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Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks

Central Saloon in Pioneer Square

Season 2, Ep. 1

We kick off season 2 of Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks in one of Seattle's oldest bars, the Central Saloon in historic Pioneer Square. With drinking and debauchery roots going back to 1892, the Central lays claim to being Seattle's oldest saloon. But is it really? We get into the history, the booze, the tall tales, and especially the music. The Central also claims to be the birth place of Grunge music so of course we gotta unpack that. Our old favorite segments Where We At and Whatcha Drinkin' make their season debut, and we lay the groundwork for an epic 4-episode series of Seattle's oldest dive bars. Buckle up! Recorded live at the Central Saloon on 05/19/2022.


Follow the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast on Facebook (DLandSD), Twitter (@divebarsseattle), and Instagram (seattle_dive_bar_podcast). Share, like, follow, and subscribe!


Check out the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast website (/dim-lights-stiff-drinks) for more details and additional episodes.

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  • 3. Leny's Place in Tangletown

    39:01
    Our first pudding shots! We're at Leny's Place in Tangletown, nestled between Wallingford and Green Lake. This neighborhood bar is known for great burgers and unique liquor concoctions such as jell-o shots and "mystery shots." But we're here for the historic dive atmosphere and of course, the pudding. Listen in as we discuss Whatcha Drinkin' and wax poetic about the virtues of pudding shots. Recorded live at Leny's Place on 02/29/2024.Follow the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast on Facebook (DLandSD), Twitter (@divebarsseattle), YouTube, and Instagram (seattle_dive_bar_podcast). Share, like, follow, and subscribe!Check out the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast website (dimlightspodcast.com) for more details and additional episodes. And head on over to our Patreon page to help fund the shenanigans.
  • 2. The Diller Room in Central District

    38:50
    Step into The Diller Room, a downtown Seattle joint that'll transport you to a time when speakeasies were the hottest spots in town. The bartenders here know their stuff and they'll whip you up a stiff drink that'll make you forget about the world outside. The vibe is vintage, the lighting is just right, and the drinks are strong enough to leave a lasting impression. Trust us, if you're looking for a place to get your drink on and soak up some old-school charm the Diller Room is the spot. Recorded live at The Diller Room on 02/18/2024.Follow the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast on Facebook (DLandSD), Twitter (@divebarsseattle), YouTube, and Instagram (seattle_dive_bar_podcast). Share, like, follow, and subscribe!Check out the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast website (dimlightspodcast.com) for more details and additional episodes.
  • 1. Thunderbird Tavern in Ballard

    43:56
    We kick off season 4 of DLSD at the T-Bird! Thunderbird Tavern, a beloved Seattle dive bar, is the perfect spot for a laid-back night out. With its classic neon sign, cozy interior, and friendly atmosphere, this Ballard neighborhood gem has been a local favorite for decades. Enjoy a cold beer, play a game of pool, and immerse yourself in the tavern's rich history. The Thunderbird Tavern's no-frills approach and welcoming vibe make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic dive bar experience in the heart of Seattle. If you're lucky, you just might see the Pacer. Recorded live at the Thunderbird Tavern on 02/01/2024.Follow the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast on Facebook (DLandSD), Twitter (@divebarsseattle), YouTube, and Instagram (seattle_dive_bar_podcast). Share, like, follow, and subscribe!Check out the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast website (dimlightspodcast.com) for more details and additional episodes.
  • 12. Comet Tavern in Capitol Hill

    37:12
    You can't drag yourself out of the gutter without hitching a ride on a Comet. A cornerstone of the Capitol Hill neighborhood's blue-collar history, and one of Pike Street's most famous watering holes. So much history and criminal exploits to explore at the Comet Tavern, we can't cover it all in one episode. But don't even get Sweet Lou started on the parking situation. The tunes get cranked up as the night progresses and we can take a hint. Listen in as the DLSD crew discusses mural art, questionable remodels, misleading business names, and Oktoberfest must-drinks. Recorded live at the Comet Tavern on 09/21/2023.Follow the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast on Facebook (DLandSD), Twitter (@divebarsseattle), YouTube, and Instagram (seattle_dive_bar_podcast). Share, like, follow, and subscribe!Check out the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast website (dimlightspodcast.com) for more details and additional episodes. And head on over to our Patreon page to help fund the shenanigans.
  • 11. North City Lounge in Shoreline

    27:00
    Is it a lounge or a tavern? Either way, North City Lounge & Grill in the heart of Shoreline is one great dive bar. Some patrons call it a tavern, some bartenders call it a lounge, and we call it the crown jewel of Shoreline's North City neighborhood. Built in 1927 - with pictures to prove it - this patina'd booze joint started out as a grocery store and now stands as Shoreline's oldest continuously operating business. Recorded live at the North City Lounge (or perhaps Tavern?) on 08/31/2023.Follow the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast on Facebook (DLandSD), Twitter (@divebarsseattle), YouTube, and Instagram (seattle_dive_bar_podcast). Share, like, follow, and subscribe!Check out the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast website (dimlightspodcast.com) for more details and additional episodes.
  • 10. Engel's Pub in Edmonds

    44:13
    Not technically in Seattle, we give Engel's Pub in Edmonds a pass since it's darn close to Seattle and it's hometown to our own resident historian Brad Holden. This local dive bar is so cool, a couple of patrons buy us a round of Jello shots. How cool is that? And if that wasn't enough to bring smiles to our booze-loving shot holes, we also get free leftovers from world-famous Moto Pizza! Recorded live at Engel's Pub - just down the street from Moto - on 08/17/2023.Follow the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast on Facebook (DLandSD), Twitter (@divebarsseattle), YouTube, and Instagram (seattle_dive_bar_podcast). Share, like, follow, and subscribe!Check out the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast website (dimlightspodcast.com) for more details and additional episodes.
  • 9. The Caroline Tavern in North Seattle

    39:39
    Join the gang as we venture to another of North Seattle's finest! The Caroline Tavern, a real "everybody knows your name" type of bar where nobody actually knows the bar's name because there's literally no signs anywhere. Well, actually there is one but only true bar flies know where it is. Listen to tales of neighborhood capers and local union bosses. May or may not be in Shoreline. May or may not be within Seattle city limits. The jury's still out on that one, so quit yer bitchin'! But Caroline is definitely across the street from the Seattle area's dive-iest golf course, Jackson Park. Recorded live at The Caroline Tavern on 07/06/2023.Follow the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast on Facebook (DLandSD), Twitter (@divebarsseattle), YouTube, and Instagram (seattle_dive_bar_podcast). Share, like, follow, and subscribe!Check out the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast website (dimlightspodcast.com) for more details and additional episodes.
  • 8. The Meyer in Pioneer Square

    42:59
    Special episode! We record right in the heart of Pioneer Square's inaugural Summer Market and Music Festival. Across the street from the festival main stage in Occidental Park is The Meyer bar, owned and operated by our good friend Avout. Not only do we chat with Avout about the history of The Meyer, Lloyd Gregory the mastermind behind the Summer Market stops by to tell us about putting together downtown Seattle's funkiest music festival. Recorded live at The Meyer on 06/10/2023.Follow the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast on Facebook (DLandSD), Twitter (@divebarsseattle), YouTube, and Instagram (seattle_dive_bar_podcast). Share, like, follow, and subscribe!Check out the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast website (dimlightspodcast.com) for more details and additional episodes.
  • 7. The Crescent Lounge in Capitol Hill

    53:54
    Everyone knows that Capitol Hill is the center of the universe. Recorded live at The Crescent Lounge on 05/22/2023.Follow the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast on Facebook (DLandSD), Twitter (@divebarsseattle), YouTube, and Instagram (seattle_dive_bar_podcast). Share, like, follow, and subscribe!Check out the Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks podcast website (dimlightspodcast.com) for more details and additional episodes.