Pub Crawling through the Heart of Seattle
I’ll admit it – I’m a self-proclaimed connoisseur of dive bars and cocktail lounges. So when my significant other and I make our biannual pilgrimage to Seattle, you better believe we don’t just stick to the tourist traps. No, we set out on a mission to uncover the city’s best watering holes, one pint at a time.
It all starts with a hearty breakfast at The 5 Point Café – a true Seattle institution that’s been slinging drinks and dishing out comfort food since 1929. This grungy-but-charming dive bar sets the tone for the day, with its vintage decor, jukebox tunes, and perfectly mixed Bloody Marys. And don’t even think about trying to sneak in on the 21+ side – always opt for the left-hand entrance, my friends.
With our bellies full and our thirst quenched, it’s time to work off those early morning libations with a trip up the iconic Space Needle. The views from the top are truly breathtaking, providing the perfect panoramic backdrop to plan our afternoon of bar-hopping. And just next door, the vibrant Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition offers a dose of culture to balance out all the boozing.
Dive Bars and Cocktail Lounges Galore
Now that we’ve had our fill of touristy activities, it’s time to dive (pun intended) into the heart of Seattle’s drinking scene. Just a short walk from the Space Needle, we stumble upon Shorty’s – a quintessential Coney Island-themed dive bar serving up hot dogs, pinball, and cheap drinks. It’s the kind of place where the staff are friendly, the clowns on the walls are slightly unsettling, and you can’t help but feel right at home.
Just next door, the neon-drenched Lava Lounge beckons with its tiki-inspired cocktails and retro-futuristic decor. Now, I’ll warn you – the tropical drinks here are not for the faint of heart. They’re sickeningly sweet, but oh-so-delicious. And if you really want to up the ante, be sure to try one of their boozy slushies. Just don’t blame me when you’re stumbling out of here an hour later.
For those seeking a slightly more upscale experience, Rob Roy is the place to be. This cocktail lounge takes its libations seriously, with skilled bartenders wielding machetes to hack off chunks of ice from a massive block. And if you’re feeling peckish, be sure to take advantage of their daily happy hour specials, which include complimentary Goldfish crackers and souped-up cup-o-noodles. It’s the perfect way to soak up all those fancy cocktails.
But if you really want to feel like a secret agent, head down a sketchy-looking alley to discover the hidden entrance of Bathtub Gin & Co. This speakeasy-inspired lounge transports you back to the Prohibition era, with its classy decor and expertly-crafted cocktails. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself ordering something off-menu – the bartenders here are true mixologists, always eager to whip up a bespoke concoction just for you.
Ending the Day on a High Note
By this point, your liver is probably begging for mercy, but there’s still one more stop on our pub crawl that you simply can’t miss. Head back towards the waterfront and make your way up to The Two Bells Tavern – a classic, no-frills establishment that’s been pouring cold ones since who knows when. With its vintage neon signs, local art, and friendly regulars, this place feels like a time capsule, offering a much-needed dose of reality after all the fancy cocktails and speakeasies.
Grab a stool at the bar, order up a burger and a beer, and let the day’s adventures sink in. As you sip your drink and take in the warm, convivial atmosphere, you can’t help but feel grateful for the diverse and vibrant drinking culture that Seattle has to offer. From gritty dive bars to hidden cocktail lounges, this city truly has something for every type of imbiber.
So the next time you find yourself in the Emerald City, don’t just stick to the tourist traps. Get out there and craft your own ultimate pub crawl, discovering the best watering holes that this dynamic city has to offer. And when you’re done, be sure to swing by The Up & Under Pub to share your tales of bar-hopping glory. After all, there’s nothing quite like swapping stories with fellow pub enthusiasts over a cold pint.
