Mercury at Machinewerks

I was weary of a members only goth club when I first moved here. However, I wanted to give it a chance, so I attended as a guest by the good graces of one of the DJs. Once you’re deemed cool/​goth enough to get in, the club itself is ok. It’s quite small, but has a few lounging spots which is nice. The various night themes is a cool feature as well. In the end, though, the people who run the club claim to use the «membership only» clause to protect the club from intruding jerks, when really it’s just a cover to express their own bigotry. After being deemed a member following the required number of visits (which changed every time I went in), not once causing a problem, I was turned away for not having filed my paperwork (something I wasn’t informed of the previous visit). I have to fill out papers to enter a goth club?! Given I had been inside a few times, the hassle of meeting their goth standards wasn’t worth it. I’m glad I’m not a member of a group that is looking not to expand on a friendly goth scene, rather is seeking to extend their own brand of disguised discrimination and elitism.

^^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^^

Favorite Seattle Hangout! Friendly people, awesome staff, stiff drinks!

Love this place. Whenever I go to Seattle; this place is like home. Great drinks; lovely friendly staff; great music and sound system.

I’ve been here many times since the old Vogue no longer exists. It’s very friendly once you get to know everyone and it’s not as snooty and intimidating as everyone thinks it is. If you have a taste for the dark side and don’t mind the minimal hoops to jump for membership (they even make it easier with open enrollments sometimes), this is the place to be!

I recently went back after 2 years and it was back to business as usual the drinks had gone up a bit but still cheaper then everywhere else. Ollie is still there and He is still the best damn bartender around. The vibes ever changing were back to peaceful and awesome. Alot of new blood but unlike before very respectful I met some baby bats that were very pleasant and seen some familiar faces. Overall the experience was very pleasing. Oh also the music had improved I heard a great mixture of both the things I love and some newer stuff.

I love the Merc; I’ve been a member for longer than they’ve been at the current location, and I’ve faded from the scene then come back, and I am SO grateful the Merc is around.
The city hates it, which is just another reason to patronise them; they are a members only club and Seattle bends over backwards to try to find infractions, which is why the staff have to be extra careful and firm about the regulations.
Why does the city hate the Merc, (ex-​Machinewerks), so much? Mostly it’s because it is the only place you can smoke indoors anymore. When politicians decided to be Draconian and pass legislation to prohibit smoking partly because it ‘forces’ employees to deal with second hand smoke, the Merc didn’t have to worry about this because the staff are all volunteer and it’s a private club. Since no one is ‘forced’ to work there and are tending bar, (or whatever), of their own free will and the club isn’t open to the public, it is the only place in the Pacific NW, (from what I have read and heard), where you can smoke inside. (They do have non smoking nights, FYI).
They also have a great sound system, pour generous drinks, have an enormous projection screen TV that they show movies and videos on, and some top notch DJs, (Hana Solo on Saturdays is a favourite, as is Major Tom, who plays 80’s/dark wave every 2^nd Friday). The place itself is a little worn, but fits in perfectly with the goth/​underground vibe, and they do not tolerate discrimination/​bad antics. I have seen them kick out/​suspend people for overt and unwanted sexual advances after having been warned, as well as someone who verbally abused a friend of mine for wearing a Christian metal band t-​shirt. I have seen men in drag, women on leashes, and just middle aged folk in black clothes drinking, smoking and playing pool. The staff are friendly and decent folk and want everyone to have fun, so if you’re misbehaving and causing problems, they will talk with you. That being said, I know someone who has misplaced her purse there more than once and got it back each time, intact.
This is the place where you fit in if you don’t entirely fit in anywhere else; where you meet all sorts of people from professional software developers to funky artists and everyone in between. With so many blocks being taken over with teetering hives of cookie cutter apartments, the quirkiness of the Mercury is a nice haven where you can forget about conforming and just BE.

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.

Where to start with the Mercury…
If you’re looking for a place to mingle with a goth crowd on a weekend after a long day with the normals, it’s all right. If you’re looking for a familiar environment with strong drinks at good prices and a taste of what Capitol Hill used to be like before the development, this is a good place to hang out. If you’re eligible for social security and like dragging strangers into your relationship and life drama, you have found your home!
The Merc is a great place to go if you are with a group who knows how to navigate the area so you have company to dance, drink, and party without incident. If you choose to go by yourself, it would probably be safer to stroll through Pioneer Square at an hour when people are settling disagreements with stabbings. The amount of times I’ve been hit by drive-​by drama at the Merc is enough that my boyfriend needs to roll an 18 or higher on his diplomacy check to get me to come out there at all. Whether it’s someone off her meds trying to hit me because she and her boyfriend get off on fighting, or some doughy geriatric goth who wants to know if I’m poly and why won’t I give him my number (and it’s a different one every week), or here’s why everything will end if you support this DJ over that DJ, drama festers at the Merc like mold. The crowd reminds me of too much of the whole scene in North America; old, out of touch, and sloppy. As a side character on Frasier said about the wine club’s bureaucracy, «I remember when we used to come here to drink.»
Tuesday nights are my recommendation since it usually has a friendlier crowd and you can enjoy more of the club for what they actually offer. The dance floor is well maintained and spacious for dancing. Bathrooms are clean, the drinks are cheap and generous, and there are pool and darts in the back if you need a break from dancing or just want to chat with friends. Horror, sci-​fi and cult movies are on rotation on the TVs and the club has a steady selection of fetish and themed nights to keep things fresh.
Despite the crowd of trolls, the staff at the Mercury do an excellent job at maintaing their venue, especially when the city is turning themselves inside out to shut them down. If there was any way to install stairs to the venue, I wish they would because teetering down that asphalt ramp when you’re in your good hook ‘em heels is a liability I’ve desperately tried to avoid. If you get easily overheated like me, stay hydrated because the drinks are strong and the air circulation is weak. The one time I went during summer, fans were placed at every door since there didn’t appear to be any central air. Capitol Hill is also experiencing a huge run of smash and grabs right now so street park at your own risk. The buses drop off close to the venue and when leaving at any hour, Über is your best friend.
If you desperately need a place that allows you to smoke indoors, exclude new people, and give you a safe haven with good music and good drinks, the Merc is a fine place to be. I’m happy to go with my boyfriend and his friends when they want to go, but it is usually with gritted teeth and a fully charged phone to keep me occupied.
And I’m still waiting on my membership card. It’s only been a year.

I have been going to the Merc for some years now. My membership is in the 5k digit area so it’s not been that long but, I have seen several different groups of volunteers come and go through this place.
I really do miss the crew back 10 years ago a lot. The current bouncer seems a bit high strung and power abused which is unfortunate. Enforcing rules don’t have to come with rudeness. It is the mercury where most members are respectful on a normal basis so being harsh is unnecessary.
The sound system is one of the best in the area and respectfully, the treble is turned down and the bass is turned up. So you can feel the awesome music throughout your body but still be able to talk to people since this is still a social gathering of cool people.
Since this is a members only club (with some guests), the atmosphere of relaxing acceptance is always in the air. As soon as you enter, everyone becomes equal no matter the gender, age, height, weight, dress (except blue jeans), preference, or even alcoholic tolerance. You’re at a friend’s house!
The prices are VERY reasonable and have not changed in all these years. The drink to have while you’re visiting would be a Black Orchid. Just trust me… muahahaha. But never have more than two. (one if you’re a normal drinker)
The first Friday of the month is a non smoking night for those who enjoy the establishment but don’t enjoy the tobacco. Otherwise, it is a private club members only so smoking is allowed.
Great place, great people, great times!

So much gothic/​industrial fun every week!!! Dont wear jeans. But this is NOT a metal club!

There are only so many clubs that play industrial so I am super happy I am a member! When Noc Noc closed, I was bummed. checked out Baltic Room and it was hit/​miss. This place is pretty consistent. Crowd is good and fun. Staff who work there are pretty friendly and yeh the drinks are awesome. not watered down and you get strong drinks for a good deal! can dance all night and just have fun!

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.

Zero stars. You know why. I’ve never met a ruder door person in my life. Clubs are supposed to be fun. Goth/​industrial people are supposed to be accepting, let’s face it we were all outcasts at some point. To absolutely tear someone apart for who they are at the door is pathetic. Two people were willing to sponsor us because we weren’t members and the door woman talked both of them out of bringing us in. Then I was interrogated about how goth I really am. The door person immediately pointed out my bf wasnt wearing ALL black. After taking a flashlight to us. My bf was told to go to the hotel to change. I feel they were trying to get me into the club alone. Hellloooo date rape vibes. We left. Nothing in the world is worth that kind of harassment. I am very disappointed in how we were treated. I walked away feeling hurt and degraded.

I came here on a Tuesday for DIE. I had a great experience. I can’t say enough good things. I like the way the bar is set-​up. Pool table in the back, dance floor up front, big booths in the middle, bar off to the side, it’s perfect. The music was on point. The staff were super polite & efficient. The best part was walking into a space filled with so many familiar faces. I’ll definitely be back. :)

Cheap drinks, friendly staff, like minded patrons, dark and smokey atmosphere, good music and it’s home to the friendliest people In Seattle (goths). What more could you want?
The only problem I have with this place is the lack of attendance. Most of the sexy faces on the scene are ageing or have moved. They need a new membership push and to show people that you don’t have to wear ill-​fitting latex or have bad DIY goth hair to hang out here. Just wear black, chain smoke if you so choose, and be open to converse.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 2^nd 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.