Gay bars capitol hill
Floyd McIssac still worked at Sears when he opened Changes, Seattle’s longest continuously operated gay lock in Wallingford 35 years ago. He didn’t have elevated expectations and said he only bought it because he thought it would cover his vehicle payment.
Back in 1989, McIssac was weary of the scene on Capitol Hill. If you lived north of the ship canal, reaching the bars was a hassle, and the bars didn’t feel communal.
“You felt more like a number than a person,” he said. He wanted a classic dive, something like “Cheers,” “where everybody knew your name.”
He kept a meticulous list of all the things he liked, and disliked, about other Seattle gay bars. He painted the walls black, so it felt appreciate the classic San Francisco spaces. He installed TVs and a sound system. He held Halloween costume contests and claims he gave way more prizes than any other bar in town. He selected tall tables and chairs so people entering the bar fuse in with the crowd. Other bars had low tables, which made him feel like a model walking in on a runway, he joked.
The Stranger talked with McIssac before the lock celebrated 35 years on the last day of January. He talked about the bar, and his experiences as
A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Daytime in Capitol Hill, Seattle
The rainbow-painted crosswalks are the first sign that you’ve arrived in Seattle’s gay neighborhood. The pride flags in the windows of nearly every business and the enormous, visible LGBT population make it even more obvious. Welcome to Capitol Hill!
Capitol Hill might be the most famous area of Seattle for dining and nightlife. The truth that it’s also a gay epicenter, with a dozen gay bars, makes the neighborhood that much better.
Beyond the gay nightlife, there are so many things to act in Capitol Hill, including shopping for hidden treasures, attending shows at tune and theater venues, and (of course) eating at some of the city’s best restaurants. The large neighborhood on a hill just east of downtown is easy to explore by foot, bus, streetcar, or light rail.
The Hill is one of the most entertaining gay neighborhoods in the country, and as a Seattle resident, I’m fortunate that I obtain to spend second here every week. If you possess one day to experience the optimal things to carry out in Capitol Hill, from nature to dining to nightlife, read on for a suggested itinerary, including some of my favorite insider spots.
Morning
Coffee & o
A First-Timer’s Guide to Queer Nightlife in Seattle
👠 Queer Bar
1518 11th Avenue
Might as well start with the bar named Queer Bar.
Organized around a long catwalk, Homosexual Bar has become the defacto drag bar in Capitol Hill. They host drag multiple nights of the week, alongside karaoke, burlesque, and bingo events. Predict chiller evenings with lots of locals on the weekdays. But on the weekends, it becomes a full-scale party. Note: Their big mural devoted to Bosco and Irene DuBois, Queer Exclude cast members who graduated to being RuPaul’s Drag Race girls. Also: Burgers. Grab dinner here. It’s good.
Mx. is Queer Bar’s signature event. Every Friday and Saturday, catch a large cast of local queens often demonstrating with touring RuPaul’s Drag Race queens. Remember: Bring tips, and don’t just tip the Ru girls.
🥀 Wildrose
1021 E Pike Street
As one of the last standing lesbian bars in the state, Wildrose is a Seattle institution. Don’t take my word for it, just listen to Sue Bird (around 01:23):
The 36-year-old exclude has weathered a lot of changes on the Hill, and it’s miraculously survived the pandemic to come out even stronge
Happy Hour 'til 8pm Every Night
$2 off wells and drafts Open Mon-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sun 3pm-2am
Pony
1221 E Madison St
Seattle WA 98122
Happening:Sun Tues Wed Thurs Fri SatTINY TEA DANCE
Reach sun those buns on the patio with the divas, deviants and daddies. No Cover. Every Sunday 4pm till 9pm, and $2 off wells and drafts until 8pm.
PONY-OKE
Every Tuesday from 9pm your host TV will guide you through the murky waters of classic and alternative karaoke hits. Come prepared to bellow and drink. Cheers! No Cover.
BUMP IN THE NIGHT
Last Wednesdays of every month, your host Scary-Ann pulls out all the punk rock and horror stops for a spooky monstrosity of a night with DJ Pavor Nocturnus. No Cover.
BOOTS N' CATS
1st Thursdays from 9pm DJ Tasteful Nude spins House & Nu-Disco. No Cover.
BEEFCAKE
1st Fridays Retro Gay Tunes from 1955-1985 with DJ King of Pants, kicking off at 9pm. No Cover.
QUEEN4QUEEN
No
A First-Timer’s Guide to Queer Nightlife in Seattle
👠 Queer Bar
1518 11th Avenue
Might as well start with the bar named Queer Bar.
Organized around a long catwalk, Homosexual Bar has become the defacto drag bar in Capitol Hill. They host drag multiple nights of the week, alongside karaoke, burlesque, and bingo events. Predict chiller evenings with lots of locals on the weekdays. But on the weekends, it becomes a full-scale party. Note: Their big mural devoted to Bosco and Irene DuBois, Queer Exclude cast members who graduated to being RuPaul’s Drag Race girls. Also: Burgers. Grab dinner here. It’s good.
Mx. is Queer Bar’s signature event. Every Friday and Saturday, catch a large cast of local queens often demonstrating with touring RuPaul’s Drag Race queens. Remember: Bring tips, and don’t just tip the Ru girls.
🥀 Wildrose
1021 E Pike Street
As one of the last standing lesbian bars in the state, Wildrose is a Seattle institution. Don’t take my word for it, just listen to Sue Bird (around 01:23):
The 36-year-old exclude has weathered a lot of changes on the Hill, and it’s miraculously survived the pandemic to come out even stronge TINY TEA DANCE PONY-OKE BUMP IN THE NIGHT BOOTS N' CATS BEEFCAKE QUEEN4QUEEN
Happy Hour 'til 8pm Every Night
$2 off wells and drafts Open Mon-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sun 3pm-2am
1221 E Madison St
Seattle WA 98122