Image 1 of 1
The Waterwheel was an iconic Seattle landmark and a beloved Ballard hangout for more than 50 years, and it meant everything to the people who called it their place, especially the karaoke crowd who filled the room night after night. Long before dive bars were cool or curated, the Waterwheel was the original shithole, unapologetic, worn in, and exactly what it was supposed to be. Inside the dimly lit lounge, with Christmas lights glowing and small tables packed close together, there was no shortage of beer stains or history soaked into the floors. It was never sanitized or designed for a magazine, and that was its magic. What always struck me was how welcoming everyone was, how quickly you felt like you belonged. It’s incredibly sad to see a place with that much grit, heart, and community disappear.
