By Luke Chouinard
Olympia is undoubtedly one of the most progressive cities in the Pacific Northwest, sporting a distinct populous unlike any other. On a Friday or Saturday night on 4th Avenue in downtown Olympia, the cowboy and karaoke bars have a small buzz of attendants flowing in and out. Further down the road, the real party is bursting out the doors at Jake’s On 4th. The bar, restaurant, and dance floor hybrid is seemingly the perfect fit for the unique inhabitants of Olympia.
Jake’s has offers a little bit of everything to the average patron. Pool tables are readily available for the customers interested in relaxing and enjoying their drinks. The massive, laser-decorated dance floor serves the more upbeat customer, while the restaurant located out front gives Olympians the option of drunk-munching before tucking into bed.
Reflective of the accepting nature of Western Washington, one of Olympia’s most popular bar is also a gay bar. Regardless of your gender identification or persuasion, Jake’s is a great place to have a good time in a welcoming environment.
The employees at Jake’s add to the enjoyment of the experience. Tyler Leatherman, a hot dog and tater tot specialist that has been with Jake’s for four years. “Everyone opened their arms to me and welcomed me,” reflects Leatherman. “Since working at Jake’s, I’ve learned to be welcoming and loving of everyone. This bar is accepting of everyone regardless of gender or sex, which makes it truly special.”
Justin, a bartender at Jake’s, sings a similarly positive tune. “I’ve been working here for seven years. It is a great place to work, both the employees and patrons have made it a great experience.”
On weekends and Wet Wednesdays, Jake’s is the place to be. The bar’s immense popularity is a visual spectacle, as the dance floor is typically packed from wall to wall and patrons are lining up outside. A few customers shared their views on what makes Jake’s so special to this community.
Laqueesha Taylor has been attending Wet Wednesdays at Jake’s for four years, and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. “This place is incredible. I’m not judged about my sexuality and can truly express myself here. Everyone can. Everyone is so open and accepting, including the staff.”
Dakota, a frequent Jake’s-goer and apparent artist, felt a combination of factors made Jake’s particularly appealing to adults. “First, the acceptance and diversity of Jake’s is unlike any other. The magnitude of the dance floor is unmatched by other bars, a lot of other places don’t have that. The food is great as well, which really adds to the experience.”
Ray Meyer was also a big fan of Jake’s, and felt especially at home because he has spent his whole life in Olympia. “I was born here, raised here. This is my domain. It makes me feel truly comfortable that I can be myself at this bar, spared of any judgement. And the Long Island Ice Teas are top notch.”
Jake’s distinctive environment clearly connects with Olympia’s progressive community. On Wet Wednesdays, Glitter Party Sundays, and weekends, Jake’s is frequently packed to the brink with an open and accepting community. In other cities, exclusive dance clubs and cowboy bars are the most popular. In Olympia, and its rare melting pot of inhabitants, we have Jake’s.
Jake’s On 4th
311 – 4th Ave East
Olympia, WA 98501
360-956-3247
Open 7 days a week from noon until midnight
