Paul Kushner
Welcome to the vibrant and diverse world of Seattle bars, where each drink reflects the city’s diverse cultural background. In this tour, we explore Seattle’s neighborhoods to find the hidden treasures and recognizable businesses that contribute to the city’s thriving bar culture. Seattle’s bars provide a variety of experiences, ranging from modern craft cocktail lounges to historic pubs that reverberate with stories of the past. As we raise a glass to the inventiveness, originality, and spirit of the Pacific Northwest that characterize each location, journey with us through the waterfront views and streets infused with coffee. With a hint of the city’s unique charm, Seattle’s bars entice you with the ideal brew or a cocktail inspired by the skyline. Cheers to the spirited libations that await in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Bathtub Gin & Co.
2205 2nd Ave #310, Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 728-6069
Visit Website
Bathtub Gin & Co. may not have a very appealing name to some, but trust me, it’s an excellent spot to get craft cocktails in an intimate, speakeasy-style space. I love that this bar, located in Belltown near Regrade Park, specializes in gin, as that’s my favorite liquor. But regardless of your liquor of choice, you’ll fall in love with the romantic atmosphere, creative bartenders, and variety of options in the cozy basement.
canon
928 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Visit Website
The bar canon is one of the best places to go out when you’re looking for a sense of nostalgia and a great deal of charm. Near the Pike/Pine area and Seattle University, you’ll be met with retro decor, tasty bar bites, and talented bartenders serving craft cocktails and beer. They have an extensive whiskey collection and create numerous whiskey cocktails with the finest presentation.
Linda’s Tavern
707 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 325-1220
Visit Website
Linda’s Tavern is a casual bar near Cal Anderson Park. After hanging out by the park’s reflection pool, I like to swing by this cowboy-themed tavern for drinks and a greasy, delectable dinner with friends. In addition to their extensive beer and cider list, which you can guarantee will come to you ice-cold, they have tasty bites like BLT sandwiches, burgers, nachos, wings, and tater tots.
Bait Shop
606 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102
(206) 420-8742
Visit Website
As you might’ve guessed from this bar’s name, the Bait Shop in Capitol Hill is a fisherman-themed bar and restaurant. However, you don’t have to be a fisherman to enjoy the lively atmosphere, dark interiors, fun-loving music, and delicious cocktails. Get the Frozen Painkiller, which includes rum, pineapple, and coconut like a pina colada but then spices things up with nutmeg, orange, and cinnamon.
Bottlehouse
1416 34th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 708-7164
Visit Website
Feeling wine, anyone? Bottlehouse is my absolute favorite wine bar in Seattle due to its thoughtful wine list, cozy vibes, and convenient yet less-touristy location in the Central District. I love all of the wines I’ve ordered at Bottlehouse, but drinking a dry Chardonnay in the middle of the day is a treat! I pair it with their artisan cheese and meat board if I’m feeling extra fancy.
Chuck’s Hop Shop
Multiple Locations
(206) 297-6212
Visit Website
Another Central District spot near TT Minor Playground is Chuck’s Hop Shop. They also have two other locations in Seattle, including Seward Park and Greenwood, but I usually frequent the Central District location. In any case, Chuck’s is part bar and part beer store with a spacious interior, perfect for relaxing after a long day. They have 50 beers on taps, so it can be hard to choose, but don’t worry — you can also go back for more!
Inside Passage
1108 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 583-7177
Visit Website
Inside Passage is an exceptionally funky bar near Plymouth Pillars Park. It’s one of the best bars in Seattle, Washington, for rum lovers because their rump-based drinks are to die for. Because the space is so cute, eclectic, and even quite humorous, this is a fun spot to hang out with friends for an evening and not take life too seriously. But watch out — the drinks are quite strong!
Loretta’s Northwesterner
8617 14th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
(206) 327-9649
Visit Website
Loretta’s Northwesterner is a popular, easygoing bar with a straightforward vibe and a straightforward menu to match. Located in the South Park neighborhood, you can rely on this friendly joint to give you exactly what you seek — ice-cold beer, juicy burgers, and a cozy patio with an even cozier fireplace. Don’t miss out on the Irish nachos — but make sure to bring friends to share them with!
Phocific Standard Time
1923 7th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Visit Website
I love Phocific Standard Time not only for its punny and relevant name but also because of its excellent, slightly unusual cocktails and intimate Bohemian vibes. I recommend trying the nuoc mat cocktail with cooling water, jasmine, and fever tree tonic. I didn’t know what much of the cocktail ingredients would taste like, but it’s the perfect place if you’re feeling a little adventurous!
Tractor Tavern
5213 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 789-3599
Visit Website
Tractor Tavern is a super fun spot to hit up for drinks and live music. They’ll have various shows, from reggae to folk to rock to country, so you’ll definitely find a genre that suits your fancy. Northeast of Salmon Bay, Tractor Tavern is a solid dive bar with clean restrooms, great music, lots of people, and reasonable prices — a combination that’s not always easy to find in the city.
Belltown Provisions
2137 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 538-0050
Visit Website
As its name suggests, Belltown Provisions is located right in Belltown, near the Belltown Grocery. The drinks in this romantic and inviting space are artfully crafted, unique, and delicious — I highly recommend the Lazy Day in Loretto, especially in the summer, due to the inclusion of sweet tea syrup, lemon, and orange.
Roquette
2232 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Visit Website
Roquette is another intimate craft cocktail bar where you can find a range of unique drinks to try when you’re in Belltown. You’ll be impressed by the French-inspired decor and quaint space. The Chambery Negroni is a popular choice — and for good reasons!
Radiator Whiskey
94 Pike St #30, Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 467-4268
Visit Website
Near the popular Pike Place, you may not be surprised that Radiator Whiskey has frequent visitors. But it’s not just its ideal location that brings in happy customers. Its cozy and rustic decor, along with its extensive whiskey list, keep people coming back for more. I think the cocktails are only part of the appeal, and the food is equally as good! I love ordering their tater tots poutine every time — it’s seriously life changing!
Zig Zag Cafe
1501 Western Ave Ste 202, Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 625-1146
Visit Website
Zig Zag Cafe is another popular cocktail bar in the Pike Place area near the Seattle Art museum. It has the intimate appeal of a cocktail bar along with the cozy, friendly, and welcoming vibes of a cafe. I love going to Zig Zag for happy hour to get deals on both their craft cocktails — like the “Diamond Cutter” with bourbon — and gourmet snacks — like their panko-crusted deviled eggs.
Screwdriver Bar
2320 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Visit Website
If you like basement-style bars with dim lights, check out the small Screwdriver Bar near Bell Street in the Denny Triangle neighborhood. I love the music albums and memorabilia all around the space, and for drinks, I always grab whatever beers are on happy hour or their famous “Boozy Slushies.”
White Horse Tavern
1908 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 441-7767
Visit Website
White Horse Tavern in Pike Place is a cool and funky dive bar with an Irish-inspired pub feel. Given that, I typically order whiskey drinks or ales when I’m there. Make sure to bring cash because it’s a cash-only establishment (which, in my mind, makes it even cooler!).
Some Random Bar
2604 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 745-2185
Visit Website
Some Random Bar not only has one of the best names of all the bars in Seattle but the best food too! This gastropub between Belltown and the Space Needle is known for serving delicious craft cocktails. But definitely go for the food as well. Crab nachos, pork belly sliders, and brisket sandwiches are some of my favorite menu items here.
Jupiter Bar
2126 2nd Ave Suite A, Seattle, WA 98121
Visit Website
Jupiter Bar is an incredibly hip, artsy spot in Belltown that will make you feel like a kid again! This bar has loads of pinball machines and arcade games to keep you entertained while drinking beer and cocktails with friends. I recommend ordering the Raz Caz, which has tequila, black raspberry liqueur, and lime juice.
The Whisky Bar
2122 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 443-4490
Visit Website
The Whiskey Bar, located in Belltown between Lenora and Blanchard, has a simple name but not-so-simple drinks. They have an impressive list of house-made bitters, syrups, and tinctures that they use in their cocktails. And although it’s called The Whiskey Bar, they also have an impressive selection of other spirits.
Suite 410 Bar & Lounge
410 Stewart St, Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 682-4101
Visit Website
Slightly north of Pike Place Market, Suite 410 is a small cocktail bar and lounge. It’s the perfect place to go for pre-or post-dinner drinks with your date, as it inspires good conversation and has a very amorous atmosphere. You can stick with a classic like a Manhattan or try something unique like their Green Fairy Sour.
Rob Roy
2332 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 956-8423
Visit Website
If you want a mix between a bar, a lounge, and a club, check out Rob Roy in Belltown near Battery St. They have eclectic drinks inside even more eclectic glassware — as a cocktail served in a Christmas Dinosaur! It’s always busy and vibrant inside, which I appreciate the most.
Why should you trust us?
We use our own local experience and contacts in the city to know which places to include in our lists. We also researched the web and read 6 reputable blogs and websites, including seattle.eater.com, thrillist.com, tripadvisor.com, timeout.com, thestranger.com, and secretseattle.co. So that you can be sure you’re receiving the best of the best. We compiled all the results in one spot and ranked them according to how frequently they were referenced.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings