#761 - The Crescent, Seattle (Capitol Hill) - 1/19/2009

Definitely gives The Rickshaw a run for the money.


Update: Now that I know that Amber from Go Like Hell, touring with the Genitorturers, etc. etc. works there (and easily clinches the most sexy bartender title), I have to boost this over the Rickshaw for top Seattle karaoke dive and to my highly recommended list.

Historical Notes: The "Arterial Tavern" begins appearing in city guides at this address in 1939 and it is listed as the "Crescent Tavern" in the 1948. It is said to have been an old carriage house, although the current building wasn't constructed until 1924. It was a lesbian bar by the early 70s and now caters to older gay men, with a broad mix for karaoke.

1413 East Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 568-7452              
seattle weekly - yelp - the stranger

#760 - The Elite, Seattle (Capitol Hill, Olive Way) - 1/19/2009

Update:  The Elite closed in early July 2012.

Ostensibly gay, but it looks like it was decorated by the Rodney Dangerfield character in "Caddyshack."

Historical Notes: The Elite Tavern was established by 1935 (perhaps earlier) at 622 Broadway, currently the location of Poppy. It remained there until Jan 31, 2007, when it closed and re-opened in Dec 2007 at 1520 E Olive Way. It eventually (1950s?) became a gay bar -- the first one on Capitol Hill. On July 22, 1993 it was bombed by neo-Nazis, but suffered very limited damage with no one hurt.

1520 E. Olive Way, Seattle, WA

#759 - The Bus Stop, Seattle (Capitol Hill, Olive Way) - 1/19/2009

Small, spartan, and inhabited by a number of people who loudly seem to just seem to be getting used to this drinking thing, but I like it. It's particularly interesting on 3D-Glasses night.

The Bus Stop was first established at 508 E. Pine in 2004 or 2005 and was there into 2007. In 2009 it re-opened at the current Olive Way address.

1552 E. Olive Way, Seattle, WA

#758 - Redwood, Seattle (Capitol Hill) - 1/19/2009

Update: Redwood closed Nov 18, 2017.

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Man, I had no idea a bar like this was hidden away on Capitol Hill. And while it has only been there a couple years, it feels like it's been around for 50. An excellent option for people who want a more relaxed and unpretentious watering hole, as if it were in the hills around some small college town.

514 E Howell Street, Seattle, WA 98122
web site (or perhaps more accurately, web page)
yelp - the stranger - seattle weekly

#757 - The Saint, Seattle (Capitol Hill) - 1/19/2009

Update: The Saint closed on Aug 30, 2018.

A nice, romantic bar -- especially for tequila lovers. (And thanks to Adam for the drink and Redwood tip.)

1416 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122-2128 - (206) 323-9922
Est. April 5, 2008 - Closed Aug 30, 2018 - Building constructed 1926

#756 - The Buck, Seattle (Capitol Hill) - 1/19/2009

 Update:  The Buck closed September 2011

Some very fine additions over the past year or so make this stretch of Olive Way one of my favorite bar areas in the city. The Buck is cozy, western-themed bar by the owners of Bleu Bistro, with a mixed gay and straight crowd. I didn't get much of a feel for the vibe of the patrons, as I went on a Monday evening, but Janine the bartender is quite cool and the decor is swell (even if they really need to start giving some serious thought to taking down the Christmas tree).

1506 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 329-2493
Est. 2008

#755 - The Pub at 3rd Place, Seattle (Ravenna) - 1/13/2009

I love the Pub at Third Place. I love all the wood, the good beers, the Greek restaurant and bookstore open late upstairs. But what I liked most was the customers and vibe. Late 20s and 30s, on laptops, reading books, playing cards, relaxed but with a good energy. A hidden gem and one of my new favorite places. (web site)

6504 20th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115 - (206) 523-0217
Web site: www.vioscafe.com/viospub.html
Reviews: seattletimes - seattle weekly