Tim’s Tavern in Seattle Closes Down at Its Longtime Location | Eater Seattle

"I've long known this Greenwood dive for its consistently strong live-music lineup; on August 23 it announced that Tim's Tavern would close at its current address, canceling upcoming concerts because of leasing issues and ongoing pandemic-related problems—bands cancelling due to COVID exposures and a recent staff infection made continuing shows untenable. The bar sits on a site that's been a tavern since the 1930s (originally Jack's Tavern); Tim Arnot bought it in 2011, created more stage space while maintaining the original character, and the place shifted from sports and trivia to a punk-friendly live-music hub thanks to promoter Greg Gibson before his death in a 2016 house fire. After Gibson's death, Mason Reed and promoter Matthew “Matto” O'Toole took over (purchasing the place from Arnot) and kept its artist-friendly mission—Reed notes that 100 percent of ticket sales go to the bands, with a basic offering of beer, cocktails, and light snacks to keep the lights on—and patrons often say they can just show up knowing they'll be blown away by a concert. The venue closed in March 2020, survived via a GoFundMe, a YouTube channel, and federal Save Our Stages relief, reopened July 2, and instituted proof-of-vaccination or a negative test and an early mask mandate; however, with the delta surge, a breakthrough staff case, and a lease expiring in November, the owners decided to shut the current location now, store the famed neon sign, and search for a new outdoor, safer, and more COVID-friendly space while keeping the Tim's Tavern name and pledging to continue supporting the musical community." - Gabe Guarente