Seattle's Oldest Bars

Seattle Bars Pre-dating Prohibition (click for more info)

Merchants Cafe - 1890
Central Saloon - 1892
Queen City Grill - 1901
J&M Cafe - 1902

Jules Maes - 1907
Virginia Inn - 1908
The Triangle Pub - 1910

Seattle Area Bars Established Before 1940

1933 - Athenian Inn (restaurant since 1909) (1)
1933 - Five Point Cafe (restaurant since 1929)
1933 - Caroline Tavern (I've found no listings in Seattle city guides for the Caroline before 1945; however, since it is outside of Seattle and photos and web sites give it a 1933 origin, I am attributing that date to it for now.)
1933 - The Cabin
1933? - Fiddler's Inn (The myspace page) and also a bartender there assured me that this was one of the first Seattle area liquor licenses after Prohibition. It does not show up that early in Seattle city guides, but this is not unusual for a place outside the old city limits. The first listing I found at this address under bars ("Beer Parlors") is in 1939 (under the name of owner Walter R. Haines). It doesn't begin showing up as "Fiddler's" until 1948-49. I have not been able to determine how old the building is. A bartender believes it was an old horse stables, using the same basic structure. The current owners have had it for 18 years (as of 2010).
1934 - The Double Header (Although I have not yet found it in city guides until 1937, it seems to have been around since shortly after Prohibition. Upstairs from "The Casino," perhaps the most famous gay nightclub on the west coast at the time (now "Heaven" nightclub), there is a plausible argument that the Double Header is the oldest continually running gay bar in the United States (see my post in Seattle Twist). (3)
1934 - The Reservoir (The Reservoir Tavern was established in 1934 and is said to have been a speakeasy for years before that. The building was constructed in 1928.)
1935 - Hilltop Ale House (The Hilltop Tavern appears at this location in city guides in 1935)
1935 or earlier - Hideaway Casino (This structure was built in 1917 and begins showing up in city guides as the Hideaway Beer Parlor in 1935)
1935 or earlier - Fifth Avenue Tavern (This starts appearing in city guides as "Stewart's" in 1935, but is listed as "5th Ave Tavern" by 1938.)
1935 or earlier - The Reservoir Tavern (The Reservoir appears in city guides in 1935. The current structure was built in 1928)
1936 - Blue Moon Tavern (Histories (e.g. 1) date the Moon back to April 1934, however city guides list an address two blocks away (4526 Roosevelt) for 1934 and 1935)
1936 or earlier - The Comet Tavern (Originally "Wee Deoch and Doris," which appears in the 1936 city guide, it changed to The Comet in 1945; the structure was built in 1907 1 2 3 Polk City Directories)
1936 or earlier - Mike's Chili Parlor (The web site notes that Mike's was established in 1922 (i.e. during Prohibition) and does not specify how soon they started serving alcohol after the 21st amendment. I suspect it was around 1933 or 34, but so far I've only found it listed under bars ("Taverns") as early as 1936. (It seems to be missing from Polks City Directories, but included in telephone directories.)
1937 or earlier - The Shanty (The Shanty Tavern goes back to at least 1937, although it was previous located in a couple different locations up the road on Lake City Way. The 1937 listing has "Mack's Shanty" at 8816 Lake City (AKA Bothell Way AKA Victory Way), and it is listed in a few subsequent years under the name of owner Doris McLeod. In the 1941 guide, Mack's Shanty begins appearing at an 8916 address, and then shifts to the current 9002 address around 1948. In at least this last move, and perhaps the previous one, the actual building (constructed in 1932) was moved. It continues to be listed as "Mack's Shanty" into 1960. In 1961 it was purchased from the original owner by current owner John Spaccarotelli, and changed the name to just "The Shanty.")
1937? - The Duchess (The Duchess first appears in city guides at its current address in 1937, although it then disappears from 1938 through 1944)
1938 - The Buckaroo Tavern (Originally the "Little Buckaroo Tavern", structure built in 1908) (1, city guides)
1938 or earlier - The Tin Hat (The Tin Hat first appears in city guides in 1938.)
1939 or earlier - The Crescent Tavern (The building was constructed in 1924 and by 1939 it was housing the "Arterial Tavern." By the 1948-49 Polk Guide it was named the "Crescent Tavern.")
1939? - Mecca Cafe (The Mecca appears under restaurants in 1934, with a 524 Queen Anne address. It does not appear under bars ("beer parlors") until 1939, and then with a 526 Queen Anne address.)
1939 or earlier - Wedgwood Ale House (Appears in city guides as Hansen's Tavern" in 1939-1944, Then either "Wedgewood" or "Wedgwood" Tavern/Inn/Alehouse ever since 1945)

(Note: The Little Red Hen -- or at least a Little Red -- has been around since at least 1939, but not at its current location. It was listed at 323 N. 50th until at least 1959.)

Seattle Bars Established Before 1950

1940? - The Red Onion Tavern (The Red Onion appears in city guides starting in 1940 at the address 4222 Madison; sometime between 1970 and 1980 it begins to appear at its current 4210 Madison address.)
1941 or earlier - Two Bells Tavern (The "Two Bells" first appears in Polk guides in 1941, though a bar appears at this address, under the owner's name, Leonard J. Crawford, in 1939)
1943 or earlier - The Lock Spot (The Lock Spot begins appearing in city guides in 1943.)
1944 or earlier - Lockspot Cafe (First appears in city guides in 1944)
1944 or earlier - The Beacon Pub (First appears in city guides as the Beacon Tavern in 1944)
1945 or earlier - 74th St. Ale House (A picture in this venue at 7401 Greenwood says the building was constructed in 1910 and a tavern started in 1950. However, King County parcel information says that the building dates to 1912, and city guides list Green's 74th St. Tavern at the location starting in 1945. (Greene's 74th St Tavern is listed across the street, at the current location of Herkimer Coffee, in 1942.)
1945 or earlier - North City Tavern (Since at least 1945, probably 1933; oldest commercial building in north city (1929))
1945 or earlier - Wedgewood Ale House (The "Wedgewood Tavern" first appears in city guides in 1945.)
1945 - The Comet Tavern
1946 - The Copper Gate (The web site claims it was established in 1946, which is consistent with city guides listing it in the first edition after 1946.)
1948 or earlier - The Latona Pub (The Latona Tavern begins appearing in city guides in 1948. There is a beer parlor listed under the owner's name, Max Hurwitz in the 1939 Polk Guide, but I have not yet found any listed in subsequen years between then and '48)

(Note: The Streamline Tavern has been around since at least 1945, but apparently not at it's current location. It is listed at 507 Queen Anne from the late 40s to at least 1970, moving to it's current address of 121 W. Mercer sometime before 1980. However I am not positive that this change is not actually the result of the city changing the numbering scheme, as has been done in certain areas.)

More Old Bar Spaces that Host Bars Today

The preceding listz contain only those bars that retained the basic name from the original or from at least before 1950. In addition to these, there are a number of bars with different names currently operating in spaces that once hosted different bars before 1950. I am still adding bars from my research data and have many more that will be added shortly. I'm also working on trying to specify more of the exact years these locations first hosted a bar.

1890s - Zasu Nightclub (Former resident Doc Maynards Public House was described as "refurbished 1890s pub," in the Pioneer Building, completed in 1891) (1)
1898? - Old Town Alehouse (The web site claims that this location has been occupied continuously since 1898 or thereabouts, by the Ballard Bar before Prohibition, and the Silver Spot after. Neither shows up in city guides before 1937, but I'll take their word for it unless given greater reason to doubt it. This was the Silver Spot from the 30s into the 80s, became Engels Fish Knot at some point, then Old Town Alehouse in 1995)
1898 or earlier - Table In Gallery (TIG) (This address, also in the Pioneer Building,, was the Horsehoe Saloon by 1898, and hosted the Alaska Club Tavern by 1944) (Source: Seattle City Guides, SPL)
1898? - Trinity Nightclub (There are bars listed at this address as early as 1898 (A.E. Stewart), but I haven't found any in the 40 years after Prohibition. It is listed in the 1908 Polk Guide as the "Pioneer Square Tavern" -- not to be confused with the current "Pioneer Square Saloon" up the street.
1890? - Heaven (Listed under Saloons in the 1905 Polk Guide as the "People's Cafe", and is said to have been a club named the "People's Theater" in 1890. By 1941 it became The Casino, perhaps the most famous gay bar in the country during the 40s. It is said to have been a speakeasy during prohibition and is linked to the Double Header above, which remains to this day and may be the oldest continually running gay bar in the U.S.)
1905? - Joe's Bar and Grill (The 1905 Polk guide lists a bar at this address, but I have not been able to ascertain the age of the current building. It's listed as "Brothers Lunch" under Beer Parlors in 1948-1949 and was the Red Front from at last 1970 to at least 1990) 1905? - Rob Roy (I have not determined the age of this building but there is a bar listed at the 2332 1st Ave address in 1905 (owned by Sullivan & Holmes). I've not yet found any other bars listed in the location before the Viceroy/Rob-Roy.)
1934 - Sully's Snow Goose (previously La Boheme Tavern, then The Bohemian)
1934 - Pioneer Square Saloon (begins appearing in city guides in 1934 as Yesler Beer Parlor)
1934 or earlier - Angie's Tavern (This structure was built in 1905 and first hosted a bar, The Pink Poodle, shortly after prohibition. It was renamed Angie's in 1985.)
1934 or earlier - The Re-Bar (The "Night Hawk" first appears at this address in the 1934 Polk guide and is listed sporadically under that name until at least 1970.)
1934 or earlier - Nickerson St. Saloon (This location begins to appear in city guides in 1934 under the name "Albert Cruver." The name changes to "Jack Gengler" in 1942, then the "318 Tavern" in 1948. The building was constructed in 1928.)
1934 - Ould Triangle (Structure was built in 1932 and appears under Beer Parlors in the 1934 Polk guide (owned by Ivan McKinnon, bar name unknown). It was Mack's Tavern in the 40s, The Score Card Tavern in 1970, and O-Zone in 1980)
1935 or earlier - Changes Tavern (By 1935 the "Looking Glass Beer Parlor" occupied the address currently housing this U-District gay bar, and it remained under that name though at least the 40s. In 1980 it was the "Loading Zone Tavern.")
1935 or earlier - Hunter Gatherer Lodge (This structure was built in 1920 and begins showing up in city guides as the "Harvard Tavern" in 1935 and remains under that name through the 40s. In 1970 it was the "Forun Tavern" and in 1980 the "Brass Door.")
1935 or earlier - Conor Byrne ("The Owl Cafe" first appears at this address under bars in city guides in 1935; under restaurants in 1934)
1935 or earlier - Kangaroo and Kiwi ("The Meet Me Here Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1935.)
1935 or earlier - HulaHula (The "Midway Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1935.)
1935 or earlier - Boxcar Alehouse (This appears as "Kenyon's Side Track Tavern" in 1935. By the late 40s it is known as just the "Side Track Tavern," and in 1970 and 1980 it is listed as the "Ty-Up Tavern.")
1935 or earlier - Changes Tavern (The "Looking Glass Beer Parlor" appears at this address in city guides in 1935.)
1935 or earlier - Hilltop Ale House (This structure was built in 1910 and begins showing up as the Hilltop Tavern in city guides in 1935.)
1935 or earlier - Park Pub (This Greenwood Ave address lists "Richie's Inn" in 1935, then the "Duck-Low Inn" from 1945 to 1949, and again (still?) in 1970.)
1935 or earlier - Pig and Whistle ("The Central" first appears at this address in city guides in 1935. However I cannot locate a parcel history and verify the age of the current building.)
1935 or earlier - Rat and Raven ("The Century" first appears at this address in city guides in 1935. It remained the Century into the 80s and was recently the "Galway Arms" before R&R)
1935 or earlier - Sunset Tavern (This Ballard structure was built in 1900. It appears in city guides as "Chet's Log Cabin" 1935-1939, then Chet's appears to move one door down for the 40s, into the current location of La Carta de Oaxaca.)
1935 or earlier - WingMaster's (This was "Davented's Tavern" in 1935. I have found no listings in the late 30s or early 40s, but in 1945 it begins appearing as "Club Two Hundred," which continues into the 80s. In 1990 it is listed as "Tor's Tavern.")
1936 or earlier - Fusion Ultra Lounge (The "Rainbow Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1936, and it remains under that name until the mid 40s. In 1970 it is listed as the "Sandpiper Tavern" and by 1980 it had returned to the "Rainbow Tavern.")
1938 or earlier - The Lava Lounge (The first bar I have found so far at this address is the "First Up" from 1938 to 1944. In 1945 it becomes "Feeley's Tavern" which it remains for the rest of the 40s. It is the "Golden West Tavern" in 1970 and the "Hawaii West Tavern" in more recent decades.)
1939 or earlier - Barking Dog Alehouse (The Polk guide of 1939 lists a beer parlor at this address owned by Edward Hern. It lists no bars again until 1948-49 when it was "Mick and Art's Tavern." By 1970 it was the "70th Street Tavern and remained that until at least 1990.)
1939 or earlier - Eastlake Zoo (The current building was constructed in 1924 and the first bar I have found is one owned by Joseph Carroll (bar name unknown) in 1939. It is "Mack's Tavern in 1946 and at least through the 40s. In 1970 it is the "It'll Do Tavern" and it is the "Eastlake Zoo" by 1980.)
1939 or earlier - El Norte (The current building was constructed in 1921 and the earliest beer parlor I have found is one (name unknown) owned by Fred Amos in 1939. Names of bars in this location since then include Chuck's Tavern (1948), B&E Tavern (1970), Chuck and Mary's Tavern (1980) and by 1990 the Rose Garden (closed 2010).)
1939 or earlier - Il Bistro ("The Hideout" first appears in city guides at this address in 1939 and remains into the 70s. It has been Il Bistro for the last 30 years.)
1939 or earlier - Jade (This rock building on Aurora Ave near 90th was constucted in 1993. The 1939 Polk guide lists a beer parlor there owned by Mrs. Hazel Goforth. By 1943 it was the "White Stone Tavern" (sometimes listed as "Whitestone"), which it remained at least into the 70s. In 1980 it is listed as the "Brooklyn Bridge Tavern," and in 1990 it was "Traveler's III," a popular hang-out for native Americans.)
1939 or earlier - Knarr Tavern (This University Ave location lists a bar owned by Austin Bailey in 1939-1942, and "Bailey's Tavern" throughout the latter 40s. By 1970 it was the Knarr.)
1939 or earlier - Leary Traveler (The first bar I have found is one of unknown name owned by John Johnson in 1939. It was "Harvey's Tavern" from at least 1942 to at least 1990.)
1939 or earlier - Leny's (The current structure was built in 1928 and "Hansen's Tavern" is listed there in 1939. In the 1948-49 guide "Howard's Tavern" is in the location, and appears to have remained there until at least 1959. It was "Leny's" by 1970.)
1939 or earlier - Lock and Keel Tavern (This structure was built in 1911 and there is a bar owned by Clarence Campbell in the space in 1939. It is the "Club Tavern" from at least 1941 into the 1980s. In 1990 it is listed as "Borge's Place.")
1939 or earlier - Pazzo's (I'm not sure Pazzo's should really count as a bar, but by 1939 there was a bar in this building owned by Cecil Fish. The building was constucted in 1924 and it was "Quinn's Tavern" through the late 40s. In 1970 and 1980 it was "Skipper's Tavern" and in 1990 "JC Fox & Sons.")
1939 or earlier - Pub at Piper's Creek (The 1939 Polk guide lists a beer parlor owned by Mrs. Frances M Hall at this address (the building dates to 1931). Names of bars that preceded Piper's Creek include the "Viewlands Tavern" in the 40s, "The Playhaus," "Bob's Goodtime Tavern," and "The Crazy Norwegian.")
1939 or earlier - Pig and Whistle (This Greenwood address is the part of the building (constructed in 1927) that housed a tavern owned by Harvey L. Mashinter in 1939. It was the "Central Tavern" from at least 1942 into the 70s. In 1980 it is listed as "The First Edition" and in 1990 as "The Winner's Circle.")
1939? - Kincora Pub (I do not know the age of the current building, but the "Bell Pine Tavern" is listed at this address from 1939 to at least 1949. Other names have included Matthew's Harry Kid Tavern, Glynn's Cove, and Squid Row.)
1940 or earlier - Al's Tavern (First appears in city guides in 1940)
1941 or earlier - Cyclops (City guides list bars at this address in 1890 through at least 1905, but the current structure was not built until 1909. The first bar I have found in the new building is the "Sunset Tavern" beginning in 1941 and continuing at least into the 50s. The Cylcops was in another location across the street for a few years before the moving to the present location.)
1941 or earlier - Hula Hula (The "Midway Tavern" appears in city guides at this address in city guides through the 40s. It has had many names since then including the Tic Toc Tavern, Arthur's Fine Pub, The Romper Room, and the Watertown.)
1941 or earlier - Lock and Keel (The "Club Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1941.)
1941 or earlier - McCoy's Firehouse (Appears listed as the "Green Spot Tavern" in 1941, then the "Silver Star Tavern" from 1942 into the 70s, and "Maddie's Corner" subsequent to that.)
1941 or earlier - Pacific Inn Pub (The "Square Deal Tavern" begins appearing at this address in telephone directories in 1941 and remains all the way into the 80s. By 1990 it is named "Pacific Inn.")
1941 or earlier - T-Bird Tavern (This location on 15th NW was the "Pilot House" from 1941 to the mid 50s. It was the "Thunderbird Tavern" by 1959. The building was constructed in 1936.)
1943 or earlier - Molly Maguire's (The "Woodland Tavern" first appears here in the Polk guide of 1943-44, and remains into the 70s. It was also the Rinkidink in 1980 and the Flip Side Tavern in 1990)
1941 or earlier - Place Pigalle (The "Lotus Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1941 and changed to Place Pigalle sometime in the 50s)
1943 or earlier - Sundown Tavern/Sweet Lou's (The current building was constructed in 1940 but the first bar I've found at the address is Art's Tavern in 1943-44, through at least 1948. By 1970 it was the "Sundown Tavern" and changed in 2010 from that to "Sweet Lou's.")
1943? - Bookstore Bar (The "U.S. Tavern" appears in the 1943-44 Polk guide at this address, and again in the 1948-49 edition, though not intervening editions.)
1944 or earlier - The Bookstore Bar (The "U S Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1944.)
1944 or earlier - The Ould Triangle ("Mack's Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1944.) 1944 or earlier - Jade (The "White Stone Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1944. The structure was built in 1933. 1)
1944 or earlier - Pub at Piper's Creek (The "Viewland Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1944.)
1945 or earlier - Back Door Pub (The first bar I have found at this address is Jim's Tavern in 1945, which was there at least through the rest of the 40s. By 1970 it was Ed Delby's Tavern, and was The Back Door by 1980.)
1945 or earlier - Ballard Grill & Alehouse ("Ben's Tavern" is listed here in 1945 and through at least the 40s. It is Duffy's Tavern in 1970 and 1980.)
1945 or earlier - IMO (The "Clipper Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1945 and remains into the 70s. It was also the Oasis Tavern in 1980.)
1945 or earlier - Kelly's (2234 and/or 2236 3rd Ave are associated with the "Liberty Tavern" from 1945 to 1980, "Kelly's" after that.)
1945 or earlier - Kort-Haus Tavern (The "68th St. Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides from 1945 into the 60s. It is the "Kort-Haus" by 1970.)
1945 or earlier - The Eagle (The "East Pike Tavern" appears at this address in city guides beginning in 1945.)
1945 or earlier - The Reading Gaol ("Johnny's 65th Street Tavern" begins appearing at this address in 1945. Additional names have included Ben's Tavern and Hagar's Tavern)
1945 or earlier - Lottie's Lounge (This is in a building constructed in 1892. In 1903 it became the Hotel Dakota, and then the Columbia Hotel from 1904-1920, hosting the likes of Bullalo Bill Cody. It was the "Bright Spot Tavern" from at least 1946 into the 1970s, and was "Slim's Tavern" in 1980.)
1945 or earlier - Santa Fe Cafe ("Walt's Tavern" is listed at this address from 1945-1949. In 1970 and 1980 it is listed as the "Happy Time Tavern.") 1945 or earlier - Taqueria el Trompo Loco (This was the "Camel Inn" Tavern from 1945 into the 70s. In 1980 and 1990 it is listd as the "Side Track Inn.")
1945 or earlier - Victory Lounge ("Green Tavern" begins appearing at this address in 1945. Additional names have included Mr. Ed's Tavern and Lobo Inn)
1948 or earlier - Acorn Eatery (Closed 2010) (This building was constructed in 1927, and in 1948 it begins to show up as "Nicky's Tavern" or "Nicky's Holman Road Tavern," which continues int the 1980s.)
1948 or earlier - Crown Hill Pub (This space on 15th NW housed the Sunset Inn in 1948. In 1970 it is listed as the "Terminal Tavern" and as "Glaser's Terminal Tavern" in 1980. In 1990 it is "The Watering Hole." The building was constructed in 1927.)
1948 or earlier - Shipwreck Tavern (The "Happy Hour Tavern" is listed at this location from 1948 into at least 1970. In 1980 it is "Ye Old Hour" and in 1990 it is "TNT's Place." Note that Heartland Cafe and the Benbow Room next door now use the same 4210 address (Suite A), but the old Admiral Benbow in this location used 4212.)
1948 or earlier - Kangaroo and Kiwi (The "Meet Me Here Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1948, and continues into the 1990s.)
1948 or earlier - Mack's Triangle Pub (This was the Swallow Tavern in 1948. It was also Nick's New Tavern in 1970 and the Triangle Tavern by 1980.)
1948 or earlier - Mission (The building currently housing Mission on California Ave was constucted in 1924, although it probably did not contain the upper floor at the time. It starts appearing in city guides as "Jim's Tavern" in 1948 and continuing into the 70s. In 1980 it is the "Rainy City Tavern" and in 1990 the "Caddyshack Tavern.")
1948 or earlier - Tractor Tavern (The "Melody Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1948.)
1948 or earlier - Wild Rose ("Frank's Tavern" appears at this address in 1948-49 Polk guide and remains until at least 1960. In 1970 through at least 1980 it was the "Time Out Tavern," and it was the Wild Rose by 1990.)
1948? - The Funhouse (The building was constructed in 1947 and "Tex's Tavern" is listed here from 1948 and into the 90s)
1949 - The Hurricane - The Dog House was actually established in 1933, but only moved to the building currently housing The Hurricane in 1949. (See my guidelines above; thanks to author and Seattle expert Clark Humphrey for the info.)
1949 or earlier - The Funhouse ("Tex's Tavern" first appears at this address in city guides in 1949.)

Notes

Defining the age of a bar is problematic in definition as well as gathering accurate data, and I have used some fairly arbitrary choices here. For the lists at the top of this page I have defined the starting year of a bar using the following:

The first year that a bar was operating in the existing building or at the existing address with the same name.
The bar must have retained it's basic name for the majority of its history, going back to at least 1950. (Variations on "Saloon," "Cafe," "Tavern," "Bar," "Grill" and etc. are ignored for this point.)
Bars must have operated relatively continuously in the space, i.e. with only interruptions of a few years with the exception of prohibiton (which was Jan 1916 through Dec 1933 in Washington state)

For example, I count the founding date of Jules Maes as 1907 because this appears to be the first year the existing structure housed a bar, even though it was not yet owned by or named for Jules Maes. In another example, I date the start of the Queen City Grill as 1901, even though I am not certain that the current brick structure was built by then, because the the Queen City Saloon was in operation by then at this address (and it has remained the "Queen City" Saloon/Lunchroom/Tavern/Grill since that time). There were certainly bars (names unknown to me) in a wooden structure at this address as early as 1890, and thus if one wanted to count them, you might plausibly consider this space to be the oldest bar in Seattle. On the other hand, since the current owners purchased the former home of the divey "Queen City Tavern" and revamped it in 1987 to the upscale "Queen City Grill" restaurant (which retains a bar), you could just as easily choose to define it as relatively new. As I said, one must make some fairly arbitary definitions.

Sources: Of course along with the problem of defining a start date, getting accurate historical data is problematic as well. I have relied primarily upon newspaper articles, Polk Seattle City Guides, and telephone directories. I have also used hearsay from bartenders and owners, dates on old photos in the bars themselves, blogs, and online sources such as historylink.org. All of the preceding have their imperfections and do not uncommonly conflict, but I continue to assess what appears to be the most reliable information from the various sources and update this page as I learn. See the Jules Maes page for an example of how I attempt to resolve these. (I am also progressing on converting city guides and telephone directories into a spreadsheet of bars by year and address, which of course is massively more helpful than xerox copies from the Seattle Public Library.)

Some bars further outside Seattle: Though they are a bit too far from the Seattle city limits for me to include on the list above, here are a few more old area bars that I am interested in.

The Java Jive was built in Tacoma in 1927 (1 2). It is not clear to me when it first included a bar, but since it is said to have been a speakeasy, it was most likely sometime shortly after December 5, 1933.
The Swiss, also in Tacoma, operated as "The Swiss Club" in 1913. It was a dive for years before going out of business and being very nicely rescued and reopened in 1993.
The Anchor Pub in Everett is said to have been established as Mulligan's Saloon in 1907. (This page also seems to date the repeal of prohibition to 1910, so I'm a little wary of trusting their dates, but will assume 1907 is correct unless/until I find otherwise.)

If you have any corrections, additions, or other information on Seattle area bars built before 1950, please e-mail to kbar@peterga.com

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