Historic University District Dive Bar Is Under New Ownership

A historic Seattle dive bar will be opening its doors again but under new management.

The College Inn Pub has been around for nearly 46 years, serving up drinks for students and faculty in the University District. Housed in the basement of the 112-year-old College Inn building, the pub was reportedly forced to close in July 2020 due to financial difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But that's not the end of College Inn Pub.

Two longtime patrons have stepped in to keep the dive bar's legacy alive, Seattle-Pi reports. Jen Gonyer-Donohue and Al Donohue bought the business and worked with Seattle restauranteur Seth Howard to update the building.

Eleven months later, the longtime dive bar is back in business with future plans for outdoor seating and even a large deck, which is under construction, reporters said.

"While most menu items remain the same with grinders and nachos, the new owners added house-made meatballs and marinara and more local beer options from breweries like Cloudburst, Ravenna, and Maritime as well as more house cocktail options," Seattle-Pi added.

Donohue said, "We look forward to welcoming everyone in the neighborhood and UW community back for a pint and nachos. The College Inn Pub has risen from the COVID ashes, but still remains in the basement."