Seattle may be a small dog, but our bite is as big as a New York or LA in terms of diverse nightlife offerings. From quaint dives to swanky Belltown wine bars, punk rock to hipster kitsch, in Seattle, anyone can find their scene.
The Hill Is Capitol
If you don’t know what kind of scene you’re in the mood for, Capitol Hill has a wide range of destinations. From the vintage Italian living room set of Chez Gaudy (Map 4) to the sexy red lighting of Cha Cha (Map 4). From the welcoming party scene at Neighbours (Map 4) to the hunting lodge chic of Redwood (Map 4), you’ll find a cool place to hang out. The War Room (Map 4) is hip-hop central but also hosts some pretty fun and dancey electronic shows. On weekends, the otherwise leather daddy-centric Eagle (Map 4) invites people from all walks of life to party like it’s 1989. The Hill is often pigeon-holed as a hipster/homo ghetto, but as long as you’re open minded, it really can be all things to all people.
Live Music
The grunge days of flannel and hype may be long gone (thank goodness), but Seattle still has a thriving live music scene. Fun House (Map 15) specializes in punk rock of every stripe, from swaggering garage to freeform noise to stubbornly traditional 1977-style mohawk types. Plus, they feature a mini-basketball court for athletically-inclined drunks. Ground zero for alt-country and twang fans can be found at the Tractor Tavern (Map 23), but if you prefer turntables over pedal steel, then make it over to Chop Suey (Map 4) for “live” music. Nearby, Neumo’s (Map 4) rivals the Showbox (Map 3) for booking the latest indie rock sensations, but their sound is definitely more on the dirty side. The recently re-opened Crocodile (Map 1) picked up right where it left off with shows small in size but big in rock. The Sunset Tavern (Map 23) is Seattle’s best small venue, a friendly joint with red velvet interior that consistently books great up and coming local acts plus a succession of superior touring rockers from abroad. The Mars Bar (Map 16) and the High Dive (Map 24) are other good spots to check out new (if not necessarily stellar) local talent.
Dive Right In
Whether ironic or earnest, one thing Seattle excels in is dive bars. The Comet (Map 4) is a Seattle staple in this regard. They have live music and karaoke, but the real show comes from the bartenders and clientèle. It was probably hit the hardest from the smoking ban a few years back, and the atmosphere isn’t quite the same without the asphyxiation. But it’s still rife with filthy charm. Other divey favorites include Earl’s (Map 26), Eastlake Zoo (Map 20), Al’s Tavern (Map 25), The Monkey Pub (Map 26), Nine Pound Hammer (Map 39), The Five Point (Map 1), the Nite Lite (Map 3), Canterbury Ale & Eats (Map 18), and The Tug Tavern (Map 37), and Loretta’s (Map 38)—complete with cheap food and an airstream trailer in the backyard.
Meat Is Always the Special
So you just bought a new sparkly halter top and you want to shake your tailfeather? The breeding grounds of Pioneer Square are the perfect neighborhood for you. Trinity Night Club (Map 7) and The Last Supper Club (Map 7) are popular destinations for plenty of sweaty radio hits. For those of you who prefer dancing on a bar or table top, check out Cowgirls, Inc (Map 7) or any number of bars in the dude-happy Pioneer Square triangle.
When You Have to Dance
If the frat party annex isn’t your scene, but you still have happy feet, you can get your hip-hop groove on at the Baltic Room (Map 4). The Baltic Room also boasts Bollywood mashups every other Saturday. For fun ‘80s, house, or funk beats, check out Neighbours (Map 4), ReBar (Map 2), or Belltown’s Buddha (Map 1). To relish the darkness in your soul, you can dance to the sounds of Joy Division and Skinny Puppy at the Noc Noc (Map 3).
Want to hone your skills before hitting the town? You can take tango or swing lessons at the Century Ballroom (Map 4).
The Kids Are Alright
All ages action, like in most cities, isn’t easy to come by. The Moore Theatre and The Paramount are always all-ages, but their calendar isn’t always geared toward a younger crowd. There are often indie rock shows at the Showbox (Map 3) and Neumo’s (Map 4) and punk and metal at El Corazon (Map 2). The Vera Project (www.theveraproject.org) is a non-profit that schedules all-ages shows around town in response to the oppressive Teen Dance Ordinance. Of course there’s always a wealth of good cinema, make-out opportunities at the Seattle Laser Dome (Map 15) and allowance squandering at Gameworks (Map 3) to keep the kids out of trouble.
24-Hour Party People
Seattle can be tough on night owls. But if you’re still raring to go at 3 am, there are a few options. The Hurricane Café (Map 2), The Five Point (Map 1), The Mecca (Map 15), and 13 Coins (Map 2) are all open 24 hours.
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Posted By:
Karen Watson
Photo:
Karen Watson
Central Cinema
The Central Cinema isn't so much a movie theater but a completely irreverent interactive experience. Laugh your head off quoting along to Monty Python's Holy Grail while the usher runs up and down the aisles dressed as a deranged bunny and the audience sets off their complimentary holy hand grenades. On Ladies of the '80s night re-live your high school prom in a Cher, Miss Jackson, and Pat Benatar sing along. You really can turn back time except on this occasion you're old enough to legally drink. Not only do you get to watch awesomely bad retro movies like Gymkata and have insane amounts of fun but you get to eat and drink while doing it. It's like your own family room but better because you don't have to cook or clean up. The Central Cinema's menu offers everything from gourmet fresh popcorn to pizza, sandwiches, and dessert. With lots of vegan, vegetarian, and adult beverage options I might just bring my snuggie and move in.
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Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Posted By:
Jessica Baxter
Photo:
Jessica Baxter
Gainsbourg
I'm not crazy about authentic French cooking. I find it heavy and uninteresting. Apparently, all it needed was a Seattle twist! Gainsbourg is among Seatown's best restaurants. We were lucky enough to dine when mac and cheese was the special. Not too oily, perfectly bread crumbed and Gruyere laden, it was unequivocally the best I've ever tasted. Gruyere. Other menu highlights include the Croque Monsieur, the French Dip, and Poutine. They season most dishes with pig, but will make vegetarian versions of practically everything. (Beware. They mustn't clean the pans. A little chunk of ham was hiding in our Roasted Brussels Sprouts.) Their drink menu is as elaborate as the food, with an entire page devoted to Absinthe. The Lavender Lemonade (spiked with vodka) is as refreshing as it is dangerous. Naturally, they also offer a large list of French wines. The decor is dark and interesting. Real candelabras sit on each table, making you feel like characters in a gothic romance novel. But you might want to move it away from yourself after a few drinks. Francophiles might take issue. But for people on the fence about French cooking, Gainsbourg is a revelation.
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Posted By:
Jessica Baxter
Photo:
Jessica Baxter
The Rat and Raven
On
The Rat and Raven has a very Clever Dunne's vibe. Apparently, that's not a coincidence. When frat annex, the Irish Immigrant, closed, the owners of the beloved Cap Hill Irish bar brought their cozy dive aesthetic to the U.D. There's lots of space to spread out here. Big, cushy booths provide a stress-free environment for large impromptu gatherings or just watching the match. Shuffleboard is more interesting on their extra long table. Happy hour is 4-7 daily and all day on Sundays, offering lots of cheap, delicious drafts; among them all-too-drinkable Magner's Irish Cider. They also take $2 off their heavenly pub food menu. Famished folks can partake of mind-blowing burgers like the Hawaiian or the Big Blue Shroom (all available veggie). The exceptional badass can take the Raven Challenge by downing a four beef patty, cheese and bacon burger. Victors get their photo on the wall of fame. If you're just in a snacking mood, the Beer Battered Cheese Curds will hit the spot in a way mozzarella sticks never could. The weekend brunch, greasy in all the right ways, will cure whatever ails you (assuming you're hung over), as will a pitcher of mimosas.
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Thursday, May 13, 2010
Posted By:
Jessica Baxter
Photo:
Jessica Baxter
Pig 'n Whistle Bar & Grill
The P n' W is a decent destination for dinner and drinks. There are delightful twists on classic apps like the breaded green tomato caprese and the revelatory pretzel crusted cheddar sticks. Their sandwich menu offers not only a competent burger (meat and veggie) but also surprises like the brat burger and the fried green tomato, ham, bacon, egg sandwich. They have a terrific list of micro brews and imported beers to accompany your meal. Save room for cobbler or perhaps a root beer float! Brunch, however, is another story. I don't normally like to give a negative review based on bad service from one individual. But because the food wasn't all that great either, it feels warranted. Our toast came out late and was still, somehow, cold and chewy as though it had been sitting around for a while. There was a (thankfully) long hair on my omelet and when I mentioned it, very politely to the already bitchy waitress (after I had eaten most of my mediocre breakfast), her response was "Oh." I wasn't looking for a comped meal but an apology would have been nice. I'll be back for those cheddar sticks. But brunch? Never again.
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Thursday, April 22, 2010
Posted By:
Jessica Baxter
Photo:
Jessica Baxter
Pillagers Pub
It's true; they were a little overused for a while. But pirate themes will always be cool. And the Pillager's Pub banks on that. A little bribery in the form of Build-Your-Own Bloody Marys doesn't hurt. Starting at noon on Saturdays and Sundays, they start you with a large glass full of vodka and then send you to the buffet where you can customize the hell out of your Bloody. Choose from several bases, loads of hot sauces and a bevy of pickled vegetables. If you're feeling more like a flagon of ale, their house brands, Three Skull and Baron, offer a lovely selection. Because pirates need to eat, they offer a delightful menu of bar grub, including creative uses for tater tots (Tachos!). During daylight hours, they also have a kids menu to keep the shorter members of the crew happy while the big pirates carouse. Take the party home with you by purchasing a (pretty tough looking) growler full of one of their signature beers. Regular members of the crew can utilize punch cards, which result in treasures like t-shirts, pints glasses and free growlers. With incentives like this, how can you not choose a pirate's life?
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