Interior construction started this week at the two-story space on the corner of 17th Avenue N.W. and N.W. 56th Street. A Coming Soon sign was hung in the window, announcing to the community that The Amber Den is coming soon.

Slated for an opening in mid December, the Amber Dens hopes to provide Ballard with what it's been missing.

"We did some research and this part of Ballard lacks a good neighborhood corner hangout to enjoy great food, wine and beer," said owner Nick Simonton.

For lunch, the Amber Den will be serving paninis, soups, sandwiches, and salads and in the evening, the food fare will be tapas style. Good quality craft beer and wines will be served all day.

"Depending on what time of day you come to visit us, we are a lunch destination during the daytime and your neighborhood corner hangout in the evening," Simonton said.

Simonton, a marketer, passionate entrepreneur and wine enthusiast, was previously involved with The WineBar on 24th in 2005.

With the Amber Den Simonton hopes to promote small craft breweries and wineries and make good quality craft beers and wines to all.

"One of the biggest component of the Amber Den is for it to be accessible for everyone without a pretentious feeling," he said and promised a diversity in the prices.

"Craft products don't necessarily have to be marked up as high as they tend to be," he said.

Simonton said the space will reflect the name.

"The interior will be warm and cozy. There will be bookshelves with books, comfortable couches. Just a cozy little place to socialize or hangout with a good beer or wine while you work on your laptop," he said.

For more information, visit The Amber Den online at http://www.amberdenseattle.com/