Best Bars in Seattle – Beer, Wine, Cocktails & More

Currently, Seattle is one of the fastest-growing cities in America.  With companies like Amazon and Mircosoft bringing new jobs to the city every day, it’s no surprise why.  With that being said, there is certainly no shortage of places to dine at and enjoy a cocktail (or two) in Seattle!  And one of the best things about the Emerald City is that people have created and crafted incredible bars and restaurants for locals and tourists to enjoy.  While you can pop into any winery, brewery, pub, or cocktail bar on any street corner in Seattle; these are the best bars in Seattle to enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, and more!

 

20+ of the Best Bars in Seattle

 

Best Breweries in Seattle

 

Fremont Brewing

Location:  Fremont

A busy, family-owned brewery, located near Gas Works Park, Fremont Brewing is one of the best places to drink in Seattle.  Here you’ll come across outdoor picnic tables line the sidewalks, adult games, kid games, and even inside seating for rainy days.  There’s always a crowd at Fremont and once you taste the beer and experience the atmosphere, you’ll see why.

 

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If you’re visiting Fremont and want more information on things to see and do in the neighborhood, check out:  Best Neighborhoods in Seattle – Things to Do in Fremont

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Perihelion

Location:  Beacon Hill

In one of the most underrated neighborhoods in Seattle, Perihelion Brewery is located right next to the Link Light Rail (the Seattle train) and is a go-to spot to get out of the city to enjoy a flight of beer.  Good beer elevated bar food, and a fun indoor/outdoor atmosphere makes Perihelion one of my favorites in Seattle.  The outdoor patio has fire pits to sit around, or if you’re during the summer you can sit outside amongst the blooming sunflowers.

 

Stoup Brewing

Location:  Ballard

Ballard is one of the most fun neighborhoods to visit if you’re looking to explore the Seattle beer scene.  Here you’ll find 11 craft breweries within a one-mile radius, with Stoup being one of the best.  It’s set in a two-story, intimate space with garage doors opening out to the beer garden.  Allowing both dogs and kids, Stoup has entertainment for everyone.  Go early to get a spot near the fireplace and cozy up with a beer in hand.

 

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If you’re visiting Fremont and want more information on things to see and do in the neighborhood, check out:  A Guide to the Ballard Neighborhood in Seattle

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Optimism Brewing Company

Location:  Capitol Hill

One of the most fun bars in Seattle, Optimism Brewing is set in an industrial-like setting and is perfect if you’re looking to have a laid-back night of games and beer or if you’re looking to entertain a large party.  With the ability to reserve tables in advance, Optimism often hosts large parties.  There are also food trucks in the courtyard and the option to bring your own food in.

 

Best Wine Bars in Seattle

 

Bottlehouse

Location:  Madrona

By far, one of the top bars in Seattle, Bottlehouse is in a house-like setting offering hundreds of different bottles of wines to drink and take home.  Bottlehouse also serves microbrews and different types of scrumptious small plates such as toasts and salads.  All while having created an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere that makes you want to cozy up and never leave.  Bottlehouse does not take reservations, but the wait is by far worth it.

 

Fable (formerly known as Petit Soif)

Location:  Beacon Hill

A quieter and intimate wine bar, Petit Soif is new to the Beacon Hill neighborhood.  I enjoy this wine bar for drinks before dinner or for a casual night out.  Petit Soif also serves a limited selection of food.

 

Best Cocktail Bars in Seattle

 

Bar Vacilando

Location:  Capitol Hill

Bar Vacilando has created a unique space of greenery and modern decor in an open and airy room.  While they have an expansive menu of food to eat, I think Bar Vacilando is best enjoyed by going late at night and ordering a specialty cocktail accompanied by a small plate of food.

 

Belmont

Location:  Capitol Hill

At the Belmont, you’re transported to a different time and place with their funky decor emulating London’s eccentric bar scenes.  Oriental rugs, leather sofas, and palm trees usher you in.  It’s one of the coolest bars in Seattle if you’re looking for an escape away from the city, while never leaving the city.  Aside from cocktails, Belmont also has an extensive wine list of wines from around the world.

 

Canon

Location:  Capitol Hill

Canon is an upscale cocktail bar serving specialty cocktails accompanied by small bites and entrees. While Canon is pricey, it’s a unique, one-of-a-kind bar, which makes the price well worth it.  Here you’ll be impressed by the way that drinks are concocted and served.  Whether it comes in a bathtub or on an IV pole it’s always good.

 

Corvus and Company

Location:  Capitol Hill

A hip and trendy cocktail bar in the heart of Capitol Hill, visiting Corvus and Company is a fun way to spend a Friday night.  Cozy up to the bar and watch master bartenders create unique craft cocktails right in front of you.  And while you’re at it, don’t miss a chance to order the fries.  Some of the very best in Seattle!

 

Liberty

Location:  Capitol Hill

With an expansive cocktail list, Liberty is a small bar with table seating and plush couches to dive into after a long day of work.  Different than most cocktail bars, Liberty serves a limited menu of sushi to go with specialty drinks and wine.

 

Mbar

Location:  South Lake Union

One of the best rooftop bars in Seattle, Mbar offers sweeping views over downtown Seattle, the Olympic Moutain Range, Queen Anne Hill, North Capitol Hill, and South Lake Union.  It has a fun flair of modern trinkets and decor lining the inside, while their outdoor patio stretches big enough to fit a large number of people.  With both a bar indoor and outdoor it’s the perfect location when it’s clear out to see all that Seattle has to offer from above.

 

Percy’s & Co.

Location:  Ballard

Not only do I like Percy’s for their lively bar and extensive cocktail menu, but Percy’s feels like a bit of an enigma in the grungy neighborhood of Ballard.  A little bit more upscale, Percy’s draws an older, fun crowd.  It’s the perfect place to go if you’re interested in staying out late at night.  I also like to get pre-dinner cocktails at Percy’s when I’m waiting for a table to open up at a popular restaurant around Ballard.

 

Rob Roy

Location:  Belltown

This cocktail bar is especially popular at Christmas time (and the time that I would recommend visiting).  Rob Roy decorates for Christmas and serves Christmas cocktails in fancy Christmas mugs.  It’s small and popular so make sure to arrive at opening time or expect to wait in line around the holidays.

 

Rose Temple

Location:  Capitol Hill

This quaint cocktail bar is the perfect spot for after work drinks.  It focuses on serving tiki inspired drinks, but there’s a wide array of cocktails to choose from.  You can also order small plates here.

 

Rumba/Inside Passage

Location:  Capitol Hill

Rumba is a rum bar located in Capitol Hill with over 700+ different rums to choose from.  On top of that, there’s also a speakeasy inside to Inside Passage, a fun tiki bar.  If you visit Rumba, I suggest asking if you can get a seat in Inside Passage or be put on the wait list.  While Inside Passage is much harder to get into, Rumba alone is worth the visit.  (I don’t recommend the food at either Rumba or Inside Passage).

 

Stampede Cocktail Club

Location:  Fremont

I wouldn’t necessarily say that Fremont is known for its thriving bar scene, but there are a few cocktail bars in the area that are rising in popularity.  Stampede Cocktail Club is one of the most unique and innovative cocktail bars in Seattle.  With an ever-changing menu, this small bar is always enticing people to come back with their new cocktail ideas and friendly waitstaff.

 

Tavern Law

Location:  Capitol Hill

Another unique cocktail bar in Seattle, Tavern Law serves high-end specialty cocktails with a speakeasy-like vibe.  It’s one of those places where you tell the bartender what you like and they craft something unique to you.  And tucked away upstairs is a true speakeasy, Needle and Thread, which is available by reservation only.

 

The Edgewater Hotel

Location:  Downtown

The four-star hotel famously known for the picture of the Beatles fishing outside of a window, The Edgewater is Seattle’s only waterfront hotel.  Complete with a fun and upscale bar, you don’t have to have a room at the hotel to visit.  Order a cocktail at the bar and head to the patio for views overlooking Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.

 

The Nest Rooftop Bar

Location:  Downtown

One of the best and most lively rooftop bars in Seattle, The Nest is located on the top of the Thompson Hotel.  The drinks are expensive and the bar gets crowded, oftentimes making long wait times to get a drink in hand.  Know that this is a place to go to enjoy the views over Elliott Bay and especially to watch the sunset.  Otherwise, make it a priority to visit The Nest during off-hours when there will be fewer people around.

 

Zig Zag Cafe

Location:  Pike Place Market

In Pike Place Market tucked under a staircase, Zig Zag Cafe is a popular craft cocktail bar amongst both locals and because of its location – tourists too.  Unlike some of the other cocktail bars mentioned previously, Zig Zag is more energetic and lively in the wee hours of the night.  Perfect for a girls’ night out!

 

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If you’re looking to visit Pike Place Market and want more information, make sure to check out:  Everything to Know When Visiting Pike Place Market

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Best Coffee Shops in Seattle

 

Anchorhead Coffee

Location:  Downtown

Due to its location in downtown Seattle, Anchorhead feels a lot busier than some of the other coffee shops mentioned below.  With businesses surrounding Anchorhead, there are many businessmen and women taking meetings or coming and going from this coffee shop.  With a modern interior, Anchorhead has created an inviting spot, welcoming people to come in, grab a coffee and pastry and sit down and stay awhile.

 

Evoke Cafe Bar

Location:  South Lake Union

In a bare minimalistic and modern setting, Evoke is an Instagram dream.  It’s also a great spot to stop in if you’re craving pastries or because of its proximity to the lake if you’re heading to hang out around South Lake Union.

 

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If you’re interested in photography and want more recommendations for photo spots, check out:  Photography in Seattle – Where to Get the Best Photos in and Around the City

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Storyville Coffee Pike Place

Location:  Pike Place Market

This charming coffee house overlooks the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market.  Grab a window seat that looks over the bay or cozy up by the fireplace.  Storyville is my go-to coffee shop if I need to sit down for a while and get some work done versus grabbing a cup of coffee to go.

 

I firmly believe that these are the best bars in Seattle, and love that Seattle is so diverse and has something to offer everyone.  There are always new bars coming in, which makes it hard to own a operate “bad bar” in Seattle.  Now it’s your turn, what are some of your favorite bars you’ve visited in Seattle?  Let me know in the comments below!

 

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For more food and drink recommendations in Seattle check out:

5 Dessert Places in Seattle to Get Your Sugar Fix

The Ultimate Guide to the Seattle Food Scene

Or check out my Instagram page/highlight reel for more Seattle recommendations!  Search #ppinwashington or search “Seattle Eats”, “Seattle Drinks”, “Seattle, WA”, “Washington” in my highlight reel.

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