We Got Next" pre and post game gatherings at Buckley’s (232 1st Ave W). In the event the pub hits maximum capacity, Sonics fans have several food and beverage alternatives to choose from before and after the game, ranging from new venues to legacy institutions.

New Kids on the Block: Uptown is one of the six urban centers in the city and has experienced a boom in mixed-use construction since 2008. These projects have created new storefronts, many of which are bars and restaurants. The following have recently opened and are worth a visit:

• Uptown Hophouse, 219 1st Ave N: The Hophouse just opened a few months ago and is located near the planned Thomas Street Atrium. Don’t let the name fool you. If you’re not a fan of hoppy beer they have other beverages on tap. Recommended: Happy Hour 2-6 PM
• Queen Anne Beerhall, 203 W Thomas St: The Beerhall offers a wide range of European and local brews. Popular w/ Seahawks and Sounders fans, this will likely become a hot spot for NHL and Sonics fans when winter comes! Recommended: Bavarian Soft Pretzel
• TeKu Tavern, 552 Denny Way: If you’re arriving from SLU, I suggest a pit stop in this Uptown Triangle bottle shop for a quick drink.
• The Masonry, 20 Roy St: If you enjoy craft beer/cider and wood-fire oven pizza then this is your spot. The Uptown location recently celebrated its 5th year anniversary. Recommended: The pizza, duh!
• Atlas Kitchen & Lounge, 621 Queen Anne Ave N: If you ever visited Shawn Kemp’s lounge, Oskar’s Kitchen and the Bubble Room, then you’ll be familiar with this location. Recommended: Wings
• CÔBA Kitchen, 530 1st Ave N: Craft beers and Vietnamese food. ‘Nuff said!

Seasoned Veterans: Since the Sonics’ departure in 2008, Uptown has lost a few of its favorites, namely Floyd’s Place and The Spectator. The good news is that many institutions are still in business!

• T.S. McHugh’s
• Ozzie’s
• Streamline Tavern (relocated to 174 Roy St, which was formerly Jabu’s Pub)
• McMenamin’s
• Peso’s
• Mecca Cafe

For the Family: If you’re bringing your children and family and want to avoid the pub scene, there are several options.

• Dick’s, the Uptown location features dine-in seating
• Pagliacci Pizza, hot slices on demand
• Sport Restaurant at KOMO Plaza, across the Space Needle
• Seattle Center Armory, featuring a variety of options if there isn’t consensus within your group

This is a small sample of the dining options available to fans visiting Uptown. I invite readers to follow Uptown’s progress during the arena’s redevelopment (2018-20) and afterward:

Uptown Alliance @seattleua | Uptown Seattle @UptownSeattle

Robert (Sixth Man) is a longtime Uptown resident, former Sonics employee, Executive Committee Member of the Uptown Alliance, and moderator for the Seattle Arena Forum. For the last two years, he’s volunteered his time, along with Brian Robinson, John Barr (NHL to Seattle), and other stakeholders on the City’s Arena Community Advisory Group. He’s also currently involved with ST3 planning for the West Seattle-Ballard Link Extensions, which will deliver light rail service to Uptown and Seattle Center. Readers can follow him on twitter @Seattleite206.