Dive Bars In Seattle, Washington

dive bars in seattle
Sheela
Sheela 
Updated
| 4 min read

Dive bars can be called bars which prove themselves to be different from others. Set in casual, unpretentious premises, these bars serve out a variety of inexpensive beers, cocktails, and even snacks. A dive bar promises everything- great drinks, low lighting to bright lighting and sober patrons to drunk ones. Nonetheless, in order to be a great dive bar, something out of the ordinary will have to be provided to patrons. This has to be a place with mixologists who know to make interesting concoctions of alcoholic beverages as well as one that has quirky, old-school features. To save you some time in looking for some decent dive bars, continue reading below. Here is a list of 10 dive bars in Seattle, which bear a good reputation.

1. The Octopus Bar

Seattle - Octopus Bar 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joe Mabel used under CC BY 4.0

The Octopus Bar is a nautical-themed bar which has been designed with bright colours and a neon signage. Well-known and sought after since 2014 for its vodka-dominant cocktails, the bar offers tasty grub as well as cocktails. The interiors of this bar are uniquely designed with salvaged wood on the ceiling and diffused lighting from shipping ropes. There are unique features like a vending machine that dispenses quirky objects like silly putty, and a photo booth which is located at the side of the bar. Enjoy the warm hospitality at this bar while sipping on some delicious cocktail. The bar is close to event venues like the U District, Fremont and Ballard. As such, Octopus Bar is a great hangout after a night out in Seattle.

The Octopus Bar

Address: 2109 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103-6901

** Opening Hours** : Weekdays 2 pm to 2 am, weekends 12 pm to 2 am

Website: The Octopus Bar

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2. 9lb Hammer

9 LB Hammer 03
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joe Mabel used under CC BY-SA 3.0

9lb Hammer can be classified as a casual, laid-back watering hole. A diverse collection of beer and other alcoholic beverages are served at this dive bar. A unique feature of this dive bar is the presence of old-school arcade games. The entire bar is decorated with quirky designs and decorative objects. This hangout delivers exactly what it promises- delectable drinks and tasty bar grub. Patrons can sometimes enjoy live bands while enjoying their night out.

9lb Hammer

Address: 6009 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108, USA

Opening Hours : 11 am to 1 am

Website: 9lb Hammer

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3. Marco Polo Bar & Grill


Marco Polo Bar & Grill is a friendly neighbourhood bar located in South Seattle’s Georgetown area. When the locals think of Marco Polo, what comes to their mind is fried chicken. The bar is known for its delectable food that is dished out as well as the carefully handcrafted cocktails which the bartenders make. Service is excellent and the atmosphere is laid back and chilled out.

Marco Polo Bar & Grill

Address: 5613 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, USA

Opening Hours : Monday - Thursday 11 am to 12 am, Friday & Saturday 11 am to 2 am, Sunday 11 am to 10 pm

Website: Marco Polo Bar & Grill

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4. The Twilight Exit

Seattle - 2020 E. Madison 02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joe Mabel used under CC BY-SA 3.0

What better bar to eat and drink at than Twilight Exit? This bar’s specialty is its menu, called ‘Mister Menu.’ The menu features light bites like soups, salads and other Mexican snacks. Look further and you will find the 'Big Bad Entrées’ which have elements of the light menu as well big plates like sandwiches and burgers. The highlight and star creation of the restaurant is the Rebel Reuben sandwich. This sandwich is thick, rich and irresistibly tasty. There is also a wide selection of drinks carefully crafted by the bartenders. Twilight Exit also hosts live karaoke sessions in its 70s’ style set up.

The Twilight Exit

Address: 2514 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98122, USA

Opening Hours : Monday - Thursday 4 pm to 2 am, Friday 3 pm to 2 am, weekends 12 pm to 2 am

Website: The Twilight Exit

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5. Targy's Tavern


Targy’s Tavern opened its doors after the repeal of the prohibition of the sale of alcohol. This bar serves delicious food and cheap alcohol. There are many pool tables, dart boards, games arcade machines and many more. The ambience is warm and hospitable. Appealing to people of all ages, this bar is a no-nonsense venue for people to chill out and hang out.

Targy's Tavern

Address: 600 W Crockett St, Seattle, WA 98119, USA

Opening Hours : 4 pm to 2 am

Website: Targy’s Tavern

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6. Leny's Place


Does the thought of cold beer and delicious burgers whet your appetite? If so, then Leny’s Place is the place to be in. This hidden gem is located near the border of Wallingford and Green Lake and set comfortably within a classic neighbourhood. This dive bar is known for its cheap and big beers which never fail to provide comfort. The menu is basically bar grub which is delicious and affordable. A speciality is the fish taco which diners consistently order.

Leny's Place

Address: 2217 N 56th St, Seattle, WA 98103-6203

Opening Hours : Weekdays 3 pm to 2 am, weekends 12 pm to 2am

Website: Leny’s Place

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7. Blue Moon Tavern

Blue Moon Tavern is a popular bar that has consistently been delivering great drinks and bar grub at affordable prices for 75 years. This bar was constructed after the repeal of prohibition in Seattle. Located next to the University of Washington, the bar is frequently visited by the university students. This bar is a great place for people to meet, chill and enjoy a couple of drinks with friends. Food specials include dishes like blackened chicken pasta, fish tacos and great grilled sandwiches. There is a wide selection of beers on offer for thirsty patrons as well. Enjoy live band entertainment evenings on weekends.

Blue Moon Tavern

Address: 712 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105, USA

Opening Hours : Weekdays 2 pm to 2 am, weekends 12 pm to 2 am

Website: Blue Moon Tavern

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8. Waterwheel Lounge


If you want to enjoy some karaoke session, then the Waterwheel Lounge is the place to be. This is a dimly-lit watering hole which prides itself in making the best homemade fried chicken. Worth trying are the daily drinks specials that the bar offers. Inside the bar, patrons will be able to enjoy karaoke nights, bingo, arcade games and many more. A unique feature of the bar is its wall-to-wall carpet which makes its way to the sides of the central horseshoe bar as well as the quirky exterior.

Waterwheel Lounge

Address: 7034 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117, USA

Opening Hours : Weekdays 2 pm to 2 am, weekends 10 am to 2 am

Website: Waterwheel Lounge

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9. Sloop Tavern


Sloop Tavern is a laid-back dive bar which has been around for about 50 years. This casual bar serves affordable beer and unpretentious pub grub. There is also a yacht club with the bar and can be easily recognised by its classic neon sign. The speciality of Sloop Tavern is the 34oz, “Sloopersize’ beers offered at recession-friendly prices. This is a perfect watering hole if you are a yachting fan or enjoy frills-free entertainment.

Sloop Tavern

Address: 2830 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107, USA

Opening Hours : 11 am to 2 am

Website: Sloop Tavern

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10. Caroline Tavern


Located in the Lake City for almost 60 year, this tavern is a popular hangout among the locals. This bar, which once operated in the middle of nowhere, is a bustling hangout place for a cross-section of ages, ethnic groups as well as subcultures. The bar features pool tables as well as games machines for diners to enjoy. Great drinks are available at affordable prices in this bar. Additionally, bar grub is also available on the menu for hungry patrons.

Caroline Tavern

Address: 13702 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA

Opening Hours : 8 am to 2 am

Website: Caroline Tavern

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Dive your way through Seattle

Dive Bars
Source: Unsplash

If you are looking for a place to hang out over cheap drinks when in Seattle, then these dive bars will be the best options for you. Check out the above-mentioned bars and experience something unique yet trendy.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sheela, a devoted mother to two remarkable young children, takes immense pleasure in family travel experiences. With a well-traveled history spanning numerous countries, her passion lies in the...Read more

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