That stunning entrance, it's at the end of Pier 70, in the space that used to be Waterfront Seafood Grill. Same owners, just what's called a rebranding. Seems not enough people knew WSG was part of Mackay Restaurant Group (not that that's a big deal by itself) but, more importantly, that it was a sister property to the immensely succesful steak house just up the hill in Belltown called El Gaucho.
Now you're talking! Paul Mackay resurrected the El Gaucho name and Belltown's renaissance two decades ago, and has successfully extended the brand to Bellevue, Tacoma and Portland. He launched WSG because there was no upscale seafood house on Seattle's downtown waterfront, but, alas, he didn't get the same traction with fish as with beef. So he closed WSG for a quick remodel (new paint, new upholstery, new gizmos in the kitchen, keeping Peter Levine as exec chef, keeping the copper light fixtures in the dining room) and bingo, he's got a concept that should (he hopes) travel well: Aqua by El Gaucho.
Aqua by El Gaucho, 2801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, 206-956-9171 
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