As long as there have been drinkers, there have been dive bars, and Seattle has some great ones. A few even clean their bathrooms regularly. Here’s a look at the city’s best.
A bell at the Ballard Smoke Shop, when rung, requires the ringer to buy patrons their next round—a tradition local fisherman would observe after returning from a successful haul. 5439 Ballard Ave. N.W., 784-6611, ballardsmokeshop.com
Open 24 hours a day, the 85-year-old 5 Point Cafe in Belltown is a divey institution. It boasts of having Seattle’s best jukebox, and it might. Service can be slow, but happy-hour breakfast, 6–9 a.m. Monday–Friday, is worth the wait. 415 Cedar St., 448-9991, the5pointcafe.com
One Yelp reviewer proclaims The Grizzled Wizard “the least rape-y dive bar in North Seattle,” so there’s that. Also, $2 happy-hour Olys, which is good since they only take cash. 2317 N. 45th St., 395-GRIZ, grizzledwizard.com
Blue Moon is a legendary U District haunt, but the neighborhood’s other great dive is The Kraken. It’s tiny, though maneuvering around their selection of pinball and old-school arcade games is worth it for the cheap drinks and the steady stream of punk and metal acts that play regularly. Blue Moon: 712 N.E. 45th St., 675-9116, bluemoonseattle.wordpress.com. Kraken: 5257 University Way N.E., 522-5334
Linda’s Tavern. By Joe Mabel via Wikimedia Commons
Western-themed Linda’s has been a Capitol Hill staple for two decades now, a friendly place where punks and tech nerds commingle under a taxidermied buffalo, or perhaps on the patio, which is sunny-day perfection. 707 E. Pine St., 325-1220, lindastavern.com
Georgetown’s 9 LB Hammer offers shuffleboard, pinball, and, best of all, free peanuts—the shells of which cover the floor, providing a unique imbibing ambience. 6009 Airport Way S., 762-3373, ninepoundhammer.com
If you have a fear of clowns, don’t get anywhere near Shorty’s. They abound here, as do cheap beer, good pinball, and a large hot-dog menu with veggie options. 2222 Second Ave., 441-5449, shortydog.com
Taco Tuesdays at The Tin Hat in Phinney Ridge are usually bustling, but battling the mid-week crowd is worth the 69-cent tacos and cheap microbrews. 512 N.W. 65th St., 782-2770
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Check out “After Dark: A Guide to Seattle Nightlife” for the rest of our late-night suggestions.
