The Crawlspace Gastropub
ROCK SOLID BUSINESSES
For many Mercer Island residents, the perfect evening involves bold flavors, a great cocktail, and—crucially—not having to change out of your "Island casual" attire. Jason Farrish, a 13-year Islander and the chef-owner behind The Crawlspace Gastropub, knew this better than anyone. This week, we’re spotlighting how one local turned his "pan-Pacific" dreams into a Town Center staple.
From Resident to Restaurateur
Jason Farrish didn't just want to open a business; he wanted to solve a problem. As a long-time local, he noticed a gap in the Island’s dining scene. "My wife kept pushing me to pursue my dreams instead of just working to make money," Jason says. "I knew we needed a spot like The Crawlspace. We want nice things, we don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for them, we want bold and exciting flavors, and we want to be able to bring our kids and not have to dress up."
The result? A modern, family-friendly gastropub that celebrates the diverse, scratch-made flavors of the Pacific Rim.
The "Pan-Pacific" Palette
The Crawlspace isn't your typical pub. The menu is a vibrant intersection of Korean, Hawaiian, and Mexican influences. Everything—from the fresh tortillas for their Korean tacos to the bespoke cocktails behind the bar—is crafted from scratch daily.
What to order on your first visit:
The Popular Choice: The Wagyu Smash Burgers and fries are the undisputed kings of the menu.
The Flavor Bombs: Don’t miss the Korean and Hawaiian tacos or the famous Korean Fried Chicken Wings.
Seasonal "Stirs" and What’s Next
If you’ve been following local foodie chatter, you likely heard about the "legendary gumbo" that caused a stir last year. The good news? It’s back.
"Our legendary gumbo is going to be available for the next two weeks," Jason notes. "After that, we have dishes like Katsu curry, Korean skewers, poke, and arancini in the pipeline."
As a true gastropub, the menu shifts with the seasons, ensuring there is always something "Rock Solid" yet fresh to try.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re stopping in after a soccer game or planning a date night, The Crawlspace keeps it flexible. While 60% of their business is walk-ins, they recommend reservations for peak times.
Reservations: Book via thecrawlspacegastropub.com or OpenTable.
Location: 2717 78th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA.
Vibe: Come as you are.