Can I just say this bar ALWAYS has amazing music playing when I go in! Great vibes. Dimly lit, classic Seattle bar that serves up good fried food, solid whisky shots, and of course, the beloved Rainier. Bait Shop has a great neighborhoody feel where you can become a regular if you want. It's usually easy to get a seat, but always seems packed at the same time. I must say, their deviled eggs are definitely worth trying if you are a fan of that fare. read more

Bait Shop - Whiskey gingers on point - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I really wanted to like this place, but I just picked up an order of fish and chips here, and the batter was very thick and raw around the fish. Even if it had been cooked all the way through, their batter is kind of dense and bready rather than light and crispy. I'm not sure how the rest of the food is, but for $20, I wouldn't want to risk it again. read more

L O C A T I O N On Broadway East and East Mercer St. They're next to a private parking lot if you want to pay more or you can park on the street. This is a dog friendly place so bring your pooch and chill. F O O D + D R I N K //Scorpion Bowl// ($40) 3+ people. Comes with brugal anejo rum, cognac, orange, orgeat. ORDER THIS IF YOU LIKE RUM and COGNAC. Not gonna lie, I wasn't a fan of this drink because I don't even like rum or cognac in the first place(I don't know why I got this drink). One cool thing about this bowl was that in the center it was lit on fire! //Black Bean & Corn Taco// ($8) Two tacos with red onion, cabbage, creme, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Not bad if you want a vegetarian taco. It is a dollar cheaper than meat tacos. //Fries// ($5) Came out hot and fresh. It was thick-cut julienne fries. The fries were crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. Perfect for dipping into sauces. They do charge extra if you want different sauce. S E R V I C E Our waitress of the night was great and so friendly. She's fast and when she sees you need something she comes right over to you. O V E R A L L This is a pretty cool divvy (lol) bar. It sticks pretty well to the fishing theme. Some of the decorations are funny if you look closely. There's separate men's and woman's (single occupancy). The space is more towards the small-medium side. It does well holding groups of 4. The vibe is pretty casual and laid back. The food they serve is pretty good and fresh. The one drink I had was okay, it's mostly my fault for ordering something I don't like in the first place.I'd totally come back and try their other offerings. read more

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It's ok. Chips & salsa were good. Drinks were decent but pricey. May come back during happy hour to try again

Could not have been happier with this experience. Had the bait shop burger and fries (amazing). The music was great and the clientele seemed to be a lot of regulars who were having a lot of fun. Might go back for a second night on this trip!! read more

Flavors were good. But breading on fish in fish & chips was too thick and overpowered the fish. Portion of fried chicken in chicken salad was very small for the price (smaller than the couple of photos of the dish in Yelp.) Taste of deviled egg wasn't pleasant. Everything was OK, but disappointing based on the raves and price. read more

I've been inside this place and the vibe is definitely awesome. I have attached a photo of food delivered by Post Mates. It definitely was a burnt pile of nachos but I realize that delivery isn't a representation of the quality here. Just, be careful. This is a definite DINE in type of business. I enjoy the quiet booths and constant change of personalities here. The drinks are strong (husband loves them, I don't drink) and the friend chicken sandwich is by far one of the best in the entire city of Seattle. I love the complimentary pairings with the eggs and fries as well. This is just a decent sit in bar and mini eats for the perfect let loose but maintain behavior on a week day! Thanks Baitshop! read more

ANAZING tacos, I'm in love! They do special orders as well. I had chicken tacos with ranch and bacon. My mouth was having an orgasm!!! The flavors are great, medium spice, pungent sauces. I'm in love here. read more

Bait Shop - Chicken tacos with bacon and ranch. AMAZING!!!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

looooove their fish tacos and drinks! its the best! overall the people who work there are great too! However, there is one waitress there, idk if she's even there anymore, hopefully not but my God she's awful. How do I put this nicely.... don't bring your man there because she's a total hoe. lol read more

This place is great. The service is always really good and their prices are great. I didn't like their burger the last time I went but I like most of their menu a lot so whatever. It's a good spot and definitely a favorite in Capitol Hill. It's also dog friendly and they have a great little seating area in front on the sidewalk that's perfect. read more

One of my new favorite dive bars here on Cap hill. The food here is just so amazing. Tried the tacos (with pineapple, a must), corn, fries and hot wings for food. Had the painkiller and zombie for drinks. Everything was AMAZING. I could literally eat like 5 of those corn things, it's so good!! Reminds me of street food I had in Honduras and Bali. The wings were very tasty! Traditionally simple and perfect. Good size, good quality wings. The drinks were strong! Especially the Zombie. If you are looking to get shwasted, this is your drink. I love this place so much. The 4.5 star rating for this place is no joke! Protip: Just seat your self. Don't be shy. Drinks and food are a lot cheaper during HH. read more

Can I get a 'F*ck yeah'?! Having lived in Capitol Hill (specifically near the North end of Broadway) for the better part of almost 7 years, I had no idea how badly we needed a bar like Bait Shop until I popped in last night to check it out. Consider me HOOKED! Much like the vibe you get at Linda's, Smith, King's and Oddfellows, this hot new hangout provides a causal and cool atmosphere for people to hang out on the other side of the Hill. I anticipate this place will be packed but for good reason. Come, check out the scene, maybe meet some friends and of course try the booze and the food. Like Linda's other businesses, this bar has it all. But with a few small upgrades to boot! Sure you've got your taxidermy (this time from the ocean!) and you've got your cozy booths, your affordable booze, but you've also got some great house cocktails, better quality ice from a kick ass Cold Draft machine and some really outstanding food. Again, with the focus on the ocean, here you'll find a fish sandwich, fish n' chips and the like. And honestly, this is some of the absolute best fish n chips I've had in Seattle. Ever. My boyfriend and I practically fought over it. The batter on the fish is absolutely perfect. Oh, and to accompany the fish, I also loved the fries! I forget the rather complicated process but the bartender proudly commented on how much love they put into their fries and it absolutely shows. While I normally try to avoid eating every fry with my meal, it's imposible here. They're so good you'll consider ordering more. Even if you're full. Totally outstanding. I also ordered the BBQ prok rinds which are a unique little addition to the creative, simple and affordable food options on the menu. Everything was great and I really look forward to not having to walk a half mile to the Pike/Pine corridor to find a relaxed bar to hang out in. Yep - I'm already sure I'll become a regular. This is the perfect place to get a bite/drink before a movie at the Harvard Exit Theatre, too. read more

Great wings and friendly staff! This is a great bar and I hope they stick around through the lockdowns!

Drinks only for us, but this is a good option in Capitol Hill before heading out to a tasty dinner in the neighborhood (in our case, Poppy.) Dark setting with black leather chairs, fruity drinks served in a pineapple with umbrellas, ship's wheels over the bar, dark wood paneling, several giant mounted fish --with a major tip of the hat to fishing in the 50s, the Bait Shop is a retro cocktail spot. We liked the friendly factor here. Lots of cool smiling and tattooed waitresses with Midwest attitudes work at this joint and it has a nice mix of older, younger, and a diverse (for Seattle) crowd. We came in here with an older family member, who sweetly ordered a virgin Pina Colada, and they treated her like royalty. Love this place! One ding (sadly) for the flat Boneyard IPA they served. It was certainly a miss to have an excellent craft beer served all wrong. While we didn't send it back, we probably should have. Major craft beer fizzle, given seriously lacking carbonation. While something was certainly amiss with their on tap offerings, we did appreciate the fun aesthetic and the welcoming, friendly feel. Not trying too hard. In a good way. read more

Up at the more sedate end of the hill is the Bait Shop. This place is like the VIP room of Linda's, and by hipster fashion, it is a mile away so that you feel like you have earned admittance as you walk there or ride your fixie. It's mostly clean. They make their premixed cocktails pretty goddamn seriously and have tuned their recipes to make a consistent crowd-pleasing product. They even whip up some food fast if you want some. Happy hour has dollar beers if you have a taste for beer that costs only a dollar (it's like brand X high life. Not bad!). A nice place to take your unwholesome confidants or to meet your parole officer. I like it. I enjoy coming here when the Seattle bartender powertrips have bored me to death. It's kind of like if the VFW you had a drink with your uncle who went to war was cooler and full of beardy hipsters. read more

Bait Shop - That's cap hill for you. - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Another lovely place to add to the books :) 5 stars for awesome food, service and drinks. Important stuff: - Cool restaurant with a Maritime/Rock/Mermaid? vibe :P - Lovely, friendly staff :) Our server today 5/29 was really awesome and fun to talk to - Great happy hour! 4-6pm daily (?), $4 well drinks, ~$5 beers on tap, $7 special cocktails and deals on snacks like street corn, chips and salsa and tacos! The bf and I ordered two frozen painkillers (super cute drinks and yummy too!) + the street corn $3 (so delicious) and an order for regular fries $5. Our server let us choose several dipping sauces and we got ketchup, ranch and wings sauce (buffalo sauce) awesome! The fries were super yummy, German style fries. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and most definitely will be back the next time we're in town! Don't know how I'll be leaving Seattle tomorrow :( Will definitely miss these amazing places and people... Till next time~! read more

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My favorite place!! I almost didn't want to write this but considering I come here at least once a week for the past few months, I just have to!! This place warm my heart and soul. Yes yes. Tropical drinks in a dim lit place + homemade fries. It's not like the fancy pants places I usually like for a bar. But this is just right. Its a remodeled dive bar but its new and comfy. Dare I say romantic even? I come here 2-3 times a week and get me what my doctor ordered aka Pain Killers ( drinks ppl, not pills), and I go home happy. It's no Hawai'i but it's good for homesick islanders in the drink department. All they need is a karaoke bar + a beach! Servers are so nice, they always chat you up. Bartenders are even nicer if you manage to sneak a spot at the bar which is highly unlikely. But you can try. I came here when they first opened a few moths back and did notice how popular they've got. Thanks Seattle Mag......My late nights here = frozen drinks, rock music, chilled dark vibe and throw in some fried calamari, hand cut fries or deviled eggs. If you are feeling adventurous, try their Zombie cocktails. 2 drinks maximum per person. I heart you bait shop!! Ps. They DO run out of their painkiller mix. Get there before 9 pm or after 10:30. It takes an hour and half to remake the mix and freeze it. Yes, you've been warned. read more

Bait Shop - Painkillers for days!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Classic American bar feel. Christmas is still up halfway through January was a little weird. The menu of drink are full of tiki bar kinds of drinks. The can beers are a little over priced but the cocktails are reasonable. The staff is nice and regularly checks in on you. The food isn't the best selection of food but you can have a good meal. The fries are excellent. The fish for the fish and chips is a good size but tasted off so be warned. read more

Updated: was sent a gift card from this place asking me to reconsider. They made the moment right. The food is great. Their chicken sandwich keeps me coming back. I love the pineapple as well. Thanks for going the extra mile to make things better for me! Pretty disappointed with this place. Got 2 cocktails in pineapples. They were good. But the waitress charged me twice on my debit card. My other friend paid cash and she decided to charge my card and probably keep the cash. After calling them multiple times and getting dismissed or told my call would returned I gave up. Be careful who you give your card to here or avoid. read more

WHOA...this place - I don't know where to start! I loved how when I walked through the door, I really felt like I entered the interior of a nice old boat. I instantly loved all of the nautical decor and how all of the booths were cozy and half-circle style (which is the best.) I went during happy hour and ordered the Painkiller ($7) which I thought was a pretty good price considering how strong (and yummy!) it was. It was an interesting mix of tropical fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg. Plus it came with a sweet plastic mermaid that was balanced on the rim of the glass..it also came with an umbrella. I am such a sucker for good drink accessories. I ordered a steak taco, which was oh-so-tender and tasted so fresh! I was delighted to see that they added cilantro, which is always a nice surprise. Everything was very fresh and delicious. I also had a carnitas taco, which was also really good, but next time I think I'll order up two of the steak ones since I enjoyed them a 15% more. And I can't forget to mention how wonderful the guacamole was. It was the best guac I've had in Washington, no doubt. So fresh and chunky! Just the way I like it. What made the experience even better was the fact that they were playing the best music! Especially during the last half when it was all really great oldies. Wonderful! I always love a bar that appreciates the classics. My friend told me that on Sundays they have a record player and a crate of records on the bar so that patrons can play whatever they like..nice touch. Can't wait to go back! read more

Bait Shop - Great tacos and the painkiller was delish. - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Everything is freshly prepared. You can by the hot temp and crispiness of the fish and chips and popcorn chicken. Reasonably priced drinks. I love getting a painkiller. It always brings me back to the Caribbean. Eat and drink well everyone! read more

I'm in love. Alcoholic slushies?! Mmmmm, yes please. I came in during Happy Hour (4-6) with some friends. I arrived at 5ish on a Friday evening and it was pretty empty, but by the time we left a few many hours later, it was packed. It was loud, but I'm sure 90% of that loudness came from my drunk mouth. I had my fair share of Seattle Ciders. We all shared an order of the fish and chips. I was trying not to eat all of it, but ended up doing just that. The fish was amazing and the fries were pretty good. Side of chips and guac and we were all set for the evening. They had some other yummy looking things on the menu. Their cocktail list looks amazing - esp. the Zombie (limit 2 per person, rum + rum + more rum + rum, whut?). Service was great. Our server was pretty patient with me while I sat around dilly dallying on what to order. He brought out some slushie samples, though the Frozen Painkiller was the best. A fruity, frozen treat. In love with the dark, atmosphere and fishing decor. It was kind of a high class dive :) This might be my new spotttt. PS - There is a photobooth outside the bathrooms!!! Love. read more

Bait Shop - HH Cup 'o wine and deviled eggs - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

One word. Ranch. Another word. Fries. The combo of these two at Bait Shop are deadly delicious. I've been here a few times and it's more than your average hipster bar. The drinks are pretty good, they serve tall boys of Rainier (which I wear my best flannel for), and the food is simple but pretty good. The fries were super crispy and the ranch was thick and creamy (dirty thoughts ensue). For the price, the food is pretty good. The cocktails may be a touch expensive but I think they're using real ingredients because only real citrus juices will give me heartburn. The service was great -- I had deep discussions on good ranch. Ranch is important to me. read more

Bait Shop - Fried chicken Sammy. Always order a side of ranch! - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Tiki themed drinks are awesome here. They come in all different types of cups, bowls, goblets, pineapples--definitely props to the drink inventor at Bait Shop. The "normal" drinks are about $12, but the shared ones are obviously more pricey. They don't skimp on the alcohol. Be prepared for the hangover tomorrow. Fries are of the fatty variety, shaved straight off the potato. These were just all right. Variety of dipping sauces, but kind of pricey for what it is. Super hipster vibes. Felt out of place with a cardigan on. read more

Linda does it again! (2 great) Cocktails on tap, a great interior/aesthetic and good nibbly bits to boot! I like this place because it's a bit off the well-beaten Capitol Hill bar crawl path but still has the vibe, people and atmosphere I want. Casual and easy, fun and not too pretentious. I'm just waiting for fried oysters to make the menu -- a girl can dream. The roasted shishito peppers are really delicious. The fries are perfect. The shrimp cocktail is a nice robust surprise for only $7. Loving this place. read more

A restaurant name like Bait Shop doesn't exactly draw you in, but luckily most of my group was craving wings and that was enough. I am glad we tried it out though! The food menu is surprisingly diverse and though I can't speak for anything but the wings, most of my group's food was finished by the end. The wings are just an appetizer than I chose to eat for my meal. I was surprised it came with SO many wings! Especially for an appetizer at such a fair price! They were marked as Spicy- but they're very very mild. This made me extremely happy because I'm not a huge fan of spice, but others in my group weren't as happy. Our waiter was very attentive and friendly. The ambiance was loud, but not unexpectedly so. The specialty cocktail menu is extensive and also VERY interesting! There are a lot of things I'm interested in trying off both the food & drink menu, so I will definitely be returning! read more

Oh Bait Shop...where do I begin? If I have to start somewhere, it might as well be the phenomenal staff - from Kendra to Carlee to Jess to Robert to Lelah (sp?)...they perfectly combine friendliness, professionalism, and fun-loving attitude. The staff also is constantly thinking of ways to create a great atmosphere - for example, they go above and beyond hosting special events for April Fools' and Pride weekend...among others... The food served is phenomenal, and at the same time unpretentious. My favorites are the fish tacos (whether fried or seared), deviled eggs, and chicken sandwich/salad. Additionally, for those that start earlier in the evening, Bait Shop has one of the best happy hours in town. If interested, I posted a picture of the latest menu - it really has something for everyone! Cocktails are also well balanced and priced fairly. My favorite menu drinks are the Old fashioned, the Scotsman, and the Zombie. If requested, the staff will also happily whip up some phenomenal concoctions off-menu as well! Anyhow, if you find yourself on the north end of Broadway unsure of where to go...definitely consider taking a step into Bait Shop. You won't regret it! read more

Bait Shop - Happy Hour Menu as of July '15...great options! - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I love Bait Shop. I'd order the fish & chips a lot. The fish was always great and the fries were fine but not the best fries that you've ever had. I recently ordered the fish & chips again, and the fries are improved and amazing now! I feel like maybe they changed the fish batter too? I really appreciate when a place revisits what they're doing and actively tries to make it better, which they've done, so 5 stars! Also, I like the wings. Classic Buffalo style, which is how it should be. read more

Affordable, stiff drinks, above average bar food, and excellent service with a divey ambiance. This is all a winning combination for me. The place was busy on a Friday, but people cycled through quickly. Getting seated is a bit confusing because a server told the couple ahead of me and myself that they would let us know when a table would open up, but twice someone would stumble in and jump into a table that had just been abandoned. There were no signs about waiting to get seated or anything. It was annoying but overall didn't affect getting seated pretty quickly. Overall, though, cool vibe, good food and drinks and good service - I'd come back! read more

not hating on the food or drinks at this establishment but the fact they have no management in this place to handle rude employees and thinking they can walk around and be rude to customers and still work there. got there it was steady people looked like they been helped already. me and my friend sat down and waiting 10 min getting passed my staffed and not greeted once. I asked for water twice and did not get it till we made a scene. And then not only did they slam the waters on the table there attitude and the way they felt like they could talk to us wasn't ok. They got our orders wrong cause they were too irritated to help us. I work in food industry so I get when it gets busy but this was absolutely uncalled for. And the fact they have no management to discuss this with its possible I may have to take further action and figuring out Hr or labor industries or whatever but either fix your staff and let them know they can get themselves hurt if they get the wrong customers talking the way they did. read more

one of my favorite spots now, after one visit! they're conveniently located on cap hill and have such a good vibe. go for their Catch of the Day - it's their daily drink special and, from what i hear/from my experience, it's always very good. they've also got a decent food menu and their kitchen doesn't close until midnight... will definitely be back! they're a great semi-laid back spot to bring friends read more

I've been here a handful of times and each time it was specifically for their frozen drinks. I must have a thing for frozen drinks I guess. If you do too, then check out the Bait Shop. The painkiller is tasty and I forget the other one I really liked but worth the visit. Atmosphere is fun and casual and the service has always been great. Deviled eggs are good too. Indoor and outdoor seating on Capitol Hill's Broadway- great for warm nights or sunny afternoon people watching. read more

Bait Shop - 2 painkillers looking so cute - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Super chill spot with amazing frozen drinks. I recommend the painkiller-it's not too sweet but packs the perfect punch. The bartenders are always super nice and you definitely need to try their guac! Happy Hour prices are pretty good :) read more

Bait Shop - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great service, great specials, great atmosphere. Don't go here if you suck. Happy hour open to 6pm, cheap food. Tall boy + shot for $3. Dive bar atmosphere, relaxed environment. Gets loud on weekend, but there is an outdoor seating area. read more

Bait Shop - Tall boy + chips & salsa - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Hit or miss with the service. I've been treated really well and I've been treated really crappy. The three stars is for the nice drinks and hospitality I received on my initial visit. Two guys were helping on a Friday evening. Food was actually decent as well. Second time around the holidays and was helped by a blonde female (I know there is multiple not sure the name of this one), super rude and uninterested in being cheerful to any degree. Very crass, zero desire to make anyone's day. Which I feel is important in that type of an industry. It's the little things that count and kill, but that's her loss. Cool place for young crowd, drinks can be good and food about a 3. I wouldn't return but if you're new to the area it's worth checking out. read more

Come here if you like fat fat fries! The happy hour is great, although it doesn't include the fries :( Came here with a friend and sat ourselves outside since it was nice out. It's a nice spot for people/dog watching. The servers were really nice and attentive. The fries are faaat and the smaller portion is good for 2 if you're not starving. We also got nachos. I wasn't super full after these, but was satisfying. You can add meat to the nachos as well. They give a last call for happy hour so you can take advantage before it's over! read more

Bait Shop - Nachos - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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When my friend and I came in here, we were welcomed by a divey bar with no stale beer/whiskey smell - the unicorn of dive bars. After striking up conversation with the bartender, he was surprised we had stopped in as this was really just a local, neighborhood bar. Most definitely my kind of place. We noticed a bunch of drawings on coasters hung up, so my friend decided to add to the collection. Hopefully it's up somewhere there as we sent as much love from NY as we could. read more

The bartender at our favorite bar (Sun liquors) recommended this bar/ restaurant for good drinks and bar food. Boy, was he right! We started with a painkiller cocktail, and appreciated that the taste of booze was actually there. So damn good! I had the carnitas taco. Very fresh, with a definite brightness. I wish we were in time for the happy hour because tacos are only $3. Mr B raved about the fish and chips. So often he has a complaint, but none offered. Just said how tasty the fish, served scorching hot. Even the fries were hot and delicious. Both male and female servers were super nice! If you are craving bar food and drink, this is your place! read more

I wish I discovered this place sooner -- the drinks are bomb af! I suggest "the painkiller" or checking out their rotating frozen drinks. For food, the corn is magical. Seriously, you may find yourself ordering 2. The food takes a little bit to come, but it's worth the wait. I also liked the wings. My girlfriend ordered the burger or chicken sandwich (can't recall) that came with fries. She devoured it. Servie is great and there is ample seating for a bar. A few outdoor tables. read more

We love this place, the food, the drinks the staff, all amazing! Sadly, we've recently moved away from Capitol Hill and don't frequent as much as we used to, when it was easy enough to just walk home. We still try to make it a point to stop in and have our go to chicken tacos with pineapple and carnitas tacos with pineapple and avacado! The menu is small and this allows the kick ass kitchen staff to focus on making great food! read more