2 Best Bars in South Lake Union, Seattle

An inconspicuous front door sets the speakeasy vibe at this swanky, darkly lit bar beneath the Amazon spheres. It's run by local restaurateur Renee Erickson, and the book-sized cocktail menu shows a creative chef's touch, as does the bar food selection, which ranges from caviar to hot dogs. It's a small, intimate space, so reservations are a good idea, though they set aside seats for walk-ins.

This queer-centric nightclub combines modern fixtures and industrial design in one of SLU's older, pre-Amazon buildings. It has three dance floors, so while the emphasis is on electronic music, most nights you have multiple DJs to choose from. There are also theatrical performances and drag shows that draw fun-loving crowds.