95 Best Bars in Seattle, Washington

Walking into Unicorn feels like ducking into a flamboyant, slightly demented carnival: striped blue walls, an elaborate bar with plenty of flashing lights, and taxidermied animals giving you the eye. The drinks stay on theme, with plenty of colors and names like "Unicorn Jizz" and "The Cereal Killer," while the food goes all-in on childhood nostalgia—corn dogs, chicken nuggets, fruity fried ice cream. Narwhal, the downstairs bar, holds events throughout the week, including karaoke and drag queen bingo.

Big, young, fun, and modern, it can sometimes feel like you need to be beautiful to get in here, just based on the crowds packing the bar, dance floor, and patio. From the service to the security, everything is super friendly and professional, leaving the crowd to relax and keep the party going. Great DJs fill the dance floor, and partiers can take breaks at the firepits in front.

At Vermillion, every night feels like an art opening. The front room is a gallery space displaying works by local artists—pieces that are invariably dynamic and thought-provoking, ideal for contemplation with a glass of wine in hand. There's seating in the back barroom, which frequently hosts live music, comedy, and DJ nights.

One of Belltown's reigning watering holes, this aptly named spot has a jaw-dropping selection of whisky, bourbon, and rye. They also have 24 beers on tap, mostly from West Coast brewers, and a bottle list with beers from around the world.

This rare lesbian bar, opened 1984, is a well-worn, well-loved Seattle institution. The crowd at weeknight karaoke is fun and good-natured, cheering for pretty much anyone. Weekends can be raucous, so grab a window table early and settle in for perpetual ladies' night.