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The Brotherhood Lounge
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 4 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- DJ, Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
55 reviews for The Brotherhood Lounge
Review Highlights
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"Favorite things about the BroHo." In 13 reviews -
"Plus, Happy Hour 4-7pm every day." In 12 reviews -
"The jukebox is great (and cheap." In 12 reviews
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55 reviews in English
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Review from Kristen J.
Seattle, WA
5/7/2012
Love the broho it's basically my go to bar.. it can never be a bad night if you end up at the brotherhood. Bartenders are fast and efficient, friendly and good at what they do. Theres never a cover well at least I can't recall one... They have pool,Shuffle board, and what?! A photobooth! Sometimes there will even be a dj starting a dance party. Love the outside area as well very spacious. Unfortunately the only downside is that most of Olympia and half of Ft. Lewis think that the broho is awesome too, so it can get very very crowded. And please for the love of god is there anyway we can get another bathroom stall in the ladies room??
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Review from Caitlin H.
Portland, OR
1/25/2012
CASH ONLY
Hands down one of the BEST dive bars I have ever been to, with a stellar happy hour, great ambiance, fast service.
I actually have nothing else to say about this joint it was just so - grand. They have TV, and I don't know about their food selection...I'd stick to the drinks. -
Review from Alexis D.
Oakland, CA
1/2/2012
Even though I moved away ten years ago, the brotherhood has become my default bar. My own dad is always surprised that I drink at "such a dump" that's been around for so long, but really it's one of the less divey bars in Olympia. And I appreciate the sign in the women's restroom that encourages telling the bartenders when guy's are being inappropriate assholes.
CASH ONLY beware. Make sure you check out the back patio if it's warm enough and/or you don't mind smoke. -
Review from Samantha G.
Seattle, WA
12/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Broho is one of the better bars in town. I personally don't think this place is dirty as other reviews have stated but it is "divey". The ambiance reminds me of the Twilight Exit in Seattle and they even have a shuffle board, which was hard to get a turn at playing.
Drinks are super cheap! I had to do a double take when the bartender said $3 for my gin and tonic. Don't worry, they don't skimp on the alcohol. It is a CASH ONLY bar but I don't mind paying cash since drinks are very cheap.
I enjoyed hanging out at the Broho and I wouldn't mind going back here when I visit Olympia again.Listed in: O-Town Favs
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Review from Nick W.
5/10/2011 9 Check-ins Here
The brotherhood is the default bar of Olympia.
Example:
Thirsty Fellow: "Want to go get a drink?"
Parched Companion: "Yes!"
Thirsty Fellow: "Where do you want to go?"
Parched Companion: "Hmmmmmmmm"
If the indecision last for more than 15 seconds, there is about a 90% chance they're going to end up at the brotherhood.
The drinks are stiff. The jukebox is great (and cheap). The bartenders are friendly. Happy hour is dirt cheap. The reason can go on and on... shuffleboard, smoking patio, live music,
As I said before, the brotherhood is the default bar of Olympia... and for good reason. -
Review from Patrick S.
Minneapolis, MN
1/4/2012
It's dangerous to go here at 4. You get drunk too fast because the drinks are 1.50 and they are mostly liquor. Good luck finding a place to sit or stand on weekends and get ready to receive the weird dude energy from every direction.
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Review from Teri C.
Olympia, WA
4/22/2011
As much as I hate to admit it, The Brotherhood (affectionately known as the Broho by locals) holds a special spot in a dingy corner of my heart. It is hands-down the best place to people-watch in Olympia. You'll always get a nice sampling of "all types" here. I usually bring out-of-towners to get a feel for Olympia. It's not clean, it's not pretty, but it has that quirky Olympia charm that made me fall for this town in the first place.
Now for the important stuff:
-CASH ONLY like most bars in Olympia.
-All of the bartenders are good at their job and my drinks are consistently stronger here than at other bars.
-The jukebox is A+. I am very fond of listening to The Sunday's Here's Where the Story Ends at The Brotherhood. Unfortunately, I have never been able to find it on the jukebox. I know it's there somewhere because I've heard it several times before. Anyone who can tell me what number it is earns my undying gratitude and a drink on me!
-There are usually plenty of QTs on the weekend, but don't expect them to smell nice or be able to carry on intelligent conversation.
-You will probably have an intense, life-changing conversation with a stranger waiting in line for the ladies' room. -
Review from Stephanie K.
Manhattan, NY
3/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great dive bar for hipsters. I don't understand why people migrate over the to Royal at the end of the night, as I would spend every night here.
Cheap, cheap drinks and amazing jukebox selections from the crowd. Got to hear some LCD Soundsystem, The Shins, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, XX, etc...mixed in with some sick 80s classics.
I could have done without all the kitschy crap on the walls, but that's the only negative I see about this place. -
Review from Marsha B.
Olympia, WA
What a great find! Friendly, great atmosphere.
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Review from Elizabeth T.
Lynnwood, WA
1/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went here to celebrate New Year's Eve. Had a great time. Great music playing though I don't consider you a DJ if you play stuff off your iPod. Great music selection nonetheless.
Lots of interesting people there having a good time. Very kick back environment. Cheap drinks.
The women's restroom has only one toilet...just fyi, girls.
Love the fact that it is cash only at the bar. Can't tell you how many times I left my debit card with the bartender at the end of the night. -
Review from Nick P.
Olympia, WA
4/28/2011
Sup dogs got milk back with another essay. I'll be basing my review pre-2008 as I'm no longer allowed in the magic kingdom but I do occasionally go around back and try to jump the fence (but I'm always gettin Uncle Phil'd the fuck out. Upon further studying at the Fresh Prince Research Facility I realize I gotta pull the ultimate Jazzy move and hide in the trunk to evade detection.)
When they call the Brotherhood the Mai Thai capital of the capital they are not joking. If you order one they will usually bring like four or five to your table complete with coconuts, some fig leaves, you know- whatever it takes for the full "island style" experience. I've spoken previously on the Oyster Hut (or whatever the fuck it's called) bringing everything on fire to your table but they stole that bit from the Broho. I've had more flaming things in my mouth here than Club Z's glory hole maze does in a month. To agree with another reviewer: mad hot semi-washed dudes in here 24/7. If you're singlin and minglin go here, bring cash, and some of that travel hiking soap you can use for your hair and hands and stuff. Easy five stars if you want to feel the sand between your toes AND A COOL BREEZE. -
Review from Asta H.
Olympia, WA
9/29/2011
You can get drunk on the cheap at The Brotherhood. Win. Irritating 20 something guys commenting about you being a lesbian. Fail. Go on a week day if you want to chill. Go on the weekend if you're looking for penis.
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Review from Eppy T.
Olympia, WA
A sign hangs over an array of bottles, lit in an eye attracting blue, proclaiming "PRESCRIPTIONS", which for some of us you couldn't get closer to the truth.
The Brotherhood doesn't try to be anything its not. It provides the right combination of affordability, good service and atmosphere that is easy on the eyes. I hold a special affinity for the Halloween lights and decorated Christmas tree that can be found lit year-round. Seating options include the bar (which strangely enough has a chip at the end of it, not sure how that got there) or a secluded booth accompanied by its own personal table lamp.
There is plenty of space on the outdoor patio where one can take in some sun on a warm afternoon and partake in a "smoke em' if you got em'" kind of situation. Besides this being a great place to meet others and hangout there is a myriad of entertainment options to dizzy one's fancy. There is an old timey shuffleboard table, billiards, a pinball and megatouch machine and free wifi for your surfing needs. Also, movie nights on Sunday, the occasional rock n roll show, trapeze acts monthly and live DJ'S can be found spinning tunes three nights a week.
It is worth mentioning that there is a daily happy hour from 4-7 where one can find amazing drink prices. Even outside this, the happiest of hours, the damage to your wallet is rather painless by Olympia standards. Wells are less than $3 and most top shelf beverages peak out at $7. The crowd is fairly mellow Sunday through Thursday and the wait for service usually short. But hold the pony, because when the weekend hits, that's when you get to see Olympia's night life in full swing (can't believe I just wrote that.) Normally on one of these nights the place will be a little more packed and one may be hard pressed to find a seat. Don't let that deter you though for I am sure the sound of rockin' music being cranked outta the jukebox punctuated by the thunk of drained shot glasses hitting the bar will encourage you to order up a round for you and your friends.
By far and away one of the best joints in downtown Olympia to follow your doctor's orders and blow your money on booze. -
Review from Julia R.
9/25/2011
I liked this place! Shuffleboard, old video games, high ceilings, a jukebox, and foreign movie posters blown up all over the walls- makes for a fun night. This place is just the kind of divey bar that I like. Lots of booths, tables, and chairs to choose from, as well as the bar area. I would definitely visit again.
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Review from Jason S.
6/9/2009 2 photos
The best happy hour in town that I am aware of. $1.50 wells from 4pm to 7pm. Drinkers beware they don't pour lightly. You are definitely getting your moneys worth just make sure you don't light that cigarette near your drink or you might lose your eyebrows.
They don't serve food but in a pinch you can go to their vending machine and buy some cashews to tide you over until you stumble to dinner.
The inside of the bar is very spacious and open. It's lined with booths, has tables in the middle, or you can saddle up to the bar. A very tall ceiling painted black to match the floor is laced with red, green, and blue lights and also one giant, painted, oversized boat of a guitar. A gigantic mirror hangs on one wall making the space seem even larger. The walls have some really interesting art hanging from them as well.
They also have some really cool events. Every Sunday night is movie night. They show them on a 9 foot screen and just got a new projector, Monday nights they have a DJ spinning vintage country starting at 9pm and running until midnight, aerial dance performances the first Wednesday of every month (However I hear they are taking a break for the summer), Thursdays from 7-11pm they have a DJ spinning vintage soul, And Friday and Saturday are open as far as I know. However I know they have live acts as well as I have caught some really good music their on Fridays and Saturdays.
It's a great place to hang out any day of the week. -
Review from Scott G.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2009
Large, spacious bar with lots of comfy booths for you and your friends.
Cheap drinks ($3 pints all night). -
Review from Josafena C.
Burien, WA
4/1/2009
If the Brotherhood served food, I'd move in. Where else can you see trapeze acts and meet Jersey truckers looking for bank heist partners? Hip atmosphere, sexy red-hued lighting, cozy booths, Kennedy wall tapestries, competent bartenders, well-priced drinks, decent no-fuss martinis, and intriguing fellow patrons who like to wear hats.
Do not judge the Brotherhood by its exterior facade. Inside... it's magical.Listed in: Olytini
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Review from Daniel S.
Seattle, WA
7/21/2011
This is the most dirty, disgusting, deviant, joint I have ever encountered...full of deplorably debaucherous layabouts and borderline alcoholic vagrancy. The decor is tacky in a way that ought to be criminal.
I love it -
Review from Phil S.
Tampa, FL
5/9/2009
Like many have said before me, don't be deceived by the outside of the bar. I must've passed by this place a dozen times thinking it was just a hole in the wall until I finally took the plunge last night.
I walked in with my girl around 1030 on a Sat. night and if it's possible, there was the perfect amount of people in the bar. Just enough for atmosphere and random conversations, not too much where you're stumbling over people or waiting 20 minutes for a drink.
We found two open stools at the bar and sort of just sat for a couple minutes taking in the awesome atmosphere. The bartender came up to us pretty quick and got us some CHEAP awesome drinks. I found the jukebox, put in a buck for five songs, and enjoyed the great music selection from johnny cash to james brown to motorhead.
The people here are great. Everybody's just in a good mood, glad to be out and having some good cheap booze in a bar that doesn't take itself too seriously.
All in all, we'll be going back to the BroHo again soon. You should too. -
Review from JP M.
Olympia, WA
12/6/2010
First time here, had a blast with that great group, Punks From Roy.
Boozy drinks, a friendly bartender and a completely Oly-centric crowd.
Good, good time!! -
Review from Andrew J.
Atlanta, GA
1/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's the BroHo....cheap drinks and good times with locals and visitors alike.
Bring cash! They don't take plastic. -
Review from Mallory H.
Richmond, VA
9/19/2009
Oh man. The Brotherhood. I miss this place so badly since moving from Olympia. It's one of a kind, and I am pretty sure that I would of had no social life while living in Olympia if The Brotherhood didn't exist because let's face it, my social life revolved around their cozy atmosphere, JFK memorabilia, and strong drinks.
There is no other bar like this anywhere else in the United States. There, I said it. It's a strong statement but I just can not contain my love of The Brotherhood.
The clientèle is friendly, the drinks are graciously strong and somehow the red painted walls and general kitschy basement meets hipster opium den vibe always seems to keep the mood mellow.
And as for skeezy guys. I rarely encountered a skeezy guy there the entire time I was a patron but I know for a fact if someone is making your night less than cool and you are a lady, just walk yourself up the bartender on duty, and explain the situation and it will be defused immediately, which is another reason why The Brotherhood is amazing. -
Review from Palu k.
Olympia, WA
4/26/2010
Though I don't go there quite as much as I used to - at some point I was a happy hour, back-porch with the smokers, regular. Anyway, great ambiance and decor. Nice long L-shaped bar. High ceilings with gigantic guitars hanging in the air. No fancy drinks here, beer selection is limited, but I'm fine with that.
Favorite things about the BroHo:
-Sunday nights with DJ James - if you're into British invasion, rockabilly, etc, this is for you. Vinyl baby!
-Thursday nights with DJ Shannon - excellent soul DJ! She'll spin wonderful soul you've mostly never heard of, unless you're obsessed like she is!
-Decent happy hour 7 days, 4-7pm
-moderate sized covered patio out back, I enjoy the patio rain or shine, winter or summer!
The one thing that irks me is every time I have been there for movie-night, they've got the aspect ratio set up wrong! Granted, I'm probably the only person on any given movie night that cares. Also, I'm a projectionist, so I know what to look for. Really, not a big deal. -
Review from Tyler S.
Maple Valley, WA
5/21/2008
Commonly referred to as the "BroHo" and a popular hangout for legislative staff, (I went to a Super Tuesday Primary party here to watch the Dem election results [which seemed at home with the JFK memorabilia on the walls] on the big screen; how fucking nerdy/awesome is that?) the Brotherhood is a great bar to grab a drink at. It doesn't matter who you are or where you've been because this place always has a great mix of crowds.
The bar is very open so you won't feel claustrophobic here. A lot of the seating consists of booths that look like they've been taken from an old fashioned restaurant. There are several tables that can be good for groups. There is also one pool table, and my personal favorite, a shuffle board. Out back there is a patio which is where the smokers usually go. The beer selection is good and happy hour consists of $2 beer.
The Brotherhood is a good place to meet up with friends or just grab a drink by yourself and read the paper. And if you get hungry afterwards, downtown Olympia is at your disposal. -
Review from Kim J.
Los Angeles, CA
10/31/2009 2 photos
What? A photobooth? I didn't know there was a photobooth. I love them!!
This place is kinda neat. Large crowd, divey vibe, mixture of decent looking young 'uns and a couple of nice looking older folks.
I get the appeal. -
Review from John E.
Olympia, WA
6/9/2008
This place seems a shoe-in for my future "favorite bar in Olympia". Nice ambiance: very cool banners / paintings and low lighting. If you want light and/or smoke, there is a patio out back.
Entertainment-wise, there is a fine jukebox, a pool table, a pinball table (Earthshaker), shuffleboard and friendly bartender / patrons. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Olympia, WA
8/25/2008
Interesting space, long and narrow-ish, with tall beautiful walls sporting huge painted movie posters. Several two-person (or friendly-four-person) cozy little booths line the west wall, and the lighting is somehow intriguing and inviting. And they have a fine selection of Dick's beer.
Patio out back with heaters - no cigar or pipe smoking allowed, though.
One pinball machine - "Earthshaker" in poor condition.Listed in: Pinball in Olympia
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Review from David F.
Oak Park, IL
7/22/2008
Great bar. I love the signage out front, but I am sort of a labor history nut. They don't do much to play up Labor Temple aspect on the inside, but there are some great larger than life kung-fu posters.
Dark and comfortable, cheap and lively. Good combos for a neighborhood place. Feels like a friendly dive, but it's actually clean and spacious.
Not the best booze selection, but it has all the basics, plus a little more, so even the beer snobs will have something to drink. Plus, Happy Hour 4-7pm every day! $1.50 wells! Can't beat that.
Good Jukebox (not one of those homogenized digital download POS jukeboxes), Occasional live music, outdoor seating (basically the smoking area, so don't think you can actually sit outside if you want to avoid smoke) and a good wait staff that walks that fine line between friendly and surly perfectly.
It's a "Must-See" every time I visit Oly. -
Review from Danny S.
Olympia, WA
5/30/2010
Great Jukebox.
The Late night crowds can be a little too trendy but the happy hour crowd is cool. -
Review from Loie V.
Olympia, WA
11/27/2010
Hefty drinks!
Super fun Sunday night movies! They pull down a screen, make free popcorn and show a variety of new and old movies.
Quirky facade: cushy booths, fun sci-fi tapestries, Deco lamps, one pool table, old shuffleboard, etc.
The bartenders are rather unfriendly. I've been there maaany times and none of them ever give me the time of day let alone a smile. -
Review from allegra s.
Taos, NM
1/18/2009
I love the BroHo..
It's dark, there are booths galore, their drinks are boozy, quirky decor. And a "Happy Hour" that really does make me happy with their 1.50 well drinks! -
Review from Serah S.
Olympia, WA
7/21/2009
Ok Broho, I don't know if I qualify as a "regular" but I have spent my fair share of time there. I love the decor, because it's wacky, dirty, posh, bizarre, dark and mysterious. I love the drinks because they are always strong and generous. I love the special events because they are funny and random (movie night: flight of the navigator...need I say more...well maybe...a hipster dj: playing classic roots country/rock...okay, I'm done now).
I love that there is shuffleboard and pool tables and a *gasp* photobooth. I love that there is free parking directly adjacent (after 5 on weekdays of course). I love that it is on the busline. I love that there is an outdoor, covered, smoking area that even has space heaters in the winter months (though it can be very loud and crowded sometimes). I love that there is a cigarette machine. I love that it has the cheapest and longest happy hour in town aside from a members-only club. If this place had dancing, I might actually die of love.
The staff is in general fabulous and hip and funny and occasionally tall, dark and handsome though they have their "I'm crowd-desensitized, too busy and way too cool to serve you right now because I am more interested in stacking these glasses...slowly and pretending that I don't see that line waiting at the bar" moments that are classic to Olympia bars and diners.
I have only had one truly bad experience with the staff where a bar-back aggressively and astoundingly rudely started slamming chairs on to tables and grabbing half-full glasses half an hour to closing (obviously not in love with his job that day), but I have forgiven him.
Now, for all that love here is my tough love...you need to do some food, this is the sole reason for my lack of five stars. I love that I can bring my own or order from QB, but really, once I've had a couple of your strong drinks, Broho, I need some snackies that don't come from an overpriced tv dinner or the vending machine and I don't have the motor skills to order in so I generally end up leaving.
If you end up there on a Friday or Saturday night you might get the overflow hollister, abercrombie & fitch, gap, mall crowd which I personally find detestable, but generally the crowd is hip, diverse and chill.
Last things last, please start accepting credit cards. Your cash machine has taken away a year's worth of drinks from my account in the form of bank fees. But I still love you. -
Review from James C.
Olympia, WA
6/6/2010
If you want to experience the stew that is downtown Olympia, the BroHo is the place. There are all kinds of people inhabiting this booze cave. You might get to listen to some dude that looks like Art Garfunkel flapping his pie hole about how the Man is keeping everyone down, or a modern day John Lennon cruising the scene. Last time Sherlock Holmes was there and he looked like he was going to get lucky.
Stiff cocktails, $1.50 PBRs, and Olympia's surliest bartenders make this a great place. You want food, get it out of the vending machine. You want a cab, tough. You want to use your VISA card, no dice.
If you want a great place to experience the downtown Oly scene, hit the BroHo. Be prepared to fend for yourself a bit and watch the show.Listed in: Favorite Bars
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Review from Kaitlin F.
Redmond, WA
9/11/2009
Woo Broho!
Cool feel, cheap, strong drinks, pool table!
Sometimes overly skeezy guys. Beware chicas. -
Review from Brian D.
Spokane, WA
8/8/2010
Really great bar. Great, dark-redish atmosphere, pretty cool decor. Longest shuffleboard table I think I've ever seen at a bar. One thing I didn't like was the smoking section felt ridiculously enclosed. I haven't been there in a while so I don't know if they still have that going on or not. Pretty cool jukebox with a bunch of mixes the bartenders(?) have thrown in.
I think the crowd is usually cool but sometimes like on weekends a bunch of immature tough-guy "bro"s will roll in and screw up the vibe. Not the bar's fault but it would be funny if they had some deterrent for that. For example they once had a painting up a local artist did, big and looking down on main area, of an attractive girl-- with a huge dick. I remember a couple times overhearing bros saying "what the f--- is that?!" and then probably deciding to hop somewhere else. -
Review from Miguel O.
El Monte, CA
3/22/2010
The Brotherhood is a love it or hate place. Some people absolutely love it and would probably spend their entire weekend here. Not me, I'm more of an Eastside Tavern person. Why? Well I typically drink beer more than liquor but every so often I'd find myself here because I would need a really strong drink. And that's what the bartenders do here really well. It's not Gin & Tonic but Gin-with-a-splash-of-tonic. Drinks are cheap.
Real lower marks for the atmosphere. Everytime I was here (probably more than 40 times over the years of bar hopping in downtown Oly), it felt like the prison exercise yard. Just a bunch of people in their selective groups (hipsters, middle aged bar flys, college kids) looking around staring at each other. Sometimes I'd come in with a few people and it wasn't bad but anytime I came here by myself it wasn't fun. Especially since I would never be up for chatting just the cheap strong drink, see if I knew anyone and then jet, and then some fool would try to get me in to some insulting conversation i.e. "Listen Bro' (or "Bra'" depending on how many they'd had), I'm saying that's BS Bro' don't you know?" Haha, think I'll need the entire bottle of Patron just to communicate effectively around here.
They do have a shuffleboard table though...extra point for having that. It's pretty fun. -
Review from Ryan C.
Olympia, WA
6/24/2011
I'm a big fan of the broho. Me and my crew of 30 somethings get falling down drunk there. The drinks are cheap and stiff, the service is good, and it has an old drink'n man's bar kind of look. Some hipsters, but not overwhelmingly so.
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Review from Autumn M.
Lacey, WA
4/27/2011
Great dive bar and cheap drinks!!! Some nights they even have movies...Be sure to bring cash as they don't take plastic.
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Review from puck f.
Olympia, WA
11/8/2008
cozy.
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Review from Mike Z.
Downtown, Seattle, WA
8/8/2009 1 photo
I wanted to write a nice long detailed review of The Brotherhood Lounge (aka: my home away from home), but there really isn't much to say that others haven't already said before me. Plan and simple... a 5 star bar and the best in Olympia.
