#1650 #S973 - The Royal Room, Seattle - 12/19/2011

The Royal Room is a bar built around music, and features local artists in a 99 seat room with no cover charge Thursdays through Mondays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays feature touring national performers. They have some decent bar food and some fairly good cocktails (try "The King," a rye Manhattan).  It is owned by Seattle jazz musician Wayne Horvitz, along with Tia Matthies and Steve Freeborn of the OK Hotel, the Rendezvous, and others.


The bar space is carved out the Royal Esquire Club, the premier black social club in the Pacific Northwest.  The Royal Esquire Club was established in 1948 and moved to 5016 Rainier Ave S in 1986.  They continue to host various community based civic and social events.

5000 Rainier Ave South, Seattle, WA 98118 - (206) 906-9920
Est. Dec 16, 2011 - Building constructed: 1910
Previous bars in this location: Los Pancho's Cantina, Rainier Inn/Tavern, La Esquina
theroyalroomseattle.com - facebook - seattleweekly - seattletimes - yelp

#1649 #S972 - The Sexton, Seattle - 12/17/2011

 Good southern style small plates and excellent cocktails by Marley Tomic-Beard (Spur, Bathtub Gin, Golden Beetle).

5327 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 - (206) 829-8645
Est. Dec 11, 2011 - Building constructed: 1906
Previous bars at this location: Madame K's Pizza Bistro
sextonseattle.com - facebook - thrillist - seattlemet - seattleweekly - eater - seattletimes - DList - thestranger - urbanspoon - yelp

#1648 #S971 - iMusic, Seattle - 12/17/2011

This two-floored space across from the street from the Space Needle and EMP has hosted a rotating number of dance clubs (Tropix, Polly Esther, Element, Level 5). For an idea of vibe and decor of the current iMusic incarnation, you could pretty much check out any other cookie cutter, VIP section, pink and purple lighting, bouncer pat-down, velvet rope line, oontz oontz dance club anywhere. And for an understanding of the crowd you can check out this Ted Talk. The nuanced differences in these clubs -- the ethnic balance, random differences in poorly made drinks, which nights there are and are not shootings outside -- are less related to the actual club than the arbitrary set of attendees on any given night.


332 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Est. Dec 31, 2010 - Building constructed: 1929
Previous bars at this location: Tropix Cafe, Polly Esther, Level 5, Element
imusicseattle.com - facebook - yelp

#1647 #S970 - Two Beers Tasting Room, Seattle - 12/17/2011

You have to know what you're doing to find the Two Beers Tasting Room -- it's off the beaten track and not open every day (currently 3-8pm Wed-Fri and 12-4pm Sat).  But it's worthwhile and people do find it -- it was larger and more full then I expected around the Saturday lunch hour.  The service and atmosphere are friendly, the beer is quite good -- I'm adding Evolutionary IPA ("Evo") to my personal list of favorites -- including a fresh hop option, and the seats are at a beautiful wood bar and tables.

4700 Ohio Ave S, Seattle, Washington 98134 - (206) 762-0490
Est. Nov 12, 2011 (Tasting room, brewery established 2007) - Building constructed: 1942
twobeersbrewery.com - hoppytrailsbeernews - heedthehedonist - seattlest - beernews - havegrowler - seattlemet - yelp

#1646 #S969n - Kiss Cafe, Seattle - 12/16/2011

 Kiss Cafe is a funky little place in Ballard that caters to beer lovers.  The "KISS" is said to stand for "Keep It Simple, Suckas,"and they maintain this in a comfortable, small space.  It has pretty good sandwiches and soups, and they're usually served with a jar of dill pickles.  It also has choice of over 100 beers in bottles, and a wall full of custom beer bugs owned by the Ballard Drinking Team, a group of regulars who are working through 100 different beers.

2817 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107-4215 - (206) 789-5477
Est. 2007 - Building constructed: 1946 
ballardkisscafe.com - seattledining - seattletimes - seattleweekly - thestranger - yelp

#1645 #S969m - Montana, Seattle - 12/14/2011

 Most of the log cabin decor has happily been retained from The Buck, and new owners Rachel Marshall (of Rachel's Ginger Beer) and Kate Opatz (of Pat My Butter) have a nice selection of wines, beers, some nice classic cocktail choices, and some unusual force-carbonated cocktails.

1498 Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 329-2493           
Est. Dec 11, 2011 - Building constructed: year
Previous bars at this location: The Buck
montanainseattle.com - seattlemet - capitolhillseattle - eater - thestranger - yelp

#1644 #S969l - Azteca (Eastlake), Seattle - 12/14/2011

Now closed, building razed.

See Azteca Northgate.

1823 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102 - (206) 324-4941
Building constructed: 1933
Previous bars at this location: Pierce's Ace Tavern (1930s), Casa Lupita (1970s)
aztecamex.com - yelp

#1643 #S969k - Marriott Waterfront Lobby Bar, Seattle - 12/13/2011

A fairly typical hotel lobby bar.

2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121 - (800) 455-8254
Building constructed: 2003
marritott.com

#1642 #S969j - Hook and Plow, Seattle - 12/13/2011

Marriott calls this a gastropub, and while it's location in a fairly newly built hotel doesn't lend in the casual warmth I like to associate with pubs, the gastro part is very good. The emphasis is on local ingredients with a number of affordable and tasty small plates.

The H&P follows Todd English's "Fish Club" and the "2100 Bistro" in this space across Alaskan Way from Elliot Bay.

2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121 - (206) 256-1040
Est. 2011 - Building constructed: 2003
Other bars at this location: 2100 Bistro - Fish Club
hookandplow.com - facebook - menu - prweb - yelp

#1641 #S969i - Azteca (Northgate), Seattle - 12/11/2011

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 currently have 27 restaurants in Washington state, 2 in Oregon, and 5 in Florida.  This one is located on the north end of Northgate Mall and opened in late 2001.


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.

401 NE Northgate Way, Seattle, WA 98125 - (206) 362-0066
Est. 2001 - Building constructed: 1950
Previous bars in this location: None known
aztecamex.com - yelp - urbanspoon  

#1640 #S969h - The Upstairs, Seattle - 12/10/2011

Update: The Upstairs closed Dec 10, 2017.

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The Upstairs is a rather hidden, semi-elegant cocktail parlor up the stairs in the former location of the McLeod Residence. It has something of the feel of the nearby Bathtub gin, and is a relaxing break from the Belltown streets, with dark wood, old brick, and some quite good craft cocktails.

2209 2nd Ave (2nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98121 - (206) 441-4013
Est. Dec 7, 2011 - Closed Dec 10, 2017 - Building constructed: 1910
Previous bars at this location: The McLeod Residence
theupstairsseattle.com - facebook - seattlemet - belltownpeople - thrillist (video) -

#1639 #S969 - Taste, Seattle - 12/7/2011

I'd had lunch here at this cafe under the Seattle Art Museum a few times before, and upon finally recollecting that it has a bar, I was thinking of it as just another bar to knock off on my Seattle list. Instead I had one of my favorite dining and drinking experiences of the year.

This was in large measure because we pulled up to the bar to the capable hands of Duncan Chase.  I somehow lost my notes and I'm writing several weeks after, so I do not recollect everything we tried.  But I do clearly remember much enjoying Duncan's Manhattan with fig infused Maker's Mark, another cocktail or two, and perhaps the most tender and tasty white fish (ling cod?) dish I think I have ever had.

I am not a fan of the bright and cold decor -- a fine bar should be dark and woody.  But the sheer deliciousness of the food and drinks, along an enjoyable chat with Duncan, will definitely have me coming back. 


1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 - (206) 903-5291
Est. 2007 - Building constructed: year
tastesam.com - facebook - blog - seattleweekly - seattletimes - seattledining - seattletimes - seattlepi - thestranger - seattlepi - gayot - yelp

#1638 #S969f - Tutta Bella (Stone Way), Seattle - 12/5/2011

Another in the local chain of Neapolitan style pizza places (certified by the Naples-based Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana), with good pizza, salads, and cocktails; this one located in an old, brick, Wallingford print shop.


4411 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103 - (206) 633-3800
Est. June 2009 - Building constructed: 1955
Previous bars in this location: None known
tuttabellapizza.com - seattletimes - seattledining - seattletimes - gayot - foundedproject - yelp

#1637 #S969e - Tutta Bella (Westlake), Seattle - 12/4/2011

Another in the local chain of Neapolitan style pizza places (certified by the Naples-based Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana), with good pizza, salads, and cocktails.  This one is in a more modern space above Whole Foods on Westlake, with a view of the Space Needle and a counter made from reclaimed wood from a 100-year-old tree.

2200 Westlake Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 - (206) 624-4422
Est. 2007? - Building constructed: 2006
Previous bars in this location: None 
tuttabellapizza.com - seattletimes - seattledining - seattletimes - gayot - foundedproject

#1636 #S969d - Chuck's 85th St. Market, Seattle - 12/3/2011

Chuck's Hop Shop, Greenwood neighborhood, Seattle, WA

First, new owner Chuck Shin took a shady little shop and cleaned it up into a bright convenience store that the neighbors actually welcomed. Next he turned the back section into a beer lover's mecca, with a small bar, a fairly large selection of craft beers on tap, and 1,200 additional choices in bottles (this is to go along with 600 wine choices under $15. It's a homey place, where the beer is served in masan jars, the workers know and love beer, and their toddlers and families drop by. The Seattle PI listed it as the "Best bar that isn't exactly a bar."



As it *is* a convenience store, it's a little bright and busy when one is in the mood for a relaxing pint. But it's a great place for beer lovers to fill their growlers or grab a quick taste of some very interesting things on tap.

Note: Since the writing above Chuck's has added picnic tables out front and regular visits from some of the best food trucks in Seattle (food truck schedule)

656 NW 85th St, Seattle, WA 98117-3143 - (206) 297-6212
Est. 2010 - Building constructed: 1945
Previous bars at this location: None known
chucks85th.com - facebook - seattlepi - beeradvocate - phinneywood - crapmonkey - seattlest - yelp

#1635c #S969c - Sun Liquor Distillery, Seattle - 12/3/2011

Update: Sun Liquor on Pike closed June 25, 2017.

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Sun Liquor Distillery is a sister cocktail lounge to Sun Liquor and also the first distillery on Capitol Hill since prohibition.  Both locations make quite good cocktails -- the bars are managed by Eric Chapman. 

512 East Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98122-3618 - (206) 720-1600
Est. March 11, 2011 - Closed June 25, 2017 - Building constructed: 1926
sunliquor.com - seattletimes - seattlemet - seattleweekly - tumblr - thestranger - yelp

#1635b #S969b - Chino's, Seattle - 12/3/2011

Update: Chino's closed in late September 2012

Chino's calls itself an "Urban Tiki House & Taiwanese Cantina."  They offer Mexican and Taiwanese street foods, as served from old-style L.A. food trucks, along with tiki cocktails.  Whereas tiki drinks are generally terribly made sugary concoctions for drinkers who don't really like spirits, here they are a rotation of well-crafted classics from Verionika Groth (of Poppy and Oliver's Twist).  The foods items we sampled were very tasty and many not quite like anything I've seen anywhere else in the city.  “Most of the food we're doing can be found at the Taiwanese night markets,” says one of the owners.

 Chino's is a nice new alternative.

1024 E Pike Street Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 860-4238     
Est. Dec 3, 2011 - Closed Sep 2012 - Building constructed: 1913
Previous bars at this address:  None known  
chinosseattle.com - facebook - seattlemag - seattlemet - gastrolust -  capitolhillseattle - eater - yelp

#1635 #S969 - Fusion Ultra Lounge, Seattle - 12/2/2011

Update: Fusion closed in March 2015

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An all-ages nightclub with a separate bar area.

"According to police, officers have been called to Fusion, located at Northeast 45th Street and Eighth Avenue Northeast more than 30 times in the past year for events ranging from traffic-stopping, 50-person brawls, to shooting, to security staff pulling a gun on a drunk patron." (komonews)

Historical notes: This has hosted bars since at least 1939, most notably The Rainbow (Rainbow Tavern, Fabulous Rainbow Room, etc.). It was the Rainbow from at least 1941 into the 60s, renamed the Sandpiper Tavern for a while, then renamed The Rainbow in 1973, and hosted a wide range of musical styles and artists including Robert Cray, Bo Diddley, George Thorogood, and Sound Garden.


722 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105 - (206) 774-9296

Previous bars at this location: Rainbow Tavern/Room, Sandpiper Tavern
clubfusionseattle.ning.com - yelp

Number Adjustment Notes

A systematic review of my starting data has led me to adjust my counts of both total bars and Seattle bars, and the next several posts will reflect these changes:

• 11 bars listed under "Seattle area" and previously counted in the Seattle total are/were not technically within the Seattle city limits
• 8 bars have been removed entirely, either because they were duplicates, not actually bars (e.g. an all ages club was included), or simply cannot be confirmed
• 5 Seattle bars were added due to a refinement in my definition of what counts as a bar

Thus I will suspend the numbering of bars after this post for 14 Seattle bars and 3 bars overall to make up for the difference.

#1635 #S969 - The Innkeeper, Seattle - 12/2/2011

Update: The Innkeeper closed in November 2017 and replaced by The Jerk Shack later that month.

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The Innkeeper looks much the same as Marco's Supperclub, but manages to have both a little more personality and a little less attitude. The menu is focused on Latin American and Caribbean dishes, with a few good cocktails to boot. I had the Penn Cove Manila Clams and Chorizo, which were spicy and tasty and had me ordering extra bread to sop up every drop of the broth. I also had a cup of the Ham Hock White Bean soup which was also very fine.

 The cocktails were fairly good, though not quite as well balanced as one would expect at, say, Spur or Canon. I had a fairly good "Fleur de Lys" and an okay Corn n'Oil, while my friend had a slightly sweet but enjoyable Dark and Stormy.

The Innkeeper is run by the folks behind Black Bottle and here they provide the same sort of affordable, quality food in perhaps a slightly more casual atmosphere. I'm eager to go back, particularly if the back patio is open on warm evenings.

2510 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 - (206) 718-7817
Est. Nov. 28, 2010 - Building constructed: 1954
Previous bars at this location: Tokyo West Tavern (70s), Seoul Tavern (80s), Wheelhouse Suds (80-90s), Marco's Supperclub (1994-2011)
innkeeperseattle.com - seattletimes - seattlemag - thestranger - eater - yelp