Volunteer operated and I LOVE IT. Ok hear me out. I am not a goth girl.... But I am open minded. This is all you need to have a great time here. The drinks are poured RIGHT!!! I felt safe and welcomed. What more do you need!! They will see me again. read more

Mercury at Machinewerks - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

Member operated. Always a vibe. Great dance scene, strong drinks. Bigotry and belligerence not tolerated. read more

I looked this place up while I was in the area for a trip. It is a private club, but I reached out for a guest pass and was able to get on the list. It is a unique spot with a great goth/industrial vibe. I just wish I had been able to stay a bit longer. Everyone working is a volunteer and is one of the oldest clubs of its kind. It is awesome that people are dedicated to keeping the traditions and the fun alive in their own spare time. They give you the rules when you walk in, which are basically to be respectful and kind. Strong attention to safety as well and as a woman entering by myself, they were sure to let me know I can go to anyone should I feel unsafe. The bar is not extensive as it is a private club, but they have enough variety that everyone will most likely find something they like. For me that was not the most important part anyway, it was hanging out there and listening the music and taking in the scene. It was dimly lit and there was a DJ playing some industrial dark wave music. A few TVs spread around were playing Videodrome while people chatted or danced. The patrons ranged from baseline goth in dark pants and vintage t-shirts to gorgeous mohawks, fishnets, latex, and chains. Definitely not something I get to experience out where I live. I absolutely loved it. read more

On a whim we did a maps search of late night clubs/bars. Turned down at the door because my jeans aren't dark enough. And sports equipment, it's raining and I had an unbranded hat.. which I politely take off indoors. Place was empty, now I know why. Now I know to check yelp prior to google search! P.S. the real bar not hidden in the back(Union) was amazing and had inexpensive drinks. Your Loss The Mercury. read more

Private club..goth industrial dark wave vibes that I like. All volunteers here, always friendly crew from door check to bar, thanks! Come mainly dance but can sit and people watch too. Different themes every night and monthly. Not a member? Open membership events and can have member sponsor you too. Parking is tough but it is Capitol Hill! read more

All I can say is what a BITCH! NOT even busy yet... Apparently, trying to find out what the club is or how to get in was a HUGE struggle to feel inviting.... I feel she was trying to tell me that I AM NOT invited as a clientele... barely could get her to tell me the name of the club ... All I was told us that it was a private club.... NO details.. NOT inviting... NOT today!!! UGH ... read more

Mercury at Machinewerks - Doesn't FEEL inviting! - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Im a member yet I was denied entry for a costume party because apparently my costume didnt fit dress code ? Why would costumes be "encouraged" if they would not let people in for their costumes read more

No place like it!!! Private club for goths and other non-conforming types. Membership required. Great atmosphere, strong drinks, dark music. read more

Compare & Contrast: * Rum & Coke at The Mercury - $3.50 * Rum & Coke at The Highline - $9 (and in a smaller glass) SITREP This update is purely to demonstrate a vast difference in drink prices, even though these two venues are both on Capitol Hill. THE SETUP So here's where the unfortunate disparity was noted: on the weekend of Friday/Saturday, November 8 & 9, I spent clubbing with friends on Capitol Hill because that's where the fun is for me (and because Noc Noc has closed down *sigh*). * So on Friday night, I go to the cool show featuring the "Break Up" & "Combichrist" and get a basic Rum & Coke mixed drink. $9 fricken dollars! * The next night - Saturday - I hit The Mercury and I make the same order for a basic Rum & Coke. $3.50. And get this - IN A BIGGER GLASS. HUGE DISPARITY IN COST Pretty dramatic disparity here between two Capitol Hill clubs merely blocks away from each other. And so when it comes to basic cost metrics, you are not going to frequent an establishment that gouges you for the same product you can get someplace else for much less. For some reason, I guess a venue that has a show with a band(s) you want to see, probably assume that you are *TRAPPED* and that they can shake you down. No. All it means is that my friends and I will get our "drink on" BEFORE we hit the venue, and just grab sodas or water at the venue, and then get our drink on again AFTER the show (which we did with) with other tons of reasonable options at bars & pubs throughout Capitol Hill. THE LOWDOWN Props to the Mercury for the having a much more reasonable pricing index for their drinks. read more

See all

Pretentious and unwelcoming. Will 86 you on a whim for little or to no cause based on perceptions of frequent and high tipping guests. Very small crowds and overall low quality music. Mostly DJs. The positives is an exclusive night club spot, id you are into that, to play pool and have cheap drinks. read more

I was brought here several times by members before I gave up the fight and became a member myself. Took me about nine months to receive my membership card, which was mystifying, but not an issue as they have everyone in the system. Here's the deal: it's a members-only club, primarily goth/industrial as far as attendance and music goes; non-members can be signed in by members and usually have to pay a cover whereas members get in for free until a certain time, unless it's a special event; there is smoking. It's awesome. The drinks are cheap and strong (cash-only bar) and the atmosphere is welcoming despite whatever preconceptions you might have about the crowd. The music is great and the dancing is fun, and people-watching here is quite an experience. Everyone is courteous and friendly. There's a pool table. The bathrooms are clean. This venue knows how to put on an event, too. I've been here for several themed occasions, including a Neil Gaiman party, and if you know me, you know that I have a massive girlboner for Neil Gaiman and his works. Anyway, it's a good time. read more

I have a ton to say about this club that I won't get much into in this review, but let me first say the positive. The space itself is great. Good size, membership is super cheap and the lighting is pretty cool. The negative starts with the lack of diversity ethnically probably due to the fact that it seems to cater to a specific group. I would probably frequent this club more if they considered changing DJs more frequently or maybe had some of the frequent DJs give up some night to people with more diverse taste. I think there definitely are regulars to this club, and as someone who doesn't identify as goth but enjoys goth music and the scene, I personally find most people here are white and also older and there is a much large crowd and scene that is ethnically diverse and listening to not only the music of old, but the music of new. Not to say this club does not play new music, but it is highly catered to the EBM, white goth sensibilities when I personally would appreciate some more post punk, or dark and cold wave night. It would be nice to show up some time and see more people of color, and for once actually see this club poppin. But there seems to be a certain set of people in charge maybe, or such a tight rigid expectation that gate keeps what could be a very inclusive and open space. Just food for thought. Apart from that, there are other clubs opening, so hopefully Seattle creates a space for these people I speak of. read more

This place has the best music and the strongest drinks, it's fabulous! Only thing that sucks, is that I am not a member yet. I have gone 3 times, but they have been spread out over 6 months or so. I would go more often if I was a member and could invite my friends to go. Love the music & the people are so fun and amusing! read more

I enjoy coming here to dance and drink with my fellow darklings. It is a member's only spot, in which a member has to sign you in if you're a guest. I've never had a bad experience here with staff or other members, even when i was a guest. Most people seem to even go out of their way to say hi or pay a compliment, which is infectious! 9/10- because i wish it was a bigger venue, though very cute and cozy as is! read more

I've been going to the Merc since 2004 and it is definitely one of my favorite haunts in Seattle. It's a private club, so if you are not a member you will need to know someone who is that can guest you in. Why is it this way? Because for most people who go to the Merc there is a sense of community and it is a safe space for people who live alternative lifestyles. If a guest acts like a fool at the club that guest will not be allowed back. The Merc does not tolerate bad behaviour. So, being a private club helps dissuade that element. After 3 visits you can become a member if you choose. Every so often there will be membership drives where you can get an automatic membership for showing up. There is a dress code. Yes, jeans are not allowed. Why? It is a goth club so goth attire is the standard. If you don't have goth clothes, then anything black will do just fine. Touching again on dress code, the Merc is one of the few places where I can dress up as wildly as I want and my efforts will be appreciated, welcomed, and I don't feel like I stick out like a sore thumb. The staff are very friendly and easy to talk to. The bartenders pour strong drinks and make sure the patrons are taken care of. Ollie and Lisa are awesome bartenders! The Merc is one of the few places where I can leave my purse at my table while I dance and not have to worry about it being gone when I return. The drinks here are some of the most affordable you will find on the hill. There are different theme nights that range in music genres from old school bat cave, post punk, and industrial, to synth pop, EDM, and beyond. Check out the Merc's website to see what's going on for a particular night. Once a month there is karaoke with an alt twist; you will find songs that you don't normally find at regular karaoke places. My fav Dj's are DJ Hana Solo and DJ Major Tom. Both of them play a wide variety of excellent goth classics and newer material. There are smoking and non-smoking nights. Much love for this place! read more

There are so many wonderful things about the Mercury. Ambiance, people, music and good strong drinks. Since moving to Seattle in 2017 I was delighted to find it as every city I have ever resided in, I make it a habit to procure goth businesses. This is special to me, it's about reconnecting with myself, and being in a safe space of like minded individuals. Members only concept is new but I was open to it so I was sponsored by a friend the first two times and then by one of the Dj,s and visited enough times to become a member. I paid and filled out my membership form in October of 2017. I never got my membership card, but I have been back to the club many many times since and never had a problem getting through the door without my card until recently. There is a new woman at the door who is an angry person. She is short, snippy and speaks in a frustrated way about the membership policies. I tried explaining to her that I never got my card and she gets in such a flustered state that the entire mood shifts and I no longer feel welcome, heard or wanted. I am asked to explain all the times I have been there and quite honestly I have a hard time remembering those things. It is also not my responsibility to keep track of their records. They seem disorganized and instead of offering to fix it or resolve it so I may enjoy my night instead I was told just wait until it comes in the mail in June. This is the second time this has happened. I even offered to pay the fee again and refill the form again but was told no we don't want you to have to pay again. Ok that's logical.... I'm just trying to fix this and not have anxiety about trying to come to my favorite place every weekend. This honestly left such a bad taste in my mouth that I don't plan on going back. I told the doorman that I was very uncomfortable by the way I was treated by the woman. They need to work on their interactions with customers and take responsibility for not sending me my card. Members only or not it is still a business and despite being a paid member I don't even feel welcome to go back. When you are all dressed up and ready to go out and release your stress from the week that is the last thing you expect to have to deal with. I really hope the staff of the club takes this seriously. read more

Love the Mercury the machine Works spent I don't know eight years going there sad to see it closed or is it closed still can anybody tell me otherwise ? read more

I was introduced to the Mercury by my fiancee, who has been a longtime member along with a group of his friends. I've now been a member for probably 3 or 4 years, though I've been going for almost 7. It's got a very goth industrial vibe, which wouldn't normally be something I naturally gravitate towards, but I know many people in the scene. Very welcoming and friendly community of loyal patrons. Bartenders kick butt and poor strong drinks. Lots of themed events, with decorations always on point. Layout has a great balance of dance floor to table space, and most of the seating areas have a view of the dance floor. There is always a movie playing on one of the many screens around the bar, and each table will have a view of one screen or another. Considering it is a member's only club (though easy to guest someone in as a member), they do have a dress code. But it's easy--golden rule is to go with black. One thing about it being a private club is that the bartenders are volunteers, not paid workers. This means tips are even more important to their livelihood, and it's the reason they want to pour you strong drinks! So be generous and they'll take care of you. read more

I would say pass on this unless you are part of that local scene. It's terribly tedious otherwise. I happened to be walking by and was lured in by the red light alley. There were a bunch of people out in the alley talking, smoking and using their phone. I talked to the door guy and he tells me it's a private club with a dress code. Oh my how fancy. So right away you expect to see the top tier of noir clubs about the place usually very fashionable and well put together. Once I looked around and saw the "members" I wondered if this was a club for everyone who didn't pass dress code at a real noir club / event. I wondered if there was more or something I was missing. So when quickly hearing their odd insanity loop about talk to someone in the alley who is a member, who will let you in, then show up 5 times and get a card and a vial - wait stop - hahaha I can't process all of this nonsense when out on a pub crawl. It felt like some creepy way for the members waiting in the alley to meet people or get dates. I just left but this is my review of the experience. My guess is that if I got in the cigarette smoke mixed with some nu-gen cyber goth music I never like wouldn't have been worth it. There is now this exciting tale of red light alley to tell me friends. So - don't waste your time, unless yer on acid and in the market for 15 minutes of nonsensicals. If you are a seasoned veteran of noir clubs and events in Miami, London or Tokyo you will chuckle at the prospect of jumping thru hoops to get into this place. read more

Yay! I'm a fan, I'm a club card carrying member, I'm one of the children....Mercury at Machinewerks is a members-only goth industrial club tucked away in a little cave on Cap Hill. One is not judged here...people are friendly. This isn't a very large space, but you can dance your heart out and be left in peace. Conversely, you can find all sorts of fun here if you're looking for an adventure. Music leans more to the Industrial side - so I prefer the old school Dark Wave at ReBar's Ceremony nights for dancing...but the value of Mercury as a place to just "be" cannot be overrated. Viva Mercury! read more

It's so hard to find a good place to wear your electrical tape bikini nowadays. Okay, maybe mine would be made out of industrial duct tape, but you get the idea. Mercury is pretty much it when it comes to the goth/industrial music scene in the Seattle area. This is the first place that my guy and I ever danced together at--before we even started dating. And maybe that's not romantic to you, but it totally fits us. Every time I hear Dead Stars, I am taken back to that night :) Mercury is "members-only" which is how they get out of the alcohol/food thing as a business, and how you can still smell like an ashtray after leaving. No worries. The DJ's are usually REALLY good and the drinks let you know that they trust you to wear your big boy/big girl pants. I never seem to get a table but standing room only is fine by me, because I rarely stop dancing until it's time to leave. If you like the music, come down and hang. Eat a big meal before coming. read more

The Mercury is a great place to go to listen and dance to Goth and Industrial music. All music scenes are cyclical, and as music tastes change, clubs come and go and only the exceptional make it. This club has survived for so long by being true to the format for over a decade. I have several friends who DJ weekly here on a volunteer basis. The club remains the one of the only holdouts that remains smoking in Washington. They do this by being a members only club; no one 'works' here- volunteers manage, staff the bar, provide security, clean and dj, and since there is no paid staff, they can have a private smoking club. I enjoyed this much more when I still smoked. The club does have regular nights throughout the month that are non-smoking, so that is a good way to experience the place while giving your lungs a break. Membership costs a whopping $10 lifetime, so find a current member and have them vouch for you. Don't forget the dress code; this is a club for the dark dressed set, so dress the part. Fetish wear works too. Drinks are well made here and inexpensive. You can get a bottle of decent microbrew for $3.50, a glass of wine for $4.50 and most mixed drinks are $7. They even have a couple types of Absinth that runs $10 for a shot. There is a full bar there and the people who work the bar are quick to get you a drink! There is a free pool table in the back and the amazing Judy and Tom (patron saints of the Merc) host a pool tourney Tuesdays on the "Die" night (old skool goth/industrial). The table and sticks are quite good and the felt gets replace on a fairly regular basis with volunteer money (so don't go spilling a drink on it). Pro Tip: Parking is a fother mucker around here, much better to take a cab and play it safe. read more

This place requires a membership, which you aquire by coming with someone who is already a member 3 times. The good: Very friendly staff, cheap cover, and great music. Before I came here, the only experience I had with gothic club culture was on Sundays at Noc Noc. I like Noc Noc but they only have Gothic music 2 nights out of the week. The great: Stiff drinks, indoor smoking (private club loophole), and awesome vibe. I hosted a Vampire Walk (based on the famous Zombie Walk of Seattle) where we wandered around Capitol Hill as Vampires, and creeped people out through restaurant windows, then ended at Mercury. They let all of the participants of the Vampire Walk in without a membership, which was AWESOME! Everyone had a blast. I haven't had time to plan a 2nd Vampire Walk but I will soon now that the weather is getting nice again. Me and my Vampires will definitely return here after the next walk. Note: I'm talking about Vampires. The kind that burn in the sun and suck blood. Not fairies like the ones that sparkle in the sun and only drink animal blood. read more

The Merc is an awesome place. It's one of the few smoking clubs left in the city. And 4 out of 5 nights of the week they play awesome industrial/goth music. The only downside is...It's super elitist. And not in the arrogant country club elitist fashion, but in the sense that - If you're not goth / cool enough to roll in, you're getting some looks. They also are "Members Only" which is a pretty kick-ass aspect and how they get away with the smoking and the ridiuclousness. Solution? Find a friend who's a member and go. After you get in 3 times (you gotta write your name in their ledger) you can petition to get membership. And hell, I think they even have cards now? Used to be name recognition only. It's a groovy smoky night out in Gothland. read more

I have been coming to the Merc for 12 years. The music is great and the place is staffed by volunteers from community. Its a safe place to go and be yourself. The staff keep out all the rifraf, and if someone bothers you the staff takes care of it! A lot of the lgbt community love it for this reasons. Its also an artist space with an art wall, and monthly live shows. They are open till 3am on the weekends so people have a chance to sober up before being tossed out in the cold, like most bars. read more

Fair warning: if you're not already familiar with the Seattle goth/industrial scene, don't bother. You probably won't enjoy it. Everyone else: this place? Is amazing. There's nowhere easier to find your peers on any given night, the drinks are notorious for being incredibly stiff, and the music absolutely can't be beat. Thank goodness for a club that celebrates us the way we are and doesn't expect us to be some ridiculous ideal of fashion magazine, tanning salon, personality-less vapidity. I'm not a big fan of cigarettes, so I do prefer the non-smoking events. But all in all? This is one of my very favorite places in town. read more

Everyone is wearing black and everything is amazing. Come get DARK and goth it up with us!

I haven't been to the Mercury since the smoking ban started. At first, it was because my newly-Lasik'd eyeballs wouldn't be able to handle it, but now... well, I just don't want to come home smelling like an ashtray after an hour or two. It's too bad, because it was my favorite place for industrial. Pros: The staff (all volunteers, which contributes to how they can get around the ban) are all fantastic, the music is fun, and the drinks are stiff. Cons: Crowded dancefloor with drunk people wildly waving lit cigarettes / full drinks about; bad air circulation. Even with fans and the back door propped open, dancing during the summer can be uncomfortable. (If there is air conditioning, it only extends to the seated area?) The sloping entrance can be dangerous on icy winter nights even if you're wearing practical footwear. read more

This is the only place in Seattle where I can go and listen to VNV Nation's Chrome being played three times in one night. This makes me secretly very happy. Maybe they secretly know this and this is why they won't let me be a member yet even though I have been there 20 times....interesting. read more

Where do you go to do your own thing and have awesome drinks at great prices? The Merc. Keep in mind, this is a member's only club, so grab a friend who is a member, or go on a non-member night (truth be told, the member nights are the best, though). The drinks are AWESOME here. Great prices for delicious drinks, and I highly suggest the Black Orchid. While this drink is $9, it's in a full sized glass, and is like getting 2 drinks in one. All of the drink prices are super reasonable, so you will get good drinks at a great price. Most of all, I really appreciate the space to do what I want to do without people harassing me. You don't have sketchy, drunk jerks harassing you and your friends on the dance floor. DJ Hana Solo is my favorite, and I always feel like there is a good mix of varieties. I agree with other reviews that the music is a bit industrial heavy, but the crowd seems to respond more to that genre, so whatever keeps the people happy. read more

On a good night you have walked into the matrix, sexy people latex, great music best place to be. On a bad night you have walked into a dungeons and dragons night.. Which night is which, you kinda have to role the dice and find out. Great atmosphere hanging out and chatting with friends. read more

Mercury is Seattle's resident goth bar, and has a healthy crowd of locals who frequent its dark corners regularly, including myself. The "Merc" as, we affectionately call it, has it all: cheap strong drinks, nice welcoming people, and dark music, and is located conveniently on Capitol Hill. Mercury is a private club for members and their guests only. There is a dress code, most nights you are required to wear black. Some nights are smoker-friendly as well. A favorite night of mine is one of DJ Coldheart's nights, called "Isolation": this guy plays all the best old-school goth. $3 cover and $2 vodka wells. If you do choose to come and hang out in our spooky little club, please be respectful and non-judgmental. Mercury does not tolerate bigots, haters, or homophobes. read more

Ah, Seattle's worst-kept gothic/industrial secret! Mercury is a "private" club in Capitol Hill catering to the goth scene. It's not really all that exclusive, you just have to talk up the door staff a little and be dressed in black. Or just hang around outside and strike up a conversation with someone who will sponsor you for the evening. Lately the main selling point of the Merc is that they somehow have a loophole out of the smoking ban. The music is pretty typical, there's not really any good goth dj's in Seattle. The sound system is mediocre. You can't hear anything unless you're right next to the speakers, and then it's blasting your ears out. Strong drinks at a reasonable price. There's usually some goth ho's hoeing it up, making out with each other or flashing their tits. So that's amusing. They do have after hours, but last time I went they kept giving me a hard time cuz I was taking a little cat nap. Definitely a place to be seen if you're in the goth crowd. read more

^^v^^ The Mercury is becoming sort of my extended living-room. Its true, it is a members only club and they often have a dress code, but that is really not too bad as you wouldn't feel comfortable if you're not belonging to the goth scene. And if you are counting yourself into it there is always a way to be guested in. All the people volunteering/ working here are so nice and friendly, it is always great to have a talk with them. The Mercury hosts many kinds of events, so I am sure there will be something pleasing for you :) So come on in, dress up and have fun! ^^v^^ read more

I have been a regular at Machinewerks since it was located under the monorail, across from Seattle Center. It was a non-descript, hole in the wall that you'd pass without venturing inside. Except for the music. Deep pounding Gothic Industrial music. The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, CombiChrist, VnV Nation... And now the Mercury. Located in an alley on Capitol Hill. A non-descript little whole in the wall that you'd pass without ever venturing inside. Except for the music. The staff may have changed some since it moved all those years ago, but you don't notice because these people are amazing. The Merc means something to them and that's obvious. I look forward to spending many more years coming here. read more

The Mercury has, hands down, the cheapest and stiffest drinks in Seattle. If you're in for some hardcore drinking, smoking, and dancing, this is the place for you. While Mercury is generally classified as a "goth/industrial" club, every night of the week has a different DJ spinning different genres of music, so there's something for everyone. Friday and Saturday nights after midnight are generally the most crowded, but unless there is a theme night or special event, it rarely gets overwhelming. The DJs will serenade you until 4 a.m. and are always open for requests. The Mercury is a private venue, so you must be a member or a guest accompanied by a member to enter. 21+ with valid ID. read more

I'm not "goth" or black-clad but I still enjoy The Merc. The music is loud, the drinks are stiff, and the people there could care less who you are or why you're there. I never feel awkward or out of place despite the fact that it's not my usual scene. Order a couple of Black Orchids and you'll be on your lips. They are not terribly strict about membership or dress codes but it seems to keep most of the troublemakers out. read more

If it wasn't for this place the Seattle Night-life would be dead to me. It's the only place I feel safe to go and dance without being bothered by norms, bros and does. This place spoiled me and I pretty much refuse to even buy a drink at any other nightclub venue. To anyone complaining about the staff, the volunteers who work here are nothing less than amazing, they are the absolute best people who enforce the rules simply to keep us and our special place safe. read more

Having many friends who are members I've finally been here enough times to become a member myself...we'll see if it takes as long as everyone says to process. I always have a good time when I come here, usually a group of us will go together to hang out, dance, play pool. I can't give my opinion on all the nights as I usually just come for first fridays (GASP, their non-smoking night) and special events, but GASP is generally fun (and themed) so a great place to people-watch as well. I really like that it's private and they don't let just anyone in, despite the fact that it looks like a bit of a dive inside I've never had a problem with anyone else in the club. The bartending staff are super friendly and awesome, and pour the drinks strong. Cash bar only so bring some money, but there's an ATM inside if you need it. The guy who works security also seems quite friendly, although the girl that works the front desk has been nothing but horribly rude to us every time I've come in. Once you get past her though everyone inside is great! Once I actually get my member card I'll update about that as well... read more

The Merc is THE Goth/Industrial club in Seattle. The staff is always friendly and the drinks are always strong. It's members only and there is a dress code, so be aware that if you don't know a member, you might not be able to get in. Also, be aware that this is one of the few places in Seattle where smoking is still allowed and that it is a cash-only club. I prefer DJ Hana Solo's Car Crash sets on Saturday, but they have DJs spinning great sets just about every day. If you have a favorite kind of music that falls into the Goth or Industrial camps, there's probably a night for you. read more