The Seamonster Lounge has a mural. It's an adult version of The Little Mermaid. According to Todd, the darling new owner of this quirky, old-school bar, the revamping didn't include getting rid of the paintings on the wall. This had a purpose: the sake of keeping some of the place's old charm. The peculiar wall does go well with the new granite bar counters, the hardwood floors, and the refreshed ambiance of this quaint neighborhood bar that serves $3 almost-pints of mojitos until 8 pm. Beware, you will hardly take your eyes off the sea redheads. A wise fellow Yelper, a gentleman with whom I was conversing about very important issues over a drink, stared at the mermaid on the mural, and said something that mixed the words tentacles, Japanese, explicit and x-rated. I smiled while sipping my ambrosial and large mojito, rocking my legs to the rhythm of an ancient U2 song. We continued chitchatting, and listening to another Yelper who was lamenting the lack of dishes offered in Pequeña Havana's menu. Because this new Cuban restaurant happens to be at the Seamonster. But as said by MMAD, they are different businesses. Then I elbowed my first (halfway) mojito (crash, crassshh, Mazel Tov!) and I was served a refill by the sweet and hardworking bartender woman, only this time the mango version. Fabulous. She stayed around to get my comments and approval. I sealed it! More conversation. More random tunes. We listened to America. Then to Corrine Bailey Rae. Then to some old something. But here, randomness adds. We'll be back with the same group of lovelies we went on our second time at this place. The Dude and I can't wait to return to the Seamonster on Saturday night, when a very groovy DJ plays very old Michael Jackson and great other Motown music. ¡Gracias Todd--and for your Mojito--azúuuucar! read more

I had high hopes for this place. But having gone here this past Friday night, I was disappointed. 1. Music - horribly hilarious. I do enjoy funk from the 70s and 80s funk this band was not (tho it's billed as a funk band). I've been to the Tractor, Triple Door, Tula's, Jazz Alley, Royal Room, Lucid Lounge... and this band paled in comparison. 2. Drinks - didn't try any of the mixed drinks, but they seemed to have the staples (ie. Vodkas - everything from Absolut to Grey Goose, Chopin and Belevedere. Tho now I think about it, I don't remember a Smirnoff). 3. Atmosphere - this place seems like a hangout for regulars. Many patrons knew the owner or the bartenderess. 4. People watching - this earns the two stars I'm giving the place. What an eclectic crowd - wow! College kids to single middle aged guys. Also, gals - this place was a sausage fest on the Friday night I went with my date. By "sausage fest", I mean the guys outnumbered the girls 4 to 1, and several of the guys did resemble sausages. I might just go back, because I'm in the neighborhood, and the crowd seemed interesting. But will be sure to go BEFORE music starts. ********* My above review was written in August and by September the owner of had decided to respond. And, while I thought I'd take the high road by not responding, I do feel very lucky and chosen, particularly when there are many other two- or even one-star reviews for this place, but the proprietor had decided to single me out. Based on the owner's response, I'd like to downgrade my review to one star, but what's the point? If you go, you'll form your own opinions. If I downgrade to one star the owner'll probably hunt me down, throw me and a bottle of lotion down a well and say, "It rubs the lotion on its skin. It does this whenever it is told." I've written many reviews for businesses, both good and abysmally bad - as have many other Yelpers out there - and I'm continually surprised at the number of business owners who have written me directly thanking me for taking the time to provide comments, or have told me that they are trying to improve. Whether or not they actually do it is another thing, but this attention to service and the desire to do better gets them an extra star in my book. read more

Hey look, a great place for horrible service. Story time: Upon arriving at the Seamonster Lounge, I grabbed a seat at the bar and asked what was on tap. "Beer," the bartender replied in complete deadpan. I was hoping he was kidding, but either way it was an odd note to start out on. I asked for a Guinness and was promptly served as I stared at the food menu on the wall, but was not asked if I wanted anything. I continued to look at it for the 5-10 minutes that elapsed as I waited for a friend to arrive and was still not asked, and it wasn't because it was busy as I was one of a handful of patrons, and it was an early Tuesday night. Rather, he was chatting with a friend of his own (possibly another coworker) at the other end of the bar the whole time. My friend showed up, ordered a drink, and before I could ask about the food the bartender had already walked off again. Cue the passage of another ten minutes, still nothing so actually had to raise my arm for a while to flag him down. "How do the smoked kielbasa, spicy link, and the gumbo compare?" I asked. "*shrug*" "...Okay, well I'm having a hard time deciding. Do you have a preference of any of them?" "Nope." "... okay. Well how's the link?" "I dunno. It's spicy." This had to be a joke, right? I gave up and ordered the kielbasa while, yet again, he ran off as my friend was mid-sentence to order food of his own. At this point we were both baffled and the night wasn't getting any younger, so we decided to cut our losses whenever the bartender returned, which didn't happen for quite some time (surprise). When he finally returned, he noticed that we'd finished our drinks and asked if I wanted another Guinness. "Actually, we'd like to close out." "Huh?" "We'd like to close out." "What about your food?" "Go ahead and cancel it." "It's already cooking." "Okay, I'll pay for it then but we're going to leave." "Why, because I didn't have an opinion?" "Not just that - one thing after another. Not feeling the service." "You know what? Don't worry about the drink." "All right, well then here's the cash for my friend's." "Fine, here's your change. I'm sure you'll go and Yelp about this." Sure, why not? But first, we went to a pub just down the block and had excellent service. read more

We all need funk in our lives, and this place serves up an all-you-can-eat funk buffet. My mind was blown from the moment I walked in, the vibe was electric and the band was on point. The layout of the bar almost belongs in Belltown, as it is very long and narrow. What this allows for is the unique opportunity to be close to the band, regardless of when you show up. A great spot to take a few friends from out of town, but I wouldn't go with more than four people as you will have a hard time staying together. No cover when I went on a Saturday. Will be back very soon! read more

Friday. Live. Funk. Smiling faces and cheap drinks. Tight space but next door should be opening up in no time. So close to University City but not an ounce of college bar vibe. There's no ventilation so it can get a little bodily in there. Like eastern Europe sauna bodily. read more

Good music, good people, good vibe. I'm sad I don't live closer or I would be here all the time. It is a bit of an odd layout; would be nice if the wall between the bar and the stage wasn't there so it felt more connected. But then I guess it gives people at the bar and tables their own kind of space. read more

We were up in Seattle for the MLS Cup final this past weekend. The Galaxy sucked but this place sure didn't. We only really went in because we are fans of the indie band The Wedding Present and Seamonsters was the name of one of their classic albums from the 90's. Thank god David Gedge didn't name that album McDonalds, because we would have missed out on this great place. Where do I start? When we arrived the bar was almost empty, but it looked nice, well decorated and arranged and the barman was super friendly and very helpful. We ordered a Guinness each and looked at the menu. WTF???? Four bucks an item???? I got the pork stew and it was really delicious. My friend had the tortilla soup which was equally nice and completely vegan. Then we added the slider burgers (best ever) chicken sliders and our veggie mate got the veggie sliders. The chicken was shredded, spicy and very nice. Our veggie mate Fergal was bit disappointed with the veggie sliders, claimed they were too garlicky. Anyway, apart from that we had a great time and after ordering all that food and having nine pints of Guinness and a glass of wine between us, the bill only came to 65 bucks. Can't beat that. We decided to leave before the "experimental" jazz band played, but noted that the place filled up completely as we waited for our cab, many attractive young ladies included with the crowd. Oh well, our loss. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Seattle. read more

Seamonster Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

With the name Seamonster, I wasn't sure what to expect until I was told me it was a Jazz and Blues lounge. It's located in a very happenin' location on N. 45th Street in the heart of Seattle where there are many bars, countless restaurants, and local businesses. Our group arrived in the afternoon just after lunch and decided to sit in the bar area. There is plenty of seating with large wall decor hung on top, merchandise, and the bar itself that was fully stocked. The bartender pleasantly came up to us and started taking our order. I ordered their Blue and Red burger, which is made from 100% organic northwest fed beef, blue cheese, smoked thick cut bacon, and pickled red cabbage. I also ordered a Sun and Storm which had strawberry and watermelon rum with ginger beer. The Sun and Storm was very refreshing on a hot sunny day! When the burger came out, it looked too stunning to eat! The fries seemed like they were fried twice to give that extra crispy texture. The bun was out of this world and loaded with sesame seeds, which I did not mind. The pickled cabbage was amazing and I did not waste one bit of it. The burger patty itself was a nice medium with some pink in the middle, and to top it off, the blue cheese was what made the burger for me. I just wished there was a bit more blue cheese in there. There was also a pickle slice and a light red sauce on the side. I asked the bartender what the sauce was and she said it was a homemade ketchup. I LOVED their homemade ketchup. It was not as thick as regular ketchup, but it was light and flavorful, so I kept dipping my burger in the homemade ketchup. Unfortunately, the live band was not there while we had our late lunch, but that was alright. As a first timer, the service and food was a good enough experience for me. I will definitely be returning! read more

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1. I have been there. It is dank. Smelly, dirty and swampy. 2. I live near this hell hole 3. They are louder than necessary - I like music, I actually like the music they play there. It is just egregious. 4. I think I'm getting old. I never wanted to be 'that' guy. Also, I don't understand their opening hours. They seem completely random. read more

I have found this place really stinks about one third of the times I stop here. Kinda smells like cat pee... Anyhoo, for the times where there was no smell, I've always enjoyed this place to death. The best night to come is Wednesday, where there's no cover and you can groove to some of the best trios and quartets in the city. They've completed the light remodeling, and the interior is well layed out with a speakeasy feel to it. Drinks are strong, and they've expanded the beer selection. read more

Down to earth and inviting atmosphere/friendly workers, even the bouncer/security is pleasant. Pros 1) no cover, reasonably priced tasty food 2) friendly bartenders/professional staff 3) live music 7 days/week typically at 10 4) safe neighborhood, good location 5) They're undergoing a remodle, so space will be bigger and more efficient. But it's taking forever. Cons 1) Going to bathroom can be a chore after 10pm on Fri/Sat nights due to crowd and space. 2) wait time for drinks can get long on Fri/Sat night's after 10pm, buts that's understandable, it's their busiest nights. * overall, I love and appreciate this place. read more

Great mix of people with live music and decent space to dance and mingle. Come on the weekend for some funky fun times.

I've passed by this place countless times when going on my run down 45th and had always felt this would be 'my' kind of place. And it sure is! I came here with my boyfriend for a jazz brunch date. The variety of cozy seating options, a great live jazz band which started right on time, zero crowd and the simple menu make this an absolute five-star place. There are a surprisingly large number of vegetarian options - I don't think any of them were vegan, though. Drinks are okay, nothing great. But the food is plentiful, filling, delicious and seems healthy. Friendly, but slightly overbearing service - I prefer to be left alone for at least ten minutes when I'm eating :/ Seamonster, you've earned yourself a regular. Looking forward to my next weekend brunch here! read more

Got here to watch the last performance of Adam Hunter and his band before the Sea Monster changes hands (Adam Hunter used to perform at the Hendrix Lounge at the Columbia City Theater, and they're spectacular). Who knows what it has in store for it in the future? I'll have to return and re-review. At this point, though, it was a fine establishment, and a good time. Andrew, the soon-to-be-former owner, was working the bar and is a super-friendly guy. He'll be working the Sea Monster for a bit once the business changes hands, which I think is fortunate for them. The layout of the place is odd, with these wide columns that make viewing a band difficult (like watching a football game in Warsaw: everywhere you sit, you're behind a Pole). The sound was great, though, and the band, as always, was awesome. The crowd was great too. Enthusiastic for the music, and supportive when my friend got up and sang a couple songs with the band. I should say blown away; it sounded like they had performed together for years, and was a performance worthy of Benaroya Hall. But that's a story for the Events area, when next they play together. Bathroom was pretty gross. You know there's problems when the graffiti on the wall has arrows pointing to the urinal and the toilet, saying "Pee here or here, but not on the floor!" Ugh. read more

This is the best place to hear some of the best live music for free!! All the well known musicians around town you have to pay good money for will often come down to the Seamonster to hang out and jam. I have seen successful well known artists stop by between tours to hop in the mix. This club does have a heavy jazz and funk leaning, but you can also see rock, pop, and singer songwriter acts especially on Monday's open mic. The hosts often have connections with the best musicians in town and are well known for their gigs around town. Although you will get novices jump on the mic, you will see amazing performers you did not know exist. It is arguably one of the best open mics I have seen in the city in terms of quality. If I was a music scout, I would be at these every Monday. In terms of the food, it is good. The food is fresh and mostly home cooked style. The stews and cream pies are recommended. You can get some other stuff as well with a rotating menu. The main attraction isn't the food. It is the Cheers neighborhood bar atmosphere with young and old having a drink together, being friendly with one another in community, and watching amazing music on couches or playing Old school video games. Also, this is a great space to see some amazing artists displayed on the wall. The bartenders are really nice and the owner is extremely warm and friendly. Many of the bartenders are also musicians locally here, so its a great live music friendly bar. read more

Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday. Burlesque starting at 10:30 or so, and the Adam Hunter Band with Faith is usually dishing the jams. Don't ask them to play "Whatever Lola Wants," though...you'll make a fool of yourself. You might think they'd have cheap drinks...but they don't. I once paid $6 for a well vodka tonic. it was shocking. read more

Nice dark after-work place to get away from shop talk and have an icy PBR. The new owner, Todd, is so nice that I wonder how he has survived this crazy world this long. If dive bars are your thing, give it a try. If you've been there before, give it another shot. Great character and great characters. read more

My friends found this little gem of a place quite by accident. They were having a birthday pub crawl and logics wise this bar was just one they chose based on it's locateipn. But it ended up being the perfect size for the birthday party. The decor was very hip, we had our own little area for the party right by the band and the band was incredible! Fun music. Oh and no cover was nice too! read more

Must preface, I came in on a seemingly slow night... nothing in the way of dance floor or loud music. Which to be honest, was quite alright with me. My friend and I rolled in after realizing that a lot of places were closed on New Years Day (A holiday that people actually take off? Who knew! ... :P). We were greeted by the friendly bartender who handed us menus. We originally came to Wallingford for sushi and hot damn did we get it. I saw they had a large amount of specialty cocktails but I eventually opted for Blue Moon. I was a little afraid of ordering sushi in a place that didn't really seem like a sit down restaurant, but yum! I love seeing specialty rolls on menus (not always the same ol' stuff)... I ended up ordering two different rolls... and they were HUGE. The fish was fresh... and... it just tasted AMAZING! The only downside to the place was that it was not very well heated. I kept my jacket on the entire time, but I'm guessing that it had to do with the fact that people are usually walking around, dancing, etc (but not on a quiet night!) read more

Okay, so I will start this review by saying that I didn't try any of the drinks or any of the food, but I do have a reason, which is why I am reviewing in the first place. I've been looking for a place to invite people to in celebration of my boyfriend's birthday. Because this place is close to home and had some good reviews, we decided to check it out. We walked in and it was SO loud and SO dark and SO tiny that it was suffocating. Standing right next to me my boyfriend couldn't hear a word of what I was saying, and vice versa. Nothing about this place was welcoming and I wanted to leave as soon as I got there. Which gives it extremely low marks in my book. read more

Iris was extremely busy, and took the time to ask if what we ordered was what she heard. It was loud, as it being a music venue, but that extra care made a huge difference in a place that serves vs a place that has professional staff. Thank you Iris for making our night a little bit more enjoyable! Also, music is great read more

Music is rad, cover charge is cheap, and the drinks are amazing. I don't know her name but the bartender makes wicked awesome infused liquors, such as blackberry chai whiskey and pineapple jalapeño tequila (which makes for a killer margarita). Been here twice now and I will hopefully make this a regular spot read more

This is a really great place to come see new bands that you're not familiar with. The reason it's so great? There's no cover. The bands performing just get a cut of the booze sales. That way some small show with a no-namer can fill the house with people who have never heard of them before. It's a great way for the band to get exposure, and it's a great way for the residents of Wallingford to get in touch with local artists. There isn't even a stage, so you'll usually find people dancing on the floor just feet away from the musicians--hopefully without bumping into anyone. Service can be slow at times since there's just one lonely bartender, but the price is right. You should be sure to stop in some time. My favorite's are the third Wednesday of every month when The UNSINKABLE Heavies play. read more

The first time I walked in a band was covering Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" and it was love at first sight. Cozy place with attentive bartenders. Free live funky jazz music (no cover charge ever). Amusing wall art. If you're in the mood for a stiff drink while watching some talented musicians in an unpretentious environment at 1 am, then you might think yo've died and gone to heaven if you're lucky enough to stumble into the Seamonster. read more

Cool Vibe. Nasty Funk. Burlesque!!! I dig this little Wallingford place. It's got good drinks, a cool vibe, and a guy named Thaddeus Turner who functions as a kind of One Man House Band and gets down to some nasty (in that good way) funk with a rotating cast of characters several nights a week. Now, Seamonster has its drawbacks: it's too small, it's awkwardly set up, and yes, there is an occasional fug hanging over the place--the product of a sometimes-funky (and NOT in that good way) clientele and poor air circulation. But unlike crowded bars in Capitol Hill or Belltown, all you have to do to lose that creeping claustrophobia and ditch the crowd is step outside, and presto you're on a quiet stretch of 45th. But in the end the real reason I come to Seamonster is the burlesque show. The lovely Shanghai Pearl and an ever-changing lineup of amateur dancers do naughty routines to cheering crowds (most) every Tuesday night at 10:30 (ish). The show manages to be saucy without being skeezy, and the audience, which includes a lot of 'regulars', is respectful (here's to hoping the UW frat set don't discover this bar) even when we get a wee-bit boisterous. I usually go with a group of friends of varying genders and orientations, and everybody always has a blast, whether or not the sight of lovely ladies dancing turns their proverbial crank. read more

This place isn't terrible, although I think they stopped serving sushi, which was the best part about coming here :( I never minded it here but everyone I brought thought it was "too hipster" for them, so it was hard to enjoy with my crowd I guess. Open mic night is pretty cool, even if the performers are only so-so, it's still quite entertaining. read more

I first discovered the Seamonster when they were promoting one of my favorite groups McTuff (at the time, Doria, Coe, Skerik, and Lewis) EVERY TUESDAY and fell in love with this venue. Amazing live music, 7 days a week, (almost) never a cover. Since then, I've had discovered countless local and out of town talent at this venue, and am so excited to see their ~300% size expansion. The sound is great, the staff is superior, their booking is on point, and the energy is immeasurable. Draft choices are thoughtful and local. I especially love their reliable but varied calendar, so I can know what to expect on most given Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays etc.. Jazz brunch on Saturday and Sunday are absolutely amazing, with great food and laid back tunes. (Also family friendly, a major perk). Why are you still reading this? Go there!!! read more

I like the bar. I like the drinks. I like the DJs. I like the bands. I like the bartenders. I like the patrons. I like this bar. read more

Seamonster is simply the best. Whether it's the incredible Funky2Death playing on Friday nights, the reasonably priced drinks, the great food, or the friendly bartenders, it's never a bad decision to go. Free music every night, and never any cover. Can't wait for the long-awaited expansion to open up!! read more

Great spicy margarita. Quaint, colorful venue for enjoying some live music. My husband & I went on a Tuesday night, there was no cover and a good jazz band grooving. read more

I like this place. There aren't many places that have food, drinks, quirky atmosphere, and live music. Sometimes the music is a little loud, but I'm old so I'm probably not their target market. read more

This place is officially my favorite little bar in Seattle. Free live music, awesome decor (kinky mermaid/octopus relations, anyone?) really great food (try the veggie stew) and decent prices make it the perfect place to chill out. Part of me wants to keep it a secret, but I've already told all my friends, who have, in turn, told their friends. On a random note, the bathroom was exceptionally clean. That is a HUGE plus as far as I'm concerned! read more

Best music and bar staff in the city. Good drinks at reasonable prices. Hang here for two weeks and you'll make new friends if you want. Great social vibe ... with a good bar to sit at, comfortable couches, and fantastic local art work. They could rotate the beers a little more. Same beer on tap for a few years now. That's the only ding, but come on ... it's still beer, and the rest of the venue makes up for any downfall. As Yelp says ... 'as good as it gets' in this city. read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review for Seamonster yet. I LOVE this place. I think my friends get a little annoyed because I always want to go. I live in South Seattle though so it's not easy to get to. When I do go, it's always one of the highlights of my weekend. Somebody else mentioned Funky 2 Death, the friday night band. I hear a lot of the same stuff when I go on Fridays, but this band is awesome. I can't be in there without dancing. I've never showed up before 10, and always go on the weekends, so I can't speak to the weeknight shows, but I think i'm checking it out tonight (a wednesday) and i'm positive I wont be let down. another thing, besides the fact that the place is super comfortable and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, the food is delicious (and cheap). It great times for little cash. You should go. Oh, one last thing... hot ladies, this is an awesome place to go if you want to dance and have a good time, and not get hit on by creepy dudes. The people that frequent this place are very chill. oh, very last thing, the bartender sings on friday (or is it saturday?) nights!!! from behind the bar! and he has an excellent voice. read more

Live music every time I go there. Super cool. I like the crowd there but wish some of the peeps wouldn't smoke 2 feet away from the open front door. But, I guess that's the price you pay for free music :) I wouldn't swing by too early its always dead until later in the night when the music starts. THEY HAVE SUSHI!!!!! read more

I am biased because I consider the folks who run this mighty fine establishment family. The Seamonster is a national treasure. Go there, prepare to be in close proximity to others, and enjoy yourself. read more

Gotta go on Friday! Funky 2 Death is the best house band.

The Seamonster is my favorite bar in Seattle. They have live music at some point just about every night. The jam sessions seem to draw some very talented and often well-known musicians. Depending on who is playing, it seems to be a different bar just about every time I go there. The walls are covered in bizarre nautical murals. The bar is in a long, narrow unit, and somehow manages to have more nooks and hideaways and bizarre little corners than anywhere else I have been. It is like a tiny 21+ Hogwarts. The beer selection is about what you would expect to find in Seattle (not huge, but great beers). Every mixed drink I have ordered at the Seamonster has been just exactly what I wanted (In my opinion, consistency is kind of the holy grail of bartending). I like this joint. read more

This place is a Wallingford gem. It's a tad loud but it's a Jazz lounge...that's what we want right? The bartenders are all great, food is served late and is good, and the atmosphere of the place is so much better than a lot of bars in the area. Can be good for groups if you're willing to wait for a long table. When live music is playing the place can really fill up. read more

This is the best place where u will find many great groups management is amazing I love Sara and Andrew Nunez ! I 1 St. met Sara years ago ! I started coming from fir F2D ! Now I go for more . The sea monster was just redone it's huge it's the place to be on north 45 st . I always leave drenched cause u can't stop dancing energy is off the hook . I recommend sea monster to visitors , new comers . 5$ at door small price for the greatest musicians in our state . Drinks great and big water area cause u move here ! U can also eat that a five star for me and I feel safe ! Owner just took stage omg he is amazing singing Prince read more