The Hollywood Tavern (known in its early years as Mabel's), a Woodinville landmark since the '30s, is closing this week. The tavern has been slowly, and now, rapidly, surrounded by wineries, distilleries, restaurants, and breweries.
The Hollywood feels like the old school taverns that thrived in Kent, Wash. when I was growing up. Many of them are now disappearing. The neon sign out front says simply "Tavern". The gravel parking lot occupies the spot where Mabel's house stood. The Tavern has pull-tabs, darts, a jukebox, and lots of beer company signs. They have Budweiser on tap. Nick and Kelly Uren have owned the Tavern for the last twenty years, and have maintained the history of the place. The interior is decorated with pictures of Mabel's before it was finished in 1927. The new owner (the founder of Skillet in Seattle) will be changing the tavern into an upscale burger and whiskey joint.
