Beneath the neon glow of a vintage sign awaits a tale of Georgetown’s oldest watering hole: Jules Maes Saloon. It is a place where history and spirits mingle. Opened in 1888, Jules Maes Saloon claims to be Seattle’s oldest bar. Some even say that it isn’t the oldest. No matter what, it is one of the Emerald City’s gems.
Let’s step back in time. Picture the late 19th century. Seattle is a rough-and-tumble frontier town. The original Jules Maes Saloon was located at 5953 Airport Way South. That’s before it was known as Airport Way. This was before Boeing Field was built.
Jules Gustaf Maes, a Belgian immigrant, purchased the bar. He eventually moved it to its current location. The building at 5919 Airport Way South is known as The Brick Store. It is a designated Seattle Historic Site.
Jules Maes was quite the character. He arrived in the United States in 1892. Before becoming a bar owner, Jules worked at the Maple Leaf Saloon. It was known as a dangerous place. Jules bought the Rainier Bar around 1912. He renamed it Jules Maes Saloon in the 1920s.
Now, Prohibition casts a long shadow. From 1917 to 1933, the sale of alcohol was illegal. Rumors swirl about Jules Maes and his defiance of the law. Some say he ran a legitimate business. Others whisper of spiked drinks and illegal gambling.
Walter Maes, Jules’ nephew, said his Uncle Jules ran a legitimate business. “Oh, maybe some near beer, but that was legal,” Walter said. Despite what Walter claimed, the authorities fined Jules Maes more than once. He was busted for selling spiked beverages during Prohibition. He was caught running illegal gambling operations.
Let’s jump ahead to the present. Jules Maes Saloon stands as a testament to time. The building has seen many changes. It was once a restaurant, a grocery store, and a hardware store. In 1937, Jules Maes moved his saloon across the street.
After Jules Maes died in 1939, his family kept the business for over 20 years. In 2005, John and Vanessa LeMaster owned Jules Maes Saloon. They closed it during the coronavirus pandemic. Raché Hemmelgarn reopened Jules Maes Saloon in January of 2021.
Today, you can still visit Jules Maes Saloon. Enjoy a drink and soak in the atmosphere. Imagine the stories these walls could tell. From its early days as a Rainier Bar to its current status, Jules Maes Saloon has always welcomed locals and travelers alike.
As you step inside Jules Maes Saloon, remember its rich history. Think of Jules Maes and his legacy. Raise a glass to Georgetown’s oldest bar. May its doors stay open for many years to come.