Roanoke Inn on Mercer Island

Sometimes the place is hopping until 2 a.m. With lots of comings and goings, a jukebox blasting anything from Rooster to Radar Love, and a demolition derby gravel parking lot, it’s not exactly quiet. But the last time one of the neighbors tried to have it shut down, they didn’t realize the Mercer Island City Council meets there every Tuesday night. The Roanoke is a regular institution. And of course it’s haunted: urban legend is that it used to be a brothel and weekend gambling escape during Prohibition.

The Roanoke was built in 1914 in the craftsman style, with large wrap-around veranda and patios side and back. It sits near the point where ferry traffic from across the lake used to land, bringing business men home from downtown Seattle.

When Island roads improved enough, more tourists went exploring. To appeal to the visitors as well as to serve the community, George McGuire built a chicken-dinner inn not far from the ferry dock. At first business was not exactly brisk, and McGuire lost the inn because of debts. A Mr. Green took over and operated it as a hotel.

Subsequently it was sold several times, sometimes falling into ill repute, rumored to be a brothel and a purveyor of illegal booze served in coffee mugs during prohibition. Then for decades they just served beer and wine, and a small menu of burgers and burritos. With an expanded kitchen and a liquor license, the ‘Noke has waltzed into the new century. It stands today, well preserved and looking much the same as it did almost a hundred years ago.

I like it for the casual old-Seattle feeling and the interesting crowd. With its dark green walls and fascinating collection of memorabilia, it has an old-world Pub character. I’ve seen everyone from famous Seattle business men to socialites, from rock stars to sports stars. If you go on a Friday afternoon, I suggest getting there by 4pm to score a booth.