Darrell's Tavern

Darrell's Tavern is a proudly retro dive bar and live music room on Aurora Avenue in Shoreline just north of Seattle. It has been pouring drinks since 1967 and it still looks the part. Seattle Weekly called it Shoreline's quintessential roadhouse juke joint and it is one of the hardest working small stages in the north end.

The Story Behind Darrell's

Longtime owner Ben Hammond ran the bar for years before Dan Dyckman bought it in 2009. Dyckman made a point of keeping its vintage character while adding local microbrews and building up the music calendar. The Seattle Times noted that Darrell's became a busy club for bands that once played only the city's hip venues. The tavern even appeared as a filming location in the movie Dead West.

The Vibe

Carpet-covered walls and quilted lounge chairs and futuristic lamps over a horseshoe bar make it feel like old Seattle. Drinks are cheap and the crowd is friendly and loud in its support for local music.

Wednesday Open Mic

Darrell's venerable open mic runs every Wednesday at 7:30 PM. It is free and welcomes singer-songwriters and bands and anyone with something to share.

Sunday Jazz Jam

Every Sunday at 7:00 PM Kevin McCarthy leads a jazz jam. There is a $10 suggested donation and jazz players are welcome to sit in.

Live Music

Thursday through Saturday nights usually bring three or four band bills. The booking covers rock and punk and country and metal and soul and jazz and funk and ska. Special nights include Opera on Tap and the Shoreline Music Fest.

Good to Know

Darrell's Tavern is at 18041 Aurora Avenue North in Shoreline WA 98133. It is 21 and over. For booking email jjbooksyourband@gmail.com and check darrellstavern.com for the show calendar. Schedules can change so confirm with the venue or host before heading out.