Doc's Clock: A Mission Mainstay

April 30, 2005

A true San Francisco institution, Doc’s Clock has been a beloved Mission District dive bar since it first opened as the Clock Tavern in 1951. It got its current name in 1961 when a dentist, Dr. Ralph Mancuso, bought the bar and installed the iconic neon sign.

In 2017, after losing its lease at its original home at 2575 Mission Street, the bar was forced to move. A battle ensued with the old landlord over the vintage sign, but with help from the community and the city’s Legacy Business program, owner Carey Suckow was able to reclaim it. On September 18, 2018, the sign was triumphantly re-lit at its new home at 2417 Mission Street, a symbol of a neighborhood fighting to hold on to its character.

Seattle Belltown Lava Lounge

April 29, 2002

July 1, 2017

The Lava Lounge was a popular tiki-themed bar located at 2226 2nd Ave in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle. For nearly two decades, it was a beloved local spot known for its extensive rum selection, live music, and laid-back, dog-friendly atmosphere. The bar featured a shuffleboard table, a photo booth, and served famously strong boozy slushies.

Unfortunately, the Lava Lounge, along with other businesses on the block like Neon Boots and Rocco’s, closed its doors in January 2022 to make way for a new development project. Tragically, the building was destroyed in a fire just a month after its closure, marking the end of an era for this iconic Belltown establishment.

Polly Esther's - A Retro Nightclub Memory in Seattle

For a time in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Polly Esther’s was a beacon of retro kitsch located at 332 Fifth Ave. N, right across from the Space Needle. This chain nightclub was a dual-themed palace of nostalgia, split into two distinct eras. The Polly Esther’s side was a 1970s disco paradise, complete with a ‘Saturday Night Fever’ dance floor, lava lamps, and Brady Bunch memorabilia. The other half, the Culture Club, celebrated the 1980s with Pac-Man machines and a ‘Max Headroom’ themed bar. It was a loud, energetic, and unapologetically fun spot that, for a while, brought the funk back to Seattle.

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar Jackson Hole

June 22, 2024

This photo captures the iconic neon sign of the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a world-famous landmark in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Established in the 1930s, this legendary honky-tonk is a living piece of the Old West, known for its rustic charm and vibrant atmosphere.

Inside, the bar is instantly recognizable for its unique saddle bar stools, allowing patrons to belly up to the bar on genuine leather saddles. The walls are adorned with knotty pine, historical photos, and classic Western memorabilia, creating an authentic cowboy experience.

For decades, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar has been a premier destination for live country music and dancing, attracting locals, tourists, and even a few celebrities. It stands as a must-visit institution that embodies the rugged spirit and hospitality of Jackson Hole.

Crocodile Cafe Seattle Belltown

July 1, 2017

This photo shows the original location of The Crocodile Cafe (often called “The Croc”) at 2200 2nd Avenue in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Opened on April 30, 1991, The Croc quickly became a legendary music venue and a cornerstone of the city’s grunge scene.

In its heyday, the club hosted an incredible lineup of influential bands, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Mudhoney, and Soundgarden, cementing its place in rock history. It was a vital hub for artists and music lovers, known for its intimate atmosphere and groundbreaking performances.

The venue temporarily closed in 2007 but was resurrected by new ownership in 2009, continuing its legacy. In 2020, The Crocodile moved from its iconic Belltown location to a larger, multi-stage venue on 1st Avenue. This photo captures the facade of the original building, a site of countless historic musical moments.

Skip's Tavern

August 17, 2003

Skip’s Tavern, formerly located at 453 Cortland Avenue, was a classic dive bar in the heart of Bernal Heights. Described as a spot that could have been “plucked from the roadside of a flyover state,” it was known for its unpretentious, heartland vibe. It was a cherished local watering hole before closing in June 2011, when it was replaced by The Lucky Horseshoe.

Comet Tavern

November 10, 2023

This photo shows the iconic exterior of the Comet Tavern, a legendary dive bar and music venue located at 922 E Pike Street in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. For decades, the Comet has been a cornerstone of the city’s counterculture and music scenes, celebrated for its gritty, unpretentious atmosphere.

As a historic rocker’s hangout and grunge institution, the Comet’s stage has been graced by countless bands, from local up-and-comers to artists who would go on to achieve international fame. It has a storied past of closures and rebirths, but it has remained a beloved fixture on Capitol Hill, known for its cheap drinks, pinball machines, and a vibe that captures the spirit of old Seattle.

Though it has evolved over the years, the Comet Tavern continues to be a go-to spot for live music and a classic dive bar experience, holding a special place in the hearts of many Seattleites.