The Blue Moon Tavern is hands down one of the best dive bars you will ever visit. Parking sucks, and it doesn't look like much from the outside, but if you go in you won't be disappointed. First off, cheap drinks - generous pour. You get a lot of bang for your buck. And they have live music most nights of the week. I've seen a ton of fun local bands there! It's a really good time. They also have some games and (I think it's still there) a pool table! All in all, it's an awesome place to hang out with friends. And the bar tenders are really fun. For years, this guy Montana Mike was the bouncer. He was so chill and would always joke around with the regulars - who make up a pretty good number of the patrons. You'll always see them milling around outside taking a smoke break or talking. And - it's dog friendly! I took my boxer-lab mix there to watch the Seahawks game! It was awesome. read more

I've seen my friend's band play here once and we had a great time! The place feels so rustic and unpretentious and we just ate it up! The drinks are mighty strong and even though the bartender was extremely unfriendly and off putting, I still paid him, took my drink, and went on my merry way! I guess I didn't expect anything less from a little dive bar in the U-District that probably gets its fare share of annoying, drunk college kids. If there isn't a band playing or interesting people to talk to, take some time to check out all the cool junk hanging on the walls or pick up a book from their tiny "library" in the corner. The Blue Moon has a little something for everyone. read more

Cash only! Totally legit Seattle bar. I heard it's an old school dive, and it held up to everything I thought it would be. Except they had a nice bartender, that had no problem grabbing me another pounder. My buddies band rocked the night away and we had a blast tearing up the dance floor. Definitely stop by and pick up one of the locals that fall off their barstool. read more

i felt i was surrounded by bearded wise men. bUT they did not speak to me! Not that they were unfriendly, but clearly I was a newcomer. In any case, i had two delicious manhattans. They were very good, and I felt, I am sure you think I was half-drunk, but I felt that this was one of God's unpredictably holy places. And the long walk back to my car in the radiant sunshine and cool breeze somehow confirmed it. read more

Where can you find the dive-iest dive bar, with plenty of dirt, a huge pool table on the "dance floor," big beams blocking the view of the stage from anyone sitting in the wooden booths, old timers with braided beards, long-time alcoholics, peanut shells strewn all about, and a pudgy dog or two searching the floor for discarded snacks? The Blue Moon Tavern, of course. Stephen J., a couple friends, and I ventured out on a Sunday to watch a friend perform some traditional Hawaiian songs with his bandmates. There's always comfort in knowing a dive bar like the Blue Moon exists when you need one. read more

Didn't stay long enough to comment on the bathroom, but the rest of the descriptions of filthy, funky crap on the walls is accurate, and no its not an art museum so feel free to touch the "art". It's original. Thought the beer taps weren't too interesting but definitely local and a little spendy at 4.25 a pull for the type of atmosphere. The johnny cash photocopies over the bar saying "cash only" are not jukebox suggestions, leave the credit card at home and bring cash or get raped metaphorically at the ATM behind the bar. read more

I was waiting on a friend in the Wallingford area and stumbled into this joint. Luckily they were playing some live music (some interesting Russian named acoustic folk music band with drums, acoustic, and bass guitar). If there was to be a photo of a true dive bar, this would be it. At first glance it looks like a run-down pirate ship--the entire motif is wood--everywhere. Maybe it's the whole Norwegian feel to the Fremont/Balldar/Wallingford area, I don't know, but it just fit. You'll find the usual group of stalwart men in their forties or fifties, and I saw the occasional hipster male and females, a bit of a hippie/folk-like fcharm, and other varied individuals. Interestingly enough, they do not serve Blue Moon at Blue Moon, but they still have a decent amount of great micros and plenty of the hard stuff, if that's your thing. If you are in Wallingford and killing time, come check them out. I didn't get to stay long, but I would definitely come back again, as this is the epitomy of dive bars that you must check out. read more

Was only here for 20 min (yes, the 3rd bar of our pub run). They were very nice to 50 sweaty runners. They got extra bartenders just for it. Definitely a dive bar, but I dont care. I liked it. I could hang out there, even with the kinda weird clientèle. read more

So, um, I know dive bars are supposed to have a certain atmosphere, but when your patrons intend on staying and spending a decent amount of money, it's your job as the bartender to tell customers that are too drunk to leave and stop bothering other people. I was here with my boyfriend and this drunk bro bothered us for about a half hour and we could not get him to leave us alone. This included staring down the bartender repeatedly, and he was well aware of what was going on. After about 20 minutes of being annoyed, this guy finally touched both of our faces and we decided it was time to go. Shame, too, since we were enjoying the vibe and the music. The bar still gets three stars because I thought everything about its pricing and atmosphere was great -- but I'm pretty annoyed about the lack of action on the part of the bartender. read more

If you like dive bars this is your spot! I heard it's the oldest bar in the U & it wouldn't surprise me a bit! The bartenders are super friendly. I always manage to randomly go in on open mic night-always entertaining! They even have board games you can play. Love it! Ps Scrabble has double the amount of letters in the box! You've been warned;) read more

If you don't like it, stay away. I love it. It makes me feel good to be alive. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy and remember my very youthful days with my dad in a bar in a time when it was okay for small child to be in a place like that. The Moon was the first bar I went to in Seattle. My friends took me there while I was looking for a place to live before I moved here. I never felt like anything but a local in there... Honestly, if you can't handle the pee smell or the aroma of humanity, please drink at Fado or some other godawfull bar. read more

Bad karma happened. Staff not very tactful. I used an 'f' word in my last review and it was flagged. I am sorry. Is the bartender? read more

I've heard of this place, but I wouldn't want to frequent it myself. What I would do, having walked past it more than a few times and tried not to have a social interaction with the people standing around outside who seem to be big earners in the sketchy caricature of those who flunked out of a NA program, is wire someone up with a video feed and send them in my place. I'm very sure that those who told me about it are right in it being the oldest bar in the area. It shows. It's populated by people who are most definitely not enjoying life. This place makes The Buck on Fremont look like a churchy ice cream social. read more

A real dive bar. The interior looks almost like the place has been abandoned. Rotating clientele. It is what it is.

I should be all over the Blue Moon bandwagon. For all intents and purposes, it is my sort of bar - dark, dirty, divey. But I only tried it for the first time a couple of months ago and was disappointed. The prices were too high for a dive bar, and there was a live band crowded into a corner that was WAY TOO LOUD - if it's going to be that loud then it shouldn't be that dark because you suddenly get the sensation that you are blind and deaf and you can't even get to the bartender to get a drink to calm you down! I am sure that had I been coming here for years I would be defending it to the death in this review, but unfortunately I was just too late. read more

I first went to the Blue Moon in 1970 while I was a student at the University of Washington. Now I try to make a stop there every time I return to Seattle. Yes, it's a grungy neighborhood bar (someone else said "old school dive" another said "like my favorite pair of old shoes. Gritty and worn, ugly, a little stinky and immensely comfortable" another "grimy, little dive" Dead on!) - and one of the most comfortable and unpretentious places I know. You never know who you'll run into there, and it's usually a treat. ALWAYS a good place to stop and have a beer, socialize if you want, or just watch the world happen. read more

There is a security guard who is extremely rude outside of the small bar's door. He will tell you that to enter the tavern costs $7 a person, then give you an angry look without saying a word when you ask if he is serious. He is extremely unecessarily agressive to us students wearing UW gear who live nearby trying to get a drink read more

I agree with Shana about eggplant - and that is totally how this dive bar should be judged. I don't like eggplant - but I love Blue Moon. I like dive bars. If I say "hey - I like this bar" it means that it is dark, serves beer and basic bottled stuff. It's a great place on Fridays because you just got off work, hate your boss, don't feel like pulling on the tight pants. Oh, and they always got a game on the tube. Just don't bring along your fancy friends. read more

The Blue Moon is about as dive-y as it gets: complete with homeless customers, urine smell, and (rumored) back-bar crack deals. For all that, the Moon doesn't feel unsafe, and the large draft beer selection makes it worth your while...well, my while at least. Sometimes. For kicks. Also, you've got to appreciate the crusty ol' history of this crusty ol' bar, much of which is chronicled in yellowed newsprint tacked to the walls, or scrawled in Magic Marker on the bathroom stalls. Tom Robbins used to hang out here, along with a bevy of beatnicks and hippies throughout the ages. Occasionally, a few brave hipsters will wander in even now, although they usually end up huddled in a corner, looking nervously around the room and clutching at their bottles of Red Stripe. Also, the eclectic selection of trashy paperbacks lining the walls make for some HI-larious reading after you've downed a couple of pitchers. I've even ended up taking a few volumes home with me, although they're never quite as funny or fascinating in the cold, clear light of the next day's hangover. Good Times. read more

Ooooph... in a good way. This is another Seattle strong hold for the Hippie crowd, well more like barflies these days.... Go on your barf-day, I mean your 21st and they'll gladly serve you up a draft for your troubles. Too many bad memories of this place for me, but for the "dive" bar crowd this is Mecca. Just watch the Men's room doors, they hurt a lot when they smash into your forehead... OUCH!! read more

A hipster bar to end all hipster bars. A lot of live music, PBR specials, old wood floors, dark on one side and lighter near the bathrooms. All things considered, a fun place to grab a casual drink for those around the college-age. If there's a band, there's a cover. read more

Blue Moon Tavern - Ironwood Run on stage at the Blue Moon Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Always great bartenders, great bands, and a host of characters. This is the place to go by yourself, saddle up to the bar, and start good conversation. There is a soft spot in my heart for the wood booths and peanut shells all over the ground. read more

Blue Moon Tavern - Tall boys and baskets of peanuts! - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I had met a friend for a beer here a while back when I first moved here & thought it an ok hole in the wall bar. I attended my friend's show there last night & ran a tab. At the end of the evening I asked for my total as I was paying cash. The bartender charged me $32. I inquired why $32? He said 6 Miller Lites @ $3.50 plus the $5 beer I bought my buddy in the band. Mmmm....I'm just a bartender & community college student but that math doesn't add up. I generally tip 20% or more but I left $3. Obviously it is still bothering me or I would not have been motivated to write this. If you are looking for a drink in a seedy bar in the UD where famous dead people used to hang, have fun! Just don't run a tab... read more

The bar and setting may be nice but the bartender is very rude. Used a trash can near the bar to throw trash ( which I could have just left there ) so the bartender freaked out and started shouting. If you are the manager of this place and reading this, this is not the way to treat paying customers. This was during the open mic live event. Also they charged me 9 bucks for a vodka soda !! . I mean it's a pretty shitty bar location and ambience wise. What the fuck are you charging so much for ? And noticed some really shady ppl hanging at the bar. I would avoid like plague read more

Ever a dull moment at the Blue Moon. Stay a while and have a beer, talk to some old timers and check out all of the great photos on the walls and ceiling. Truly a great dive bar. Have some peanuts, make a mess and soak in the ambiance. You won't regret it.. read more

All the history is fine; the live shows are fine, as they alternative between genuinely good and enjoyably bad; the service is fine and friendly. You can get whatever drinks you want at a decent price. That's all just very well and fine. But the real draw for me is, well, let's not mince words: I am an old man, and I live in the U. District. That's a pretty bad combo when it comes to bars, because I don't like drinking with noisome 22-year-olds who alternate hollering at the top of their lungs and puking up their first shot of Jim Beam. The Blue Moon is one of the few places in the area where I can go to drink, not be the oldest person in the joint, and relax because I'm in the presence of veteran professional drinkers. read more

It smells like pee in here but boy, they do make a mean Washington Apple! A few of those and I'm nose blind so the smell doesn't bother me as much. The decor gives off a good musty, drafty vibe. The bartender looked like he hadn't bathed since 1976 but hey, at least the smells and sights both coincide! read more

They have Roger's on tap, peanuts upon request and there are usually about 8 drunk old guys and 3 dogs ponied up to the bar on a regular weekday. Needless to say, I love this place! read more

Got to the venue early per usual went to check in with sound guy J.J. and was immediately thrown off by his fowl attitude. Went and spoke to the bartender got the same treatment, this place was extremely uninviting. I then watched 3 other musicians check in for the night and proceed to feel the wrath of J.J. the sound guy and the unapproachable rude bartender. We won over the locals and got em all to buy us drinks by the end of the night the sound guy relaxed a little. The pay was horrible overall a really bad experience this is not a real venue more like a bitter bar full of bitter vibes. Will not play again and reccomend to any serious musicians out there to stay away. read more

I love a good dive bar. I rarely make my way to the U-District but there was an Opera on Tap event going on that I wanted to go to. It's definitely an easy to miss bar so if you're band at finding places like me, I suggest taking a look at the business front before heading out. The places was quite packed, but the bartender got to me surprisingly fast and was very friendly. The group of people who I met up with go to Blue Moon on non-event nights and tell me it's usually not packed. I am a beer drinker and was quite happy with their beer selection. Seems like a great place to grab a drink with friends! read more

the blue moon is kinda like soul food. as soon as i walk in i start aching for peanuts and PBR. they do, of course, have other beer that is better i'm sure, i myself stick to pabst, eat my peanuts, and watch the crazies and homeless people spend the money that they bummed from me earlier in the day. yeah its skeezy yeah its divey yeah the live music is mostly heinous. but come on wed for the open mike (love it) or on sudays for opera night i promise you will at the least leave tipsy. read more

Dive Bar! One of the first to be a mile away from the University of Washington when they couldn't have drinking close to the campus. It is one of the beat dive bars around, as it has a pool table and live music on some nights. No cover. Right off of the 45th exit. read more

It took a long time after I turned 21 to work up the courage to walk into the Blue Moon. This dive has history. Kerouac, Ginsberg, Dylan Thomas and Tom Robbins all drank here. The current patrons don't seem like they'll win any Pulitzers or shatter the world with original thinking because they're too busy just sitting around just having a beer. It's a dive. They may offer wine, but don't order it. Just drink a beer. Don't go alone. It's got concrete floors and papers stuck to the walls that may have been around since Kerouac's time, but don't touch them unless you want the detritus of decades of dive bar stuck to your fingers. Still, you've got to go once. Unless you only like Belltown. read more

Best dive bar ever! The bartender was wandering around confused with a towel and an empty peanut bag on his head while a man wrestled his dog in the corner. Got garbage? Throw it on the floor, nobody will notice! Another man had a loud argument with himself. To complete our adventure- a rat ran across our path on the sidewalk by our car. He probably left to go somewhere cleaner. I love this bar! read more

Seattle's greatest dive bar. Period. If you like dive bars, it's an absolute must. Ah, the ambiance...the old school Seattle memorabilia, the books lining the booths, the lack of light, that perfect dive bar smell, the clientele who look like they're melded to the seats...it's outstanding. Unless you don't like dive bars, in which case you'll think it's horrible and we'll think you're dumb. read more

This is definitely way beyond a dive bar. after sitting at the bar a while you will probably have a strong desire to wash yourself. the website reads "Pulitzer Prize-winning poets and Dead Heads have bent their elbows at its bar"; Bukowski(no Pulitzer i know...) yes, Hemingway no. upon sitting down i was greeted (perhaps assaulted would be a better term) with the unique aroma of spilt beer and heinous body odor. mmmmmmmmm.... the bartender wiped a 4 square inch section of the bar once, but oddly the rest of the bar was still sticky....? the bands(sound guy? we dont need no stinking sound guy!!) were not the evenings only entertainment. i was also treated to the sight of not less than seven bums making their rounds and a couple of the drunkest people i have ever witnessed. apparently though, they don't cut you off here, they just limit you to one pitcher per person. per hour... so why the four stars? no cover and 14 good beers on tap, not a single one over 4.00 a pint. this place really is the quintessential dive bar. if you want to drink at a place where there are no prententions of any kind and everybody in the place is there for the same reason, look no further. i think the best part of the evening was watching the trendies from UW wander in, have their credit cards rejected(cash only), and scamper out after gulping down their drinks with scared looks on their faces. consider yourselves warned ladies, you will probably feel uncomfortable here alone. oh and the bathroom.... have you seen "Trainspotting"? remember the scene with "the filthiest toilet in Scotland"? feel like reliving it in Seattle? read more

A spectral display of delightful flavors in which all colors become twelve. The pastoral chicken is to die for! Also, don't miss the turtle bisque with essence of fennel - a real party for the palate. The service was exemplary, plaudits are in order. The ambiance is regal, majestic, yet still is grounded and hardly pretentious. Plus, I got bung by toothless crackwhore. Highly recommended. read more

My friend and I were walking down 45thst after a great movie and we saw a place called Blue Moon Tavern. Since I am new to Seattle I like finding these rare bars that have interesting people and a real Seattle vibe. As I walked in I immediately was impressed with the books on shelves, the pictures and the people sitting at the bar. My friend told me that he knows the owner so we said hello to him and he introduced me to him. He was so nice and we talked together for a long time. He shared a lot of neat stuff about Seattle and made me feel so welcomed. I ordered a gingerale and sat there and enjoyed the music. I love this place because it does not pretend to be anything but a cool neighborhood bar with a lot of real history. I will definitely go back and see some more music and hang. read more

The best dive bar in Seattle. Talk to the old hippies, you will hear some interesting stories. Great place to see shows. 'Nuff said.

My friend's band played here Saturday. Worst venue I've seen them play at. The doorman was a jerk to the band, who they booked! The sound man acted as if it was a big favor to turn on the vocal monitors, which are mounted in the ceiling lights for some reason. If you don't want to work the door or be a sound man, don't have live music. Oh and $4.25 for a Sol which was served with a lemon in it already, instead of a lime, is crazy. Never coming back to this place. read more