‘The Triangle’ closes, new bar opening soon

By Geeky Swedes · June 7th, 2009 · 54 Comments

The well-known Fremont bar “The Triangle” celebrated its last night Sunday.

Bartender Nate Rezac recently bought the bar and plans to reopen it later this month with a new menu and a new look. “It will be a 30s and 40s gangsta bar theme,” he told us. “9 Million in Unmarked Bills,” as the bar will be called, will feature a diverse menu, a smaller bar in the back room and drinks named after old gangsters. Rezac says he hopes to reopen on June 18th.

As for The Triangle, it closed with a bash on Sunday night, featuring prizes, karaoke and old memories.

54 responses so far ↓

1 mike // Jun 7, 2009 at 3:19 pm

triangle was doomed when the menu went from normal to upscale.

i predict the same for “9 million” which no one will ever say and will probably look really stupid unless you are in a fraternity and get an allowance from your parents.
2 slider // Jun 7, 2009 at 4:12 pm

Hate to say it but there just might be enough do-chebags in this town to keep it open for 6-8 months…
3 Bill // Jun 7, 2009 at 7:05 pm

The gangster bars were in '20s during Prohibition. Now, a gangsta bar of 1990's era is a whole 'nuther animal.
4 facebook-6600905 // Jun 7, 2009 at 8:26 pm

Is losing the Triangle really a tragedy? This is the bar where by the end of the night most of the bartenders were more drunk than the patrons.

Not that this theme is really all that good, but it's gotta be better than whatever this is now.
5 Jeff // Jun 7, 2009 at 9:49 pm

Wow. A theme bar in Fremont. I think my neighborhood is starting to slip away from me.
6 rob // Jun 8, 2009 at 7:25 am

last i checked, there were no “gansta's” in the early 20th century.. they didn't show up until like the 80's in south central la..
7 Fremontonian // Jun 8, 2009 at 8:05 am

Fremont needs the old Triangle back, something more along the lines of The Red Door or Norm's, places that cater to the neighborhood. Stupid “gangsta” themed bards need to stay in Belltown or Pioneer Square where they belong. The Ballroom should go there, too.
8 Mike // Jun 8, 2009 at 9:03 am

It will fail! Gangsta? Come on! Stupid!
I agree with everybody who says the Old Triangle is what is needed.
9 I remember old Fremont // Jun 8, 2009 at 9:23 am

The Triangle was doomed when Fremont was transformed into a yuppie corporate office park.
10 Trix // Jun 8, 2009 at 12:50 pm

Are there any 'gangsta's' in Fremont? He'll probably end up with the same drunken frat boys that were there before.
Norm's is the only Fremont bar I go into anymore.
11 Oliver // Jun 8, 2009 at 4:51 pm

This post reads like a blurb in The Onion.. can this possibly be for real? Sounds like the winning entry in a contest for worst bar name/theme. Good luck with that..
12 Robb Sheldon // Jun 8, 2009 at 7:28 pm

Well the Triangle space itself needs a lot of renovation work. Let the theme place spend the money refurbishing it, and if they do fail, maybe a local restaurant pro can reopen it the right way. I will wait and see what happens.
13 Meep // Jun 9, 2009 at 10:03 am

No theme bar in Fremont! This neigborhood is falling apart.
14 frelard // Jun 9, 2009 at 1:17 pm

completely out of touch bar owners. i look forward to the douche-ster bar failing miserably and the triangle being returned to its previous glory, a decent neighborhood pub with some occasional overflow-girls from the ballroom.
15 Mike // Jun 9, 2009 at 1:32 pm

I agree!
I sort of feel bad for Nick… But not too much! He should have a clue. Its a neighborhood bar! Not a theme bar!
16 Mike // Jun 9, 2009 at 1:35 pm

opps nate not nick
17 lou // Jun 9, 2009 at 4:30 pm

Do you people in fremont really get joy out of predicting failure for others. This idea sounds fun and interesting. Whats with all the negativity? Life is to short to be so grumpy and judgemental!
18 Involved // Jun 9, 2009 at 6:08 pm

ITS NOT A FUCKING THEME BAR!!!! JESUS!! BAD QUOTE. THEY DON'T HAVE BARTENDERS WITH DOUBLE BREASTED SUITS AND FAKE NEW YORK ACCENTS. THE ONLY THING “GANGSTER” OR “GANGSTA” FOR THAT MATTER IS THE SIGN. THE PLACE WILL BE GORGEOUS, JUST UNTWIST YOUR PANTIES AND WAIT ANOTHER WEEK TILL YOU SEE IT, GO TO IT AND LOVE IT.
19 Dmcmanus // Jun 9, 2009 at 7:15 pm

Is he going for a Gangsta bar or as some people call it “the club” or is he going for an Orlando/Anaheim theme park? Either way this happens to be the worst idea I had ever seen. The guy who commented if this was from the onion is totally right on. Fremont has officially jumped the shark.
20 Mike // Jun 9, 2009 at 8:24 pm

Involved….
Its still going to be crap! I give it no more than 6 months…
Lets take two friends… one wants to go to… '9 Million in Unmarked Bill' and the other is in Ballard…
Via text messaging… im @ 9 mil ummark pills im freemont come!
The other…
where?
reply: you know nine million unmarked billls….
the other: No what about nine million bills?

It will be a disaster!!

And yes it is a theme bar! 30/40 gangsta bar? come on!!!

Ive walked by every day and it looks like all you have done is RUIN the restaurant area with a tiny bar and add a tacky stage/karaokee bar!

Its over!
21 Involved // Jun 10, 2009 at 3:18 am

Mike,
Thats your opinion and Im fine with it. My only concern is people thinking its some corny “Orlando” theme park as dmcmanus so eloquently put it. Like I said the place is going to be absolutely gorgeous with a much better menu (from what Im told) but the design aspects are absolutely outstanding. We took away ONE table from the dining area and added a DJ booth. Its not a 30/40 gangsta bar. Period.
I believe the conversation would be more like this:
“Im at 9 Milli, its CRAZY get down here.”
Mike- “man I was so wrong about that place, Im comin”
LOL sorry but I couldn't resist.
See you in 6 months but hopefully you'll come by sooner.
22 Mike // Jun 10, 2009 at 8:19 am

Involved!
Funny! Good response! Ill wait and see.
23 Jeff // Jun 10, 2009 at 8:22 am

Involved,

You'll have to excuse those of us who are reacting according to the QUOTED WORDS OF THE NEW OWNER.

You can shill for him all you want, but I've lived in the neighborhood for twelve years and the last thing it needs is an establishment that appeals to a “gangsta” element. The Ballroom already causes enough trouble.

Fremont may attract the college crowd for a total of eight hours on Friday and Saturday night, but the rest of the time this is a laid-back neighborhood full of single family homes, and it needs establishments that cater to that crowd. This “Nine Million” concept belongs in Pioneer Square.
24 Archibald // Jun 10, 2009 at 10:35 am

I agree with Involved and will stop by and check the place out when it opens. I live in a single family home, and that doesn't keep me from sidling up to the bar for a cocktail now and again. I even went to Nectar recently to see a friend's band and *gasp*, I'm over 40.

I hardly think it will appeal to a “gangsta” element. I'm picturing more of a Prohibition type bar with old-timey up cocktails named after Busgy Malone and Al Capone, maybe even an Elliot Ness.

Lighten up.
25 Josh // Jun 10, 2009 at 11:27 am

This sounds absolutely horrible. I can't wait for the first My Ballard Headline “Man shot with 9mm at 9 Milli.” Its off the hook yo!

Garbage. The Triangle sucked and this sounds awful, unless you are a former Greek / Jersey D-bag.

Ps. Use your real name chickens.
26 Trix // Jun 10, 2009 at 11:30 am

Jeff is right. The new owner didn't make it sound appealing. Of course, I'll give it a shot. I give all new places a shot. But we're all entitled to our opinions. And in my opinion, this isn't what Fremont wants or needs. It does sound like a future Ballroom II to me (and, apparently many others).
BUT - I will give it a try and hope I'm wrong.
27 dmcmanus // Jun 10, 2009 at 12:42 pm

10 Suggestions.
1. Change the name.
2. Change the name.
3. Fremont and “its crazy down here” and “untwist your panties” doesn't seem like things most want to hear unless your a fan of the Ballroom.
4. Close the Ballroom.
5. Change Name
6. “I will have a “Al Capone” with a Stella back” doesn't sound like drink I would order in Fremont.
7. Don't judge your success on June 20th. People just want to drink on Solstice.
8. What ever you do don't go for “The Club”.
9. Change the name.
10. Keep name, open in Lynnwood.
28 Jeff // Jun 10, 2009 at 1:08 pm

Hah, dmcmanus wins the thread.
29 Sheila // Jun 10, 2009 at 3:01 pm

Finally some comments on this site!

I don't really care what they do with the Triangle. Haven't been there in years because I can't stand Fremont on Friday and Saturday nights. I like my neighborhood all of the other days/nights. I'm not anti-change. I've lived here for 15 years and I've seen a lot of changes. I'm anti-frat boys and stupid girls.
30 W. Winkelford // Jun 10, 2009 at 5:08 pm

Sounds like just what we need around here. Finally, a gay bar with a THEME!

Do you think I can work leather into a 30's Gangster outfit? Oh, this sounds like so much fun.

Will there be Gloryholes in the back? Or would that be too much to start with. Maybe just gay porn on the monitors, turned WAY up.

I haven't been so excited in a LONG while, woo hoo!

Wally Winkelford
Fremont Fairye Queen
31 Erich // Jun 10, 2009 at 5:21 pm

9 Million ways to have a shitty bar name. Wow. I don't even go out in Fremont and I'm pissed. I envision the same douchebags that dress up as Gangstas at Halloween parties as the people who would be at this bar.

…Oh, whatever you do, make sure you put a SCAREFACE poster up on the wall…that would be the icing on the cake

wow
32 dmcmanus // Jun 10, 2009 at 5:42 pm

Informed. or emloyer if Informed.
You should really reconsider what you're going after here. Everyone I have talked to thinks this is a really really really bad idea. Did I emphasis really bad idea? good. You have got time to change the name and theme. It hasn't opened yet. I know what they were asking to take over the Triangle so I know you have some serious skin on the line. You really need to consider some other options on this place before you blow your wad and go BK in a matter of months. I can assure you that your not getting any fan mail from really anyone (even the crowd who I believe you're going after.. 23-30 YFS). That name is the going down in the guiness book of world records as the worst name for a bar in the history of bars. Just read the comments above. Do yourself a favor and think of something that doesn't evoke the thoughts and anger that are coming here OR face the consequences. Stop the presses. Get a new sign. The cost to redue everything before your made into a huge joke will save you a ton in the long run. Just chalk it up as a learning experience.
33 Jeff // Jun 10, 2009 at 6:04 pm

dmcmanus, everyone I've talked to feels the same way, and that includes a lot of current and former bar and restaurant workers. I have yet to come across someone who hears the name and the “gangsta” theme without looking a little bewildered. But hey, it's their money, they can do what they want.

Robb is right, if it fails then maybe a skilled restaurateur can take over and do something good with the place.
34 wallingford/Fremont-ish // Jun 10, 2009 at 7:21 pm

I am saddened by Triangle closing… I don't like to see any local businesses go under.
35 Someone that has a life. // Jun 11, 2009 at 9:53 am

Wow just checked out this article and the messege board…..
Dmcmanus and Jeff, don't you nerds have anything better to do with your time? Get a fuckin job.
36 Hey, I can change names too! // Jun 11, 2009 at 10:00 am

I'm guessing Involved and this guy are affiliated with the new owners. Wow, you guys are really going to get along with the neighborhood. If this is your mentality, I expect “Nine Milli” to shut down in mere months.
37 Biter // Jun 11, 2009 at 1:07 pm

Not only is the worst bar name ever, it was taken from a piece of art that the bartender saw when he was at the McLeod Residence. So he owes both Fremont and the artist an apology for this horrible idea.
38 ethan // Jun 11, 2009 at 3:31 pm

long live longshoremans daughter!!!!
39 dmcmanus // Jun 11, 2009 at 4:11 pm

Hey, I was trying to help ya, now I'm gonna clown ya.

” THE PLACE WILL BE GORGEOUS”
If you think redoing the furniture in industrial maroon velvet, and covering the existing tables with glued zerox copies of old gangster pictures is making the place “GORGEOUS” your an idiot and have no sense of what GORGEOUS means.

IF you paid the 300K that they were asking for the place and this is the best you can come up with you may be the dumbest new bar owner on record.

And last but certainly not least alienating the community has to be dumbest thing I have ever seen. IF I was opening a place in Fremont.. a place with a sense of community, history, art and understanding the first thing I would do would be reaching out to all the business's around me and start building a sense that you care about the community… from talking to people obviously you didn't do that. So guess what.. they are going to not recommend your place, they are going to clown it.

I hope you have a good BK attorney.
40 Involved // Jun 11, 2009 at 10:14 pm

dmcmanus,
Sorry you feel the need to “clown” us. There is no industrial maroon velvet, Im not sure what youre talking about. The old red velvet that covered the back bench seats? Either way that's being replaced. Yes the tables have a collage. I'd love to tell you what the bar is getting but I would get fired. Right NOW we've installed white granite bar tops, fresh paint in and out and new cobra tap towers for the front bar. 9 Million has new furniture in and out (if you didn't notice already). Thats about all I can say without getting myself in trouble.
Im not really sure why there is such blatant hostility. Nate (the owner) has been a bartender at the Triangle for 6+ years I think he knows what he's doing. He has lots of friends in the neighborhood and he HAS been talking to local business' about the change. And my hand to god, I didn't “change names” and start talking shit. I respect peoples opinions and care about what the neighborhood thinks as does Nate especially since its his ass on the line not mine. But I do take pride in my work and I feel this place deserves better than all the trashing its been getting online.
So dmcmanus, did I say something to offend you? Does the bar really bother you that much? Whats up man? You can't please all the people all the time.
41 lozenger // Jun 16, 2009 at 7:19 am

Incredibly weak.
42 facebook-6600905 // Jun 16, 2009 at 9:59 am

Oh so you're not getting rid of the old bartenders?

Fail. So hard.

I'm not sure how none of them have been cited by the cops for drinking on the job yet but it's probably because they drove out anyone who wasn't douchy enough to care and make a call.

The shitty service and bartenders getting hammered drove me out months ago along with a number of my friends.

It's not the theme that's going to be the problem so much as the staff.
43 Robb Sheldon // Jun 18, 2009 at 4:03 am

Well Nate for sure knows the neighborhood, and has a great presence behind the bar. It is good to know that someone local is being the creative force behind the transition. Nate is a good guy and I wish him well.

Robb
44 Robb Sheldon // Jun 18, 2009 at 4:06 am

Well Nate for sure knows the neighborhood, and has a great presence behind the bar. It is good to know that someone local is being the creative force behind the transition. Nate is a good guy and I wish him well.

Robb
45 Jeff // Jun 18, 2009 at 12:52 pm

Robb's endorsement is good enough for me!
46 Nick // Jun 19, 2009 at 3:34 pm

After reading all these negative posts about a theme bar in Fremont, I feel obligated to inform you all that your putting too much emphasis on “Theme bar”. I went to the grand opening last night and felt the remodel, menu and atmosphere was a huge improvement and success. There was a wide range of people there, the food was great and the drinks named after gangsters were original and very tasty! I think before you bash it, try it!

So, congratulations new owner, and I wish you all the best. If I was you I would also turn a deaf ear on all the naysayers from Freemont. Not everyone in Freemont is like these uptight pansy prudes. They were picked on as children and have nothing good to say in life as adults. I'm sure if someone opens a bar named “Geeks and Whiners”, they will flock there. Good luck!
47 Former Frat Guy // Jun 22, 2009 at 2:35 pm

You hipster types are so hypocritical . You're so uptight and judgemental about people who aren't like you or into the sames things as you. It's funny, you try way too hard to be individual…but you all end up looking, acting, thinking and dressing the same. Which is hilarious because it actually makes you just like the frat guys you despise.

Now about the bar. Not so sure about the name or theme but I'll give it a shot. I'm not gonna sit here and say “I won't go here because a certain group of people will probably be going there,” like a lot of the comments on here say. Maybe if you learned to socialize with other types of people you might have a good time…its way better than worrying about how 'cool and hip' you look all the time.
48 Former Frat Guy // Jun 22, 2009 at 2:41 pm

Oh yeah, congrats to the new owner and best of luck.
49 Marketer Type // Jun 23, 2009 at 2:18 pm

I'm planning on visiting this week.
10 Reasons Why:
1. I saw an article on dailycandy.com
2. The atmosphere described looked fun.
3. I always want to visit Freemont but never do.
4. I liked the name.
5. I'd rather visit a bar with a theme than yet another faceless business that peeks at calamari and cosmos.
6. All the negative comments here made me want to actually visit and make a decision.
7. I'm almost 40. I'm over Pioneer Square and Bell Town.
8.I don't actually have 10 reasons.
PS I'll expect good service and no drunk bartenders.
PPS Good luck. It's nice to see someone investing in a new start.
50 ty // Jul 2, 2009 at 11:55 pm

you have got to be kidding me. you need to read up on what a real gangsta is, and stop listenting to rap. stop thinking long white teeshirts and baseball caps, and start thinking pinstripes and fedoras.
51 ty // Jul 3, 2009 at 12:08 am

This is not a themed bar for idiots to prance around and act like gangsters, its a classy joint with great drinks, excellent food, and cool bartenders. The only thing gangster about it is all the money that went in to making it look great, and getting rid of the urine scented triangle lounge.

Anyone that thinks this is a cowgirls inc-esq theme bar about gangsters, remember that there is a strict dress code of fedoras and stripped suits.
52 brian88 // Jul 18, 2009 at 1:12 pm

I just think the Triangle doomed itself when it became a lounge. The change in liquor laws destroyed the neighborhood tavern. Hard liquor just creates more drunks than a tavern with beer and wine.
53 brian88 // Jul 18, 2009 at 3:12 pm

I just think the Triangle doomed itself when it became a lounge. The change in liquor laws destroyed the neighborhood tavern. Hard liquor just creates more drunks than a tavern with beer and wine.
54 m // Apr 14, 2011 at 12:23 pm

Best idea ever - Looked how well it turned out!