The Tractor Tavern: affordable good times
The Tractor Tavern is Seattle's little Grand Ole Opry. This intimate, down-home nightspot features wonderful live music nearly every night of the week. The style of music changes nightly, but there are two common denominators: the music is always rooted in American styles — Southwestern country, Delta blues, even California surf rock — and the music is always good.
And it's an affordable good time. The door charge at the Tractor varies by night and by performer, but it rarely goes above $20 and is often less than $10. For your money, you get several hours of dependably solid entertainment; past performers have included the likes of steel-guitar master Junior Brown, singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo and acclaimed roots-rock band Drive-By Truckers.
You might stumble in and find a rockabilly band tearing up the stage, or happen upon one of the Tractor's free square-dance nights featuring real old-fashioned Appalachian country music.
The Tractor is one of the few live music venues in Seattle where you don't really have to know who's playing that night; the quality of music is always high, and a visit is always worthwhile.
The crowd is mellow and good-natured, the staff is unfailingly friendly and there's always plenty of room to roam around. Just show up any old time, order a locally brewed beer from the bar's varied selection, lean up against a post and let yourself take in the sweet sounds.
Posted by Geoff Carter
