Purr Lounge reopens in Montlake

After longtime Capitol Hill bar Purr Lounge closed earlier this year, owner Barbie Roberts moved quickly to get the LGBT-friendly bar ready for the public.

It reopened just weeks ago in Montlake in the former home of Pub Montlake and Montlake Ale House, and Roberts said those businesses have given her an indication of what can work in this largely residential neighborhood.

“Our opening night was a mix of neighborhood people, the gay community and a drag queen as an emcee,” she said. “We’re still trying to find our way,  but we’ve seen a lot more grownups.”

While ultimately it was rising rents which drove Purr out of “gayborhood” Capitol Hill, Roberts admits that the hill has changed  demographics, and sometimes employees didn’t feel safe closing the bar at night.

“We want this to be a community spot with good pub food, good drinks and to be a place where you can take your parents.”

Purr is 21+ with a full food menu, brunch on weekends and less club-like hours than the Capitol Hill spot to fit the character of Montlake.

Purr Lounge is located at 2307 24th Ave. E.