EDMONDS, Wash. — You can effortlessly transition from day to night inside one small business in Edmonds.
During the day, Il Viale serves Italian-style espresso drinks. In the evening, the space transitions to Bar Americano, an Italian cocktail bar.
"I feel like we're kind of a surprise or hidden gem in the neighborhood, because it does transform every day,” said Jordan Campbell, who runs Il Viale.
From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., customers can enjoy sweet and savory pastries, paninis, and authentic Italian coffee drinks.
"The big thing is we use a lever machine, so it’s the old-school way of pulling espresso,” Campbell said. "Our menu tends to be Italian-themed or inspired."
That includes the shakerato, an Italian iced coffee classic that’s shaken before it’s served.
After 4 p.m., customers hear cocktails shaking on the other side of a shared wall.
Amaro is the signature spirit at Bar Americano, and Fernet is available on-tap.
There's also a meaningful daily ritual in honor of the owner's late mother Violet, whose portrait hangs above the bar.
"If you're seated at the bar at 5:30 p.m., you get a complimentary half-shot of Fernet and raise it up to Violet,” said bartender Anthony Shipway. "We call it ‘Violet Hour.’"
While the ambiance is decidedly European, speaking Italian in either side of the business is not required.
“No,” Shipway laughed. “It would help you read some of the signs, but no. The menu is in English.”
Customers are encouraged to just sit and talk, whatever the hour. Both the coffee and cocktail bars are designed to cultivate a sense of community.
"I love connecting with people, but I also love connecting people,” Campbell said.
The third Thursday of each month, Bar Americano hosts live music events known as “Secret Shows,” because the lineup isn’t announced in advance.
Il Viale is located at 610 5th Avenue South and Bar Americano is right next door at 612 5th Avenue South. Both are open daily.
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