Snoqualmie tequila bar was years in the making

When Marta Rothnie got the keys to 8032 Falls Ave. SE, Suite A, in 2021, she had big plans to turn the former brewing supply store into a destination tequila bar.

But life, as it tends to do, got in the way.

“The week that I signed the lease on this place, I found out that I was pregnant with my son,” she said.

Between having a baby and dealing with a family tragedy, Rothnie couldn’t spend the time at Anejo she needed in order to make it successful. So, she waited, and it worked in her favor.

Since then, Rothnie has bought out her business partner, had a consulting chef create a menu of hearty small plates — and learned a lot about tequila. She had the space built out how she wanted, with a glittering display of bottles and different glassware for each cocktail.

She officially opened Anejo’s doors on July 31, 2024, and had a ribbon cutting on Dec. 12. The bar shares a building with Snoqualmie Falls Brewery and offers a full bar menu, plus small plates, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Rothnie is also the owner of Dark Horse Brew, a coffee stand around the block from Anejo. When she decided to start another business, she wanted to bring something new to town — and she loves tequila.

“I felt like it needed to be a niche, like a specific thing, rather than just a sports bar,” she said. “And who doesn’t love a good margarita?”

When it comes to crafting the drink menu, Rothnie just “pairs together what I like” and sees if it works. The food menu was created in partnership with a chef, but those ideas came from Rothnie, too.

“I sent out a preliminary idea and then I was able to get connected to a chef who was able to help me hone it in,” she said. “I was able to give out ‘I want steak tacos,’ and he was able to actually be like, this is how we are able to do that.”

Though tequila is the main attraction, Rothnie emphasized that Anejo is family-friendly and hosts events.

In February, every Tuesday and Thursday will be Galentine’s Night, where ladies can bring their friends and enjoy specials. She is also hosting a Tequila Education Night Feb. 25, a ticketed event where an expert will discuss the heritage and craftsmanship behind each type of tequila guests are tasting (go to anejosmallplatesandtequila.com to register).

Rothnie, who grew up in Fall City, had her first food service job at age 14, and has worked in hospitality since, but she’s happiest working for herself. Though she’s the owner, customers can find Rothnie behind the bar at Anejo or inside the Dark Horse stand most days of the week.

“I want to make sure I can make it,” she said. “Restaurants are really hard to make a profit, to sustain. I really want this to work, so I make sure I’m here every day.”

Dark Horse Brew is one of the businesses that would be cleared out if the Pacific West Rail Foundation is successful in purchasing the lot at Railroad Avenue and SE King Street for its model train museum. The lot is currently owned by Mike Kirkland of MK Property Services.

Rothnie is not ready to provide specifics on her future plans, but she said both Kirkland and the potential new owners are “doing all the right things.”

“They’re going through all of the right channels,” she said. “They really want to make sure the community is taken care of.”

If Pacific West Rail purchases the lot, it will be a few years before construction begins. In the meantime, Rothnie will continue serving up icy margaritas and hot cups of joe for the Snoqualmie Valley and its visitors.

“My first job was at a coffee shop in Fall City … Some of those customers have followed me since,” she said. “It’s just amazing to see the same people that I saw when I was 14, 15. They still want to support me. I just love this community.”