If one were to guess which of the bars in Lower Queen Anne belonged to former Sonic superstar and notorious partier Shawn Kemp, the reasonable presumption would be Peso’s, or perhaps Ozzie’s. Surprisingly, it’s actually Oskar’s Kitchen, a charming Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar that Kemp named after his pet fish. Oskar’s provides refuge for patrons who prefer a quieter, more intimate night on the block than the noisy neighboring establishments offer. Its Monday-Friday happy hour features steals like complimentary pesto pita bread, $4 wells and wine, and $4-and-under appetizers like garlic fries and angus beef sliders. But the biggest draw for basketball fans is Kemp himself, who often drops in to chat and drink with patrons. Admittedly, his six-foot-ten stature is intimidating, but a couple drinks in, you’re sure to work up the courage to approach him. And, as this reporter has observed on several visits, he’s used to it and always happy to pose for a photo. (21 and over.) ERIKA HOBART
