Seattle cocktail bar Navy Strength is to close after its final service on Halloween, bringing an end to the Belltown venue’s decade-long run. Co-owners Chris and Anu Elford said the decision followed the expiry of the bar’s lease and the accumulated strain of working in the hospitality industry.
The venue, at 2505 2nd Avenue, became known for tropical cocktails, changing themed menus and its colourful take on the tiki bar tradition. Its last night of service will be Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Navy Strength is using its final weeks to stage one last edition of Nightmare on Wall Street, its annual Halloween pop-up. The 10th event features drinks inspired by horror films including Sinners, Suspiria, Drag Me To Hell, Re-Animator, Pearl, Mandy and American Psycho.
The bar’s event listing says the pop-up is walk-in only, apart from private buyouts, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. It will run throughout October and end with the venue’s final service.
Navy Strength closure follows lease expiry
In a statement announcing the closure, the Elfords thanked their staff and customers for supporting the business over the years.
“It’s been a real privilege to serve tropical drinks to Belltown these last ten years,” they said. “We have had extreme highs and extreme lows, & while the bar never hit financially the way all business owners hope for, we are proud to have employed hardworking Seattleites for this last decade.”
The owners said the business had faced the financial pressures familiar to hospitality operators, but did not point to a single market event as the reason for closing.
“Quite frankly the bar’s lease is up and, in the words of MacReady from John Carpenter’s The Thing, we’re all very tired,” they added.
Following the final night, Navy Strength plans to hold a public sale of equipment and furnishings in November. Items are expected to include glassware, bar equipment and decorative pieces, although further details about the sale are still to be announced.
The Elfords said continued support during the final month would help the business settle its debts before operations end.
