The Mountain Room: Bar at the R
The Mountain Room: Bar at the R is a bar and live music venue inside Seattle's historic Old Rainier Brewery on Airport Way. The brick complex with its famous red R sign is now home to artists and makers and The Mountain Room has become its social hub.
The Story Behind the Mountain Room
Beer has been brewed on this site since the Bayview Brewing Company built a brewhouse here in 1878 and it became the birthplace of Rainier Beer. In 1949 Rainier turned its barrel storage room into a bar and event space. The Mountain Room opened to the public in 1950 and served as Rainier's official brewpub until 1999. Tully's Coffee used the space for years after that. In 2014 Melinda Wells leased it and opened The Factory Luxe which grew into a bar and music room. Renovation work and a 2023 arson fire that destroyed the original 1950 doors forced a long closure. Backed by a Kickstarter campaign the bar came back as The Mountain Room and held its grand opening in September 2024.
The Vibe
The room has an industrial brewery setting with a relaxed neighborhood bar feel. Rainier is on tap of course along with other drinks. The space can also host private parties and events.
Tuesday Open Mic
Every Tuesday The Mountain Room hosts Open Mic Night. Sign-up starts at 7:00 PM and music starts at 7:30 PM. Tuesday is also an all-day happy hour so it is an easy night to come out and support local players.
Why Musicians Like It
Few open mics come with this much history. Playing where Rainier employees and brewery tour guests once gathered makes for a memorable night.
More Events
The calendar mixes ticketed shows from psychedelic soul to post-punk and industrial with Karaoke Under The R nights and art walk events. Happy hour runs from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and all day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Good to Know
The Mountain Room is at 3100 Airport Way South in Building 3 of the Old Rainier Brewery in Seattle WA 98134. It is 21 and over with valid ID. Visit themountainroomseattle.com or follow @mountainroom.seattle on Instagram. Schedules can change so confirm with the venue or host before heading out.
