The Streamline is a friendly, dare we say divey, community bar that that has always kept a loyal neighborhood following. And after close to 30 years in Lower Queen Anne, it’s a place many regulars have grown to call home–especially during the holidays.

On Christmas Eve the bar was set to open at 2 p.m. When I arrived at 1:20, two of the owners opened up early and let me in. In twenty minutes half the bar stools were taken.

“Streamline is a product of blue collar Lower Queen Anne,” said one of the owners, former PI columnist and dive bar connoisseur Mike Lewis in an interview back in September. “It still sort of maintained it’s blue collar ethos when the neighborhood didn’t.”

Back in September Lewis bought the neighborhood staple with girlfriend Mary McIntyre, Gary Kelfner, the former owner of the College in Pub in the University District, and Ballard’s Locke and Keel owner John Herrmann. And despite giving the place a little face lift – restoring the sign and obtaining a liquor license to sever cocktails, which they’ve only had since Friday, December 18 – their aim is keep the almost Cheers-esque bar exactly as it is. Truly a place where everyone knows everyone else’s names.

(Pictured above from left to right: Bartenders Cathy and Greg, and co-owner Gary Kelfner getting ready for the Christmas Eve rush).

And unlike most business on and around the hill, Streamline will be open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to celebrate its own holiday tradition.

“We’re having our annual potluck for regulars and locals who don’t have a place to go on the holiday,” Lewis said. The buffet will start at 7 p.m., and a few regulars have already volunteered to bring in two ovens and roasts. “We’re asking those who can to bring a side dish or something. But those who can’t bring something also are very welcome,” Lewis said.

And to keep up with even more traditions, tonight the group of locals who organize the tricycle race from Targy’s on W Crockett St., down the hill and to the Streamline twice a year, will be holding a wind-up toy race at the bar. Check out the Streamline’s Facebook page for more information.

Whether or not you’re a Streamline regular, or a newbie looking for some good holiday fun, you’re in for a party. Earlier this afternoon the place was already full of laughing, hugging and singing of holiday songs – though not always in unison – between patrons getting ready for the Christmas Eve bash.

One set of friends howled while they tore up a few coasters and threw them at each other from across the bar. “The joy of the horseshoe bar!” one laughed, smiling at the others.