When the Comet Tavern went dark last year, there was a heaving, collective sob from the city. The Comet was one of Seattle’s oldest, diviest bars, famous for legions of hippies, punks and musicians who drank there.

But the moaning wasn’t just about a dead old bar. It was a rant on gentrification, a surge of angst that another piece of cool, old Seattle had died, with condos and craft cocktails ready to sprout in its grave.

But the legendary Comet on Capitol Hill has made a comeback. Seattle music and bar mavens Jason Lajeunesse and David Meinert bought the dingy, struggling bar last year and spruced it up. It re-opens to the public on Monday, March 31.

Why save the Comet?

“If neighborhood legends like the Comet Tavern turn into chain restaurants, the soul of the city is gone,” Lajeunesse said.

“Seattle doesn’t need another Panera Bread; they need more places like the Comet.”

Take a peek inside the new-old Comet (below), which somehow manages to look clean and gritty at the same time. You’ll also learn how bartenders get the dollar bills to stick on the ceiling, a part of the bar’s tradition.

But first, in honor of the Comet, here’s a slideshow of dive bars, cheap eats and other pieces of “old Seattle” not dead yet.

And now, a tour of the Comet Tavern (Jim Toohey’s photos are courtesy Nada Mucho):

This post is part of a series of historical Seattle, including:

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