The Best New Music in Seattle’s Oldest Saloon
There are few establishments that have stood the test of time, and even fewer that have changed the landscape of American music. The Central Saloon has accomplished this while remaining at the forefront of live music all while being the oldest saloon in Seattle.
In its lifetime, the Central has served as a café, post-office, employment hall, and even a brothel. Through each lively occasion, it has contributed to a dynamic and rich history in Seattle. Today this energy still resonates through our walls and continues to draw patrons back time and time again.
Paying Homage to the Past
Like a phoenix, the Central was born out of fire –the Great Fire of 1889. Three years after settlers began to rebuild the city, the Central was opened by Mr. Thomas Watson and was originally known as “The Watson Bros. Famous Restaurant.” Nine years later, Mr. Watson sold the business to Mr. Jamison and Mr. McFarland who aptly named it, “The Seattle Bar.”
Soon a gold rush hit the Yukon and business was booming; So good that in 1903 Jamison and McFarland opened a second location, “The J&M Hotel and Saloon.” In 1907 the Central was sold to Mr. Master and Casey. During this time, the Central was filled with the new faces of miners, loggers, sailors and other rugged adventurers that had a thirst for opportunity; and, of course, for gold.
Seattle was developing into a hub of the Great Northern Railway and a major Pacific Seaport. In 1919, as the seaport and commerce began to expand, the Central became “The Central Café.” This name held until the 1970s. Shortly thereafter, Pioneer Square was declared a historical site.
The Birthplace of Grunge
The 1980s were a sea change for the Central. It saw new ownership and with that, a strong desire to bring live music to the venue. In time, the charming venue became the birthplace of Grunge. American music greats such as Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, The Melvins, Mother Love Bone, and Nirvana all have played at the Central.
The Best New Music in Seattle’s Oldest Saloon
There are few establishments that have stood the test of time, and even fewer that have changed the landscape of American music. The Central Saloon has accomplished this while remaining at the forefront of live music all while being the oldest saloon in Seattle.
In its lifetime, the Central has served as a café, post-office, employment hall, and even a brothel. Through each lively occasion, it has contributed to a dynamic and rich history in Seattle. Today this energy still resonates through our walls and continues to draw patrons back time and time again.
Paying Homage to the Past
Like a phoenix, the Central was born out of fire –the Great Fire of 1889. Three years after settlers began to rebuild the city, the Central was opened by Mr. Thomas Watson and was originally known as “The Watson Bros. Famous Restaurant.” Nine years later, Mr. Watson sold the business to Mr. Jamison and Mr. McFarland who aptly named it, “The Seattle Bar.”
Soon a gold rush hit the Yukon and business was booming; So good that in 1903 Jamison and McFarland opened a second location, “The J&M Hotel and Saloon.” In 1907 the Central was sold to Mr. Master and Casey. During this time, the Central was filled with the new faces of miners, loggers, sailors and other rugged adventurers that had a thirst for opportunity; and, of course, for gold.
Seattle was developing into a hub of the Great Northern Railway and a major Pacific Seaport. In 1919, as the seaport and commerce began to expand, the Central became “The Central Café.” This name held until the 1970s. Shortly thereafter, Pioneer Square was declared a historical site.
The Birthplace of Grunge
The 1980s were a sea change for the Central. It saw new ownership and with that, a strong desire to bring live music to the venue. In time, the charming venue became the birthplace of Grunge. American music greats such as Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, The Melvins, Mother Love Bone, and Nirvana all have played at the Central.
