This list has a wide range of variety with one thing in common: they're all bars that Seattleites love!
Kelly Dougher - Staff Writer•
Locals know these are the best bars in Seattle.
The end of Dry January is swiftly approaching! If you abstained for the past month, you’re probably looking forward to treating yourself to the best possible co*cktail that you can find in Seattle. Or maybe you don’t drink at all and you’re just looking for a convivial space to be with other people! Either way, Seattle has hundreds of bars and it can be hard to find the best ones on your own. That’s why we asked local Seattleites for their favorite bars.
We asked our followers on Instagram and Facebook to share what they think is the best bar in Seattle—and why. Read on for popular picks, hidden gems, speakeasies, neighborhood taverns, and more!
Here are the best bars in Seattle according to the people who live here:
1. Canon, Central District
If you haven’t been to Canon yet, you’re missing out. This co*cktail bar in the Central District was by far the most-recommended bar when we posed this question. As one Seattleite said, “Hands down, Canon.” Another local said they like this bar for its “tasty and inventive co*cktails.” Inventive is right—take a scroll through their Instagram (or better yet, visit in person) and you’ll see what we mean.
2. Life On Mars, Capitol Hill
Here’s what one Seattleite had to say about Life On Mars: “They have great food and mocktail selections! I love the retro setting with the record wall as well.” Another Seattleite frequents this spot “for the animals and also the tunes.” A third person said: “Great beverages and a great plant-based menu. Show them some love – their location has faced some vandalization in the last week.”
3. Roquette, Belltown
A few people recommended this “cute, small speakeasy” in Belltown.
4. Deep Dive, Downtown
This bar is actually located underneath the Seattle Spheres! Once inside, you’ll find a moody speakeasy vibe and craft co*cktails.
5. Little Tin Goods & Apothecary Cabinet, Ballard
A couple of people nominated Little Tin, with one person saying it is “sooo freaking cute.”
6. Otter on the Rocks, West Seattle
More than one person mentioned Otter on the Rocks. One Seattleite had this praise: “They brought back much needed and missing jazz nights. Plus open mic and comedy nights. PLUS I really like the family feel of the staff. Oh and the drinks are 🔥”
7. Rumba, Capitol Hill
This co*cktail bar in Capitol Hill has a retro island vibe and over 500 different types of rum. Definitely the place to go for a rum-based tropical drink!
8. Dead Line, Pioneer Square
This retro co*cktail lounge in Pioneer Square offers craft co*cktails, Latin-inspired food, and a moody ambiance.
9. Baker’s, Ballard
This cozy neighborhood bar is a favorite among those in the Sunset Hill area of Ballard for its food, co*cktails, and welcoming ambiance.
10. Screwdriver Bar, Belltown
Go here for the cool decor, stay for the strong drinks. One Seattleite likes Screwdriver for its New York vibes: “After moving here from Brooklyn, it’s the only other bar besides @vitosseattle (RIP?😢) that feels like NYC.”
11. Triangle Spirits, Fremont
Here’s why one Seattleite recommends Triangle: “It’s rustic, down to earth and always welcoming no matter what. They’re very creative with their drinks too!” Another Seattleite added: “Don’t forget an awesome happy hour.”
12. Navy Strength, Belltown
This tropical bar in Belltown has tiki co*cktails, yummy food, and an over-the-top Christmas theme during the holidays.
13. Korochka Tavern, Wallingford
This cozy neighborhood tavern in Wallingford is a good spot for creative co*cktails and hearty Eastern European food.
14. The Roanoke, Capitol Hill
One Seattleite recommended The Roanoke “because it’s my neighborhood bar with $1.50 taco Wednesday.”
15. Pub 70, Downtown
Here’s why this Seattleite likes this waterfront pub: “The first bar I visited after moving to Seattle and it’s still one of my favorites. Friendly bartenders. loads of activity outside like moving train, cruise ships, beautiful sunset view, and decent food options.”
16. Octopus Bar, Wallingford
“Fun, tropical drinks, great service, and you can order sandwiches from the window next door,” enthused one Seattleite.
17. Shay’s Restaurant, Shoreline
One person suggested Shay’s for their “nice staff, stiff drinks, and good food all day!”
18. Unicorn Bar, Capitol Hill
“Love the sweet drinks [and] carnival food,” said one Seattleite about this colorful, playfully-themed bar in Capitol Hill.
19. Pie Bar, various locations
Pie Bar can be found in Ballard and Phinney. And yes, they also serve wine, beer, and a wide range of craft co*cktails.
20. Some Random Bar, Belltown
One person suggested this bar due to “good selection of drinks and great food!”
21. Rose Temple, Capitol Hill
Rose Temple is a hip bar in Capitol Hill that offers tropical co*cktails plus “good music and a great happy hour.” They also host fun events like Tuesday chess club and drag brunches.
22. Bathtub Gin, Belltown
This speakeasy is hidden in the basem*nt of a former hotel in Belltown. This is a great place to go if you love gin co*cktails and old-fashioned vibes.
23. Hula Hula, Capitol Hill
One Seattleite recommended this tropical bar for its karaoke: “especially on Sundays for sexy Sundays.”
24. Ba Bar, various locations
This spot was recommended due to its “nice atmosphere for a sunny weekend.” They also have great craft co*cktails and phở. Find their locations in Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, and University Village.
25. Streamline Tavern, Lower Queen Anne
This dive bar in Lower Queen Anne has a friendly neighborhood vibe. One Seattleite likes Streamline “because of their ‘not your moms tacos’ and good rock n’ roll music.”
26. The Angry Beaver, Greenwood
If you love hockey, hit up “Seattle’s original hockey bar” The Angry Beaver in Greenwood for the next game or for trivia night.
27. Great Notion Brewing, Ballard
One Seattleite suggested going here for “great beer and frequently rotated tap.”
28. Sloop Tavern, Ballard
This rustic tavern fits perfectly into the Ballard neighborhood. Go here for a beer with fish and chips after a day at the Nordic Museum or the Ballard Locks.
29. Barnacle, Ballard
This homage to the Italian aperitivo bar is a more elevated drinking option in Ballard.
30. Von’s 1000 Spirits, Downtown
“Delicious co*cktails. Beautiful ambience,” is what one local had to say about Von’s.
31. Skål Beer Hall, Ballard
Go to Skål Beer Hall in Seattle if you’re in the mood for “lotsa mead and Viking vibes.” They also have a cozy roaring fire.
32. Targy’s Tavern, Queen Anne
One Seattleite had a sweet story about this tavern: “My gramps lived above it until the day he died and they still remember him:) simply carrying on tradition. Love you little joe!”
33. Supreme, West Seattle & U-District
Seattleites love this New York-style pizza joint that has two locations, booze, and pinball machines.
34. Sol Liquor Lounge, Capitol Hill
This craft co*cktail bar in Capitol Hill has happy hour every day from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
35. Corvus and Co., Capitol Hill
One local recommended this bar for “good food, drinks and overall vibe.” Corvus and Co. describes themself as “a dark, sexy, and mysterious den that beckons and bewitches.”
36. Skylark Cafe & Club, West Seattle
Here’s some praise for Skylark from a local: “Matt, the owner, is a wonderful human as well as a boss. Creates a true community by being kind and engaging with patrons while constantly creating opportunities for artists. From drag queens to aspiring musicians to game creators. Exceptionally knowledgeable about drinks/food that the menu reflects. Have nothing but beautiful things to say about, but do yourself a favor and check it out.”
37. The Doctor’s Office, Capitol Hill
This cozy bar is easy to miss from the outside and has an old-fashioned speakeasy vibe on the inside as well. You can get a well-made craft co*cktail and charcuterie here (and be sure to check out the bathroom).
38. The Alley, West Seattle
This speakeasy in West Seattle is found by walking into the alley behind Bonjour Vietnam Restaurant and then going through a wall of lockers. You’ll find a Prohibition-era vibe and craft co*cktails.
39. Woodsky’s, Fremont
One Seattleite called this ski-themed neighborhood tavern “Seattle’s best place to make friends.”
40. Outlander Brewery & Pub, Fremont
A local was kind enough to share their secret gem with the rest of us, recommending Outlander “for the best crew and awesome beers! Plus they have probiotic tea on tap. And an incredible full sun patio that I don’t want anyone to know about (except you should all know)!”
41. Bar Miriam, Queen Anne
Here’s what one Seattleite had to say about Bar Miriam in Queen Anne: “best co*cktails and it’s just a great cozy neighborhood bar, best service team hands down 🙌🏻”
42. The Cozy Nut Tavern, Greenwood
“My dog’s personal favorite,” said one local about The Cozy Nut.
43. Bad Bar, Queen Anne
This bar in Queen Anne has cool vibes, free pool, an extensive craft co*cktail menu, and lots of events such as trivia nights and live music.
44. Sully’s Lounge, Queen Anne
One local recommended this neighborhood Irish bar “that’s second to none” and has “an incredible cook.” They also have a heated back patio.
45. The bar at Barolo Restaurant, Downtown
This bar was recommended by a local because “it’s got a night club feel and great drinks!”
46. Kells, Downtown
Another Irish bar that was recommended by a local, “because if you cant go to Ireland, go to Kells!”
Also check out: The 12 Most Creative Themed Bars in Seattle
