Sadly for Ballard, Friday will be Azteca’s last day of business. The flagship location of the now-regional chain has served the neighborhood for 40 years. According to Eater Seattle, there were several reasons the restaurant is closing, but it was mostly a matter of the lease not being renewed. Azteca is throwing a closing dance party Friday with a DJ until 2 a.m.

Pioneer Square continues to see new openings, with no sign of slowing. Marination owners Kamala Saxton and Roz Edison have announced plans to open Good Bar on Second Avenue and Main Street. Later in 2014, look for Josh Henderson’s Quality Athletics and Mike Easton’s Pizzeria Gabbiano.

Mezcaleria Oaxaca is now open on Pine Street on Capitol Hill as of Tuesday, Feb. 25. The mezcal-focused bar and Mexican restaurant is operated by the family who runs Queen Anne’s Mezcaleria Oaxaca and Ballard’s La Carta de Oaxaca. The 3,000-square-foot space includes a rooftop deck and a wide selection of mezcals, including some so rare you won’t find them anywhere else in the U.S. E

food@seattleweekly.com