16 of the top places to get your drink on in Seattle

From classy cocktails to dingy dive bars, Seattle is a cultural outpost where you can find all different types of venues to enjoy an alcoholic beverage (or non-alcoholic – we know that’s a thing too). 

Going out in this city is a good time, every time. Here are some of the top spots for drinks in Seattle.

Upscale wine bar: Purple Cafe & Wine Bar

 

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Purple never fails to impress. Just one peek in the window will show you that this bar knows wine. The spiral wine tower in the centre hosts a collection of global wines that pair perfectly with the innovative bites on the menu. A delightful mix of industrial and modern, Purple is also an ideal spot for people-watching.

Address: 1225 4th Avenue
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: +1-206-829-2280
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Lively brewery: The Pike Brewing Company

 

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Conveniently located next to Pike Place Market, this multi-level brewery has lots of seating, so it’s easy to find a place to sit down and enjoy a craft beer. If you plan on stopping by, you have to try a sleeve of their house-brewed beer (the space needle IPA is a crowd favourite.) If you’re feeling peckish, they also have delicious nachos, and the CHEESIEST pizza we have ever seen.

Address: 1415 1st Avenue
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: 206-622-6044
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Gamer lover’s paradise: Capitol Cider

 

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Capitol Cider is not your average cidery. The top floor serves a dining area (that serves 100% gluten-free food), while the basement is home to The Ballast Bar, known for their regular event lineup and bookcase full of board games. Of course, if you’re only there for the cider, they have an enormous selection of that as well. They offer over 200 ciders and apple-based craft cocktails, with a mix of local and international brands.

Address: 818 East Pike Street
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-397-3564
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Local gathering place: Schilling Cider House

 

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If you’re looking for an authentic PNW experience, look no further than Schilling Cider House. They serve a robust selection of locally crafted ciders, all free of artificial flavours and colours. Make sure to bring your own food, because the cider house doesn’t serve any – instead, they encourage you to bring outside food from nearby restaurants. Way to support local restaurants, Schilling!

Address: 708 North 34th Street
Neighbourhood: Fremont
Phone: +1-206-420-7088
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Old school vibes: Tavern Law

 

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When it comes to imaginative cocktails, Tavern Law is the place to be. The bartenders are next level talented – simply tell them what type of drink you’re in the mood for, and they’ll mix you a unique concoction that perfectly fits your preference. If their sophisticated, old school vibe isn’t cool enough, they also have a secret speakeasy upstairs called Needle & Thread.

You had us at hello, Tavern Law.

Address: 1406 12th Avenue
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone:+1-206-322-9734
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Secret speakeasy: Needle & Thread

 

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Hidden behind a bank vault door, the only way to get into this secret speakeasy is by calling from a phone downstairs in Tavern Law. Just like their downstairs neighbour, the bartenders at Needle & Thread will customize your drinks based on what you’re in the mood for. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss out on.

Address: 1406 12th Avenue
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-325-0133
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Quintessential dive bar: The Kraken Lounge

 

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This quintessential dive bar is perfect for cheap drinks, beer and pub grub. They also have pinball machines and a stage for live music acts. Whether you’re looking to dance to live punk music, or lose yourself in a game of pinball, The Kraken Lounge is a great place to hang on a Saturday night.

Address: 5257 NE University Way
Neighbourhood: University District
Phone: +1-206-522-5334
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Carnival-themed arcade bar: The Unicorn

 

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You’re in for a night at the circus at the Unicorn. The decor is undeniably unique — bright, pin-striped walls are adorned with taxidermy deer heads, and other whimsical, neon art is scattered throughout the bar. In the basement, you’ll find a large selection of vintage pinball machines that you can play while you sip a mystical cocktail (they have one called “Unicorn Jizz.”) On their menu you’ll find classic carnival cuisine, including corn dogs, funnel cake, and deep fried Oreos.

Address: 1118 East Pike Street
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-325-6492 
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Caribbean rum bar: Rumba

 

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Perhaps you’re a rum connoisseur, or perhaps you’re just in need of a faux tropical vacation — either way, it’s important that you pay a visit to Rumba, Seattle’s premium rum bar. The bar is well known for their thoughtfully crafted rum-based cocktails and expert mixologists. With a collection of over 500 spirits, you’ll be sure to find a drink that you enjoy. They also serve traditional Caribbean nibbles that pair nicely with their bevvies.

Address: 1112 Pike Street
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-583-7177
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Blast from the past: Revolver Bar

 

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Revolver is a vinyl-lovers paradise. This cozy bar is nestled on the main strip of Capitol Hill and plays vinyl albums, one side at a time. Their music genres includes everything from 60s & 70s rock, to punk, soul and so much more. The drink menu offers a collection of classic cocktails, beer and ciders, and their small food menu is comprised of pub-style bites that you can nibble on while you’re busy enjoying their old school jams.

Address: 1514 East Olive Way
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-860-7000
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Cocktails on tap: Montana

 

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Montana is Capitol Hill’s designated western-themed bar. It’s exactly what you’d expect from your favourite hole-in-the-wall saloon. It’s dark and cozy, with stickers, graffiti and photos of past patrons covering the walls. The bar serves cocktails on tap (the Moscow Mule is particularly delicious) and if you get hungry, the bar allows you to bring food in from the Malaysian take-out restaurant next door.

Address: 1506 East Olive Way
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-327-9362
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Tiki-themed karaoke: Hula Hula

 

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Seattle can be a little wet sometimes, so if you’re looking for a tropical escape, Hula Hula is the perfect place for you. This luau bar serves up a selection of classic and contemporary tiki cocktails, including mai-tais, pina coladas, you name it! If you plan on stopping by, brace yourself for a wild night. The karaoke party starts every night at 9:00 pm.

Address: 1361 East Olive Way
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-284-5003
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Creative cocktails: Foreign National

 

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This classy bar serves up some of the most complex, experimental cocktails in the city. With an intimate setting, friendly staff, and a rotating menu, every guest will surely have a unique experience each time they visit.

Address: 300 East Pike Street
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
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Low lit lounge: Bathtub Gin & Co.

 

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Travel back in time to the days of prohibition with a visit to Bathtub Gin & Co. Nestled in an apartment complex in Belltown, this low lit lounge is a great place to indulge in a classic cocktail. The bar is multiple levels, so you can lounge in one of the intimate rooms downstairs, or head upstairs to grab a drink at their pine wood bar. Come early because a line-up is expected!

Address: 2205 2nd Avenue
Neighbourhood: Belltown
Phone: +1-206-728-6069
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Bavarian pub: Rhein Haus

 

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Beer, bocce and bratwurst — oh my! This  Bavarian-themed pub has an 80-seat beerhall, so there’s plenty of room to grab a seat and enjoy a beer (or several). If you’re hungry, you can order fresh baked pretzels, house-made sausages and other authentic Bavarian eats in their main dining hall. If you’re feeling particularly playful, you can rent one of their indoor bocce ball courts.

Address: 912 12th Avenue
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: +1-206-325-5409
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Intimate speakeasy: Canon Seattle

 

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If you’re into hard bar, look no further than Canon. The drink selection is virtually endless, with over 4,000 labels to choose from. Their team of expert mixologists is top-notch and can concoct the most obscure cocktails, so you can order anything your heart desires. With an unbeatable selection and an extremely intimate setting (the bar only have seven tables) you’re in for a whimsical, classy night-out.

Address: 928 12th Avenue
Neighbourhood: Downtown
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