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2200 Second Avenue

For sixteen years, music fans far and wide recognized the Crocodile Cafe as Seattle's best live music venue. There is no other spot in the 206 with such a storied and beloved past, and no other rock and roll venue that has earned its right to occupy the hearts of so many.

Period.

The Crocodile opened its doors in late April, 1991, with little fanfare and not much attention. Seattle was a very different place at the time the Seattle Sound was still in its infancy, the Washington State Liquor Control Board had some pretty strict rules in place, and you could still travel from one end of the city to the other in fifteen minutes. With traffic.

Located on the corner of Second and Blanchard, in the spot that formerly housed a Greek joint called Athens Cafe, the Crocodile was an unlikely place for the history that would soon follow. With residential apartments lining the block, and a bustling drug trade around the corner, the Crocodile stood out like an oasis in the neighborhood, welcoming all, and facilitating many a good time.

Virtually every band you have ever loved has played within the walls of Belltown's much loved living room. Nirvana? Yep. Pearl Jam? Yes sir. Cheap Trick, R.E.M., Mudhoney, and Yoko Ono? Why, of course.

But, the Crocodile has always been about more than the stellar talent onstage, or the cheap beer on tap at the bar. The Crocodile has long been the heart and soul of Seattle the spot where couples met for the very first time, and bands were formed over pitchers of Rainier in the Live Bait Lounge.