WILDROSE
Vibrant Nights at Wildrose: Seattle's Iconic Gay Bar
WILDROSE: Seattle's Landmark Lesbian Bar
Seattle's iconic lesbian bar, WILDROSE, celebrating 40 years of community, music, and inclusive nightlife in the heart of Capitol Hill.
WILDROSE, established in 1985, stands as Seattle's only lesbian bar and one of the longest-running in the U.S., offering a safe and inclusive space in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Known for its strong sense of community, the bar features DJs, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all [2, 3, 12].
Plan your visit
A brief summary to WILDROSE
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Tuesday
5 pm-11 pm
Wednesday
5 pm-11 pm
Thursday
5 pm-11 pm
Friday
5 pm-2 am
Saturday
5 pm-2 am
Sunday
4 pm-11 pm
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Getting There
Walking
WILDROSE is located in the heart of Capitol Hill, easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions and residential areas. From the intersection of Broadway and Pike Street, walk east on Pike Street for approximately two blocks. WILDROSE will be on your right at 1021 E Pike St. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. Be aware of pedestrian traffic, especially during evenings and weekends.
Public Transport
WILDROSE is well-served by Seattle's public transportation system. Several bus routes stop near the intersection of Pike Street and 11th Avenue, a short walk from the bar. Use the King County Metro Trip Planner to find the best route from your location. A one-way adult fare is $3, or you can purchase an ORCA regional day pass for $6 for unlimited rides on most transit services [14, 16, 19, 20, 22]. Youth 18 and under ride free [14]. An ORCA card costs $3 [14].
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Seattle. A short taxi ride from downtown Seattle to WILDROSE typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand [5, 7]. Be sure to confirm the fare estimate with the driver or through the app before starting your trip. Note that prices may be higher during peak hours or special events.
Parking
Parking in Capitol Hill can be challenging, especially during evenings and weekends. Street parking is available but often limited, with rates around $4.50-$7.00 per hour in the Pike-Pine area [18, 23]. Several parking garages are located within walking distance, with hourly rates ranging from $6 to $8 and daily rates from $28 to $36 [17]. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero to find and reserve a spot in advance [21, 24].
Local tips
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Check out WILDROSE's event calendar for DJ nights, live music, and karaoke, offering a diverse range of entertainment.
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Visit during Pride to experience WILDROSE's legendary block parties, celebrating LGBTQ+ resilience and joy.
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Enjoy the outdoor seating during warmer months for a relaxed atmosphere and great people-watching.
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Take advantage of happy hour specials for inexpensive drinks in a friendly, inclusive environment.
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Explore the Capitol Hill neighborhood before or after your visit, with its vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Discover more about WILDROSE
WILDROSE is more than just a bar; it's a cornerstone of Seattle's LGBTQ+ community, located at 1021 E Pike St in the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood [2, 3]. Established on New Year's Eve in 1985 by a collective of five women, WILDROSE emerged as a haven with a mission to create a comfortable and inclusive space for women, their friends, and families [2, 3, 11].
From its early days, WILDROSE distinguished itself with large, street-facing windows, a departure from the discreet entrances of many LGBT spaces of the time [3]. This openness symbolized its welcoming ethos. Over the years, the bar has become renowned for its strong community connections, live music, DJs, karaoke nights, and seasonal outdoor seating [2, 6, 12].
WILDROSE has faced numerous challenges, including economic shifts, social changes, and the COVID-19 pandemic [2]. Despite these hurdles, the bar has persevered, thanks to the determination of its owners and the unwavering support of its patrons [2, 4, 10]. Co-owners Martha Manning and the late Shelley Brothers, who took over in the early 2000s, have been instrumental in maintaining WILDROSE's legacy as a safe and inclusive space [2, 3, 4].
The bar's interior retains much of its original charm, with renovations in 2011 that included the removal of a drop ceiling in the back room and updates to the restrooms [2, 11]. WILDROSE is housed in the historic Winston Apartments, built in 1905, adding to its significance as a cultural landmark in Capitol Hill [2, 3]. Today, WILDROSE continues to host events, support the queer community, and celebrate its rich history as a vital part of Seattle's social fabric [2, 8, 10].
A brief summary to WILDROSE
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