Located in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, the Central Saloon is not just one of Seattle’s oldest bars—it’s a landmark of the city’s Gold Rush past as well as its grunge music legacy. Established in the late 19th century, it evolved from a working-class dive into a legendary live music venue where Nirvana, Soundgarden, and other influential Seattle bands performed in the ’80s and ’90s. Today, it remains a favorite spot for locals, live music fans, and visitors interested in Seattle’s rock history.
Seattle’s Central Saloon: A timeline
- 1889: Following the Great Seattle Fire, the Skagit Building was constructed at what is now 207 First Avenue South. The building initially housed the Skagit Hotel, serving workers, sailors, and railroad employees.
- 1890: Businessman Tommy Watson and his brother acquired the property and opened the Famous Hotel and restaurant, establishing the venue’s early roots.
- 1898–1907: The restaurant went through several name changes, becoming the Seattle Saloon and later the Seattle Bar.
- 1916–1919: Washington’s Prohibition era forced the business to adapt. In 1919, it became the Central Café to continue operating.
- 1933: Prohibition ended, allowing the Central Café to return to the bar business.
- 1970–1971: As Pioneer Square gained historic preservation protections, Boeing engineers Robert J. “Bobby” Foster and Jamie Anderson purchased the Central Tavern for $8,000 (most of which they borrowed). After renovations, they reopened it with a renewed focus on live music that drew in a younger crowd.
- Late 1970s–early 1980s: The venue regularly hosted blues, country rock, R&B, punk, and New Wave acts, establishing itself as important part of Seattle’s music scene.
- 1982: New owner Mike Downing expanded the venue’s rock and blues programming, attracting emerging local bands and touring performers.
- 1987: Notable acts included Soundgarden and Diamond Lie, the band that preceded Alice in Chains. Touring artists such as Sonic Youth and The Flaming Lips also performed there.
- 1990–1991: Downing sold to new owners right before the Grunge phenomenon took off. The venue underwent renovations and reopened at the beginning of 1991 under its now-familiar name: the Central Saloon.
- 1992: As grunge gained worldwide popularity, Washington Governor Booth Gardner declared April 7 “The Central Day” in recognition of the venue’s pivotal role in the phenomenon. Nirvana, Mudhoney, and Soundgarden were among the bands associated with its stage, while influential music management company Mark Alan Productions was located just upstairs. They managed bands such as Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam.
- 2022: The Seattle Times reported that the current owners (“longtime steward” Guy Curtis and his business partner Eric Manegold) purchased the Skagit Building for $2.75 million after finding out that the trust that owned the building was putting it up for sale. They told the Times they planned to renovate the kitchen as well as add air conditioning and a basement green room—and most of all, keep the Central Saloon running as an iconic live music destination in Seattle.
For anyone interested in ’90s grunge, the history of Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, or today’s live music scene, one of the oldest bars in Seattle is well worth a visit. Grab a drink, catch a live show, and experience a venue where local music history is still alive. Central Saloon is located at 207 1st Ave S and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
