Community Spotlight: Rocco's Pizza & Spirits
More Than a Slice:
A Place to Make Memories
Inside Rocco’s Pizza & Spirits, where good food meets connection
A good venue can set the scene, but people are what give a room its story. Some nights begin with a reservation. Others just need a reason to leave the group chat. Rocco’s, a specialty bar and pizzeria, makes room for both. And somewhere along the way, a night out becomes a memory. Dates unfold over drinks, coworkers trade deadlines for conversation, and friends settle around tables without much urgency to leave. Around them, warm lighting settles over the dark interior and the long, bottle-lined bar keeps its steady rhythm of shaking cocktails and clinking glassware. Different reasons bring people through the door, but the room gives them somewhere to connect.
But there’s another side of Rocco’s that even some regulars don’t know is there...
Tucked above the main bar is a second-story dining room and bar with space for 50 guests. The space is also available by reservation for private events. On Tuesday, September 29, YPCSeattle is bringing the community to the table. From 6:00-9:00 p.m., our September Last Tuesday Happy Hour invites young professionals to break bread and make room for new conversations. For anyone looking to grow their circle, it is an ideal chance to trade screen time for face-to-face conversations.
🍹From Nightlife to Rocco's
Before Rocco’s had a name on Second Avenue, Jesus Escobar had an idea for what he wanted to build next. He traces part of his entrepreneurial drive to a family of blue-collar workers and highly educated professionals in Venezuela and Colombia.
All my family have contributed to who I am and what I have accomplished up to this day.
-Jesus Escobar
Escobar spent 13 years owning, managing, and working at Seattle nightclub Noc Noc. Eventually, he was inspired to build something different: a more consistent restaurant-and-bar concept. Better hours, a greater focus on hospitality, and an elevated guest experience became central to that vision.
Rocco’s opened in Belltown in 2012 as a 60-person bar and restaurant. Then, in 2020, redevelopment forced the business to move. Fortunately, its next home was waiting just one block away. With a new address came the chance to reimagine what Rocco’s could become. Escobar says he “personally designed and built out the space” from what had previously been a blank-canvas art gallery.
The result was a major leap in scale: a multi-level space capable of holding more than double the capacity of the original location. And the building has a bit of music history of its own. According to Escobar, Pearl Jam’s original practice space sits in the basement below.
🍕Specialty Pies and Spirited Pours
In the kitchen, the standard remained just as hands-on. While Escobar personally curated the menu, he treats dish development as an ongoing collaboration. He incorporates feedback from his kitchen team to keep the offerings fresh and consistent.
Consider this a sneak peek. Start with warm cheese-stuffed garlic bread served with marinara before choosing among specialty pies. Craving a kick? Try Jalapeño Face! It's layered with jalapeño, cream cheese, bacon, breadcrumbs, and mozzarella. On the vegetarian side of the family, Cousin Margaret balances fresh mozzarella, pecorino, basil, and barrel-aged fig vinegar. At the bar, Golden Hour stretches out the afternoon sunshine with blanco tequila, citrus, passion fruit, and a splash of seasonal amaro.
We are proud to offer a place where people from all backgrounds and walks of life are welcome and feel comfortable.
-Jesus Escobar
For Escobar, one of the best parts of hospitality happens once people settle in. He enjoys watching Rocco’s become part of the memories guests make together. Those moments give Escobar a sense of accomplishment, knowing his team created an experience guests can leave feeling good about.
Find something that you're passionate about and work hard to accomplish your dreams. Even if it is outside your initial comfort zone.
-Jesus Escobar
🌐 The Value of Showing Up
Taking a leap into unfamiliar territory can be intimidating, but committing to what you love creates its own momentum. Hard work sets the foundation, but community helps sustain it. Rocco’s offers room for both, giving people a place to exchange insights and lean on one another’s lived experiences.
Your next professional connection might be closer than your LinkedIn feed suggests. Mark your calendar for September 29, when YPCSeattle brings young professionals together at Rocco’s for Last Tuesday Happy Hour.
RSVP, bring your appetite, introduce yourself to someone new, and let the rest unfold from there.
Follow Rocco's:
Website: www.eatmessina.com
