15 Best Bars in Seattle, Washington
Seattle's amazing musical legacy is well-known, but there's more to the arts and nightlife scenes than live music. In fact, these days, there are far more swanky bars and inventive pubs than music venues in the city.
To put it bluntly, Seattle's a dynamite place to drink. You can sip overly ambitious and ridiculously named specialty cocktails in trendy lounges, get a lesson from an enthusiastic sommelier in a wine bar or restaurant, or swill cheap beer on the patio of a dive bar. Though some places have very specific demographics, most Seattle bars are egalitarian, drawing loyal regulars of all ages.
The music scene is still kicking—there's something going on every night of the week in nearly every genre of music. The city's dynamic theater scene is a highly regarded proving ground for Broadway, and the Seattle International Film Festival draws the finest in world cinema. The ethereal Marion Oliver McCaw Hall is a first-class venue for opera and ballet, and Benaroya Hall, with its outstanding acoustics, is an elegant premier symphony hall. Families enjoy the Children's Theatre, the Northwest Puppet Center, and the many summertime folk art and music festivals.
In addition to its bars, Downtown and Belltown in particular have notable restaurants with separate bar areas. Most restaurants have impressive bar menus, and food is often served until 11 pm, midnight, or even 1 am in some spots.
Chop Suey
One of the city's defining music venues of the early 21st century continues to put on terrific shows, booking up-and-coming acts and a good representation of locals. The eclectic mix of performers defies categorization, and nights without shows are often filled with dance parties and DJs.
Conor Byrne Pub
You might actually hear an Irish accent or two at this laid-back pub, along with live folk, roots, alt-country, bluegrass, and traditional Irish music. There's live music almost every night and great beer (including the obligatory Guinness on tap).
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Dimitriou's Jazz Alley
Seattleites dress up to see nationally known jazz artists at Dimitriou's, where intimate tables for two surround the stage. Those with reservations for cocktails or dinner (served during the first set) receive priority seating.
Egan's Ballard Jam House
A true neighborhood spot, this small jazz club and restaurant is devoted to music education during the day and performances from local and touring acts in the evenings. Performances are usually on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
The Little Red Hen
Bring your cowboy boots and hats to this honky-tonk, which is inexplicably located in one of Seattle's most gentrified neighborhoods. Live country bands take the stage most nights; there are free line-dancing lessons on Monday nights and two-step lessons on Thursdays. Don't expect anything fancy—this place has not been sanitized for tourists.
Nectar Lounge
Reggae fans—and, really, any music fans—should pay attention to the event calendar at Nectar Lounge. The club regularly hosts big-name stars of the genre, while also mixing in hip-hop, pop, rock, bluegrass, world music, and other forms. The narrow floor can be tough to navigate on crowded evenings, but the outdoor patio with views of the stage provides some relief for patrons who want to relax while they enjoy the show.
Neumos
Owl N' Thistle Irish Pub
This affable Dublin-inspired pub near Pike Place Market presents acoustic folk music on a small stage in a cavernous room. It's often loaded with regulars, who appreciate the well-drawn pints of Guinness, the talent, and the Tuesday-night jazz jam. Live Irish music plays most weekends, and pub food is available to accompany your pints.
SeaMonster Lounge
With its low lighting and cozy seating, SeaMonster makes the tame Wallingford neighborhood just a little bit sexier. The space is small and the stage is sandwiched between the bar and a few tables—but that just makes it all the more intimate and friendly. The bar presents high-quality local acts, mainly of the jazz, funk, and soul varieties.
Seattle Jazz Fellowship
This community not-for-profit space keeps the tradition of jazz alive in the city. Come for Monday night jam sessions (free of charge), or buy tickets for a show Thursday through Saturday.
Showbox
Just across from Pike Place Market, this venue—which is more than 80 years old—is a great spot to see some pretty big-name acts. The room's small enough that you don't feel like you're miles away from the performers, and the terraced bar areas flanking the main floor provide some relief if you don't want to join the crush in front of the stage.
Sunset Tavern
Tractor Tavern
The Triple Door
Come here for live world music and jazz in a historic building (circa 1925 and formerly the site of a movie theater). The seating is half-moon booths, giving it a cabaret lounge feel. They also host a bawdy burlesque show during the holidays and serve cocktails and wine during shows.
