#1608 #S961 - Kelly O'Brien's, Seattle - 11/18/2011

A fairly standard, American Irish-themed bar from Marcus Tellefson, the owner of Sully's Lounge. The wall opposite the bar includes old photos of Irish relatives, and the standard TVs, Guiness ads, and soccer flags fill out the remaining space. Guiness and Jameson are the go-to drinks here, and the bar seems to have enthusiastic fans for the games on TV, no matter what part of the country the teams are from.

5410 17th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107-3817 - (206) 257-6080
Est. June 2011 - Building constructed: 1946
sullyslounge.com - facebook - myballard - seattleweekly -  yelp

#1607 - Buzz Inn Steak House, Everett, WA - 11/17/2011

A fairly standard 80s roadside diner, with cheap steaks and a small bar in back.

3615 Broadway, Everett - (425) 259-1972
buzzinnsteakhouse.com - tripadvisor - yelp

#1606 - Anchor Pub, Everett, WA - 11/17/2011

Update: The Anchor closed in mid 2013 and opened under new management in August 2014.

---

A bar was established here shortly after the building was constructed in 1906, hard by the railroad tracks, just up from Possession Sound, and constructed in the brick "flatiron" (wedge) style ala the Flatiron Building in Seattle which hosts the Triangle Pub.  It was "Mulligan's" when it started in 1907, and some of Larry Mulligan's sign painted on the back north wall is still visible.  Mulligan ran it until Washington state prohibition in 1916, with an interregnum during a local prohibition measure.  As of the repeal of the 18th Amendment, it resumed tavern life as "The Anchor" in 1934.

It was recently a pretty rough place -- like bars named "The Anchor" around the world, one sailor told me, you went there when you wanted to get into a fight.  However the crowd has much mellowed under current ownership, Holly and Jeff Gibson.  They have cleaned up and expanded the place, adding a nice space for a wide range of live music and open mic thursdays.  It maintains many an homage to unions and the working man, including items on the "Everett Massacre" when two deputies and at least five Wobblies were killed on the dock just down Hewitt Avenue.

 The upgrades in decor, beer, food, and range of clientele make it questionable whether it still merits the description of a "dive bar."  But while the brick walls ooze history and hard times, The Anchor is now one of the more relaxing and pleasant places to have a beer in Everett and the greater Seattle area.



Update: After this visit, the Anchor closed in mid 2013 and opened under new management in August 2014. It's much the same, but the new owner has  barrel aged Negroni and Manhattan that are well worth asking for.


I don't know if this fellow was a customer before, but when we asked bartender Mari about some binoculars on the bar, she explained that there is a guy who comes in every day with something to trade for beers. Items included the binoculars, a candle holder, and a toilet plunger.

1001 Hewitt Ave Everett, WA 98201 - (425) 252-2288
Est. 1907 - Building constructed: 1907
anchorpubeverett.com - facebook - urbansketchers - yelp

#1605 - Jodie's Drink, Everett, WA - 11/17/2011

Jodie's Drink, AKA Jodie's Bikini Bar, is a classic dive with the addition of scantily clad bartenders, ala the bikini barrista trend.  With the exception of bartenders showing more skin, it is a very typical dive, and appropriately pours strong, cheap drinks for a friendly group of blue collar patrons.  Owner Jodie claims this is the first bikini bar in Washington state, so here's to the pioneers. 

For details, I quote the Everett News:

Bartenders wear bikini bottoms and they used to wear pasties on top but apparently the liquor board put a stop to that so they have string bikini tops.  She stressed that its not a strip club, there are no table dances just cheap drinks and food. She said her background is in strip clubs and her family had been involved with several in the Everett area over the years. She told me things here are going so good that she is scouting for three or four more locations outside of Everett. She said there are lots of rules, no cameras allowed and don’t try and take a picture with your cell phone. They open at 9am for breakfast with food, drink and bikinis all the way until 2am. With the explosion of Bikini Barista stands popping up all over Everett it will be interesting to see if more bars will follow this trend.

1817 Broadway Ave, Everett, WA 98201 - (425) 304-1039
Est. July 2010
everettnews - yelp

#1604 #S960 - Heidelberg Haus, Seattle - 11/16/2011

Update: Heidelberg Haus closed January 31, 2016

At the moment the bar in this new German restaurant is about as about as meager as a bar can get.  There are exactly four wine options and four beers on tap, and a lot of blank, empty space on the walls.  But the plans are to eventually expand to a full bar.

In the meantime, lest you think the Heidelberg Haus to just a kitschy theme for a typical neighborhood pub, here you can have some rarely delicious, made-from-scratch, southern German food, and in a place where most the staff and about half the patrons converse in German.  The bartender told me about his father still bringing him homemade Schnapps from the Black Forest.

I had the Wienerschnitzel mit spatzle and an extra side of the Kartoffelsalat (potato salad), with a pint of Weihenstephaner Premium Lager.  A couple patrons with much more experience than I in German cuisine assured me that this was some of the best schnitzel they'd had.  I am personally not a large fan of lagers, nor most German beers, so I will leave comments here to persons who share those tastes.  But I will say that I would be very surprised if you would find better German food in many places in our area, and while the bar area is a bit overly bright for a bar, the company is interesting and engaging.


2122 NE 65th St, Seattle, WA 98115 - (206) 466-5369
Est. Nov. 10, 2011 - Closed Jan 1, 2016 - Building constructed: 1921 
Previous bars in this location: None known
seattle-eats-german.com - facebook - ravennablog - eater - thestranger - seattleweekly - yelp

#1603 #S959 - Harissa, Seattle - 11/15/2011

"Harissa (Arabic حريصا) is a mountain village in Lebanon. The village, which is located 650 meters above sea level, is home to an important Lebanese pilgrimage site, Our Lady of Lebanon."  Harissa in Ravenna is a pleasant little Lebanese/Mediterranean restaurant run by the amiable Walid Alabtan.

Harissa is not likely to be a very interesting choice when you are looking simply for a bar.  But it does have a small bar and some pleasant wine choices to go with your kabobs and mezzeh.

Historical notes: This was the first location of the Santa Fe Cafe, established here in 1981. Before that it was Bimbo's, a biker bar. It was Earl's Tavern in the 60s and 70s, the Hop In Tavern in the mid 70s, and in the 40s Cliff's Tavern and Frank's Tavern.

2255 NE 65th St, Seattle, WA 98115 - 206 588-0651       
Est. Nov. 2010 - Building constructed: 1915
Previous bars at this location: Cliff's Tavern, Frank's Tavern, Earl's Tavern, Hop In Tavern, Bimbo's, Santa Fe Café
harissaofseattle.com - seattletimes  - ravennablog - thestranger - yelp

#1602 #S958 - Azteca (Ballard), Seattle - 11/12/2011

Update: The Ballard Azteca closed Feb 28, 2014

---

Azteca is a local, family-run chain, that sells pretty much the definition of standard American Mexican food.  They were established in the greater Seattle area in 1974 and now have about 35 restaurants across the Pacific Northwest, including four in Seattle.

Adventuresome or remarkable Aztecas are not, and foodies should pass. But for people who like -- or are just in the mood for -- this type of food, they have a wide array of affordable selections, which arrive in large portions. They are good for families, but usually have a cantina area, which again serve relatively bland standards.

Of course if you would like fine Mexican food, La Carta De Oaxaca is pretty much right around the corner, and if you want fine cocktails, the Ballard area has any number of fine options (consider Sambar, The Sexton, Golden Beetle, Hazlewood, Bastille, Moshi Moshi, MacLeod's, Paratii or Staple & Fancy). But on the other hand, while Azteca is not about to win three Michelin stars, you know what you're getting, and it is just fine for what it is and whom it is for.


2319 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107-4027 - (206) 782-7079
Est. 1974? - Closed Feb 28, 2014 - Building constructed: 1915
Previous bars at this location: None known
aztecamex.com - happyhoursinseattle - yelp

#1601 #S957 - Jamjuree Thai, Seattle - 11/9/2011

This is a Thai restaurant run by a family that ran it under the same name name in Bangkok. There is not much to the bar here, but they do serve better than average Thai food.



509 15th Avenue East Seattle, WA 98112-4512 - (206) 323-4255
Est. 1995 - Building constructed: 1929
jamjuree.com - whatsthesoup.net - whatscookingoodlookin- seattletimes - citysearch - yelp

#1600 #S956 - Coastal Kitchen, Seattle - 11/8/2011

Update: Coastal Kitchen closed Feb 21, 2024

It's hard to imagine many people would come here for the small bar, with options like Liberty and 22 just down the street.  But they serve some decent drinks and are better known for their rotating menu, especially breakfast and seafood.

429 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112 - (206) 322-1145

Est. 1993 - Building constructed: 1924 - Closed Feb 21, 2024
Previous bars at this location:  None known - Unknown if any of these restaurants included an actual bar: Beau Jardin restaurant (1970s), Bentley & Ives' restaurant (1979-1980), Diamond Lil's restaurant (1980-1981), the Ritz Cafe (1982-1993) 
seattle-eats.com - seattletimes - thestranger - funfeasts - topthisplace - gayot - yelp

#1599 #S955 - Cafe Kanape, Seattle - 11/7/2011

Update: Cafe Kanape closed the weekend of Nov 17, 2012, apparently with plans to re-open elsewhere.


"Kanape," this cafe's web site explains, is a "finger food, often eaten in one bite, but shared with many."  Cafe Kanape features such dishes from across Europe, with an emphasis on Eastern Europe.  Owner Sabine, who is from Latvia, previously owned Contour for 10 years, and could hardly have created a greater shift in ambiance, with this romantic little cafe.  In addition to the small plates it features a worldly selection of coffees, wines and beers.  It is a nice stop for some pretty good food, much of which you do not see too often, and for a relaxed conversation.

700 Broadway E, Suite D, Seattle, WA 98102 - (206) 708-1210
Est. Feb 11, 2011 - Building constructed: 2002
cafekanape.com - facebook - thestranger - seattlepi - seattleweekly - thehungerseattle - thestranger - thrillist - yelp

#1598 #S954 - Dulce Latin Bistro, Seattle - 11/6/2011

 Update: Dulces closed at the end of July 2012

This upscale bistro, which builds around the tastes of Mexico, Spain, and France, has moved from Madrona to a portion of the former location of Typhoon, below the Harbor Steps (the original location of Wild Ginger).  Dulces started out many years ago from a bakery in West Seattle, and is now a somewhat pricey European style bistro, with white table cloths and piano bar.  The bar is nothing particularly special, but we enjoyed the food and the service from bartender Annie.

1404 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 - 206 623-3556
Est. Oct 2011 - Building constructed: 1915
Previous bars in this location: Wild Ginger, Typhoon
dulcesbistroandwine.com - seattlemet - seattletimes - eater.com -

#1597 #S953 - The Terrace Lounge (Fairmont Hotel) , Seattle - 11/2/2011

While the "Terrace Plaza bar" may evoke images of rooftop patios and ornate gardening, the location in the Fairmont is simply a small, elegant bar off the main lobby.  The Fairmont Olympic is Seattle's grandest hotel, hosting celebrities, world leaders, and every U.S. president since Herbert Hoover.  For several years I walked past it on my way from bus stop to office, and it was a fairly common event to see motorcades and security guards swarming the back entrance.

The hotel was specifically designed by the community to be just that sort of grand hotel, with the construction in 1924 funded by public bonds.  It sits on the original location of the University of Washington, in a place known as Denny's Knoll when Arthur Denny donated it 1861 to the Territorial University.  The UW, which moved northward to its current location in 1895, retains a large chunk of ownership of the land and building, although it sold 64% in the mid 90s.  The hotel was built around the Metropolitan Theater, which was demolished in 1956 (and eulogized by Helen Hayes, after a final night performance), providing the current entrance area.


I don't know how long the Terrace Plaza bar has been open in this location, but if you enjoy genteel hotel bars, this is a nice, intimate one, with capable bartenders and a small number of interesting patrons passing through.  The lounge area extends into the lobby, but if you like bars, you'll want to be in the elegant room around the bar itself, with it's welcoming wood and lowered lights.  And from 3:30 to 6:00pm Sundays through Thursdays the bar features all-you-can-eat appetizers or cheeses for $12 each.

411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101 - (206) 621-1700
Building constructed: 1924
fairmont.com - facebook - historylink.org - thestranger - fairmont.com - seattleweekly -

#1596 #S952 - New York Pizza and Bar, Seattle - 11/2/2011

Update: The last 5 of 7 New York Pizza restaurants closed May 12, 2017 during bankruptcy proceedings.

New York Pizza and Bar explains on their web site that they serve New York style pizza with a nice picture of a family eating Chicago style pizza.  In the next sentence they explain that they also have "extraordinary service and unsurpassable food and drink quality," which also doesn't quite square with reality.  Perhaps they are aiming for a New York style of overstatement.

But it's not a bad place.  There is pretty good, nice-sportsbar sorts of food (think Fox Sports Grill quality), many televisions to catch games, decent cocktails, and a vibrant decor in a style that recently graduated frat boys would describe as elegant and classy.

It seems like a comfortable choice to catch a game or bring the family.

500 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98104-7097 - (206) 587-0381    
Est. Nov 7, 2011
newyorkpizzaandbar.com - facebook - seattleweekly -  thestranger - yelp

#1595 #S951 - Spinasse, Seattle - 10/31/2011

Based on the Piedmont region, highly regarded upscale northern Italian cuisine, which lives up to it's reputation.  I had the tajarin, a long-standing favorite (delicate egg pasta with butter and sage).

1531 14th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122-4023 - (206) 251-7673
Est. Aug 2008 - Building constructed: 1910
Previous bars in this location: None known

spinasse.com - thestranger - seattlemet - seattletimes - komonews - seattleweekly - gourmet - yelp

#1594 #S950 - Cafe Lago, Seattle - 10/30/2011

A very good Italian restaurant (Peter Reinhart's “American Pie: My Search for the Perfect Pizza" called it the best pizza in America in 2003).  It also has a small bar with limited cocktail options.  It serves thin crust pizza and a terrific looking antipasti plate that I will certainly order next time.

2305 24th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112 - (206) 329-8005
Est. Oct 10, 1990 - Building constructed: 1922
Previous bars at this location: None known
cafelago.com - seattletimes - bonappetit - seattlepi - yelp

#1593 #S949 - Electric Tea Garden, Seattle - 10/28/2011

 A small-ish club that caters to DJs and electronica, with an "infusion lounge that specializes in tea based cocktails and elixirs," hidden around the corner and upstairs from an artificial limb store.

1402 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 568-3972   
Est. March 10, 2007 - Building constructed: 1909
Previous bars in this location: None known
electricteagarden.com - facebook - yelp

#1592 #S948 - Pecado Bueno, Seattle - 10/27/2011

Pecado Bueno ("Sin Well") serves pretty standard American Mexican dishes, with a bit more quality than average and a good deal more personality.  They have a salsa bar, but to taste the Diablo sauce you need to sign their "Unconditional Waiver and Hold-Harmless Stipulation" where the customer agrees to "hold the ownership, management and employees of Pecado Bueno utterly without blame for any discomfort, pain, first, second or third degree burns, ruined mascara, and/or loss of self-esteem and/or respect from one's peers resulting from ingestion"

The owner is one of the founders of Taco del Mar, the margaritas are affordable and drinkable, and the food stresses local, organic, sustainable ingredients.

  
4307 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 - (206) 457-8837
Est. Oct 2011 - Building constructed: 1952
pecadobueno.com - facebook - seattleweekly - thrillist - williamson.ws - fremontuniverse - eater - yelp

#1591 - Afriq, Skyway WA - 10/25/2011

Afriq is a night time place.  It opens at 9pm.  It's a Kenyan-owned dance club, with food and drinks from across Africa.  The best nights to go are Saturdays, which are reggae nights.

12619 Renton Ave S, Skyway, WA 98178-3712 - (206) 772-6300
Est. Feb 2008
thedjpeter.com

#1590 - Roman Casino, Seattle - 10/25/2011

The unincorporated Skyway area, just south of the Seattle city limits and an on-again/off-again subject of annexation by surrounding communities (Seattle, Tukwila, Renton), is not quite like anyplace else in the greater Seattle area.  It is probably the most ethnically and racially diverse large area -- one of the few where whites a (slight) minority.

The Roman Casino is one of those places that accentuates both the diversity and the ethnic cohesion of the area.  The workers seem split evenly between white, black and Asian, while the customers appear about 95% Vietnamese, and the whole is surrounded by the ersatz simulacra of famous Roman art, including a mini Michelangelo's "David" in a fountain.

 The cheesy decor does not lead to cheap food and drinks.  The mostly Vietnamese and Chinese menu ranges from $50 for lobster-based dishes, to $40 for crab-based plates, appetizers $9-$17, standard American Chinese dishes (beef with broccoli) $12-$18.  The drinks are pretty much what you would expect.  The casino is housed in a sort of shopping center structure, with a Pawn Pros store conveniently located around the corner.

11829 Renton Ave S, Skyway, WA 98178-3723 - (206) 772-7524

#1589 - Skyway Park Bowl and Casino, Seattle - 10/25/2011

A cheesy mini casino, bowling, a lounge serving cheap, strong drinks and chicken and waffles.  What else could you possibly want?  (How about a web site that is "Copywrite 2011"?)

11819 Renton Ave S, Skyway, WA 98178 - (206) 772-1220

skywayparkbowl.com -  facebook - yelp