Picture by Ben Lindbloom
In 1974, 5 years after the Stonewall Revolt shoved the nation towards a brand new period of homosexual liberation, Seattle celebrated its first Satisfaction. After all, it wasn’t really official again then (that didn’t occur till 1977), however that didn’t cease the 50 or so attendees from commemorating, celebrating, and having a rattling good time. At the moment, that spirit lives on, and in group outposts across the metropolis, we take each alternative we will to assemble, flirt, dance, and conspire.
Dwelling to each legacy establishments and energetic newcomers alike, Seattle is a vacation spot on the west coast for all issues queer—and, clearly, that features its bars. Forward, the place to exit subsequent (and what to anticipate when you get there).
Capitol Hill
Because the oldest lesbian bar on the West Coast, Wildrose is a Seattle establishment, and one in all solely about 16 lez bars left in your complete nation. Tons has modified since this watering gap first opened on New Yr’s Eve in 1984, however some issues have a tendency to remain the identical—particularly, you’ll be able to nonetheless sidle as much as the bar on any night time of the week, seize an inexpensive beer, and watch the world go by out of your perch (should you’re vaccinated, that’s).
Capitol Hill
The Cuff Advanced is a real membership and, subsequently, not for the faint of coronary heart. That means: Come prepared to bounce, flirt, and possibly sing some karaoke (relying on the night time of the week). Established in 1993, this membership is now older than a few of its regulars, and which means it is aware of the right way to do it proper—with 4 bars, a renovated patio, and full kitchen, and, duh, a massive dance ground.
Capitol Hill
Each metropolis wants no less than one basic leather-based bar, and right here, Seattle Eagle suits the invoice. Unsurprisingly, the inside suits the theme: Suppose chain-link fence decor, black painted partitions, a moody again patio, and the marker of any good dive—a pool desk. Keep tuned to their Instagram for information on theme nights, of which there are lots of.
Capitol Hill
Squeezed into the triangle-shaped constructing of what was a Nineteen Thirties gasoline station, Pony is the dive bar with a celebration virtually each night time of the week. Come for the glad hour, which is till 8 pm (or all night time, if it’s Wednesday), and keep for the inevitable dance get together to observe, which is commonly themed, and subsequently much more enjoyable (suppose retro 1955-85 tunes, eurowave, classic electronica, or our private favourite, Sunday disco).
Central District
Diesel claims to be “fueling Seattle’s bear scene,” and whereas we will’t affirm whether or not or not that’s true, it’s actually price a go to to search out out. Right here, the booze (and beards) movement, and also you’re certain to have a superb time should you fall into the next classes: “Bears, bikers, buddies, bubbas, blue collars, and dangerous asses” (aren’t all of us?).
Wallingford
Throughout the water from most of Seattle’s homosexual bars is Adjustments Bar & Grill, a comfortable spot nestled on North forty fifth Avenue in Wallingford. Versus a few of the extra, let’s assume, risqué bars, Adjustments really looks like a house away from dwelling: Suppose wooden paneling, pub meals, aquariums lining the partitions, and a normal dedication to kitsch. Sound heartwarming? That’s as a result of it’s.
Capitol Hill
You would possibly know Queer/Bar for its RuPaul’s Drag Race watch events, or Queeraoke, which is—you guessed it—karaoke night time, however there’s extra: like Queer/Burlesque, Physique Speak, the MX. Drag Present, and, developing on the finish of the month, a Halloween SEASONS Particular with Ms. Juicy Child. Clearly there’s heaps happening right here, so decide your poison (full calendar here) and produce your vax card.
Capitol Hill
Union has a very nice steadiness of indoor/outside area, which turns out to be useful when the crowds hit (aka, each Friday and Saturday night time). You can spend hours mixing and mingling right here, and with that cozy hearth lounge, it’s laborious to discover a cause to not. In the event you’re within the temper for a extra critical dance get together although, it is a good leaping off level to neighboring bars like Pony or Neighbours Nightclub & Lounge.
Capitol Hill
Sturdy drinks, good meals, and frequent open mic nights characterize C C Attle’s, a longstanding hangout for Seattle’s homosexual group. Right here, proof of vaccination is strictly enforced, and the vibe is decidedly chill, so don’t count on a rager. Somewhat, that is the spot to sit down again, loosen up, and take a load off.
Capitol Hill
As Capitol Hill’s oldest reigning dive bar, Crescent Lounge has acquired quite a few loyalists all through the years since its opening in 1948. Be part of them for karaoke seven (sure, seven) days per week, easy (and easily scrumptious) drinks, and a normal laid-back vibe that in all probability hasn’t modified a lot in, , 73 years.
Capitol Hill
Three flooring of area means a lot of alternative to bounce at Neighbours Nightclub & Lounge, which has been a house for Seattle membership goers since 1983. Since reopening earlier this yr, Neighbours additionally bought a a lot wanted facelift, plus a brand new sound and light-weight system, so that they’re ready for nearly any dance get together that comes their manner.