SW photog ‘Lil Scoop and I were wandering around Lake City Way last night when we were informed by a very credible source that the Shanty Tavern is for sale. The Shanty was closed last night, and its once-reliable hours have been pretty sporadic of late. Basically, when they’ve got live music or a planned party of some sort booked, they’re open. When they don’t, they’re usually not. One of Seattle’s few remaining beer-only venues (okay, they’ve got wine, too, but tavern’s are for beer), the Shanty has been around for so long that I can’t remember it not being around (I’m 34, and grew up minutes away). Post-college, when I had no money, the metabolism of of an Olympic triathlete, and a group of buddies with a house within walking distance, I spent many a weekend night drinking as much cheap beer as possible at the Shanty before konking out on my pals’ couch. Ah, memories — or lack thereof. Regardless, let’s hope there’s a white knight out there willing to continue the Shanty’s rich tradition, one that includes an annual KEXP-sponsored car show and honky-tonk concert.