May 25 2009
RPLACE
Far, far, far and above, RPLACE is one of the best bars in Seattle. I feel that way today and I suspected as much before I moved here.
A little less than two years ago I flew down to Seattle from Anchorage for a job interview. It was a quick in and out visit. I arrived the night before and stayed at…… well being a Gay single male we will leave that for another article….. but it was cheep and I had a good time. The next day, after my interview, I promptly took off ”on foot” to see (get into trouble) what I could of Seattle before my evening flight back to Alaska.
Tooling up Pike Street from downtown in my coat, tie and dress shoes that were killing my feet, I headed for (the infamous) Capitol Hill. God I wanted out of those shoes! Then it dawned on me, “this is Seattle.” I sat down on the steps of Bank America, removed my killer, yet professional, shoes and peeled off the Calvin Klein dress socks, replacing all with my Nike’sand…… well yes….. Calvin Klein athletic socks. Hey, the “pink stripe runs deep.” Ahh… so much better and Seattle didn’t bat an eyelash over my naked feet (try that in DC…. yeah right).
My dogs taken care of, up the Hill I went pulling my “tag along” suitcase behind me. Stopping at the Edge Of The Circle book store, I asked where the closest Gay bars were. I was enthusiastically referred to RPLACE by the straight owner.
So, a few moments latter there I was standing at the bar in RPLACE staring into the face of my bartender Jefferson. Little did I know that Jefferson and I would become friends over the months ahead. Mohawk skillfully waxed up to about four inches above his head, bright welcoming eyes and a big warm smile, Jefferson welcomed me to Seattle and asked what brought me here. Before I knew it he had maps of the area spread out over the bar and was directing me to places I could go that afternoon. He was quick to inquire from other customers exact addresses and hours of business for the places he was sending me.
I enjoyed a couple of beers at the first floor bar. Sitting at the polished wooden bar I enjoyed the back and forth foot traffic along Pine St. visible through the large street side windows. With it’s long L shaped bar, small round tables and a large “booth” you are very comfortable talking, watching video, and observing the never ending street show that one can only find in Seattle.
Three months later I moved to Seattle. Upon walking into RPLACE Jefferson greeted me by name and asked “So, a pitcher of Bud? Tell me did you get the job?” Needless to say, my teeth about hit the floor. Did I feel all “warm and fuzzy?” You bet!
RPLACE has something to offer everyone. I go there weekdays in the late afternoon for the “Pub” atmosphere. I also enjoy going on weekends as well . Eric is your bartender on the weekend and proudly serves up complementary hot dogs. RPLACE provides free WIFI. I love finishing off my weekday or squeezing in a little more work on the weekend with laptop, beer and a Dog. I like to say “My office serves me beer and feeds me while I work 
.”Others go there to play pool on the second floor. Later in the evening a transformation occurs. The third floor opens up and is a hot spot for shows. Often customers start at RPLACE for Happy Hour, move on to dinner in the area, return home to change for an evening out, hit a couple of other clubs in the neighborhood and then return to RPLACE for a show. Click on the link at the beginning of this post for a picture of RPLACE. Notice all the glass? Whether you are on the third floor for a show, playing pool on the second floor, or saddling up to the bar on the first floor you have an “eye” to the outside world of Capitol Hill.
Here is your link to RPLACE on the WEB. And just for fun here is one of their shows on YouTube.
I hope you enjoy RPLACE as much as I do. Hope to see you there.
HybridKid
P.S. National Underwear Day is a great program to help those in need. Please consider buying a “fresh pair” below. At least take a look see…kind of a sexy sight anyway 
