About Re-bar
Re-bar is a famed Seattle bar, nightclub and black-box theater space that opened in 1990 in the Denny Triangle (1114 Howell St) and became a cornerstone of the city’s underground arts scene. For three decades it hosted an eclectic mix of live music, alternative theater, performance art and inclusive dance parties. The venue’s 3,000+ sq. ft. industrial space (approximately 60×50 ft, 15 ft ceilings) held about 250 people (www.spacefinderseattle.org ). Re-bar has long been celebrated as a “cutting edge” creative community hub (www.emeraldcityedm.com ) (www.thestranger.com ) – it famously hosted Nirvana’s “Nevermind” release party in 1991 and saw early performances by fringe legends like Dina Martina (drag queen) and DJ Riz Rollins (www.seattletimes.com ) (www.emeraldcityedm.com ). Its weekly drag shows, queer-friendly policies and free water at the bar made it a safe space especially for underrepresented and LGBTQIA+ artists and audiences (www.thebiglil.com ) (www.emeraldcityedm.com ). In early 2020 Re-bar marked its 30th anniversary, but soon after it announced temporary closure amid the pandemic (www.seattletimes.com ). The owners now plan to relocate and eventually reopen on Seattle’s south side, expanding into a larger new seven-day-a-week bar/club with food, staging and theater. In the meantime, legacy events and livestreams have kept the community connected.
Events and Programming
Re-bar has been home to a dizzying variety of events. Weekend dance nights were a hallmark – most famously *Flammable Sundays* (its longtime weekly house-music party, once billed as the longest-running house night west of Chicago (www.seattletimes.com )) and DnB Tuesdays (drum-and-bass night). Other recurring parties included eclectic DJ mixes, mashup nights (such as Bootie), and genre-themed parties. On weekdays and off-nights the space turned into a theater or cabaret. Drag performances (both local and touring queens), burlesque revues, comedy and game-show nights, DIY variety shows and cult movie screenings were common. For example, the *Brown Derby* series featured campy plays and musicals; *Ms. Pak Man* was an annual drag-king pageant; *Collide-o-Scope* staged avant-garde performance art; and underground filmmakers ran indie movie screenings. Special one-off concerts and album-release parties (ethereal rock, reggae, punk, etc.) also happened periodically. Notable artists with strong ties to Re-bar include burlesque stars Hedwig & the Angry Inch (Seattle premiere) and recurring drag performer Joey Arias, as well as many local electronic DJs and comedic troupes. Frequent fundraisers and benefit shows (for charity or memorials) and queer community events (like dance evenings or art exhibits) have also been held here.
Since 2020, regular in-person programming at Re-bar paused as the venue closed its downtown location. During that hiatus several longtime shows continued as online livestream events (for instance, DJs played Flammable Sundays over Twitch). Patrons hope these popular events will return in the new Re-bar space when it opens. Historically, tickets or cover charges at Re-bar were typically quite reasonable – most dance nights ran about $5–$15 cover, with bigger shows or special events up to $20–$25. Many events were all-ages or 18+ until late evening; nightlife events often became strictly 21+ after 10 PM. Most shows offered general admission standing-room access (no assigned seating) and were first-come, first-served, with the option to buy tickets in advance on the Re-bar website or at the door. Local listings and the venue’s social media announced new events roughly 2–4 weeks ahead; popular nights (especially Flammable) often sold out, so early ticket purchase was advised. Drinks at Re-bar’s bar were typical city prices (beer $6–8, cocktails $10–12) and the bar accepted credit cards (though many patrons brought cash for cover and tips).
Inside Re-bar’s main room during a packed DJ night, with dancers on the floor under colorful lights. The ceiling is high, the walls black, and a small stage at one end hosts performers. (Photo by Andrea Raspo on Unsplash) Re-bar’s signature vibe was gritty and DIY: walls were mostly bare black concrete, and lighting was often minimal or disco-style. A tiny raised stage (“black box”) sat at the far side for bands or theater acts (www.spacefinderseattle.org ), while the rest of the room was a flexible open floor. For seated theater shows chairs were brought in along the edges or left in storage. In general, there are no fixed seats or balconies – best viewing spots depended on the event. For DJs or dance shows, the front-center of the dance floor (a few docks from the stage) gave the straightest view of the turntables and performance. For live bands or cabaret, standing toward the middle-back balanced a good view and sound without being too close to the speakers. On very crowded nights, some patrons chose the periphery near the bar or sides of the room to catch their breath. Because the acoustics are raw and the sound system was powerful, events could be loud and bass-heavy; earplugs were recommended for sensitive ears. The venue lighting varied dramatically by event – from darkness with strobes for dance party feel, to brightstage spotlights for theater nights. Re-bar’s staff avoided obstructive décor, so side walls were often curtained or hung with minimal set pieces. The overall experience was up-close and personal: you could be dancing feet from the DJ or standing under bright theatrical lights in an underground club atmosphere.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Re-bar events were traditionally sold through the venue’s official website, over the phone or at the box office in person. Weekly club nights often had advance online sales (especially for big DJs or themes), with limited numbers of early-bird tickets. Many nights also offered tickets at the door if not sold out (cash or credit), but lines could form early for major shows. For festival- or concert-style bookings (such as headliner DJs or touring performers), multi-tier pricing ($15 advance, $20 at door) was common. Patrons were advised to “subscribe” to Re-bar’s mailing list (and to follow associated night hosts like Flammable on social media) to catch presale announcements. Generally, tickets went on sale 2–4 weeks before an event. At the door, ID was checked and wristbands or stamps sometimes handed out; late arrivals risked closure by capacity limits. Cancellations and refunds were rare – if a show was rescheduled, ticket sellers typically honored original tickets or offered transfers. Late spring and summer shows could sell out faster, so early booking was recommended. Tip: check the event’s social media for any presale codes or updates, since popular special nights (drag shows, headliner DJs) often listed block or guestlist opportunities via email.
Seating and Layout
Re-bar’s interior was essentially one large rectangular room with a small stage at one end. Zoning was informal: the rear/back wall housed the sound booth and side bars, the front contained the stage and dance area, and the middle floor was open for standing. The layout was very much “general admission” style – except for occasional folding chairs for theater shows, most patrons stood. On dance nights, people packed the floor in front of the stage, with a limited roped-off press path. There were no balconies or private booths, and no permanent VIP section; sometimes a few higher stools or a narrow ledge was available at the bar for seating, but there was no designated VIP seating. Customers could drift anywhere: dancing on the floor, crowding the stage lip, or leaning against side walls. Sightlines were generally good: the floor is flat but short enough that even from the back one could see the performers above the crowd. The only small blind spots were directly adjacent to large support columns (if any) or behind the sound booth. Patrons often claimed “best spot” by either standing at the center of the floor or right up on the edge of the stage when the show began. For acoustic clarity, the sound system had monitors facing both the crowd and performers, so audio was punchy throughout; the crowd itself could create some echo. If one wanted a quieter viewpoint, near the back corner by the bar was slightly less noisy, though a bit far from the stage. In practice no seat was really “bad” – the charm of Re-bar was the squished, high-energy environment. For those sensitive to crowds, early arrival (before the main act) was recommended to stake out floor space.
Getting There and Parking
Re-bar’s Denny Triangle address (1114 Howell St, 98101) put it in downtown Seattle just north of Belltown. It was easily walkable from the city center. The venue was a few blocks west of Westlake Ave and a block south of the Westin building. If using public transit, the nearest Link light-rail stops were Westlake or University Street station (both under 0.5 mile away) – from either, it’s a 8–10 minute walk (south on Pine or west on University, then north on 3rd/2nd). Numerous Metro bus routes run along 3rd Avenue and RapidRide lines stop nearby (routes like 70, 595, 590, etc.) which bring travelers to within a block of Allen/Howell. For drivers, on-street parking is limited in Belltown. There are metered street spots on Howell and nearby (typically two-hour max), but these fill up quickly on busy nights. Several public garages are within walking distance. For example, a U-Park garage on 8th Ave (one block east) and the large 1800 9th Ave garage (DIAMOND Parking) are under 2 streets away – expect about $10–15 for a couple of hours (en.parkopedia.com ). Nearby the Paramount and Westin buildings also have paid lots (usually $5–$7 per hour). Overall, budget on the order of $20–$30 for event parking. Ride-hail (Uber/Lyft) drop-offs are usually done on Howell or on Pine & 2nd, where there’s a curb cut. Taxis can pull up on Howell St.; popular pick-up points include adjacent 3rd or 2nd Ave if traffic’s lighter. The downtown location also made walking easy: attendees often stayed at hotels like the Westin, W Seattle, or Downtown Marriott and simply walked 5–10 minutes to Re-bar. At the very least, arriving 30 minutes early is suggested to find parking or wait out any bus delays.
Inside the Venue
When walking into Re-bar, patrons passed through double-front glass doors into a narrow lobby (often lined with posters, flyers and a sidewalk smoking area). Doors typically opened ~9 or 10 PM on show nights (earlier for theater events) and staff checked IDs at the door; on big nights this could mean a brief line. Reclined jeans-casual attire was the norm – see next section on dress. Bags and purses were subject to a quick security pat-down; most patrons carry small bags only. A token coat-check counter was available (usually $1–$2 per item) for jackets and larger bags during chilly months. Once inside, the main room felt dim and loud. The only light often came from the stage and DJ booths, interspersed with colored club lights or strobes. The bartender booths flanked the sides and back wall – these wooden bars served a standard selection of beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. (Re-bar did not have a full kitchen, only a “snacks” menu; patrons often ate nearby or before arriving.) Drink service was friendly but busy; it was wise to line up for the bar in quieter moments. In addition to drinks, the venue sold basic merchandise – typically T-shirts or novelty items at a rack near the entrance. The single-room setup meant the DJ or band stage was never far from view, and patrons socialized freely in between dances. Wi-Fi was available (per venue listings), though like many clubs cell service could be spotty once crowds filled the space. Re-bar was and is known for a relaxed policy on smartphones – casual photos and selfies are generally allowed unless asked not to during an act – but bright flash photography was frowned upon. The atmosphere inside was famously inclusive and informal: people often shouted out to performers or mingled easily. After-hours, many showed off event flyers or chatted at small cocktail tables along the walls. Importantly, Re-bar kept bathrooms and feminine-restroom supplies well-stocked; the mens and womens restrooms (plus at least one all-gender stall) were behind the bar area on the side wall. They were small and often had a wait line on peak nights. In short, inside Re-bar you should expect a warehouse-party vibe – dark, energetic, communal, with a fully stocked bar but no fuss.
Nearby Amenities
Re-bar’s downtown location was surrounded by plenty of places to eat, drink and stay for a full night out. Within a block sat the Rendezvous Wine Bar and Bar Hop (casual pub fare, known for sliders and fries), and several fast-casual spots like Lola’s Chicken Shack (Southern comfort food) and Tacos Chukis . A half-block away on 2nd Ave you’ll find sushi joints (Mirai, Wasabi), coffee shops (Starbucks on 3rd and Pike), and gastropubs (The Alibi Room, short walk east). For late-night snacks, an upscale grocery/market spot (Urban Fare) and a small convenience market were nearby. If heading out early, popular restaurants within easy walk included the waterfront Ten Sushi or The Westin’s Signature Grill (just 5 blocks south). As for drinks after the show, the Belltown-Capitol Hill nightlife areas were steps away – downtown buses and lights lead right into Capitol Hill, where nightlife runs later. Many patrons would cross the street to mix and mingle at bars like Method or Cantina Del Soul (0.3 mi), or stroll north along Westlake through the bars of Lower Queen Anne or Capitol Hill via 5th Ave. Hotels abound in the area: the budget-friendly Yotel and The Belltown Inn are just across the street, while higher-end W Seattle , Westin and Sheraton lie a few blocks away (all within a 5–10 min walk). Late at night, exit the venue and you’ll see taxis queued on Howell or can call a rideshare; the neighborhood is well-traveled and safe, so walking a block or two to a pickup point is normal. In good weather, some patrons preferred walking north along 2nd Ave after closing to hop on the 70 or C Line bus home. Plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes early on weekends if you want to dine or grab drinks first, as nearby bars can also be busy on event nights.
What Makes This Venue Special
Re-bar’s reputation comes from more than just the performing acts—it’s about the community and history. This unpretentious black-box bar-theater has termed itself a “petri dish of alternative Seattle culture” (www.thestranger.com ): a place where anyone with a creative spark, outsider sensibility or nonconformist flair can perform, see art and feel at home. Architecturally it was a gritty warehouse room with exposed brick or painted concrete walls and a rough-hewn stage, which lent shows an intimacy and raw energy unlike polished clubs. Over 30+ years, countless legendary moments built its lore: Nirvana’s chaotic “Nevermind” release party is the stuff of local legend, wild with food fights and dancing fans. The bursting creativity of Seattle’s ’90s music and drag scenes took shape under its roof. Re-bar is famous for incubating talent – many top local DJs, performers and theater bests began by holding weekly or monthly run-of-house shows here. Audience and artist memories form its soul: one co-owner noted that before closing, fans left altars of flowers and beer cans on its boarded-up doors, even painting cherry tree murals and tagging heartfelt messages on its walls (www.thebiglil.com ). This shows that Re-bar functions as more than a bar-cathedral; it’s a personal refuge and shared gathering place for marginalized, creative people. Unlike trendier clubs, Re-bar never aimed to be glitzy — its cultural importance comes from authenticity. People describe it as “home,” “church,” or a “college of life” where none of the stresses of daily Seattle life matter and everyone can belong. It's known city-wide as one of the most LGBTQ+ and POC focused venues (www.thebiglil.com ), where fiery acceptance is the norm. Whether wild dance parties late into the night or quiet experimental theater off-hours, the vibe stays true: it’s chaotic in the best way, supportive of freedom of expression, and filled with legendary going-out rituals. Artists love it because there are no boundaries on performance type; audiences love it because something unexpected always happens. Its legacy shows up in Seattle’s soul: trivia nights in bars still shout “Re-bar bingo rules!”, old flyers from the 90s now fetch nostalgic smiles, and even in 2025 people still call it “the heart of Seattle’s counterculture.” That enduring spirit is what makes Re-bar truly special.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Re-bar’s original space was on street-level with no stairs and an ADA-compliant entrance and restroom (www.spacefinderseattle.org ). Wheelchair users could enter via the front door and move freely on the flat floor. Service animals and companions are welcome. If the new location follows suit, it will likely include ramps and accessible bathroom stalls as required in Seattle.
What to bring: Bring a photo ID (government-issued). Cash is handy for cover charges, though the venue also takes cards for tickets and drinks. A light jacket or coat lock-checked is smart in winter. Phones and non-professional cameras are generally fine (Instagram-style pics are normal), but avoid huge equipment – and be aware that flashing flashes at performers can disturb others. Earplugs are recommended if you’re sensitive to loud music. Many people bring reusable water bottles (Re-bar gave out free water years ago), but the bar sells water too.
Ages and tickets: Re-bar typically allowed younger audiences for early or theater shows, but its nightclub events were usually 21+. Many nights became strictly 21+ after 10 PM. Policies can vary by event – for example, themed drag or family-friendly cabarets might be open to all ages, while dance parties with alcohol service often require ID. Entry usually means a cover charge (rarely waived, except a few $5 club nights or special free-entry events advertised ahead). Some final tickets might remain at the door if the event isn’t sold out, but popular events often require advance booking. Check the event flyer for any minors policy.
Dress code and demeanor: There was no formal dress code. Attire ranged from casual (jeans and tees) to outright costumes during themed events or Halloween. Costumes, drag outfits and punk/goth fashion were common, but even ordinary club attire (jeans, flannel, sneakers) was fine. Important: Re-bar values respect and safety. Harassing or discriminatory behavior is not tolerated. The crowd is famously open-minded and friendly; typical “Seattle nice.” The main rule is to have fun without hassling others. If you’re shy, rest assured this venue is known for supportive audiences. Just avoid flip-flops on the dance floor (people upstairs often danced barefoot or in boots), and consider that the floor can be sticky after big parties.
Late arrival: Locals often advise getting there early (or roughly at “door time”) if you want in. Many Re-bar shows drew long lines out onto the street, especially on weekends or when well-known performers played. Once capacity is reached they will stop admitting people. If you prefer a less-crowded experience, arrive sooner or attend an earlier show block. After 11 PM, the crowd is in full swing, and admissions can become strict. On less busy weeknights, one can sometimes walk in 15 minutes early.
Avoid common mistakes: Don’t assume it’s like a regular bar – at Re-bar, the “dance floor” was the main seating, so wearing comfy clothes is wise. Also, unlike restaurants, arrivals typically aren’t seated, so no need for booking a table (except for special shows where seats were set). Avoid bringing large backpacks or outside alcohol or food. If you’re driving, double-check the closing time of parking garages (some downtown lots shut after 1 AM). Lastly, if you’re under 21 but heading to an all-ages event, bring another ID or a parent; enforcement can be tight at the door. Otherwise, just enjoy the unique communal vibe – be ready to dance, laugh, and dive into Re-bar’s unforgettable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Re-bar still open? Have they reopened after COVID?
After 30 years in downtown Seattle, Re-bar closed its original Howell Street location in May 2020 due to the pandemic (www.seattletimes.com ). The owners announced plans to relocate and reopen in South Seattle (with a full dining/menu and 7-day schedule) but to date the new venue has not yet been launched. Keep an eye on Seattle news and Re-bar’s official channels for reopening updates.
What kind of events does Re-bar host?
Re-bar’s calendar was famously eclectic: weekly electronic dance nights (Flammable house Sundays, DnB Tuesdays), drag shows, burlesque, experimental theater, indie concerts and comedy/game nights. It even hosted album-release and book-party events. In short, almost anything creative went on here – the space was as comfortable for a drag queen cabaret as it was for a raging DJ party. Check the venue’s event listings or social pages for the latest schedule (or past highlights if currently closed).
How do I buy tickets or get on the guest list?
Tickets were typically sold online via Re-bar’s website or by calling the box office. For club nights, limited advanced tickets (often discounted) could be purchased, with the rest sold at the door if not sold out. Some events offered presales via newsletters or social-media codes. There was no formal membership program; the best approach was to “follow” Re-bar nights (or hosts like Flammable) on social media or mailing lists for advance notices. On weekdays, shows often had low or no cover, but major weekend nights recommended booking ahead. At door, they took cash or credit (with a convenience fee sometimes). Always confirm details from an official Re-bar announcement—unofficial sites or resellers should be avoided for accuracy.
What is the cover charge or ticket price range?
Most Re-bar events were quite affordable. Regular DJ nights and theater shows usually ranged from $5 to $15. Bigger acts (touring DJs, special holiday parties, headliner concerts) could cost up to $20–$25. Often the cover was slightly higher on weekends and Friday/Saturday nights. Cheap nights or lesser-known events sometimes had no cover or a modest $5 admission. Importantly, when planning your visit check the event flyer – cover prices for that specific date will be listed there. Re-bar marketed itself as an accessible venue, so very few shows exceeded $25 in cover.
Where exactly is Re-bar located? What’s the address?
Re-bar’s original location was 1114 Howell Street in downtown Seattle’s Denny Triangle/Belltown neighborhood (near 2nd and Howe St). This put it within easy walk of Westlake/Convention Center station and the Pike Place area. The planned new venue (not yet open) was announced to be somewhere on Seattle’s south side (Central District or similar), but no address has been confirmed. If visiting when it reopens, double-check the current address, as it will differ from the old Howell Street site.
What are my parking and public transit options?
Nearby the old Howe/Homeland parking was scarce on-street (metered 2-hr spots), so most people used paid lots. For example, there were affordable garages on 8th Ave and at 1800 9th Ave (roughly $10–$15 for 2–3 hours) (en.parkopedia.com ). Ride-sharing drop-offs worked well on Howell St or by the Westin Hotel. Public transit was easy: Westlake and University St Link stations were ~0.4 miles away, and numerous bus routes (RapidRide and others, e.g. routes 70, 590, 595) had stops within a block. In general, visitors were advised to allow extra time to find parking, or use buses/Link into downtown and walk. Double-check current transit schedules for any changes.
Does Re-bar have seats or reserved areas?
No, Re-bar has no fixed seating or VIP sections. If any seating is provided (like folding chairs or stools), it’s usually only for small theater productions or panels. The venue is almost entirely general admission standing room and dancing. On dance nights, floor space in front of the stage is best if you want to be close performers, while sides and corners are lighter. There is no “VIP balcony” or bottle service area – it’s one open room. Seating (couches or stools) is typically along back walls or by the bars if available. Some visitors invented their own “best spots” (leaning on a girder or the sound booth), but generally you stand or dance wherever comfortable. This open layout is part of Re-bar’s gritty communal vibe.
How is the sound system and acoustics?
Re-bar had a solid pro-audio setup for its size: active speakers and subwoofers supplied punchy bass (enough to rattle the floor), and a 2-channel mixer in a rear sound booth for DJs. Microphones and monitors supported live shows. Acoustically, the room’s hard surfaces meant things sounded loud and a bit reverberant – very lively. Bass-intensive music (house, techno, hip-hop) carries well, filling the space, but on really crowded nights it could become overwhelming. Headliner acts often brought in extra PA to ensure quality. As a rule, aim to position yourself slightly back from the main speakers if you find the volume too high, but trust that the engineers kept levels safe. The sound generally is uniform throughout the floor, so there weren’t major “sweet spots” or dead zones, just typical club-level loudness.
Is Re-bar wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue’s ground-floor space was ADA compliant (www.spacefinderseattle.org ). Entry was level with the street (no steps), and the large open-floor layout made navigating easy. There were accessible restroom stalls (and the main age check/bar was on that level). If Re-bar honors its commitment in the new venue, it should be fully accessible as well. Anyone needing mobility accommodations could attend with ease at the old location.
What is Re-bar’s policy on cameras or video?
Casual photography (smartphones or small point-and-shoot cameras) was usually permitted – many people snap pics of outfits, flyers, or performers for social media. Flash photography was discouraged because it can be disruptive to performers. The staff didn’t typically confiscate cameras, but if a performer or host specifically requested “no photos during the show,” patrons were expected to comply. Recording video without permission (especially of live music acts) was against house rules, so it was best to avoid doing so. Overall, expect to be photographed by others (the community loves selfies and group shots), and soak it in – it’s part of Re-bar’s social, interactive nature.
Is there a coat check and restrooms inside?
Yes. A staffed coat check was typically available near the entrance for a small fee, which was handy on rainy or cold evenings. The venue had basic facilities: one mens and one womens restroom (plus usually an all-gender stall). They were located on the side walls of the main room. Expect standard busy-club conditions: fairly small stalls and door locks that sometimes jammed. Staff kept them clean through the night, and supplies (toilet paper, soap) were generally refilled. If you need to hit the restroom, try going between live acts when the crowd thins, as lines could form at peak intermissions.
What is the dress code for Re-bar shows?
There was no formal dress requirement – Re-bar’s crowd was famously eclectic. You could see everything from t-shirt and jeans to full drag or goth attire in one night. Costumes or vibrant outfit choices (glitter, punk, rave gear) were common on themed nights. For most events, casual/alternative clubwear was perfectly fine – comfortable shoes for dancing, layers for Seattle’s weather, etc. One tip: on busy nights the floor could get messy (spill cleanup usually happened), so avoid your nicest footwear. In general, dress to match the vibe of the specific event (SL deeper black for goth nights, bright neon for dance parties, etc.), but know that personal expression was always welcome at Re-bar.
Does Re-bar serve food? What about water?
The original Re-bar had no full kitchen – it was primarily a bar. They offered a small snacks menu (chips, popcorn, maybe simple sandwiches), but most people ate before arriving or grabbed late-night food elsewhere. Drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, soda) were the main offerings. In fact, Re-bar was early to provide free filtered water from the bar (a practice since mid-’90s). While some new Seattle venues now charge for water, Re-bar historically did not. If you’re thirsty, just ask for water at the bar – even now most local reviewers note they gave away water freely. The new plan was to add a full food menu, but until the relocation, expect drink-only service.
Is Re-bar LGBTQ+ friendly?
Absolutely. Re-bar has a long history of being welcoming and safe for LGBTQ+ patrons and performers. It hosted pioneering queer performance nights and was explicitly known for supporting LGBTQIA and POC communities (www.thebiglil.com ). Don’t be surprised if half the crowd is in drag or rainbow gear – inclusivity was built into its identity. Straight, gay, bi, trans, allied – all are indeed welcome under its roof. The staff and regulars pride themselves on tolerance and celebrate diversity. If anything, many LGBTQ+ folks consider it a second home in Seattle’s nightlife. (www.thebiglil.com )
Why did Re-bar close in 2020, and will it ever come back?
Re-bar’s original location closed in May 2020 after a month of pandemic shutdowns. The owners cited financial strain of staying closed with no revenue, plus strict reopening rules, as reasons to pause business (www.seattletimes.com ). They announced an 18-month hiatus and plans to “reopen in Fall 2021 as a South Seattle bar and nightclub” (www.seattletimes.com ). While the timeline slipped, as of 2024 the intent to reopen remains; the owners have explored new sites. Fan support (GoFundMe and grants) has helped keep the project alive. No firm reopening date has been announced yet, but in interviews the owners have assured patrons that Re-bar will rise again. Until then, the Howell Street building has been sold and other venue takeovers have occurred. Stay tuned: when Re-bar does return, it’s expected to bring legendary nights back to the Seattle club scene. (www.emeraldcityedm.com ) (www.seattletimes.com ).
