According to a recent permit filing, Darkalino’s will soon expand with another location at 2253 N 56th St Unit B.
A representative of Darkalino’s was not immediately available for commentary upon What Now Seattle’s request.
While an official opening date has yet to be confirmed, behind Darkalino’s is Marcus Lalario. He is also behind Lil Woodys, Fats Chicken, and other restaurants.
According to pioneersquare.org, Darkalino’s current location is described as “an Italian Deli in the heart of the Pioneer Square neighborhood. The bar and cafe serve handmade pasta, focaccia sandwiches, and more, right alongside a sneaker shop, in-house clothing brand, and art gallery next door.”
According to a 2023 article from the Seattle Met, “The way Lalario tells it, the inspiration for his next spot, Fat’s Chicken and Waffles, started with a chair. A slatted midcentury chair by local furnituremaker Nick Yoshihara. “I was like fuck, man. That chair is killer.”
“He had received an overture regarding a Central District landmark. The longtime home of Catfish Corner, a soul food restaurant that anchored and sustained Seattle’s Black neighborhood for decades, was available to rent.”
“The cafe’s name, Darkalino’s, only tracks for people who knew Lalario during the Dark Mark days (there’s a “Dark Marg” margarita on the cocktail menu). It’s the first time Lalario’s inserted any part of himself into the identity of his business.”
“It’s Italian, but it’s not your classic Italian name. It’s kind of funny.” He decided to go for it. He always liked the moniker, but maybe it was time to change the connotation. “I just needed to be Marcus Lalario for a minute.”
