The Melrose is one of the very
oldest bars in Washington state. It was constructed and opened in 1901 with a saloon in the same first floor location as today. Ben Atkinson was the owner then, building the saloon and cafe, and a 60 room hotel on the two floors above with his earnings from gold panning in the Yukon. When Washington state enacted state-wide prohibition in 1916, until federal prohibition was overturned, the lower Melrose served as a pool hall and card room. In 1928 a fire destroyed the top two floors, but the saloon and original back bar were saved and remain intact today. In 1972 the Melrose was sold to well-known local celebrity boxer Boone Kirkman, who added a boxing ring to the bar.
The current owners took possession and reopened the Melrose Tavern as the Melrose Grill on Jan 13, 2002. It is now a nice steakhouse, slightly upscale but very reasonably priced, with the original back bar still intact and various old photos of the place.
819 Houser Way S, Renton, WA 98057 - (425) 254-0759
Est. 1901 - Building constructed: 1901
Previous bars in this location: None
Web site:
melrosegrill.com -
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Reviews:
examiner -
rentonreporter -
theblackberrychronicles -
yelp
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