Pittsburgh-based Bottlerocket Social Hall opening new venue in Crocodile basement
Aug 31, 2026, 4:45 PM
(Photo courtesy of the Crocodile via KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of the Crocodile via KIRO 7)
The long-awaited answer to what will become of Belltown’s Here-After and Madame Lou’s is finally here.
After being purchased back in June, The Crocodile announced Monday via Facebook that Pittsburgh-based Bottlerocket Social Hall is expanding to the Pacific Northwest and taking over The Crocodile’s two beloved basement venues.
“Since the day we bought The Crocodile, we have heard from so many people about how deeply missed Madame Lou’s and the Here-After are, for both performers and guests,” Bottlerocket founder and Managing Director of The Crocodile Chris Copen said. “Figuring out the future for the Croc’s basement has been our top priority since day one, and it’s something we wanted to make sure we got absolutely right.”
Instead of keeping them separate, the post notes that the new Bottlerocket location will be “one cohesive space.”
A statement released by Copen also notes that the new basement space will be able to hold 400 people for concerts, and more than 200 people for seated shows.
The revamped venue will also feature “tiered viewing areas, an expanded bar, and an intimate, old-school interior,” according to the statement.
Not to mention, the new staff are currently booking shows, with the statement emphasizing that events held at Madame Lou’s and Here-After could return.
“The Crocodile team has already been in touch with many of the people whose events found long-term homes in Here-After and Madame Lou’s, and look forward to welcoming them back into the building,” Copen writes in his statement.
They are also looking to bring some of the magic that worked in Pittsburgh to the Emerald City. From Elvis Bingo and Bario Kart to a membership club that offers free monthly shows and drink discounts, Seattle’s Bottlerocket Social Hall will look to bring a taste of Pittsburgh to Belltown.
The new venue is aiming to open in March 2027.
