(WSB photos. L-R, Ed and Andrew)

By Tracy Record

West Seattle Blog editor

Five months after we first reported that 2 Fingers Social was on its way to South Delridge, the doors open at 4 pm today.

We stopped in last night for an opening-day-eve look at what co-proprietors Andrew Spence and Ed Wheeler describe as their “esoteric” establishment, with numerous “nerdy/geeky” touches.

However you describe it, one look inside shows how they have thoroughly transformed the space at 9211 Delridge Way SW [map] – formerly home to businesses including a payday-loan operation and medical-marijuana dispensary – with countless custom creations, from the lighting fixtures to the barstools.

“We spent six months grinding out every possible aspect” of their establishment,” Andrew explains. “Everywhere you look, you’re going to find” something unique.

“We’ve had all these ideas for years,” Ed adds.

As movie and music fans, they have taken inspiration from some of their favorites. Designs on the tabletops were inspired by “Hellraiser.”

The lighting-fixture cans on one side include symbols from “Mad Max,” “Star Wars,” and “Star Trek,” among others. The font they’re using for the name/logo – already available as merch – is Ouija board-style Captain Howdy.

Some of the rustic wood you’ll see inside is from a barn, discovered via Craigslist.

Some is from “a nice lady on Mercer Island.”

As their creations erased the traces of the earlier businesses, they hauled out more than three tons of old material.

And you’ll want to check your standard bar expectations at the door, too. While there’s a big screen over the bar, Ed and Andrew emphasize this is not a sports bar. You’ll see old movies, maybe even classic music videos on that screen. No sports.

As noted in our May report, 2 Fingers Social will be all-ages in the early hours of each business day/night (4 pm-midnight seven days a week, all ages until 8 pm). The co-proprietors are both parents and it’s important that their kids can be there sometimes.

As two veteran bartenders (whose resumes include several years working together at Chupacabra on Alki), you won’t be surprised to hear that they plan for their drinks to stand out – in their value and simplicity. “Back to basics,” Andrew says. “Traditional cocktails that stand the test of time.” They promise two-ounce pours – the “two fingers” of the establishment’s name. One and a half is more common in the industry, they explain. They also say they’ll have higher-quality liquor in their well drinks, which will be $6. They’ll be “more bourbon/scotch-centric,” but not limited to those types of drinks. (And yes, the co-proprietors will be tending bar, though they plan eventually to have guest bartenders from around the city.)

As for their food, hot sandwiches with quality ingredients will be a focus. For example, one sandwich will include paté that is being made for them by the chef at West Seattle’s French restaurant, Marée on Alki.

So what’s it like to work extensively for months and finally be about to open?

“I’m excited,” Andrew says. “But it’s weird not to have a tool in my hands.”

Ed describes the feeling as “surreal … not quite sure if it’s sunk in yet.”

When 4 pm arrives, it probably will. But they’re already looking to the future – by next summer, a “huge patio.”

P.S. As a neighborhood establishment, they’re hoping to see many arrive by walking, bike, bus. If you’re driving, there’s street parking.