Vintage neon sign in Fremont.
Best Fine-Dining Wine Bar
Purple Café and Wine Bar, 1225 4th Ave. (p 141)
Best Place to Dance with the Beautiful People
Baltic Room, 1207 Pine St. (p 143)
Best Bartenders
ZigZag Café, 1501 Western Ave. (p 142)
Best Date Spot
BOKA Restaurant + Bar, 1010 1st Ave. (p 140)
Best Brewpub
Elysian Brewing Company, 1221 E. Pike St. (p 140); and 
The Pike Pub & Brewery, 1415 1st Ave. (p 141)
Best Mariners Game-Day Hangout
Pyramid Alehouse, 1201 1st Ave. S. (p 142)
Best Jazz Club
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave. (p 144)
Best Happy Hour
Contour, 807 1st Ave. (p 143)
Best Hotel Bar
Oliver’s Lounge, 405 Olive Way (p 141)
Best Bar Burger
Two Bells, 2313 4th Ave. (p 142)
Best Bar to Run into Your Roommate from Harvard
Bookstore Bar, 1009 1st Ave. (p 140)
Best Spot for a Romantic Cocktail
Fireside Room, 900 Madison St. (p 140)
Best Bavarian-style Beer Hall
Von Trapp’s, 912 12th Ave. (p 142)
Best (and Only) Lesbian Bar
Wild Rose, 1021 E. Pike St. (p 143)
Best Place to See & Be Seen
Black Bottle Gastro-Tavern, 2600 1st Ave. (p 140)
Best Martinis
Karma Martini Lounge & Bistro, 2318 2nd Ave. (p 141)
Best Gay-Friendly Bar
Neighbours, 1509 Broadway (p 143)
Elysian Brewing Company.
Bars/Lounges
Alibi Room PIKE PLACE MARKET Tucked away underneath the market, this hip pub serves up potent drinks and very good food. Club nights with dance DJs are Fridays and Saturdays, in the downstairs room. 85 Pike St., Ste. 410. 
206/623-3180. www.seattlealibi.com. Bus: 19, 21, 99, 113, 157. Map p 137.
Artusi CAPITOL HILL When you need a hit of Italy, head for this lively, minimalist aperitivo bar for a grappa or amaro accompanied by excellent stuzzichini (“little nibbles”). 1535 14th Ave. 206/678-2516. www.artusibar.com. Bus: 2, 10, 11. Map p 139.
Bathtub Gin and Co. BELLTOWN All that’s missing in this dimly lit, speakeasy atmosphere is the cigarette smoke. Come here for a great cocktail or, on a chilly evening, a signature hot toddy. 2205 2nd Ave. 206/728-6069. www.bathtubginseattle.com. Bus: 19, 24, 99. Map p. 138.
The Central Saloon is a Seattle institution.
Von Trapp’s.
Black Bottle Gastro-Tavern BELLTOWN Seattleites make the scene here as much for the food as the drinks. The sleek bar with its wood floor and blond tables is au courant, and the small plates are wonderfully inventive and tasty, even if they are healthy. 2600 1st Ave. 206/441-1500. www.blackbottleseattle.com. Bus: 1, 13. Map p 138.
BOKA Restaurant + Bar DOWNTOWN This contemporary bar is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy gourmet bar food—the pear and blue cheese bruschetta, perhaps, or the sugar cane-skewered crab cakes. The seasonal cocktails are fun and delicious. 1010 1st Ave. 206/357-9000. www.bokaseattle.com. Bus: 12, 16, 66, 99. Map p 137.
Bookstore Bar DOWNTOWN This elegant bar at the Alexis Hotel makes you feel like you’re enjoying drinks in a well-heeled friend’s private library. 1009 1st Ave. 206/624-3646. www.librarybistro.com. Bus: 12, 16, 66, 99. Map p 137.
The Central Saloon PIONEER SQUARE The oldest saloon in Seattle, the Central is a favorite neighborhood hangout. The food is good, and the live rock can be fabulous. 207 1st Ave. S. 206/622-0209. www.centralsaloon.com. Cover $5–$10 (or joint Pioneer Square cover $12 Fri–Sat, check www.seattlejointcover.com). Bus: 85, 99, 143, 157, 158. Map p 137.
Cha Cha Lounge CAPITOL HILL Red lighting, kitschy velvet paintings, piñatas hanging from the ceiling. Punk and heavy metal shake the rafters. Get your nachos upstairs at Bimbo’s Cantina. 1013 E. Pike St. 206/322-0703. www.chachalounge.com. Bus: 2, 10, 11. Map p 139.
Elysian Brewing Company CAPITOL HILL This award-winning microbrewery offers great beer and great food. A customer favorite is the Avatar Jasmine, an Indian pale ale brewed with jasmine flowers. 1221 E. Pike St. 206/860-1920. www.elysianbrewing.com. Bus: 2, 10, 11. Map p 139.
Fado Irish Pub DOWNTOWN Throw back a pint of Irish ale with the regulars at this popular after-work tavern. They also serve up a mean corned beef and cabbage. Irish bands play frequently. 801 1st Ave. 206/264-2700. www.fadoirishpub.com/seattle. Bus: 99, 143, 157, 158. Map p 137.
Fireside Room FIRST HILL This elegant lounge at the Sorrento Hotel is a romantic spot to stop for a drink, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, when you can hear live music, often jazz. 900 Madison St. 206/622-6400. Bus: 12. Map p 139.
Karma Martini Lounge & Bistro BELLTOWN You’ve probably never had martinis like these. Think cucumber. Think Washington apple. Think delicious. 2318 2nd Ave. 206/838-6018. www.karmaseattle.com. Bus: 1, 13, 17, 19, 24. Map p 138.
Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub PIKE PLACE MARKET If it’s a nice day, settle in on the patio with a shepherd’s pie and a pint, and enjoy the lively mixed crowd of tourists and students. Live Irish music. 1916 Post Alley. 206/728-1916. www.kellsirish.com. Cover free to $5. Bus: 10, 99, 113, 121, 122. Map p 137.
Oliver’s Lounge DOWNTOWN This relaxing bar at the elegant Mayflower Park Hotel serves award-winning martinis and upscale bar food. 405 Olive Way. 206/623-8700. Bus: 25, 79, 123, 355. Map p 137.
Owl N’ Thistle DOWNTOWN This popular Irish bar offers an eclectic mix of bands, including its own house Irish folk band, and a dance area. 808 Post Ave. 206/621-7777. www.owlnthistle.com. Cover free to $5. Bus: 12, 16, 66, 99. Map p 137.
The Pike Pub & Brewery PIKE PLACE MARKET One of the largest breweries in the state, Pike keeps customers coming back for labels like the Scotch Style Pike Kilt Lifter and Naughty Nellie. 1415 1st Ave. 206/622-6044. Bus: 99, 113, 121, 143, 157. Map p 137.
Polar Bar PIONEER SQUARE Watched over by a rearing polar bear (don’t worry, it’s art), this Art Deco lobby bar in the wonderfully restored Arctic Club Hotel, once an exclusive men’s club, is a cool and civilized place for evening drinks and conversation beside the fireplace. 700 3rd Ave. 206/340-0340. Bus: 99, 143. Map p 137.
Purple Café and Wine Bar DOWNTOWN Boasting an amazing focal point—a soaring wine tower with wraparound spiral staircase—Purple has an impressive selection of vino. If you’re hungry, order a cheese and wine flight, or try several small plates. Though it’s a sophisticated space, children are welcome to dine. 1225 4th Ave. 206/829-2280. www.thepurplecafe.com. Bus: 14, 21, 22, 202, 210. Map p 137.
Kells is one of Seattle’s best Irish pubs and the perfect place for a pint.
Pyramid Alehouse PIONEER SQUARE There are two big draws here: the location (across the street from Safeco Field) and the beer (including the award-winning Pyramid Hefe Weizen). On Mariners game days, it fills up fast. 1201 1st Ave. S. 206/682-3377. Bus: 12, 21, 54, 56, 99. Map p 137.
Raygun Lounge CAPITOL HILL It looks kind of unfinished, but that’s part of the brainy charm of this super-friendly spot offering dozens of board games. While you’re playing, you can order food, sip a spirit or something non-alcoholic, and never feel like you’re being rushed. 501 E. Pine St. 206/852-2521. Bus: 2, 10, 11. Map p. 139.
See Sound Lounge BELLTOWN Trendy and lively, See Sound’s crowd tends toward the younger side. A smaller club, See Sound has DJs from around the world, and cool visual projections on the walls. 115 Blanchard St. 206/374-3733. www.seesoundlounge.com. Bus: 19, 24, 99. Map p 138.
Fans of jazz should plan to spend an evening at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley.
The Sitting Room QUEEN ANNE A cozy spot with more than a dash of Euro-style, the Sitting Room serves yummy specialty drinks and gourmet eats at intimate candlelit tables. 108 W. Roy. 206/285-2830. www.the-sitting-room.com. Bus: 1, 2, 8, 13, 15. Map p 138.
Smith CAPITOL HILL This dark, rustic tavern is a fave with locals who come for a drink and appetizers like salted cod fritters. 332 15th Ave E. 206/709-1900. Bus: 99, 143.
Tap House Grill DOWNTOWN With more than 150 beers on tap and an excellent menu that includes steaks and sushi, this upscale spot is a fun place to watch a game. 1506 6th Ave. 206/816-3314. www.taphousegrill.com. Bus: 10, 11, 14, 43, 545. Map p 137.
Two Bells DOWNTOWN A favorite neighborhood hangout, Two Bells serves beer, wine, and some of the best burgers in Seattle. 2313 4th Ave. 206/441-3050. www.thetwobells.com. Bus: 1, 13, 15, 16, 17. Map p 138.
Von’s 1000 Spirits DOWNTOWN Von’s famous Scratch Martini ($5) is reason enough to visit this purveyor of fine spirits and fab finger foods (plus primo burgers and pizzas baked over almond wood). 1225 1st Ave. 206/621-8667. Bus: 12, 16, 99. Map p 137.
Von Trapp’s CENTRAL DISTRICT Beer, brats ,and bocce are the three Bs that make this Bavarian-inspired beer hall and garden so popular and fun. The wursts and breads are made from scratch daily. 912 12th Ave. 206/325-5409. Bus 2, 10, 11. Map p 139.
W Bar DOWNTOWN With a classy decor, great happy hour, and gourmet bar food, the W is a favorite after-work gathering spot. 1112 4th Ave. 206/264-6000. Bus: 202, 210, 214, 215, 554. Map p 137.
ZigZag Café PIKE PLACE MARKET The bartenders at this friendly and comfortable lounge are practically magicians and more than happy to fill you in on all their amazing cocktails, many made with fresh-squeezed juices. The food’s great, too—try the Sangrita pork, flamed in tequila. 1501 Western Ave. 206/625-1146. www.zigzagseattle.com. Bus: 12, 99, 113, 121, 122. Map p 137.
Dance Clubs
Baltic Room CAPITOL HILL This classy, romantic club plays themed music from around the globe. A fun clientele of various ethnicities and sexual persuasions packs the small dance floor. 1207 Pine St. 206/625-4444. www.balticroom.com. Cover free to $10. Bus: 10, 11, 14, 43, 49. Map p 139.
Chop Suey CAPITOL HILL The dance floor is usually packed at this eclectic bar. Bands and DJs range from punk to techno. 1325 E. Madison. 206/324-8005. www.chopsuey.com. Cover free to $30. Bus: 2, 10, 11, 12. Map p 139.
Contour DOWNTOWN This is where serious partiers dance till dawn to DJs and live bands. Happy hour on Friday lasts 6 hours, ending at 9pm. 807 1st Ave. 206/447-7704. www.clubcontour.com. Cover free to $10. Bus: 12, 16, 66. Map p 137.
Trinity Nightclub PIONEER SQUARE A young clientele dances its way through three areas, each with a different type of music, at this multi-level dance club. The dance floor is one of the largest in town. 111 Yesler Way. 206/447-4140. Cover free to $15. www.trinitynightclub.com. Bus: 99, 143, 157, 158, 161. Map p 137.
Gay & Lesbian-Friendly
The Cuff Complex CAPITOL HILL This very popular gay bar draws mostly men. It has pool tables, pinball, a small dance floor, and nice outdoor deck in the back. 1533 13th Ave. 206/323-1525. Bus: 2, 10, 11, 12. Map p 139.
Disco balls light up the room at Trinity.
Madison Pub CAPITOL HILL The crowd at this low-key pub is mixed, but mostly gay and male. It’s a down-to-earth place with welcoming bartenders. 1315 E. Madison St. 206/325-6537. Bus: 2, 10, 11, 12. Map p 139.
Neighbours CAPITOL HILL This longtime favorite disco is gay-friendly but attracts a mixed group to bump and grind on its large, popular dance floor. 1509 Broadway. 206/324-5358. www.neighboursnightclub.com. Bus: 2, 10, 11, 49. Map p 139.
Re-bar BELLTOWN There’s always something going on at this funky club, which attracts a mixed straight/younger gay (some in drag) clientele. There’s dancing every night. 1114 Howell St. 206/233-9873. www.rebarseattle.com. Bus: 70, 71, 72, 73, 83. Map p 138.
The Wild Rose CAPITOL HILL Everyone is welcome at Seattle’s only real lesbian bar, as long as they’re tolerant and don’t gawk at the ladies. The drinks are strong, the bar food is good, and the atmosphere is laid-back. 1021 E. Pike St. 206/324-9210. www.thewildrosebar.com. Bus: 2, 10, 11. Map p 139.
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley BELLTOWN With consistently great acts from around the globe, this beautiful club is Seattle’s premier jazz spot. 2033 6th Ave. 206/441-9729. www.jazzalley.com. Ticket prices vary; check website. South Lake Union Street Car 98, Bus: 25, 66, 70, 73, 250. Map p 138.
New Orleans PIONEER SQUARE The New Orleans is hopping every night with live jazz, zydeco, and blues. Chow down on some Cajun food while you listen. Kids are allowed until 10pm. 114 1st Ave. S. 206/622-2563. www.neworleanscreolerestaurant.com. Cover free to $10 Fri–Sat. Bus: 99, 143, 157, 158, 159. Map p 137.
The Triple Door DOWNTOWN This former vaudeville theater attracts an upscale, friendly crowd. Hear music from around the world upstairs in the Musiquarium (a bar with a huge fish tank) or buy a ticket to watch the show in the Mainstage Theatre. Shows that start before 9pm are open to children. 216 Union St. 206/838-4333. www.tripledoor.com. Ticket prices vary. Bus: 143, 157, 158, 159, 162. Map p 137.
Tula’s BELLTOWN You’ll find live jazz nightly at this intimate club, plus a tasty Mediterranean menu. All ages welcome until 10pm. 2214 2nd Ave. 206/443-4221. www.tulas.com. Cover $5–$15. Bus: 19, 21, 24, 56. Map p 138.
Piano Bars
88 Keys Dueling Piano Sports Bar PIONEER SQUARE An unlikely combination of dueling pianists and sports makes this a unique and entertaining spot. The show starts at 9pm. 315 2nd Ave. S. 206/839-1300. Cover free to $10. Bus: 13, 99, 522. Map p 137.
Chopstix QUEEN ANNE The fun starts at 8pm, when dueling performers play their hearts out on a pair of grand pianos. 11 Roy St. 206/270-4444. www.chopstixpianobar.com. Cover free to $7. Bus: 1, 2, 8, 13, 15. Map p 138.
Sports Bars
Floyd’s Place QUEEN ANNE Savor some of the best barbecue in town while you watch a game at this neighborhood hangout. Pool tables are in the back. 521 1st Ave. N. 206/284-3542. Bus: 1, 2, 8, 13, 15. Map p 138.
Slugger’s PIONEER SQUARE Across from CenturyLink Field, this convenient location draws lots of pre- and post-game fans. 538 1st Ave. S. 206/654-8070. Bus: 13, 70, 85, 99, 522. Map p 137.
Spitfire BELLTOWN Lots and lots of TV sets airing lots and lots of events. Grab a bowl of yummy tortilla soup, loaded with avocado, or a pulled pork sandwich, and settle in. 2219 4th Ave. 206/441-7966. Bus: 1, 13, 17, 56, 202. Map p 138.
Sport Restaurant & Bar QUEEN ANNE If you get a booth, you can control your own TV set. If not, you’ll have plenty of options, including the gargantuan HD screen over the lounge. 140 4th Ave. N., Ste. 130. 206/404-7767. Bus: 3, 8, 13, 16, 30. Map p 138.
Temple Billiards PIONEER SQUARE A friendly place with great pool tables and sticks, Temple also has a DJ and dancing downstairs. And it’s open for lunch. 126 S. Jackson St. 206/682-3242. Bus: 10, 13, 99. Map p 137. •