Seattle, Washington - Bars & Nightlife

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Bars & Nightlife

Seattle, Washington

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North America United States Seattle, Washington Bars & Nightlife

Overview

Bars & Nightlife The guide was updated: 2024-08-30

Seattle has no shortage of local bars and nightclubs that are sure to make any visitor feel like a real native. Blues clubs, British bars, Irish pubs, lounges, dive bars and college bars are just a few of the varieties you will find. Just as Seattle's food scene relishes using local products, their bars show local pride with most having at least a couple of regional and local beers on tap. The city was early to the craft cocktail craze, in which hand-mixed cocktails with fresh juices and garnishes push your typical margarita mix.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, a collection of bands from Seattle cultivated a distinct sound commonly known as grunge. A mixture of hard rock, punk and metal, the so-called “Seattle sound” helped foster the contemporary rock movement. Several top grunge bands call Seattle home including Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains.

74th Street Ale House

74th Street Ale House

Boasting one of the best beer selections of any bar in Seattle, the 74th Street Ale House features local micro-brews, unique imports and some excellent pub grub. All of their food is made fresh to order with selections ranging from soups and salads to sandwiches and pastas along with plenty of vegetarian options.

Alibi Room

Alibi Room

A hip, stylish little Seattle restaurant and bar located under the Pike Place Market, the Alibi Room serves up excellent thin-crust pizzas and other unique offerings while pairing the cuisine with some seriously stiff drinks. The Alibi Room gets seriously packed with the “in” crowd so it’s best to make a reservation.

The Beer Junction

The Beer Junction

Located in the heart of West Seattle, The Beer Junction is a bottle shop and beer bar offering Seattle's largest beer selection with 1,500 different domestic and imported beers from over 50 countries and 50+ rotating drafts, hard cider, mead, and kegs-to-go.

The Knee High Stocking Company

The Knee High Stocking Company

Located in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, The Knee High Stocking Company is a prohibition-themed speakeasy bar (in an unmarked corner space, of course) that features craft cocktails and Filipino-American small plates.

Tractor Tavern

Tractor Tavern

With old tractor parts and farming tools decorating the walls, the Tractor Tavern is a pure American nightspot that features a variety of music each week ranging from country to rock, from folk to jazz, and from zydeco to bluegrass. Down-home cooking is also available at the “Double T.” Immerse yourself in the Texan-inspired venue.

The Triple Door

The Triple Door

When the sun's down, the moon accompanies you and Seattle's nightlife embraces you, The Triple Door is sure to provide you with an entertaining evening. As a renovated historical building, the original stage now provides live entertainment as you enjoy various wines and cocktails. Dinner is also provided during the shows, so you can enjoy eating among the musical company of the performers on stage.

The Crocodile

The Crocodile

With a big fan club, the Crocodile has been providing live entertainment since 1991. Several music genres being enjoyed at the venue ranging from hip-hop to punk rock. Many famous names have already set foot in the building such as Macklemore, Beastie Boys, The Lonely Forest and many more. Take a seat, enjoy fresh baked pizza, and cold drinks while enjoying their smashing shows.

Tacoma Comedy Club

Tacoma Comedy Club

Just south of Seattle lies the Tacoma Comedy Club, with its cabaret style setup you can enjoy comedy shows sitting at small tables for 4-6 people. Food and beverages can be ordered on the spot such as nachos, fries, burgers and salads. Eat quickly though, because the jokes will be flying around the room and laughter is terrible at keeping food in your mouth. Their website features a calendar with all upcoming shows, but some big names such as Christopher Titus and Ivan Pecel have already been trodding the stage.

Jazzbones

Jazzbones

Jazzbones is a small venue compared to the large live entertainment clubs out there, however has a special, memorable atmosphere. With live bands every night, and sometimes even stand-up comedy, you can be certain it will be an amazing night. The menu is pretty diverse and even offers sushi, pizza & bar bites. With its cozy setup it can become crowded at busy nights, however, the club is made up of two floors so you can retire to the second floor to dodge the masses.

Von's 1000 Spirits

Von's 1000 Spirits

Ever seen a wall stacked with a 1000 different spirits? If not, then you should visit Von's Gustobistro. With drinks ranging from Tequila to Martinis you can be certain that you will have a great time there. Take a seat on one of the many shiny wooden stools at either two bars adorning both sides of the interior. While you're enjoying your drink, have a look around to scope out which drink will be your next one. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and can advise you on any of the bottles you might not recognize.

The Tasting Room

The Tasting Room

The intimate Tasting Room is run by several regional wineries, offering vintages by the glass and bottle. Located in the Pike Place market it is easy to find, and even easier to enjoy. Especially on Friday and Saturday the tasting is available late at night so you have the rest of the day to see the city. After a tasting you can also decide to buy that same wine and take it home with you.

Trinity

Trinity

Dance the night away in Trinity, claimed by the people of Seattle as the number 1 nightclub. It features two levels and a large VIP section, all having their own unique design. It is possible to reserve a table in any of the sections such as the lounge or VIP section by calling or emailing them. Make sure to check their calendar as Trinity hosts many events which are sometimes accompanied by a dress code.

Dimitriou's Jazz Alley

Dimitriou's Jazz Alley

Right down in the core of Seattle lies Dimitrou's Jazz Alley, a restaurant with live entertainment. It doesn't matter where you sit, every table has a good view of the stage so you can enjoy a tasty steak or fish dinner (or other various options) with amazing jazz shows accompanying you.

Keys on Main

Keys on Main

Seattle locals can't get enough of Keys on Main, thanks to its distinct entertainment style. Picture this: you're sitting at a cozy round table, surrounded by a group of 4-5 people, all focused on a stage where two performers are ready to play your favorite songs. Here's the twist — they're at the mercy of the audience. Got a song in mind? Slip them a request with a $5 tip. If another patron craves a different tune, they can 'outbid' you with a higher tip, and the pianists will switch tracks. Some nights even erupt into karaoke showdowns.

Bathtub Gin & Co.

Bathtub Gin & Co.

Some people just want to get away from the busy street life and grab a drink in the basement of an old hotel with authentic brickwork. If that sounds like you, then make sure to pay Bathtub Gin & Co a visit. It's a stylish throwback the prohibition days when alcohol had to be hidden from view. They serve many cocktails as well as local gin and tonics. If you're truly up for a challenge however, ask the bartender to customize something for you personally!

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