College Inn Pub near UW to close after more than 50 years
May 28, 2025, 6:00 AM
Exterior of The College Inn Pub in Seattle's U-District. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
It’s the end of an era for a beloved Seattle hangout as The College Inn Pub will close for good on June 15.
The owners said they tried to sell, but no one took the deal.
“Seattle is an incredibly difficult environment in which small (and especially micro) businesses can survive, and the current state of the economy and political landscape only compound the challenges small businesses face,” the pub’s management stated. “Small businesses in the UDistrict (University District) will be further impacted by the budgeting crisis the UW (University of Washington) community is facing.”
The pub became a University District staple for more than 50 years, hosting weddings, memorials, and countless trivia nights.
Issues that plagued The College Inn Pub
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The owners cited, in addition to the overall struggle small businesses face within Seattle, several physical challenges, including no ADA access, no hood or fryer in the kitchen, an outdated beer cooler system and furnaces, and a lack of street presence.
“We learned how to maneuver most of these challenges and love the Pub space for what it is—old, funky, historical, constantly breaking down, full of surprise rain showers from the ceiling, French fry-free, and a true Stairmaster workout,” the pub’s co-owner, Jen Gonyer, wrote.
The pub is situated in one of the last remaining 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Exhibition structures still standing in the city, according to KIRO 7. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The owners and management team of The College Inn Pub are asking folks to stop by, share a memory, and raise a glass before it closes for good on June 15. It will open at noon that day with a series of special guests, including the Seafair Clowns.
“It’s time to bring this 50+ year old cruise ship into port safely after its final 5-year voyage. Come join us for the last eight weeks of community, love, trivia, and shenanigans,” Goyner wrote.
Contributing: KIRO 7
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