A new queer bar called ‘Peacock’ is preparing to open in the Buckman neighborhood, revitalizing the prominent space previously occupied by Crush Bar for nearly 25 years.
Located on the corner of Southeast 14th Avenue and Morrison Street, Peacock aims to celebrate the building’s rich history, which originally housed a bakery of the same name.
Aaron Grimmer, a member of the opening team, expressed excitement about reactivating the local scene after Crush closed its doors on New Year’s Eve 2024.
Peacock is set to open just in time for the LGBTQ+ Pride Festival weekend in July, as enthusiasm grows among potential patrons.
In pursuit of inclusivity, Grimmer noted that the bar would cater to a diverse spectrum of the queer community.
He emphasized, ‘We don’t want to pigeonhole ourselves into just being for young people or old people or certain factions.
I’d love it if all those different groups feel welcome here.’
The team features professionals including Pacific Northwest College of Arts professor, Phoenix McNamara, and is working diligently with volunteer support to bring Peacock to life.
The establishment will maintain the structure and design elements from Crush, allowing for a smooth transition into the new venture.
McNamara is taking the reins on aesthetic updates, transforming Crush’s early 2000s color palette into a vibrant peacock-hue blue-green accented with gold.
The interior will feature hot pink-framed mirrors and artwork including a mural depicting a peacock and phoenix in harmony.
Notably, the build-out will include the addition of a second bar with a purple glitter epoxy countertop to expedite service during busy show nights.
Additionally, Peacock will feature updated, historically significant gender-neutral bathrooms, reflecting the forward-thinking approach taken by Crush’s former owner, Woody Clarke.
Grimmer highlighted that Clarke’s team had to secure special permits for the gender-neutral restroom when Crush opened in 2001.
He shared, ‘They had to have a special exemption and justify why this was a thing that could be done.
It’s a cool thing that Woody and Crush’s people believed in, and now it’s much more commonplace.’
Next door to Peacock, the breakfast sandwich shop Bialy Bird is set to occupy an adjacent cafe space, with aspirations to serve brunch on weekends.
In a collaborative spirit, Jay Colby from the House of Colby drag family will play a key role in organizing drag entertainment for Peacock.
Beyond drag shows, Grimmer and McNamara are eager to host varied events, ranging from burlesque and spoken word readings to makers markets and pre-protest organizing.
Grimmer’s vision for Peacock prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity, particularly for trans and queer patrons.
He stated, ‘We want to be intentional even when it comes to our menu—vegan options, nonalcoholic options, gluten-free options.
We want to ensure our price point is not so high that it feels exclusionary, like you have to pay a lot to be here.’
Ultimately, Grimmer expressed that making the space welcoming means ensuring that everyone can afford to enjoy it, and this goal will remain a top priority for Peacock’s operations.
image source from：wweek
