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The Central Saloon

3.6 (174 reviews)
Open • 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

The Central Saloon Photos

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THE CENTRAL SALOON ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Loud
Live music
Divey
Casual

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Recommended Reviews - The Central Saloon

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Reviews With Photos

Oatmeal Stout = 100% Quality
Nathan K.

I love it here! Service is direct. Local Brew choice. Absolutely remarkable. I never thought I would enjoy an Oatmeal Stout from Fremont Brewing. This place has it right. Don't skip! Ever! Seriously! Drink drink!

The Central Station
Anton K.

I've been to Seattle several times. I saw the Space Needle and the Mariners. I visited the Chihuly Gardens and Glass, as well as their Natural History Museum. So the day before my return flight to EWR, I went to the Central Saloon for a drink. The Central Saloon is the oldest saloon in Seattle dating to 1892. I'm from the East coast so that is not all that old. Never the less, in Seattle it is old. Aside from dating back to 1892 and it shows in some respects, The Central Saloon is where the music genre called "GRUNGE" began. Bands of 80's and 90's began playing their music in Seattle and The Central Station. Bands like Nirvana "Smells like teen Spirit", Sound Garden "Black Hole Sun" and Alice in Chains "No Excuses" lit up Seattle and the music world. The Central Station explodes with posters and photos of that time period with lots of colorful lighting and a antique bar that serves beer on tap. I love those old bars. Drinks are lower priced here than other saloons in Seattle. There is a small stage which can accommodate todays aspiring bands. I confess, I stayed longer than I should have. let's say I had more than one drink and if I lived in Seattle, this would not have been my last visit.

Vintage decor

Amanda the bartender was great! Super freindly and talkatative. She took care of us and made it a great experience. We came here the previous night aswell and they had a great grunge band performing. Super cool place, would definitely come back.

Natasha B.

So fun! No frills dive-y bar. Love that it has a bit of history. Live band was fun and bartender was super nice!

Chloe F.

The epitome of a dive bar. Probably the cheapest drinks you'll find in the city, but limited seating and loud (even without live music). Not bad for a single drink, but I wouldn't want to stay here longer than that.

Great music venue! Seasonal dates! Fri-Sat right now...

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Reviews are mixed. Many highlight the historic atmosphere, good drink selection, and friendly staff. Some also enjoy the live music and events.

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11 years ago

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8 years ago

Apricot Cider was excellent, sandwich was solid, server was super laid back and really friendly.

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14 years ago

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10 years ago

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8 years ago

Very pleasant waitstaff and reasonably priced drinks. My favourite place near Pioneer Square.

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21 years ago

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14 years ago

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18 years ago

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

Good place to prefunk before the game, the atmosphere was electric.Prices good,staff good,food good what more can you ask for.

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13 years ago

A bar that played a lot of Pixies and had a decent local beer selection...if I lived in Seattle I would be a regular.

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14 years ago

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16 years ago

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15 years ago

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14 years ago

Dirty loud dark and busy. You decide if you love it or hate it.

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15 years ago

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Page 3 of 5

Ask the Community - The Central Saloon

Review Highlights - The Central Saloon

“I had to tell a bum to go outside to clip his fingernails once, that was pretty funny, I think the bartender was about to kick his ass.”

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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The Crocodile - Crocodile Above The Bar

The Crocodile

3.6(446 reviews)
1.2 mi•Belltown
•$$

Very cool very small no smells like piss. Good drinks good food I heard . I highly suggest it…read more I guess they sell Pizza, but I didn't see anything. I guess I need to come when there's not a concert.

My girlfriends and I came here last night to see the Turning Point US Gay drag show. We pre-paid…read morefor our tickets months in advance and when we got into line we went through security. The line was leading to a table where they were checking bags before walking past the security guard who had a metal detector wand. None of us had any bags on us so she turned to ask the security guard if we needed to stop at the table or if it's 2 separate lines. Before she could even say anything he snapped at her to get back in line. She backed up a step and apologized immediately and he responded with saying "Patience is a virtue." But his tone sounded so disgusted and intimidating. This security guard needs to be let go after seeing so many other people seemingly have the same experience with him. He was short, about 5'7. Dark hair pulled back in a ponytail with a hat on turned backwards. This interaction happened around 7 pm right as the show was starting on 09/25/2026. I wish this was the extent of our interactions with him. During the show the drag kings and queens were mocking Charlie Kirk and other republican politicians. That's clearly why we were all here and this security guard throughout the show was walking past us and monitoring us. Every time he passed us he looked super pissed off, like he wasn't happy with the show that was being put on. This was further proven to us when we left the show after it ended. We were waiting around the corner on the curb for our designated driver to pick us up. The same friend from before leaned down on the step above the curb and the security guard came out and told her to move because the door would swing open. But my friend was only leaning against the very edge of that step where there was a railing so the door wouldn't have come close enough to hit her. Then the security guard asked us in an extremely snarky tone if we enjoyed the... "thing." We said we did and he just looked pissed off. Then he went inside and slammed the door open on purpose and said in another snarky tone, "See! I told you so!" Other than that, we loved the show!! The drinks were super bomb and the venue seemed cozy. It was our first time at a drag show and we tried to have fun despite the nasty attitude of the short misogynistic predatory security guard.

Photos
The Crocodile - Inside

Inside

The Crocodile
The Crocodile

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The Showbox - Stage

The Showbox

3.7(437 reviews)
0.6 mi•Downtown
•$$

May be Seattle's Best Venue! The showbox is historic, its…read moreintimate, it has stunning interior and makes you feel like you are at one of the secret shows in the days long past. If one of your favorite bands comes here, you will have an amazing, close and personal experience! The drinks are good, fairly reasonably priced. It is an STG location, so the service is good and consistent! The Showbox is one of those Seattle venues where the atmosphere is almost as memorable as the show itself. The historic architecture gives the space a distinctive character, while the interior combines old-school concert-hall charm with a gritty, intimate rock-and-roll aesthetic. The exposed brick, high ceilings, dark finishes, and vintage details create a setting that feels authentic rather than overly polished. What really makes The Showbox special, though, is its size. It is large enough to accommodate a great crowd but small enough that you never feel disconnected from the performance. There is an intimacy to the room that makes even a larger touring act feel like they are playing a much more personal show. The sound quality is another major highlight. The relatively compact layout means the music feels immediate and powerful without losing the clarity of the instruments or vocals. You can actually hear and experience the performance rather than simply watching it from a distance. Whether you're standing near the stage or farther back in the venue, the acoustics help create a consistently immersive experience. Overall, The Showbox is a fantastic place to see live music. The unique architecture and decor give it plenty of personality, while the smaller footprint, strong acoustics, and close proximity to the stage create the kind of concert experience that larger arenas simply can't replicate. It feels like a true Seattle institution--and exactly what a great live music venue should be.

This is a moderate sized venue on 1st avenue very close to Pike Place. It is standing room only,…read morewhich I don't love, but for people who do, it's fine. The staff were all super nice, they have a coat check, and the sound quality is good. I enjoyed the show, but it is always a bit tough as a short person. Drinks are on the pricey side, so consider pre-funking somewhere else.

Photos
The Showbox - Getting ready! Mac Ayers concert Friday, March 24, 2023.

Getting ready! Mac Ayers concert Friday, March 24, 2023.

The Showbox - The floor filling up.

The floor filling up.

The Showbox - She Wants Revenge

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She Wants Revenge

Tractor Tavern - Cheers

Tractor Tavern

3.9(245 reviews)
5.0 mi•Ballard
•$$

My husband and I found parking () and showed up for the Bowie Blast. In LA, I always went out for…read moreBowie's birthday. I have to look far and wide for anything like that in Seattle.(Still a native, so put down the pitch forks) Here it was. It was $25/person and my husband and I are trying to be prudent with money. It is very, very hard to save when you can't go out for less than $100 these days. I work in education so.... yeah. I thought we were late to the show so I asked for a discount on the cover. They said the band just started and they couldn't do that. I apologized and said I wasn't trying to haggle at all. The staff was very kind to us, even tho we were waffling. I've come to expect the cold front. The bartender who served me at the comedy show just before the Tavern refused to make any human contact. He just handled my cash and handed me my drink, like a robot. I still have warm blood pumping through my veins. Tractor Tavern was so warm and friendly. They gave us time to talk about it outside. We stepped outside. The music was percolating through the glass. I am a classic rock junkie. I took us back in. At the bar, I asked for a double. The bartender moved to the side to reveal a sign that said "no doubles". I laughed and apologized. He was kind and made a friendly joke. I seriously don't expect anyone to be nice to me anymore. I expect a chilly silence. This was so welcoming and warm. I wasn't treated like a jerk even tho some of my questions could warrant that response. They allowed me to be new and be human. The music was amazing. Let the children lose it. Let the children use it. Let all the children boogie. Thank you for keeping the human vibe alive and friendly. We will be back.

Best Nashville bar that's not in Nashville. I've never been to a bad show here…read more I've seen many performances here that I know the artists could be playing in much larger venues. Either the Tractor is really good at booking, or the artists like playing there, or both. Lots of great restaurants nearby.

Photos
Tractor Tavern - View from the bar area across to the stage. View is partially obstructed from this vantage

View from the bar area across to the stage. View is partially obstructed from this vantage

Tractor Tavern - The stage

The stage

Tractor Tavern - Interior

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Interior

The Triple Door

The Triple Door

3.6(767 reviews)
0.6 mi•Downtown
•$$$

I haven't been to the Triple Door in several years, but went a couple of weeks ago for a Burlesque…read moreshow. The environment has a boho vibe, with an understated classiness to it. The seating is arranged so there are really no "bad" seats to see a show. When we arrived, we were seated right away and the staff were very friendly and inviting. We decided to order drinks and food for the show and we went with Chicken Potstickers, Thai Bean Salad, Cabbage Salad, Seasoned Fries and Malay Chicken Satay. All were very good, and flavorful without being too spicy. We especially liked the Greet Bean salad - we'd never tried beans Thai style before ad they were delicious. I will say, for the price, the drinks were a bit small, but outside of that, this was a great evening with good service and food. I will make sure not to wait so long to visit again. Side note: The Burlesque show was amazing!!

This time the food was pretty good. We had 2 kinds of satay, and they solved the peanut sauce issue…read moreso it was tasty and the right consistency. Their fries are always good! Green beans were almost back to normal great. The show was fabulous -Stanley Jordan is magical- and the only misstep was our server, who didn't bring our wine till we were almost finished, even though we had asked for it to be brought with our food. He thought it was a "misunderstanding ".

Photos
The Triple Door - View from the table at the back

View from the table at the back

The Triple Door - Pad thai

Pad thai

The Triple Door - Coconut martini

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Coconut martini

Neumos - View from other tables not at railing, plenty of standing area

Neumos

3.2(294 reviews)
1.2 mi•First Hill, Capitol Hill
•$$

We attended a concert here and absolutely loved the venue. We arrived early and had drinks at the…read morebar next door (which is connected). We played some board games that they had on hand and got a nice buzz on. The venue was spacious but intimate, perfect for a cover band. The sound quality was outstanding and the space was clean. The bathrooms were nearby and there were enough to use without having to stand in line, which was nice. The drinks were expensive and therefore it loses a star. I hate being fleeced on drinks after paying a high amount to get into a concert. The bartenders were nice as were the security personnel. Parking is kind of a pain as you have to pay to park in a parking garage or drive around trying to find on street parking, which is nearly impossible. Loved the vibe on the street after the concert. Lots of food vendors, music, and fun people hanging about. We would definitely come back to this venue.

went during some charlie xcx brat themed night and wow that was not a good set lol. like they'd…read moreedged you with a good song like fergalicious and then completely cut off the song and play something random. I could tell I wasn't the only one who disliked it bc I watched several people leave and the venue was never full, always only half at best. 1/10, 11pm. whoever this dj was im sorry this wasn't it. wish we were at barboza lmao. including video so you can see what the music was like THE WHOLE NIGHT

Photos
Neumos
Neumos - Taylor swift dance night

Taylor swift dance night

Neumos - Taylor swift dance night

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Taylor swift dance night

Paramount Theatre - Seeing & Juliet

Paramount Theatre

3.8(619 reviews)
0.9 mi•Downtown
•$$

We got mezzanine tickets for the Chance the Rapper concert and had a great time. Note tho, that…read moreyou'll likely be standing the whole concert. We didn't mind. Audio quality could've been better but isn't a deterrent. Even on a Saturday night, we were able to find free street parking a couple of blocks away. Line to get in was short, and the concession lines weren't too bad either. They did allow you to bring your drinks to your seat too.

My first visit to the Paramount Theatre was to see Water for Elephants and I'm so glad I was…read moreinvited! The interiors and lobby areas were absolutely gorgeous, with ornate details and an elegant, old-world feel. It was lovely to take everything in before the show began. The performance was fantastic, and the acoustics were excellent. We were seated very high up, almost in the last row at the top. I was pleasantly surprised by the clear, unobstructed view and had no trouble seeing the performance. There were also some perks to being upstairs: the upper-level restroom and bar were less crowded, and the nearby stairs made getting out during intermission and after the show quick and easy. A tip: arrive early! While waiting outside for a friend, I noticed the security line getting longer closer to showtime. The stanchions ran along the sidewalk and extended into the street, so I imagine the wait could be substantial for more popular shows. Security itself went smoothly. If you have Paramount Club access, keep in mind that staff occasionally directed guests from the backed-up main line into the priority entrance, so that line could get busy too. A beautiful theatre and a wonderful first experience. I'll definitely check out another show this year!

Photos
Paramount Theatre - Paramount Theatre - Water for Elephant the musical

Paramount Theatre - Water for Elephant the musical

Paramount Theatre - Garbage 10/15/25

Garbage 10/15/25

Paramount Theatre - The stage

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The stage

Blue Moon Tavern - Lack of Respect 2/2/24

Blue Moon Tavern

3.8(108 reviews)
4.3 mi•University District
•$

20 MAY 2026 -- I performed poetry from Purple Rose: The Stars Carry Her Name -- Letters from Me to…read moreHer at the historic and legendary Blue Moon Tavern in Seattle. Originally opened in 1934, the Blue Moon carries the kind of atmosphere you cannot recreate -- walls covered in decades of music, art, stickers, photographs, and stories. A dimly lit room packed with musicians, writers, artists, and people who genuinely appreciate creativity in its raw form. Throughout the night, the stage moved between live music, poetry, and performances from local artists while the crowd filled the tavern from the bar to the stage floor. Places like this remind me why independent art still matters. As an author traveling all over the United States -- and as someone who lived in the Seattle area for 2 1/2 years -- standing on that stage reading poetry from Purple Rose in a venue with this much history behind it was really something special. What I loved most was how welcoming the environment was. This is a very LGBTQ-friendly, art-friendly space where people genuinely support one another. If you are brand new to open mics or nervous about sharing your work for the first time, this is the kind of place where you will absolutely be shown kindness and encouragement. There were so many talented musicians, poets, and performers there, and you could really feel the appreciation for creativity throughout the room. The setup of the tavern itself is awesome. The stage and seating area wrap around the bar in almost a U-shape, so you can really choose your own vibe for the night. If you want to stay close to the performances and music, there is a dance floor and table area near the stage. If you want something more relaxed, you can hang back near the bar, have a drink, and still enjoy the atmosphere without being directly in the middle of everything. They also have a full bar, arcade games, board games, books to read, and even a small library on the shelves throughout the tavern. Somewhere inside, you may even find a signed copy of Purple Rose that I left hidden and dedicated to the historic Blue Moon itself. Beautiful evening with wonderful people. If you are ever in the area and have a skill you would love to share, go share your art. Find your copy of Purple Rose at JamesVThePoet.com

service! band!…read moreatmosphere! location! interior design! drink specials! package liquor! woo hoo!

Photos
Blue Moon Tavern
Blue Moon Tavern
Blue Moon Tavern

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The Central Saloon - bars - Updated October 2026

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