Ever wondered what secrets a seemingly ordinary tavern holds? Welcome to the Blue Moon Tavern. Right here on Northeast 45th Street it stands a Seattle landmark. This isn’t just any bar. This is a place steeped in history a haven for intellectuals and artists. Opened in April 1934 by Hank Reverman the Blue Moon quickly became a favorite among University of Washington students. State law then prohibited alcohol sales near the campus. So the tavern became a popular destination for thirsty students. But its appeal went far beyond proximity to the university.
The Blue Moon Tavern became a refuge. It sheltered professors caught in the McCarthyist purge. Joe Butterworth even used the bar as his writing desk. Its popularity soared through the 1950s and 60s. It became a hub for writers artists and bohemians. Famous patrons included Theodore Roethke Tom Robbins and even possibly Jack Kerouac. Legend has it that Tom Robbins once tried calling Pablo Picasso from a Blue Moon payphone. Picasso supposedly answered. However he refused to pay the overseas charges.
The Blue Moon’s story isn’t without its challenges. The 1970s brought a decline. In 1989 developers planned to demolish the building. A community effort saved it though. In 1995 the alley beside the tavern was even named Roethke Mews. It honors the bar’s famous patron Theodore Roethke. The Blue Moon Tavern persists today. It’s one of the few remaining blue-collar landmarks in Seattle. It continues to attract locals and visitors alike. It is a testament to its enduring charm and rich history. It stands as a reminder of Seattle’s vibrant and ever-evolving cultural landscape. This humble tavern has played a unique role in the city’s past. It continues to weave its magic in the present day. Raise a glass to the Blue Moon Tavern a true Seattle institution.