Blue Moon Tavern – Seattle, Washington - Gastro Obscura
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Gastro Obscura

Blue Moon Tavern

Seattle, Washington

This popular bar has been blurring the line between normal and edgy for more than 75 years. 

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Blue Moon’s Neon Sign bobtiki (Atlas Obscura User)
Pool room and lounge seating. Aty Trocious (Atlas Obscura User)
Local stylized booths and tables. Aty Trocious (Atlas Obscura User)
Neon sign led entrance area from the street. Aty Trocious (Atlas Obscura User)
737
1606
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Built in 1934 after the repeal of prohibition, the Blue Moon became popular because of its proximity to the nearby University of Washington Campus.

But that’s not why it’s stayed so popular.

Local laws prohibited the sale of alcohol within a mile of the school for years, making it an appealing respite for thirsty university students. From there its legend grew as an oasis for carousers and goodhearted rule breakers.

Eventually, the Blue Moon realized its true potential as a haven for counter-culture. Over the years it has been visited by the likes of Theodore Rothke, Tom Robbins, Jack Kerouac (allegedly), Allen Ginsburg, and Dylan Thomas.

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