BALLARD
Emerald City Orchids is planning a cafe in its nearly four-year-old shop. Opening mid-December, the cafe will serve lunch and espresso, with the help of Fremont Coffee Company, Molly’s Salads, and Hiroki.

Allecia Vermillion brings us more info regarding Bitterroot BBQ, opening in early December. Located at 5239 Ballard Ave NW, it will serve dry-rubbed meat that you sauce at your table. While you’re at it, grab some sauce for yourself from their selection of beer and whiskey.

CAPITOL HILL
Sopa Azteca is no more. Mestizo has closed with hopes to reopen in Capitol Hill or Madrona during better economic times. The closure was spurred by a change in landlord and coming development.

From Eater Seattle, news that Bar Ferd’nand Coffee is now open at Bar Ferd’nand. Located in Melrose Market, Coffee adds baked treats and Stumptown espresso starting at 8am.

DOWNTOWN

Popular Chicago-based sandwich chain Potbelly is opening a third location at 1111 Third Avenue. Planned to open December 6, it’s part of a longer-but-as-yet-undetermined list of future Seattle spots for the shop.

Mt. Townsend Creamery is now selling its cheese in Pike Place Market. Try the famous Seastack, its offspring Trufflestack, and more. You can also find the cheese at Whole Foods, but you’ll be missing out on wisdom from their staff, and samples.

With plans to relocate to the East Coast, BuiltBurger owners David and Rebecca Makuen are shutting down. They refer to it as a “pause,” so pray they’ll return; today is your last chance to have a goodbye chow down.

Elliott Bay Cafe in Pioneer Square has closed, says Bethany Jean Clement. Owner Tamara Murphy has plans to resurrect the cafe as a street-level spot—on the corner of the old Elliott Bay bookstore space—called the Globe Cafe and Bar.

RAINIER VALLEY
Rainier Valley Post reported this week that Bananas Grill is now open in Rainier Vista. The fast-food Mediterranean eatery is 100% Halal and serves sandwiches and snacks from 10 to 9 daily.

SOUTH LAKE UNION
After missing the late summer 2011 deadline, and mid-November, Cactus has finally opened Cactus hit the mid-November goal for opening its fourth location, very slightly diluting the Tom Douglas domination of Amazonia. The new spot boasts “more bar space than usual,” and a modern vibe.

U DISTRICT
Japanese food lovers, here comes your Chipotle. U:Don, a fast casual udon eatery, will be opening in December. Starting with a bowl of fresh, housemade noodles, stroll down the counter and pick your toppings, then pick your jaw up off of the floor when they ring you up for under $5.