In the shadows of the Issaquah Alps, where historic Front Street meets ghosts of the town’s mining and logging past, you’ll find Rolling Log Tavern (or simply “The Log”). Established in 1933, this true dive bar is one of the last on the Eastside; a place where the taxidermy is vintage, the beer is cold, and the wooden stage has seen decades of PNW grit.
While Friday nights belong to local rock and blues bands, Thursday nights are the soul of the tavern, reserved for the legendary Thursday Night Karaoke.
The Rolling Log Stage: Where History Meets the Mic
The Rolling Log isn’t your typical sterile “karaoke box” experience. When you step up to the mic here, you’re standing on a stage that has hosted everything from old-school lumbermen to regional rock legends.
- The Vibe: The stage is situated perfectly in the room, high enough to feel like a “performer,” but close enough to the crowd to keep that intimate, dive-bar energy.
- The Sound: For a historic pub, the sound carries beautifully. Whether you’re singing a gravelly Johnny Cash tune or hitting the high notes of a 90s pop anthem, the acoustics of the old wood and high ceilings give your vocals an authentic, live-show feel.
- The Atmosphere: It’s a “supportive rowdy” crowd. In Issaquah, Thursday is the unofficial start to the weekend for regulars, and the applause is just as loud for a first-timer as it is for the local “pros.”
Thursday Night Karaoke: The Schedule
If you’re looking to get on the rotation at the Rolling Log, timing is everything.
- When: Every Thursday night.
- Time: The mic goes live at 8:00 PM and runs until Midnight.
- Wee Tip: The list fills up fast. Arrive by 7:30 PM to grab a booth near the stage and get your song slip in early.
Fuel for the Show: Burger & “Log Specialties”
You can’t sing on an empty stomach, and the Rolling Log kitchen is famous for its scratch-made pub staples. The portions large and the prices are “dive-bar friendly.”
The “Headliner” Eats:
- The Cuban Sandwich: A standout favorite featuring pulled pork, black forest ham, Jarlsberg cheese, and a cilantro serrano pesto that adds a surprising kick.
- Log’s Chicken Wings: A full pound of wings served with hand-cut fries. They are the perfect “shareable” while you wait for your turn in the rotation.
- The “Rain-tini”: A local inside joke and a tavern tradition; it’s a can of Rainier poured into a margarita glass with two olives. It’s the ultimate “beer-drinker’s martini” and a great way to toast to your performance.
A “Spirited” Performance
True to its 1933 roots, the Rolling Log is famously rumored to be haunted. Regulars tell stories of “the cowboy” who sits near table #2 and a prankster spirit who messes with boxes in the back. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is an undeniable energy in the building that makes every Thursday night feel like a part of Issaquah’s living history.
Know Before You Go
Parking: Street parking is available along Sunset and Front Street, but it can be tight on busy nights.
Location: 50 E Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027.
Age Limit: 21+ only.
Entry: Generally no cover for karaoke at the Rolling Log, but be prepared for a $10 minimum purchase per person during live events to support the local venue.
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
