Exploring the Sketchiest Bars: Tales from the Past

Travel back in time and uncover the stories behind some of the sketchiest and dodgiest bars from around the world. From the Seattle waterfront to the rowdy biker bars, these places have a dark charm that is unforgettable. While some of these establishments might no longer be operating, their notoriety lives on in memories and stories still told today.

Seattle Waterfront: The Yellow Linoleum Floor

The early 1970s Seattle waterfront was a place that no one wanted to forget, but for the right reasons. One fateful night, we found ourselves in a colloquially called the 'Lost Weekend'. The atmosphere was electric, charged with a mixture of curiosity and dread. Much to our surprise, upon entering, four of our companions soon succumbed to the effects of alcohol, leaving the bartender as the only figure standing. It was a night we would not forget, marked by both peril and peculiar details.

The bar was adorned with an intriguing decor. The yellow linoleum floor extended not just over the surface but up the sides and onto the bar top itself. Perhaps this choice of material was for easy clean-up, but it certainly added to the surreal ambiance of the place. We sat down at a table that was also yellow, and much to our bewilderment, discovered the tables and chairs were bolted to the floor. The idea of being unable to move from your seat even if you wanted to was a bizarre thought that made us decide to leave early.

The Lost Weekend: A Scummy Paradise

The Lost Weekend was a notorious establishment that had been out of business for some time now. It earned its place in the city's history for all the wrong reasons. At its prime, this place was the epitome of a scummy environment, operating around 50 years ago. It was known to house the scummiest characters and practices. Despite this, tales of its past continue to circulate, drawing curious visitors who want to experience the grit and shadowy glamour of the pre-gentrification era.

Local Rowdy Biker Bar: A Night to Remember

In contrast to the more notorious Lost Weekend, there was a more recent experience that took place in a local rowdy biker bar. While it wasn't as infamous, it certainly offered a memorable night out. The bar was known for its cheap pool games and easy beer, but it quickly turned sour when two unaccompanied females started to draw unwanted attention. The atmosphere was raucous, with music from a jukebox that was frequently disrupted by the bartender changing tracks. Additionally, the presence of strangers trying to approach us further added to the discomfort.

One of the bars' quirks was the music on the jukebox, which was unfortunately not our favorite. The intrusion started when two of us ventured to the jukebox to change the song. As we made our way back to our table, a stranger approached and attempts were made to co-opt our drink services. It was a clear indication that while the bar might seem welcoming, it held its own unique warning signs.

Our group decided to avoid any further confrontations. We listened to the increasing chatter from other tables in the bar and a couple of rowdy unaccompanied women started to harass us. Once we realized our surroundings were becoming increasingly dangerous, we knew it was time to leave. The bar had transformed from a place of leisure into a nexus of unwanted attention and possible trouble.

These experiences, while perhaps harrowing, have contributed to the rich tapestry of stories that continue to be told about some of the sketched establishments of the past. They remind us of the importance of always being on the lookout for signs of danger and the power of a group to protect each other in challenging situations.