SANDPOINT – The 219 Lounge, or “Two-One-Nine”, or “the Niner”, is known as Sandpoint’s Historic Bar and has been a staple in downtown Sandpoint for over 80 years.

In mid-February, the iconic downtown bar added another note to its lengthy history by being named the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s February Business of the Month.

Since opening in 1934 as the Old Bohemia Club is has had a few different names and undergone many changes. It officially became the 219 Lounge back in the ’50s when someone filling out the transfer of the Idaho liquor license mistakenly wrote the address on the “business name” section of the application, thus earning the name 219 Lounge.

The 219 was purchased by Mel and Claudia Dick in 2005 and they began extensive renovations in 2013 — the most buzzed about being the decision to go smoke-free in December 2016. It was a risky decision, resulting in an immediate drop off in business. However, the extensive work the couple put in to remove the smoke smell, revealed a beautiful decades old mural on one of the walls, and created a much more inviting atmosphere. Patrons, new and old began coming back and the 219 is now a lively scene almost every night.

The bar has an extensive live entertainment lineup, featuring live music at least three nights per week. First, there is Wind Down Wednesdays with Truck Mills and half-off bottles of wine and classic cocktails have proven to be a popular “hump-day” hangout. They also have live music every Friday and Saturday night featuring locally, regionally, and occasionally national touring bands. Four times a year they have comedy night with stand-up acts from nationally known comedians.

In 2018, the 219 Lounge was named “Idaho’s Best Small Town Community Bar” and the number one location in the country where you would least expect to find great Karaoke (and yes, they have great karaoke every Tuesday night with DJ Pat).

Mel, Claudia, and the 219 crew feel truly blessed to be a part of the Sandpoint community and are great supporters of numerous area non-profit organizations. They recently hosted the first ever Leadership Sandpoint alumni event and fundraiser and personally made a generous donation to the beneficiary, NAMI Far North. They have their annual fundraising event for 24 Hours for Hank on March 16 and the Summer Solstice Event for Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness on June 21.

“Please join us in congratulating the February Business of the Month, 219 Lounge,” chamber officials said. “Thank you, Mel, Claudia, and the 219 staff, for keeping Sandpoint’s oldest bar thriving and for your continued generosity to our community.”

The 219 Lounge is located at 219 N. First Ave., Sandpoint. They are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Information: 219.bar