Lost Roadhouses of Seattle

Prohibition came early to Washington State–in 1916–and kicked off an unforgettable era of nightlife.

Prohibition went national in 1920 and a network of roadside inns, taverns and dancehalls just outside of Seattle’s city limits thrived well into the rockin’ 1950s, providing illicit entertainment for those seeking a good time. Spurred on by early car culture and strict liquor laws, places like the Spanish Castle, The Jungle and The Black Cat sprang into being. Commonly called roadhouses, many of these remote outposts existed along two newly-built and parallel stretches of county highways - far from the prying eyes of city police. Fabled speakeasy operator, Doc Hamilton founded some of the earliest of these hideaways.

Join authors Peter Blecha and Brad Holden as they uncover the fascinating era of forbidden nightclubs.