What a swell place for the inhabitants of Mercer Island (those poor suffering bastards). Originally built as a "chicken-dinner inn" in 1914 and named the "Grandfather Inn" by 1916, it has apparently served as a hotel, brothel, and speak-easy (with "illegal booze served in coffee mugs") in the interim before becoming a tavern sometime after prohibition. Nowadays the food and liquor are pretty standard pub fare, but it's the setting that makes the Roanoke a fine place. In contrast to the dreary, multi-use strip mall abodes of most other island businesses, the Roanoke has a cozy, almost lodge-like interior that makes it a fine place for wet weather, and an expansive set of outdoor patios for sunny days. (And as if to emphasize the preppy surroundings, they'll loan you a croquet set in the Summer.)
1825 72nd Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 - (206) 232-0800
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1 comment:
FDR used to wait for the ferry here.... His daughter lived on the Island. Before the bridge was built this was the public house just up from the ferry dock.
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