Seattle, the birthplace of grunge music, is a mecca for music lovers seeking to explore the city’s legendary music scene. From clubs to restaurants and museums, the city offers a variety of options for grunge enthusiasts to indulge in. This article looks closely at some of Seattle’s best grunge spots that every music lover should visit.
The Crocodile – Established in 1991, The Crocodile is one of Seattle’s most famous music clubs. Its intimate atmosphere, superior sound system, good sightlines, and friendly staff attracted many famous Seattle bands, such as Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Mudhoney. The club has undergone upgrades in recent years, making it one of the best music clubs in the US.
Central Saloon – Opened 125 years ago, the Central Saloon is a historic bar that has hosted numerous local and touring groups and performers over the years. It is known for being a place to discover up-and-coming bands from the Northwest region and beyond. Alice in Chains and Soundgarden played here in their early days, and Nirvana performed its first Seattle show here, making it a significant venue in grunge history.
Paramount Theatre – Opened in 1928, it is a historic “movie palace” restored to its Beaux-Arts style glory. It is known for hosting musicals, dance, jazz, and popular music concerts and has featured performances by David Byrne, Tori Amos, and Morrissey. Nirvana’s performance at the Paramount Theatre was documented in the 2011 film Nirvana: Live at The Paramount.
Metropolitan Grill – If you’re a grunge fan who loves steak, the Metropolitan Grill is a must-visit spot. Located in downtown Seattle, this historic restaurant dry ages its steaks in a room lined with Himalayan salt blocks and sears them over mesquite charcoal. Its wine list has over 2,000 selections, including Washington State and West Coast reds. It is a favourite spot for Dave Grohl, and its popularity with him has helped it gain a reputation as a grunge hotspot.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – Founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and designed by architect Frank Gehry, MoPOP is a museum that explores various pop culture passions, including science fiction, fantasy, and superheroes. It is also home to the exhibition Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses, which showcases the band’s rare artifacts, such as their first demo tape, early cheap guitars, Grohl’s drum kit, handwritten lyrics, and Cobain’s holey cardigan sweater. The museum has ongoing shows devoted to Seattle-born guitar god Jimi Hendrix, making it a must-visit for any grunge lover.
In conclusion, Seattle is a city that any grunge lover must visit. From its iconic music clubs to its famous restaurants and museums, the city has a lot to offer to music enthusiasts. Whether you’re a die-hard Nirvana fan or just looking to explore the birthplace of grunge music, these grunge spots are guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience.
Written by: Matthew Thomas