And don’t forget to wander these are just a few possibilities among many, and the neighborhood is in constant churn. See what’s happening at the unpredictable 2312 Gallery, where you might find an art opening, a live performance, or nothing at all. Tired of boozing and eating? See live music at The Crocodile, one of Seattle’s classic music venues (once owned by REM’s Peter Buck), or try The Rendezvous, which contains both an underground performance space/bar called the Grotto, as well as the tiny, but satisfyingly comfortable Jewelbox Theater. Queen City Grill, meanwhile, has held down the busy corner of Blanchard and 1st for decades, serving delicious seafood entrees and grand cocktails in a long, narrow room lined with well-worn oak booths.
Of the many dinner options, the more popular include the pizza-and-booze Mecca known as Rocco’s, which looks tiny from the outside but opens up into a grand, metal-and-brick-lined space, and the sleek Wakefield Bar, offering the city’s most underrated fried chicken. Start at Blanchard and 2nd, and head north toward Bell Street to get a sense of the possibilities. The area has undergone some gentrification from its wilder, seedier days in the 1990s, but there is still plenty of fun to be had. Best Bars and Nightlife in WallingfordĪlong 1st and 2nd Avenues in downtown Seattle lies the extensive pocket of bars, clubs, shops, and restaurants known as Belltown. My favorite bar in Seattle, Russell’s, is just over the border in Fremont but an easy walk from all of the above places. The Sea Monster has local bands and a dance floor. Murphy’s has live music on many nights (trivia on the other nights) and tasty pub food. For great food in a bar atmosphere then Union Saloon is a great choice. Grilled meats are the specialty but there’s also cheap Sapporo beer, fantastic happy hour small plates (until 6:30), noodles, and sushi. One of the best restaurants in Seattle is the Japanese izakaya Issian. If you’re looking for a Seattle neighborhood with great nightlife, local vibe, and almost no tourists then this is where to head. Can you imagine yourself settling into one of these booths with a gin martini, grog or black and tan in hand while you engage in a game of chess? You'll be able to do just that next week.The best wine bar in downtown Seattle. Patrons of Sportsman's Club-perhaps Heisler's signature tavern reclamation-will recognize the chess and checkers boards built into the tabletops in the booths that are separated by high wood-panelled partitions.Īs a refresh, the concept revolves around what the British Royal Navy drank around the turn of the century. The 1,100 square-foot, 40-seat shotgun space is lined with tavern's original Brunswick bar on one side, tall wooden booths with red cushions on the other, and a few high-tops with stools. Inside, the feel is of a historic Chicago tavern that adds some of designer Kevin Heisner's signature design touches. Queen Mary Tavern turns a long-shuttered Chicago neighborhood bar on Division Street with a fascinating backstory into what could be another Heisler hotspot.
Forty years in the making, Heisler Hospitality's latest tavern reclamation project is almost here.