Screwdriver Bar Honors Seattle’s Grunge History

If you are walking through the streets of Belltown and happen to stumble upon Screwdriver Bar, you might be under the impression that it’s just like any other bar in the area, but you’d be wrong. Screwdriver Bar happens to be a place rich with history—musical history.

So what makes Screwdriver Bar unique?

The spot was particularly popular during the late 80s/early 90s “grunge” era. As a former recording studio and rehearsal space, it housed a plethora of different bands and singers. One of the most notable groups to rehearse here was Nirvana, during the period between their albums Bleach and Nevermind. The basement became a second home for the band and for other rising grunge acts, cementing its place as an early landmark of Seattle’s grunge movement.

Unfortunately, in 1991 the rehearsal space lost its appeal shortly after the grunge era peaked. Once the owners decided against renewing the lease, the studio—once booming with liveliness and spirit—sat empty for more than 25 years. Yet its echoes lingered, waiting to be heard again.

Its rich and compelling history is part of the reason the space is known as Screwdriver Bar today. Three guys were inspired by the idea of listening to music, hanging with friends, and having drinks in the same room that once housed a recording studio and rehearsal space, and in 2016, their dream finally came to fruition.

“It’s always been something that’s inspired us,” co-owner Dave Flatman said, “The space itself used to be a recording studio back in the ’80s and ’90s, so that’s kinda what drew us initially.” 

Interior of Screwdriver

Courtesy of Christopher Jones

What's Screwdriver Bar like now?

Since its opening in 2016, people have been eager to check out the space and experience it for themselves. After sitting vacant for 25 years, the place was once again filled with music, good energy, and crowds of people. Perhaps there’s something that universally lures us to a place where so much soul has been poured.

Walking into the bar, you can see its history on the walls—literally. The owners who revived this space have done an exemplary job of honoring its past and making sure everyone else remembers it, too. From the hanging vinyl records to the band posters, every corner is decorated with rock memorabilia, serving as a reminder of the music history that once filled the space.

Today, the bar frequently hosts live music events, including local bands and touring acts, making it a great place for music enthusiasts. As of 2018, the same three owners created the adjacent music venue Belltown Yacht Club, where they host live touring bands to further inspire and solidify the musical roots of the neighborhood.

Overall, what I find most intriguing about this place is how far it has come. Whether as a rehearsal studio or a bar, even after sitting empty for 25 years, people are drawn back into this unique environment. Even after all these years, the space seems alive; you can still sense the echoes of the music that once filled the recording studio.

Screwdriver’s bar

Courtesy of Christopher Jones

Screwdriver Bar is open from 4  p.m. to 2  a.m. every day. If you’re looking to have a drink and listen to live music in a space rich with history, this is your spot!