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Central Saloon: Seattle's Grunge Cradle

Experience Seattle's oldest saloon, the birthplace of grunge, where live music and history collide in the heart of Pioneer Square.

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The Central Saloon, Seattle's oldest bar established in 1892, stands as a living monument to the city's vibrant history. From its roots serving Yukon miners to becoming the birthplace of grunge music, this Pioneer Square landmark offers a unique glimpse into Seattle's past and present [5, 7].

A brief summary to Central Saloon

  • Monday 11 am-2 am
  • Tuesday 11 am-2 am
  • Wednesday 11 am-2 am
  • Thursday 11 am-2 am
  • Friday 11 am-2 am
  • Saturday 11 am-2 am
  • Sunday 11 am-2 am

Local tips

  • Check the Central Saloon's event calendar for upcoming live music performances, showcasing both local and touring acts [22].
  • Visit during happy hour (6 pm to 8 pm) for discounted well drinks and tap beers [5].
  • Explore the Pioneer Square neighborhood, known for its historic architecture, shops, and restaurants [2].
  • Consider taking a self-guided tour of the Central Saloon to soak in its history and memorabilia [3].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Central Saloon is located in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, which is easily walkable [2]. From many points in the neighborhood, including the Pioneer Square Station, the saloon is a short walk southeast on 1st Avenue South [11].

  • Public Transport

    Pioneer Square is a major transportation hub with multiple options [2]. Link Light Rail has a station (Pioneer Square Station) a few blocks away [11, 21]. Several bus routes also serve the area [11]. An ORCA card ($3) can be purchased at vending machines at light rail stations and loaded with funds [10, 16, 18]. A regional day pass costs $6 and allows unlimited rides on most transit services [10, 18]. Single fares depend on distance traveled, but are typically around $2.75 [15].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Seattle [10]. A short ride from downtown to the Central Saloon in Pioneer Square will likely cost between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and surge pricing [10].

  • Driving

    If driving, parking near the Central Saloon can be challenging, especially during peak hours [9, 20]. There are several pay lots within a few blocks [3, 6]. Street parking is available, costing around $9 for 2 hours, and is free from 6pm to 9am [3, 6]. Be aware of tow zones [3]. The Central Saloon does not have on-site parking [6].

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Discover more about Central Saloon

The Central Saloon, located in the heart of Seattle's historic Pioneer Square, is more than just a bar; it's a time capsule [2, 5]. Established in 1892, just three years after the Great Seattle Fire, it rose from the ashes to become a vital part of the city's cultural fabric [2, 5, 7]. Originally known as The Watson Bros. Famous Restaurant, it catered to the waves of miners, loggers, and sailors who flocked to Seattle during the Gold Rush era [2, 4]. In the 1980s, the Central Saloon underwent a transformation, embracing live music and inadvertently birthing the grunge movement [2, 4]. Bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and The Melvins all graced its stage, solidifying its place in music history [2, 4, 5]. It was here that Sub Pop Records first witnessed Nirvana's raw talent, leading to their signing and the subsequent explosion of grunge onto the global stage [2, 4]. Today, the Central Saloon continues to operate as a bar, restaurant, and live music venue, offering a mix of local and touring acts [7, 9, 11]. Its walls are adorned with memorabilia, telling the story of Seattle's grunge era and the many musicians who have passed through its doors [5]. More than just a tourist destination, it remains a beloved local hangout, offering cheap drinks, friendly service, and a comfortable, unfussy atmosphere [7]. The Central Saloon stands as a testament to Seattle's enduring spirit, a place where history, music, and community converge [2, 5].

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