The Aurora Borealis shines in Shoreline

Text and photos by Rob Oxford

Since the legendary Parker's Ballroom closed its doors in 2012, the community of Shoreline has desperately needed a quality live music venue. One that could host local as well as national acts.

Thankfully with the recent opening of Aurora Borealis at 16708 Aurora Ave N, we now have one.

This is not to say that live music couldn’t be found in the City of Shoreline before, but bands hoping to play to more than a handful of close friends had to either pack their gear all the way downtown to Seattle or north to Lynnwood. Luckily, that is no longer the case.

The new restaurant and event space which is coincidentally only a stone’s throw from the lot that once housed Parkers, is the perfect addition to a growing Shoreline. Owner Tyler Myers, who had never been in the old Drift on Inn Roadhouse Casino which houses the new establishment, knew exactly what he wanted to do with the space the minute he walked in the door.

Tyler is a business entrepreneur, part-time musician and local resident, which makes spreading the word about his new restaurant even more important. During our recent meeting, Mr. Myers made it very clear than his plans for Aurora Borealis are long term and he hopes to have many opportunities to give back to the community that has welcomed him and that he calls home.

While driving to the restaurant for an introduction, the first thing that popped into my head was, “this is Aurora Ave, where in the heck am I going to park?” Upon my arrival I was overjoyed to find out that I had 250 stalls from which to choose. Bonus!

Restaurant menu has a wide variety of food

The upper level of the building which houses the restaurant is aesthetically pleasing and well lit, which will immediately appeal to any 57-year-old restaurant reviewer who may have forgotten his “readers”. Clean and professionally designed, along one wall are several booths for more intimate dining, while the main floor is spacious and welcoming.

The menu is chock full of comfort food favorites such as meatloaf, pot roast, mac ‘n cheese, a half dozen burgers to choose from or, if you’re in the mood for a steak, try the 8 oz filet, 10 oz rib eye or loosen your belt and order the 24 oz. porterhouse. If pasta, fish or salad are more to your liking, there’s something on the menu for you as well. The mussels, steamers and cheese fondue from the appetizer menu immediately caught my eye, as did the bleu cheese bacon wrapped dates.

Two full bars with draft beers, wines, and bourbons

 

The Aurora Borealis also features two full bars with an assortment of draft beers, wines and bourbons to choose from, including a 28-year-old bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, one of only eight available in the entire state this year. It is also the first bar in the state to feature the Azbar system which delivers over 200 cocktails perfectly poured.

What could be most appealing to local corporations, businesses and charitable organizations just might be the availability of The Aurora Room to host private parties, wedding receptions, sports banquets or other various events and seminars. For smaller business meetings there is an additional conference room two floors up that can be catered to your own specifications.

A massive music venue with stage, digital lighting,
professional sound and video system

Stroll down the stairs and you’ll find a massive music venue with a total capacity of 338, designed by a music lover, for music lovers. From the expansive stage with its digital lighting, to the professional sound and video system capable of video streaming to the posh greenroom for performers, Aurora Borealis has it all and will soon be hosting some of the best talent the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

The restaurant has already scheduled several very funny comedians for its Wednesday Night Comedy Series, but has plans to also host World Cup matches, Seahawk gameday parties and the occasional live radio event.

This weekend the 25th and 26th, check out The Popoffs from 9 – Midnight on Friday and the Michelle Taylor band on Saturday.

Although your family is sure to love it, the new Aurora Borealis Restaurant at 16708 Aurora Ave. N. is much more than a family restaurant. It is an “event space” unmatched by any other for miles around and… a breath of fresh air for Shoreline residents.

The restaurant is currently hiring hosts, servers, kitchen staff and bartenders. For employment information and a complete menu got to their website.