The Wildrose, Capitol Hill’s iconic lesbian bar, is celebrating an incredible milestone: 40 years as a cornerstone of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community. With a claim as the longest-running lesbian bars in the nation, the Wildrose has weathered decades of change, remaining steadfast in its mission to provide a safe, inclusive space.

“The original owner was incredible,” recalls co-owner Martha Manning. “She was a civil rights attorney who created a safe space for women because there was a need for it.”

From its founding as a cooperative in 1984, the Wildrose was politically significant, establishing itself as more than a bar — it was a sanctuary.

Fast forward to today, and the Wildrose’s impact continues. Manning reflects on moments when the team felt defeated or jaded, only to be reminded of the bar’s vital role in the community on Capitol Hill — and beyond. “Sometimes you lose sight of what it means to people, but the community’s support has always shown us how much they want this space to exist.”

Shelley Brothers and Manning have co-owned the ‘Rose since 2005, although both were working and drinking at the bar years before taking it over.

Over the years, the Wildrose has faced economic and social challenges, from navigating Capitol Hill’s shifting identity to surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. Manning describes how the bar adapted to stay afloat during the pandemic. “We got jobs, sold sweatshirts and beanies, did to-go food and drinks, and even started a GoFundMe,” she says. “The generosity of the community was overwhelming and allowed us to keep the doors open.”

Bryher Herak and her four business partners opened the Wildrose at a time when lesbian bars were more commonplace on Capitol Hill — and more exclusive. When Brothers arrived in Seattle in 1992, places like the Wildrose were leery of male patrons. “It was a time when there was a lot of violence towards gay women,” Brothers told CHS in 2014 as the bar marked its 30th anniversary.

Resilience has been the Wildrose’s hallmark. “We’ve had very lean times, but we’re stubborn,” Manning says with a laugh. From creative event programming to social media outreach led by her wife, Katie, the team has innovated to meet the moment.

Other things remain as they were. The bar’s interior has remained essentially the same through the years. One of the biggest changes came in 2011 when Brothers and Manning removed the drop ceiling in the bar’s back room. The bathrooms also get a welcomed sprucing up every now and then.

The Winston

The Wildrose’s home is also a legend. The 1905-era Winston Apartments has seen a few things but survives as a home to some of the more interesting buildings and people on E Pike. In 2012, CHS reported on the $4.3 million deal to acquire The Winston long-held by neighborhood investor and guardian Anne Michelson. Colorado-based Cadence Capital continues to hold the property even as nearby parcels are redeveloped.

History could be on the building’s side.

“In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places,” the city says of the Queen Anne-style building in a report on the property’s historical significance. “In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. This 3-story wood frame apartment building with retail storefronts at the street level has generally good integrity. It is notable for its hanging bays, pedimented entry and prominent wooden cornice. It is significant as an example of an early mixed-use building in one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, and has been determined eligible for listing in the National Register.”

Meanwhile, changes at the corner of 11th and Pike has taken place around the old building and the now 40-year-old bar. CHS reported here on the arrival of Queertique, “a physical place” for queer lifestyle, art, and artisans below ground in the subterranean space most recently home to a Castle Megastore.

Above, the Wildrose remains committed to being a safe space. “A safe space doesn’t exist without people in the space,” Manning emphasizes. Fundraisers and community events during Pride and other times of year are key to its mission, ensuring the space reflects and supports the queer community.

Recent years have brought updates to the Wildrose’s offerings. From craft cocktails to an expanded food menu featuring items like mac and cheese and French dip sandwiches, the bar continues to balance its dive bar charm with thoughtful improvements.

“We’re still a dive bar,” Manning says, “but we can be clean and have nicer cocktails, too.”

As the Wildrose looks to the future, Manning hopes for another decade and beyond. “It’s about keeping the doors open and continuing to be the place where people meet,” she says. “Couples who met here years ago still come back. If the community wants us here, I think we can be here for 50 or 60 years.”

To mark the milestone, the Wildrose is hosting a celebration on December 30th, complete with free hors d’oeuvres, giveaways, go-go dancers, DJs, and retro-themed surprises. It has been part of a month of celebration of Wildrose’s eras and a moment to honor the past and toast to the future of a beloved institution.

“I’m grateful to our community,” Manning says. “Capitol Hill is my home. We’re happy to be here and want to continue being here.”

The Wildrose’s 40th anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity. It is a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring need for safe spaces in Seattle and beyond.

The Wildrose located at 1021 E Pike throughout December. Visit thewildrosebar.com to learn more.

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