Came here to listen to music. Cozy venue, friendly staff. Music was enjoyable. Small parking lot so we had to look for street parking. read more

Darrell's Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

Drove past this place for 30 years before I finally stopped. Can't wait to go back for the live music.

One of my favorite venues. Great staff who just busts themselves delivering drinks on crowded nights when there's a good show playing. I love hanging out on their patio between sets. The vibe here is great and Dan (the owner) works to keep it that way. When there's no show playing, it's a relaxed place to have a beer and chill. read more

Great place all around. Good people, good drinks, good vibe, pinball, and lots of bands. But also fun events from time to time. Their pizza here is decent when you're hungry. Service is always rockin' read more

Came to Darrell's Tavern on Aurora Ave on a hot summer night to partake in live music from a friends band. I miss old man local taverns like Darryl's because it's a pure Americana watering hole. Everything about it says sit here a drink beer. Speaking of beer Darrell's serves many brews on Tap including Georgetown Brewing favorites Manny's. But on can you can suck down PBR or Rainer tall boys. Those Rainers are for Hipster dips thinking it's a local brew. I had a cocktail while bellying up to the bar but it was Ok, but what can I expect. This is a tavern for god's sake not an upscale cocktail joint. I don't see anyone looking like Tom Cruise flipping shakers & ice cubes in the air making cocktails & dreams. Keep your expectations to what is done best which is beer & shots! I made sure I threw an extra buck down ( TIP ) which each tasty beverage. The lady's working depend on it to survive. Well, that's it ladies & gentleman it's time to hit the next OLD MAN bar... read more

So let me start by saying the pizza is incredible here It's perfect in every way ! We had the Darrell's special the second time I came and we loved it so much we ordered a second. So this was my second time here and we came to watch the live music. We sat in the far back corner at the bar and was watching the music and keeping track of the WSU game on a small tv in the corner. A man came and turned it off and said it's a music bar .. turns out it was the owner and we were super disappointed by his rudeness but according to a customer he hates sports and that is why his bar only had two or three small TVs .. fair enough it's his bar .. When the second set started the music was so loud we couldn't even hear the singing and had to put our hands over our ears. Other customers around the bar doing the same thing. We were having fun but the music was too loud and no one seemed to care. When the third set started it was better and you could hear the voices at least but still too loud. Not sure why they didn't adjust the sound as most other bars will walk around the bar and make sure the music is balanced but not this bar. We left after staying around 4 hours .. I am not sure if I would go back as the owner was very abrupt with turning off a tv that three customers were glancing at every three min but it's his bar .. the bar staff super friendly and attentive read more

It would be my first open mic experience since before 2019 and all that isolation. Well, having shown up early I got myself a beer and found a table in back. One beer led to two and after that I lost track. I met some locals during signup and we talked music. During this time someone swiped my table. A friend of mine showed up and we sat around the missing table and talked excitedly. Then the music started and it just got more fun. The host was amusing and skilled at letting people play but not all night, all positive vibes. The crowd was super supportive of every performer, and we all made mistakes and were gladly forgiven. Regrettably, during the host's set, my friend was ready to go. It was sounding great but I didn't want to pass up a ride back to my hotel, even though this part of the metropolis didn't seem dangerous. But a night to remember it was. read more

Darrell's Tavern - Before anyone arrived for open mic: a quiet before the fun - Dive Bars Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

The Seattle music scene might be wheezing and gasping, on some kind of nostalgia-fueled life support, a mere shadow of the sweat, blood, mayhem and rage it was in the '90's, but it isn't dead. Darrell's is one of a handful of venues keeping the faith, and for those who love a retro dive in lockstep with Seattle's simmering, gritty underground arts community, there's no better place to get your grunge on. Step up to the mid-century horseshoe-shaped bar and pick your poison. The taps are limited by today's standards but always feature some good locals, although I think they lean a little IPA-heavy for my taste. Mixed drinks are mid-to-low shelf as a rule, but they do a fair job and the prices are reasonable. You can slide into one of the ancient pedestal seats, or grab a table in this storied, working-class joint. Be careful on the benches along the wall-they can be a little loose, and if you lean back you might end up resting your head on the crazy carpet on the walls. There's probably pomade, Jheri-Curl and whatever organisms survive on those substances alive and well and looking for a new home in there... Don't eat the food. This is not a restaurant. You're here, if you're actually here, for the music. It's a perfect small venue. You get to see and hear ambitious local and touring acts up close, rub elbows with the artists at the bar. Like that guitar solo you just heard? Buy the guy a drink! They're not on a stage a hundred yards away. They're right there, in your face, and the energy between the audience and the band is nearly tangible in this unpasteurized, authentic and personal venue. Enthusiasm is as contagious as smallpox in this small space, in the best way! Special note for the delicate and entitled: THIS IS A DIVE BAR. Dress in things that will survive contact with spilled drinks, sweat, rain, etc. Wear shoes that are tolerably non-slip, and protect your toes. Know why we gen-Xers in Seattle pioneered the "grunge look" with layered bargain-store clothes and Doc Martin boots, and disheveled hair and makeup looks that one need not touch up? Now you know. It was simply practical. Also, be prepared to talk to people without a filter, people that you haven't pre-screened and swiped-left on. It will be loud, dirty, boozy, messy and FUN. It's a dive...so: dive in! Think of it as a tradition. Missing star for occasional over-service and lack of decent food. Suggestion to the manager: invite a food truck to serve your patrons on busy nights! Recommended for music lovers and those looking for genuine local flavor, and a sense of what Seattle rock-and-roll used to be. read more

We go for the Sunday night jam sessions. Excellent musicians. Seems to be a bigger lineup every time we visit. The tavern food is pretty limited, so we go after dinner, read more

This is the best dive bar around! Live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday! Trivia on Tuesdays. Open mic on Wednesdays. Jazz n Sundays. Great pizza and great beers on tap! Good mixed drinks, too! They rock! read more

Nice spot to grab a beer and listen to music. Not a lot of places in shoreline to see music and chill out. They have pretty good pizzas (8$) each pretty good but definitely only enough for one person! Definitely will be back! Great service and nice selection of beers on tap. read more

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Awesome dive bar! We happened upon Darrell's when leaving a golf tournament and we had a blast! It wasn't overly crowded and the band that was playing was AWESOME! The energy was awesome - lots of heads bobbing, hips swaying, and even some {terrible} dancing (including myself). The point being, people were having carefree FUN! And, they have a WORKING Street Fighter arcade game! Always a HUGE plus! (Though, there is a glitch for Blanka - he sometimes turns into Ryu, but still plays similar). read more

The place is a dive bar, good prices I had a good experience the first time I went. The 2nd time the female security guard was on a power trip and wouldn't let us in. She said we were to wet. It was poring outside right when we walked from my apartment. So we ended up going down the street at another local var on aurora read more

Came here after ice skating for some drinks and was pleasantly surprised to find that a funk/jazz band was playing. The music was pretty loud, so I wouldn't recommend coming here with intentions of having in-depth conversations with people. We didn't order food, so I can't comment on that, but the vibe and drinks were good. Seating is limited, and many people were just standing against the walls to listen to the music. They also have a pool table that people were using before they closed it for the night. This is definitely a dive bar, but it was a good time nonetheless. read more

Darrell's celebrated its grand re-opening under new ownership Friday Feb. 13, 2010, and it now is buffed up, has bands on some nights, and a full liquor license. Go check it out. I despaired of ever getting Darrell's on my list of Seattle area bars. I made several trips hoping to find it open, to no avail (I could find no phone number and certainly no web site). As I did my "research" in various bars around the neighborhood, I began to fill in the back story. The owner, now in his 80s, who also had a large collection of Lincoln Continentals and worked as a CPA in an office upstairs (and may or may not have lived up there for a while), had once had the place relatively thriving with the help of his gregarious Korean wife. People told me his wife left him and the place started to dwindle, with the old guy not much caring about when he was open or closed, and probably well ready to retire at any rate. So I was delighted to find it actually open on this night, and even more pleased to talk to Dan Dyckman, the new owner, who is now combining a fine appreciation for the vintage 60s decor (he dropped nine grand into refurbishing and moving the sign out front alone) with some much needed upgrades, including a web site and soon live music. "The place your dad used to drink," is how Dan describes it. And while it's a little out of the way for most Seattlelites (just south of Aurora Village and Sky Nursery), it is well worth the trip. Go out and support people keeping these great old bars alive. read more

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Wow! Very cool little dive bar! The bartender was awesome! Cool live music! Pool tables, pinball! But seriously the atmosphere was great and very comfortable. And the bartender was friendly, prompt, and totally cool. Can't wait to make this our regular spot!! (Oh yeah! And they have pizza. Its a little pricey for what you get (it's basically just a personal pizza) but it's better then nothing.) read more

Darrell's Tavern - Pizza, beer, & live jazz!!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

Found this place online in a list of local open mics, looking to let out my inner rock star for a couple minutes, after having it pent up till I retired ha ha. Anyways, found my way in and signed up to play, really friendly and welcoming staff and people were cool. Hanging outside in the patio area to vape and listen to the other performers (every one was interesting and fun to listen to), the house drummer was also there, told him I signed up, and we picked 3 really good covers to play, Plush (STP), Ride On (AC/DC) and Red House. Host and regulars studied in the break and played like pro's. Had a lot of fun, crowd was supportive and fun too. I'm sure I made mistakes and whatever, but maybe at least gave them something they weren't expecting from a random old guy that wandered in. It's been hard to get back there more than a few times since then, I hope they don't think I don't love them! A great place to meet some cool people and play for some ppl who appreciate it! read more

Love the place! Lots of music and comedy nights, local crowd and interesting shows! No food beside pizza, and it is a very good and surprising one! read more

Darrell's Tavern - Not sure - Dive Bars Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

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Okay so their tacos on taco Tuesday kinda rip, but the people and the vibes are classic. I went to a lil punk rock show and met some friendly weirdos and had a great time. Great local dive bar, only had kind and positive interactions with bar staff and customers here! Love you guys :) read more

Although I recently returned to Darrell's, I have been an occasional patron for some years. There's a good selection of small pizzas and snacks, and a very decent sound system for the bands that are now returning. The staff are also very helpful and friendly. read more

SHORELINE'S BEST DIVE BAR.....EVER!!! Okay, now that you are reading this, my little hood of Shoreline doesn't have much going on after say, 9:30PM during the week. While the sidewalks don't roll up, some of the local area restaurants do, well other than Jack in the box.... I have been passing this gem of a bar/tavern for years, never ever thought to even set foot in the place, thankfully, pressing for a place to sit and meet after soccer try outs near by, we opted for Darrell's, and I'm very happy we did. Having had the local pizza joint inform us they were only open for another 30 minutes, we started looking around for a place to meet, and then having the Starbucks shut it's doors on us, the gang saw Darrell's and off we went. Business was a bit slow, but we were warmly greeted by the bar-mistress and she promptly carded us....I had to laugh, most of the coaches were well above the minimum WA State drinking age, we all had a great chuckle. Several taps on hand, from the low brow Rainer/Blue Ribbon and a few others, to a couple of mid-level micros it was all good. Didn't see much in the way of "food" we were served up some fine Doritos, Fritos, and potato chips via snack size lunch bags ala Costco. The place smells of bleach and beer taps, but in a good way, and the place sports some of the finest black-light "artwork" around. Let's review...Dive bar check list: Dart board, check. Jukebox, check. large-ish flat screen tv on wall, check. (Note, I didn't say "big" screen.) 1 pinball machine, check. 1 video game machine with 20 or so games, check. Karaoke stage, check Large screen behind stage for Karaoke videos, check. 2 pools tables, with "free" pool during certain hours, check. Bar stools ready for bar-flies, check. Strange dimly lit corners with tables and chairs, check. PLENTY OF PARKING!!! Ahem...check. New local watering hole for the next North end YELP par-tay.....check!! read more

As far as dive bars go, I'm in heaven. Looks like original retro lighting over the bar, carpet for walls and the trippy Dr. Pepper clock set the right ambiance for a comfortable close-to-home bar that I know we will return to. I mean, they have something happening every day- Monday Happy Hour all day, Taco Tuesday, Wed open mic, plus comedy night, pool tourneys and live music. I was sad they only had 2 types of decent cider in a can but Angry Orchard (ick) in a bottle. They pour strong with hard drinks and the staff is nice. We ended up there on a Fri night finding out they do live music and had a $10 cover (telling me by the cost and band names that it would be good) but the lady at the door said since we were early and newbies that we were welcome to go have a drink and stick around for the music and like it that we could just stay and chip in if we want, the money goes straight to the bands. Well we are old folks and didn't end up staying but met one of the band members who was super nice and gave us a couple of CDs! The bathrooms sure had character. Ya. I will definitely return! I wish we would have gone here sooner! read more

So, I've lived most of my life in Shoreline...even before the city "Shoreline" was put in back in 1995. I had never ever been to this bar before. Have some friends who told me about a local blues band who had all of their music gear stolen from them...everything. I wanted to help...so in 25 days time I put a benefit fundraiser show together for them....and I went straight to owner Dan Dyckman of Darrell's Tavern. He was very nice. We chatted for a while, and he approved of me having the benefit show at his establishment. On Sept 9th, 2014, we had this event. Had a great turnout, and I was able to get 5 bands (including the band who lost all of their gear) to come out and help with the show. Every single band wants to do a future show not only with this blues band, but they also want to play a future show here at Darrell's Tavern!!! So, my reviews of the place....not such a big place, but roomy enough. I went last Sunday for jazz night and it was great! Had some drinks (very well priced and STRONG) and a pizza too! How many bars do you know of that has Pizza of any kind??? Only Darrell's! They have 2 pool tables and most nights it's FREE to play! Taco Tuesdays are great! $1.00 Tacos with all the condiments you want-much better than trying any other taco joint that uses meat substitute-Darrell's Tacos have 100% fresh ground beef!! I can't remember off hand the bartenders name on Sunday evenings-awesome guy, very friendly and pours strong drinks. Tuesday bartender named Effie is just as cute and adorable as can be-very friendly and works her tail off for you. Anita is the lead bartender on most of the other nights, she knows her music and sports...Dan has a great crew here! I will definitely be back many many more times! This is my new favorite hang out place! read more

This place is the definition of dive bar. The waitresses are exactly what you'd expect. Every customer is "honey," "dear," "doll," or "sweetie." The place appears to have not been updated since it's original opening with all the decor to match. There are a couple of pool tables (which I think are usually free) and a big U-shaped bar. There are about 10 beers on tap (mostly local) and a bunch more in the fridge in the back. My wife and I come here every now and then for Taco Tuesday which is pretty bomb. $1.00 tacos and all the fixin's you want. They do bands quite often too which is pretty cool, esp. since there's not much else around as far as bars go. read more

After living in Shoreline off and on for the past 40+ yrs I finally visited Darrell's on a Saturday night. It was a night of 4 featured rock bands. I arrived about an hr before the music started. No cover at this time though my friend and I did pay the cover an hr later as the music started. I ordered a personal pizza made fresh in the tavern's pizza oven. A superb pizza at a value of $7.00. Even though I was full after one, I ordered another later in the evening.I ordered a margarita which was quite strong (thank you bartender) and switched to bottled cider for the rest of the night. By 1000 the small tavern was packed and the music was cranking. Great venue for local bands I reserve a 4th star because it was a night that the huskies and the cougars were playing separate games. One tv had the husky game going and another tv had the cougars. The owner of the bar came and switched off the corner tv in the 4th qrtr Three of us were watching the game. When one viewer went to him and asked him why he turned it off he told her because he wanted customers to pay attention to the band. Thought that was one sided of him and not very accommodating. read more

When you want no bs and a place to have a beer this is the place they have great music and a vibe like nothing else read more

Darrell's Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

BEST dive bar EVER! The bartenders all rock....every single one of them! The owner is totally cool so I LOVE supporting this small business. Tons of great music on Thurs, Fri & Sat. Jazz on Sundays. A solo cowboy guy on Mondays. Tacos on Tuesdays and open mic on Wednesdays!!! Soooooo much fun! AND good beers on tap for the beer snobs and PBR in the fridge for those who don't care! Ohhhh! And pizza always! Only six bucks and really really yummy! This place is seriously worth the drive if you don't live in Shoreline! :) read more

I love dive bars. Happy hour everyday 4-7 pm. Nice place just to hang out with The Eagles playing in the background, have a beer, or play pool. Pizza was pretty good too. read more

Darrell's Tavern - Happy hour. - Dive Bars Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

New management, live music, interesting locals. Another Shoreline bar to check out. read more

I am so happy that this bar is OPEN for outdoor seating during COVid ! The owner is such a nice guy and the beer is fantastic. I lived right down the street and never knew about this hidden gem. Give Darrells a shot! Literally! read more

I [heart] local bars, call 'em dives if you want but I'll stick with "local". Darrell's meets my qualifications in spades. Except no jukebox, but bartenders play great tunes so I'll give it a pass. Tuesday = 75-cent tacos and free pool. You can't beat that! The taco condiment bar has a sign that basically says, "HEY! You're not the only one eating tacos so leave some for the rest of us!" Keep it classy, Darrell's. Also the pizza surprised me when it turned out to be really good. Music all the damn time and all the fixtures and beer sign lights have probably been there since it was built. I know you'll be so tempted to put that Miller High Life sign in your man cave but, seriously, DON'T BE A DICK AND TRY TO STEAL ANY OF IT! There's actually a sign up to that effect. It appears as if Darrell himself wrote the note in the ladies room about not flushing their feminine products, seeing as he signed it and all. read more

So, we've lived literally a 5 minute walk away from Darrell's for over 3 years now, and somehow never got around to checking it out. We finally decided to go to jazz night on Sunday, and boy are we glad we did! Definitely a very dive-y place, old style U-shaped bar with vinyl seats/top, kitschy art (including a couple very naked women), etc. The bartender was friendly and attentive and the drinks were good. We also ordered a Darrell's Special pizza (olives, sausage, mushrooms, and jalapenos); not gourmet pizza by any means, but sure tastes good once you're a little buzzed! It was a little expensive for what it was though ($7.50 for a personal sized pre-made pizza). The jazz performance was surprisingly good. There were a couple 'core' performers but several other people cycled in and out on various instruments. We really enjoyed it. Can't wait to come back. We just might make Sunday night jazz at Darrell's a new tradition! read more

We've finally found our neighborhood bar in the north end! Thanks to the new owner - the place has good beer, a great jukebox, and a nostalgic interior. Music on Saturday night apparently brings them in but no reason not to fill the place on a Friday. We will be back as we want this place to be successful! read more

Yes, is a dive bar, but I still think it's overrated. Personally, the atmosphere freaks me out a little. It's got a 70s type decor, which is unique. Your eyes get immediately drawn to one particular lit painting of a topless woman, which didn't bother me but it didn't fit the rest of the place. It feels a little creepy in my opinion. But what I can't seem to forget is the carpet on the walls. My inner germaphobe can't really handle it. Like, are they ever vacuumed? I'm guessing it's for acoustics? The seating isn't particularly comfortable, and it can get a little rowdy for my taste. I probably won't go back, even though I live nearby. read more

After reading the good reviews of this bar on this and other sites, I thought I'd check it out. Maybe there's another Darrell's in Shoreline and I went to the wrong one...? The first thing I noticed when I walked in was this funky, musty smell. It reminded me of bars in the midwest where smoking is allowed, only there's no smoking. Maybe there used to be and the stench settled into the place, I don't know. Their beer selection was pretty underwhelming. Their import selection was pretty sad, unless you count Mexican beers, which I don't. There wasn't anything terrible about the place, just your average dingy dive, but nothing great about it either. read more

Good stuff drinks. Very casual dive bar. Very small. Haven't tried the food and I couldn't believe they charged a cover charge. Local bands are good. It gets very packed and its get there early or standing room only. read more

Darrell's Tavern - Small but awesome - Dive Bars Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

Great atmosphere! Would recommend the live band nights. They do offer ear plugs for those who want them ($1 per set). Great local feel. Service is above par and they definitely make you feel right at home. -1 star for bar seats being little worn (if that even is a thing??) read more

Proper Name: Darrell's 1. This place doesn't try hard, but that's not the point. 2. Tuesday $1 taco's, I repeat, Tuesday $1 taco's. 3. If you have a hard to pronounce name, don't expect the bartender to remember your order. 4. Great place for live music, if you don't care about the music, just the fact that it's happening live, then it's worth it. 5. Great place to meet townies. Real Talk In a city full of try hards it's a breathe of fresh air to find a place that keeps it as real as Darrell's. It's a no nonsense dive bar where the real Seattlites attend. End Result Wasted. Rating Dive Smart read more

This place surprised me. In the good way. This place does country music. I was invited to join some friends on a night they were doing a tribute to Willie Nelson. I'm of Indian heritage, and came in with a hoodie and my round specs. When I walked I felt like I walked into a good-ol-boy bar in Texas. A bunch of smile-less faces sized me up as I walked in. To make a long story short, first impressions are often way wrong. In the same way the New Yorkers are ultra-friendly, but outsiders read their faces as cold and rude. By the end of the night I had great interactions with nearly everyone in there. If it were near where I lived I'd be a regular in an instant, and I don't listen to much country. read more

Great dive bar, cheap drinks. They often display local art. I find this place to be highly enjoyable as well as somewhat likable.