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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.
The heart and soul of Seattle's music scene since 1991 has hosted the likes of the Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam, and Mudhoney, along with countless other bands. There's a reason Rolling Stone once called The Crocodile one of the best small clubs in America. Even now, in new, much larger digs (the main room has a 750-person capacity) not far from the original, The Croc retains its old-school Seattle vibe.
One of the city's defining music venues of the early 21st century continues to put on terrific shows, book acts that will make headlines in the future, and support local artists. The eclectic mix of performers defies categorization, and nights without shows offer dance parties and DJs. The venue underwent a much-needed remodel in 2015 that improved the space and removed some of the questionable "Asian" decor, though the name, to the chagrin of many, remains.
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).
Seattleites dress up to see nationally known jazz artists at Dimitriou's. The cabaret-style theater, where intimate tables for two surround the stage, runs shows nightly. Those with reservations for cocktails or dinner, served during the first set, receive priority seating.
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.
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.
One of the grunge era's iconic clubs (then named Moe's) has managed to reclaim its status as a staple of the Seattle rock scene. And it is a great rock venue: acoustics are excellent, and the roster of cutting-edge indie rock bands is one of the best in the city. Their intimate downstairs venue, Barboza, often brings in great lesser-known acts.
This affable 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.
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.
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 attracts just about everyone: punks, college students, postgrad nomads, neighborhood old-timers. They come for the ever-changing eclectic music acts, but there's also a bar in front, Betty's Room, where you can grab a drink before the show.
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.
Come here for live world music and jazz. The seating is half-moon booths giving it a cabaret lounge feel. They also host a bawdy burlesque show during the holidays.
Seattle's top spot for roots music and alt-country has a large, dimly lighted hall with all the right touches—tires as decor, exposed-brick walls, and a cheery staff. The sound system is outstanding.
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