Seattle's Red Door to close after more than three decades
Seattleites are pouring up a cold one as they say their goodbyes to one of Seattle’s oldest watering holes.
The Red Door, nestled just across the Fremont Bridge, has been doling out pints since 1988, deeming it one of the first craft beer bars in the country. Yet, the building itself has lived far beyond the ’80s.
The triangular tavern was erected in the early 1900s, where it housed the Fremont Drug Company for years. In 2001, the building proved itself so valuable, the entire thing was moved just a block from the corner of 34th and Fremont to make room for a new mixed-use development.
Of course, Red Door’s back bar is the original, built for the Fremont Drug Company -- though the current American eatery has doled out a different kind of medicine to guests for more than three decades.
The Red Door has boasted a loyal following of IPA sippers and tavern burger noshers. Its cod and chips and beef dip reigned so supreme, they even found their way onto Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Yet, they’ll pour out their final pint come the end of their lease this Sunday, March 8.
“We take our stewardship of this historic building and business seriously, but we just aren’t able to make it work financially,” owners Emily and Pete Hanning stated in a press release. “We are grateful for you, and each and every person who has come through our doors – whether customer, supplier or team member – and will miss being a part of our wonderful Fremont community.”
As the co-owners begin transitioning alongside their coworkers, they’ve invited guests out to raise a glass from one of their 20-plus taps between now and March 8 to celebrate 31 years of memories in the ever-blossoming Fremont neighborhood.