Randomly stopped in here while visiting Seattle and had so much fun. I was a little intimidated at first because the outside of the bar looked a little sketch and looked like it was gonna be full of huge leather daddies ready to whip you. BOY I was wrong! Very cool and edgy spot with good beer! There was a lot of gay art all over the walls and ceiling. Everyone was very welcoming and fun! read more

I was insulted beyond imagination by the way I was treated at Pony. I stood at the edge of the outdoor patio with a new friend. A bouncer came to us and accused us of being on drugs. (I had one drink and no other substances.) We apologized for unknowingly doing anything wrong. The bouncer physically threatened us, although we had not harmed anyone and there was no sign telling us not to go to that part of the patio. It was the most insane experience I have ever had at a bar in the United States - unnecessarily confrontational in every way. I am never letting anyone I like come to Pony. An establishment that allows its staff to treat patrons this way does not deserve my business. read more

Visiting from SF, and bunch of friends recommended this bar. This is a queer friendly bar. First thing I notice was people waiting in line politely at the bar for drinks. It's very bizarre to me because back in SF, I would have to passive aggressively push my self to the front. The drinks were strong and CHEAP! (Jack and Coke, a shot of Jameson and a tall Diet Coke for $16!). I'd recommend this to anyone new to the city and want to check out the gay/queer scene. read more

Had the absolute worst experience I've ever had in a bar in any city. Me and three girlfriends went in to have a drink. We mistakenly went up to the bar, not knowing there was a line. We hopped in line, no biggie. A gentleman in his 40's turns to us and asked us what we're doing in there. We said we're their to have a drink. He said,"Yeah, this is a gay bar. What are you doing in here?" He then asked me where I live. I told him Queen Anne. He said,"Exactly!" to which I asked him what he meant by that. He informed me he lived a block away. Not sure what that has to do with anything since one of girls with me lived a few blocks away too. At that point the bartender comes up to us and tells us we need to leave. My friend asks why. And he gave ABSOLUTELY NO REASON! The bartender grabbed my friends arm, and which point, short of calling the cops on assault chargers we left. When we asked the bouncer why we were kicked out, he couldn't give us a reason. I KNOW we were kicked out because we weren't: 1. Gay and 2. Male. To be discriminted against because we are straight females, is appalling and anyone there who participated should be ashamed of themselves. There are plenty of other bars in Capitol Hill and Seattle that are welcoming to EVERYONE. I would recommend going to those instead. read more

Cool place but one of the bartenders (Curtis (?) is a total a-hole, telling patrons to "shut the f up" for no reason and literally shoving another patron's elbow off the bar. Get a life dude. Just because you wear cow spandex and have piercings doesn't make you cool. read more

From the perspective of a straight female, the Pony is awesome place to hang out for several reasons. It offers excellent people watching, has really affordable drinks and no pushy bar bros trying to get with you. read more

Pony has been one of my favorite bars in Seattle, I love the environment and people there but there is this bartender that is always so rude to customer and doesn't know what he is doing im just taking one star off that. read more

This place was absolutely awful. My coworkers and I were in town for Estée Lauder's tri annual beauty seminar, and stopped in for a couple of drinks. I asked the bartender POLITELY if I could order a round of drinks for everyone, and was told VERY rudely that not only may I not, but that I need to "Read the sign. Can't you read? Just because you're GIRLS doesn't mean you can order here! Do you see any GUYS ordering over here?!?" Obviously not only were we denied an acceptable level of service, but we were also judged by our sexual orientation and gender. Not only that, but it was karaoke night and our songs kept getting pushed further and further down the list, as soon as the DJ realized we were probably straight. Yeah, in pretty sure we didn't go to a bar to face discrimination! You people need a goddamned reality check, and I hope your business crashes. We left and went to nearby club Neighbors, where everyone was sweet and accepting, and had an excellent time dancing and hanging out and meeting great people. If a clique type, judgmental environment is what you're into, check out Pony, you'll ADORE it. read more

Pony - Meh. - Gay Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

To the chubby balding bartender with a mustache who was ridiculously rude and unpleasant at 3pm on Sunday, thanks for nothing. Your unwelcoming and nasty service does not deserve a tip. Ever. Get out of hospitality if you are not able to be the least bit hospitable. It looks like a lot of people have had problems with this jerk so why isn't the owner doing something? Are you paying attention? read more

Good decor, when we went it was pretty boring scene though it was earlish. The major sticking point was the fact that we ordered Patron and got some call shit uncleverly disguised by being put into a Patron bottle. Bad, bad Pony. read more

Dive bar about says it, and not in a good way. Horrible seating, bad bartender, attitude, not much room or anything else going for it. Many better options such as CC Attles, Madison Pub, Cuff, and Lobby within 3 blocks. Don't waste your time here. read more

By far the most rude, unprofessional bar staff I have ever encountered. This bar is mediocre at best anyway, but after this horrible experience I will never go back. Don't waste your time...there are plenty of other gay bars in the neighborhood with friendly employees. read more

Remember the feeling you had the first time you saw Titanic. The passion that filled the screen and your soul with the highs and lows as Leo took you on in a roller coaster of emotion. This is the best way I can explain on my visit to pony. I cried, I laughed. I blacked out. I feel in love immediately. The bartender are titans of the sea. And I am their humble drunk servant. I bowed to them for allowing me to partake in their euphoric atmosphere and man heaven they have created. read more

This is a fine bar. A fine bar with a fine atmosphere. It's kitschy, and always packed with exactly the kind of folks you would expect. The bartenders are friendly, the doorfolk are nice and the patio is great when it's not 20 degrees out. But there are of course negatives: Rumor has it the layout was designed to emulate the male anatomy. Whether or not this is true, or if the layout is more likely a function of the building's termination at that weird intersection, navigating around this space is a pain in the skinny-jeaned @ss. When this place is packed, it's an absolute nightmare. Two weekends ago I was there and my entire time was spent exchanging sighs and frustrated looks with one patron after another as they tried to birth themselves through the crowd. Likewise, I am surprised to see that "Good for Dancing" has a "yes" next to it, because while there is decent music the dance floor is really a combination of people in line for the bar, a thoroughfare for people trying to get from the bar to the bathrooms etc, and the 4 or 5 people who have managed to secure 2 square feet for themselves to shake it. You get points for trying Pony...but I highly doubt a raging dance party enjoyed by all is ever going to be possible given the space allowed. Maybe you and the Cuff (or any other bar in Seattle really) could swap buildings? read more

Love the place itself and go there almost every weekend. Chill atmosphere, with the world's most arrogant, rude, condescending bartender I've ever experienced. Completely makes me not want to go there ever again. Get a new job, dude, if you can't handle working in customer service. 100% unnecessary and not sure why I'd want to spend money at a place, and tip a person who is just so unbelievebly rude. read more

Since when does "Dive Bar" mean that the staff need showers and can get away with being inattentive, though surly when they are attending? I've been there four times total, and each time this place seemed pretty consistent with my opening statement. Not my worst experience at a Public House but far from my best and I doubt I'll be going back unless someone I truly care for or admire insists. Not likely. read more

Tiny little club with no room to move or dance. Horrible bartenders who treat people badly. Mediocre drinks. I don't recommend this place to anyone. read more

Pony is still my go to bar. It's my default choice when I'm heading to the Hill and want to grab a drink with a friend. I like it because it is not at all pretentious and it retains it's ethos as a gay bar. The art/graffiti on the walls and the overall vibe of the bar strike me as a throw back to a time before the internet when gay bars were places where gay men went to meet other gay men. Additionally, the DJs play a variety of music--I've heard everything from the Smiths to Donna Summer to Nirvana. In this respect Pony is not your typical gay bar--but that's what is so refreshing about it. read more

My favorite bar in Seattle. Small, but always has the best music and attentive bartenders.

Overall this bar is pretty rad and unique. I especially like the 'BONERTOWN' section of the patio, even if this bar is of minimal size, I mean it's smaller than a double wide trailer like in THE TRAILER PARK, and I'm pretty confident that your friend or boyfriend or Scruff date or creepy Casual Encounters Craigslist guy you now regret trying 'just one more time,' like that one song I can't think if the name of right now, sorry my friends. Don't worry about that last one though bud, I too have been there, I mean the Craigslist dates. But usually as the creepier one of the 2 or 3 if you wanna ménage a trois. I'm in! Anyway, it's likely folks could find you in there without this map idea, SO.... Pony Management, despite past requests I am almost 100% certain I do not need a detailed map that is to scale with the various towns, subdivisions, castes, classes, beard lengths, sexual position preferences, and so on. Thank you a bunch though for offering! BUT. AND THIS IS A BIG BUT BECAUSE IT MADE ME KNOCK TWO, YEP, TWO I SAY, OF THE 5 TOTAL STARS. OK, now that I have all of yours undivided attention and you have all taken a break from your ménage a troises (sp? Help French Folks!). And put down those video head cleaner bottles too, ya nasty lil freaks! Man, just take a damn break here THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!!! There is ONE bartender that works there that HATES MY BELOVED DOG. She is such a cute little thing all huffing and puffing from the hot(ish) Seattle weather and just needed a little water break. But this dastardly one, let me tell you...he said NO DOGS ALLOWED! What a bitch he was! Stay away from all dog haters is what my momma told me and I believe that, especially a rescue that was found in a hot (ahem, real 100 plus degree heat) Austin, TX parking lot all abandoned and sad. But I took her in and we are hashtagpals4life!!!! And this very delicate little bartender was all like, 'shut the door! It's hot out!' and then whined about the A/C on despite seeing my thirsty little pooch. So I was feeling a tad impish so I kept the door open for like at least a full minute. Yep a minute so my sweet as pie dog could catch some more A/C and me too of course. I'm not gonna lie to you guYS, C'MON! Well, just so you all know barkeep I am willing to reconcile and even make out with this bear like bartender and/or engage in a consensus ménage a trois....!!! So what da'ya say DOG HATER and WEATHER WEAKLING?! I know you had a beard, jeans that were way too tight for you, and a shirt and hat that said something like 'I wanna be your puppy' or 'The party is down here' with a downward arrow to your sweaty ball sac and penis region. Oh, you were sweating a whole lot and you weren't very happy with my mischievous behavior. And I did take a sticker off the wall that something like 'THIS IS QUEER SPACE.' With a PERIOD at the end though. Why no EXCLAMATION POINT or 3 to really get the point across? Much like a ménage a trois, ya know my friend? Oh well, epic fail by the sticker maker but I'll add the !!!'s myself and practice saying it all fierce and tough like a MAN for next time I make it to BONERTOWN...I'll just leave my dog out in the parking lot. She loves hot asphalt parking lots, makes her feel all alone and abandoned in this cruel cruel world but MANAGEMENT I DEMAND THEY MUST provide her with a map,CUZ OF YOUR DOG HATER AND TOTES SUMMER BUMMER! So, let's converse and argue and make funny faces at each other through the door that separates the inside PONY section from the outside WORLD. HAVE YOU ever been at THE WORLD? It's kinda crazy believe you me! I'll check Yelp for reviews of THE WORLD OR BETTER YET I WILL WRITE A REVIEW ON THE WORLD! It will be PRETTY EPIC because that is what Yelp tells me. I hope you learn to love dogs and learn to love the summer and not be such a Little Debbie Downer all the time. And be sure to drink lots of water because you are a profuse sweater, it's serious man, maybe you should check in with a doctor and not the guy that hangs out in BONERTOWN who calls himself DOCTOR FEELGOOD. I'm willing to add more stars and maybe (MAYBE) more exclamation points when you meet my dog and promise not to kick her or yell at her or pull her tail or truthfully anything absolutely outrageous like that. SIGNING OFF FOR NOW FROM 'THE WORLD'....Let me practice real quick lightning math flashcard speedy and not with any of those 'TREATS' DOCTOR FEELGOOD GIVES ME FOR FREE AND I SWALLOW DOWN WITH MY SUMMER HUMMER (that's vodka and lemonade, preferably pink lemonade, for those not in the know, ya know?) AND I FEEL SLEEPY AND TIRED AND SLOW AND FORGET WHAT HAPPENS IN BONERTOWN ... anyways I'm told it's always a HOOT and only an asshat wouldn't trust DOCTOR FEELGOOD! So here we go....'THIS IS A QUEER SPACE!!!!!!!' I AM GOING TO ADD THIS PART: BUT THE PATIO IS NOT DOG FRIENDLY WHICH IS SUPER STOOPID AND A SUPER DOOPER POOPER SCOOPER SUMMER BUMMER!!!!!!!! Now who of all of you readers will ménage a trois with me???!!! read more

Great bar,Hot bartender, gloryhole in bathroom, gogo boys on Friday nights. Met several nice men in this bar. The drinks were a little weak for the price, but the atmosphere made up for it. If you are looking for a fun bar, this is it! read more

Pony is like a gay "Cha Cha" -- a bar designed from day one to be a dive (although one of our party repeatedly insisted it was not a dive but rather a "shanty"). As nouveau dives go, it's a fairly good one, with its odd angles giving it character and its ship-like patio giving it an odd sense of command of Capitol Hill. read more

At Pony, you better be ready for the sexy dancers, wall to wall vintage porn, beards on every man in sight, pitchers of beer everywhere, neon lights and dark spaces. I would not say this place feels "clean & sanitary"... so if you have a problem with that stay away. The deck and fire pit is great. Cruising is everywhere, so be ready. read more

Super cute bar with quirky decor, a couple of dancers, good music and an inclusive feeling. I loved this bar and it would be my standard if I lived here. read more

Great patio, but once winter rolls in - we'll see. The crowd was diverse and it was a good vibe for the most part. The downfall will be whatever the "girls" are doing in the bathroom that's taking so long. Unisex bathroom - 30 minute line? F that. read more

I cannot wait for you to open. 500 block of Pine's favorite seedy gay bar is back, and hopefully as sleazy as ever.

I came in here a few weeks back and had a great time. I am not a gay man but understand that my moustache may have convinced people otherwise. The drinks were cheap and so was the look on the faces of most people here. I'LL BE BACK! read more

Pony is awesome. It was my favorite gay bar when I visited Seattle-- the cheap, stiff drinks, vintage porn on the walls, tasteful gay music (I went on a Morrissey night-- what more could a pretentious, gay boy like me ask for?) the back patio, and the distinction between the "men's" and "boys'" bathrooms all gave this place the charm and appeal of the grungy gay Seattle scene. The crowd here is relaxed, easy going, and pretty friendly for the most part. It may be in the outskirts of Capitol Hill, but you have to be sure to check this place out. read more

Wasn't a huge fan. Line to get in. Also very long line for drinks. Yet not too many people inside. Why all the lines? Why all the waiting? Crowd was different. Mix of all ages. Nothing was really great about it so it wasn't worth the wait or walk. read more

It's pretty good if you know what you're in for (this is NOT R Place--which I think is a good thing!). Biggest complaint I have is they have very limited whisky/beer choices. Music is great, the bathroom is a spectacle and they have penis piñatas! read more

I love ponies. I love dive bars. I love gay men (I think I should have been born a gay man and I speak fluent gay). Need I say more? Pony on Madison is an amalgam of many of my top interests. If only they had food and t.v., my gluttony would be satiated! read more

The bar is small and fits a niche market. Timing is everything at this place. Could get yourself into trouble or just have a casual time.

Pony is Seattle's only queer bar, meaning it is accepting of all members of the LGBTQIAA spectrum. I wish it was a bit bigger so we could all dance to the great music that is DJed here from rad DJ's from across the country. Sometimes there are too many straight folks in the joint, which kinda sucks if you are looking for a world outside of your workplace, but they all read as allies, which in this day and age, I'll take. Half the bar staff is pleasant, half are dicks, who knows why. I'll take that over feigned pleasantries any day. Thanks Pony. read more

The best bar in Seattle! It is impossible to not have a great time at Pony. Everyone who works here is amazing, the drinks are stiff & the patio is one of the greatest in the city! The ONLY GAY BAR worth going to in Seattle in my opinion! read more

Probably my favorite bar in Seattle. The inside is hilariously pervy, the outside patio charming, relaxed, and just perfection on a warm summer night (last there in August). The no-attitude crowd is a great draw. read more

I'll give this bar an extra star for the cool patio space, but be very certain not to ask to take a photo with the go-go dancers. That dancer just might question your literacy and point to some obscure signage on the wall. Sorry I can't read an eroded sign in a poorly lit, wannabe SF Soma bar. And take it as a compliment if someone wants a photo with you. Oh, Seattle. read more

Great 80s new wave, industrial music. BUT can't you have drag queens for entertainment instead of boring old same?

I'm from New York and I can honestly say that this is the most fun I've had at a bar in a very long time.

In all honesty, its my favorite bar on the hill. I love Wednesdays, its happy hour all night

Bartender with medium length blond hair started b*thing to us about not receiving a tip when we weren't even done ordering drinks.... He was the only bad part other than that it's a cool place and the other bartenders are way nicer. read more