This is it, the emperor of Seattle dive bars. Inimitable. Sui generis. My favorite place to hang…read moreout in downtown Seattle when bad decisions and fun are on my agenda. Time without number I've found myself here, be that first dates, my birthday, or New Year's Eve, and it always feels like home. If home were a clown/carnival themed acid trip of a pinball arcade bar, that is. And what's not to love about that? The bar tenders here are cool and friendly people who pour drinks with a heavy hand, and understand the mission: get the patrons who want to be drunk, drunk. The first few times I visited, I felt a leeriness about ordering food. But once I got over myself, I kinda fell in love with the menu, and I've probably eaten everything on it (including the clam chowder). Their hot dogs are wonders to behold, utter symphonies for the senses, and I refuse to visit Shorty's without getting one. Best dog in Seattle? Why yes. I think so. To paraphrase one reviewer: "Take your date here. If she doesn't like it, she's lame and you shouldn't waste your time with her anyways." Shorty's is the bomb.

The male bartender was extremely rude. As soon as we walked in, he aggressively asked for our IDs…read more Then, while my cousins and I were looking through the food menu, he barely gave us a chance to read it before saying, "I'll take whoever is ready to make my life easier." That's not something paying customers want to hear. I ended up ordering a drink for myself while the guys were looking at the menu because they were doing a food hop, and us girls were doing a bar hop. During that time, the bartender came back to our table at least four times within about five minutes. Instead of being attentive, it felt pushy and aggressive, especially since they were still deciding what they wanted. I've been here a few times before, but after this experience, this will definitely be my last visit.

Great dive bar. A local favorite people have frequented for years…read more So glad to see it survived the Pandemic! Great service. Many drink options. Relaxing seating and space

Solid dive. Cheap(ish) drinks, plenty of booth seating for groups. DO NOT get the pickle back shot…read more- or do at your own risk - it took one of my friends out for 48 hours.

The best dive bar in Seattle great local crowd efficient system when things are crowded and a good…read moreselection of booze. ....that is my review

We stopped in for a quick drink before heading over to McCaw Hall to see Nikki Glaser. It was fine…read more Close to the venue, but not particularly welcoming.

After a walk with a high school friend around volunteer park during this recent Seattle heat wave/…read moresmoke from the fires, we were in desperate need of an ice cold beverage. Even though their patio was in direct sunlight, there was a shade that perfectly covered the upper body, so your face stayed shaded. We got their basket of fries for happy hour. They did the thick cut fries extremely well. Normally, I'm a skinny fry girl, but these ones has a delightful amount of crisp and seasoning. Additionally, they offering lots of different type of sauce options. I went with the fry sauce aka secret sauce. The ranch was excellent though. I had the cider on draft. It wasn't very sweet if that's what you're into. Now the watermelon slushie situation though. That was a sweet refreshing drink. Perfect hot summer day drink. Inside the bar is kind of dark dive bar, but they have some card games and board games that you can play as well if that's more your vibe.

this is a really fun themed dive bar in cap hill, and actually my first time visiting! they have a…read morelot of fun drinks, but they also do proper drinks too. theres also a small food menu, burgers, fish n chips, wings, nachos, fries. i got the space tang cocktail, it was really cute and had edible stars in it. it was def more on the sweet tangy side, which i liked! the wings we were able to choose two flavors, got the buffalo and lemon pepper. pretty standard, but i liked that they came out fresh, hot, and cwispy. the fish n chips were also pretty standard. the fries were amazing, big and hearty cuts, almost resembling wedges. the ambiance is pretty dark/moody, def dive bar leaning. it is quite loud. and there is a photo booth in the back!

One on First Hill's best kept secrets. Great cocktails, great ambiance, no TVs - good people…read more Arguably one of the best bars in the city hands down.

Came here with a friend one late night and the ambience is just right. A handful of regulars, dive…read moreatmosphere, music not too loud and strong drinks. It's not a secret bar, but it has an unassuming look that I like and can be easily overlooked. Their tagline is "your favorite neighborhood art bar" which is appropriate as the bar is filled with art and decor that gets your attention. Much of the art is for sale, but definitely for someone who has a strong love for it and or deep pockets. The bar has been around since 2005 with an aim to build in the eyes of patrons for patrons. There is a fairly extensive menu of cocktails that carry a pricey tag, but are good. I simply opted for a couple Tom Collins, and it was excellent. Had me walking back kinda sideways. Definitely a gem of a drinking spot, perfect place to close out a night.

Small tavern style with maybe half dozen booths and bar seating…read more Quality tap list and delicious burgers. I had the tavern double and failed to snap a pic. It had 2 well seasoned patties with excellent grill flavor, American cheese & chopped onions. Truly simple and delicious. Service is attentive and kind. -Order at the bar

Amazing as always…read more The food is delicious with well balanced flavors and made quickly. The staff is on it and always busy but quick with it. There are a few options of where to sit: Indoors near the front where there are a few booths and bar seating where it is dark and you won't know what time of day it is unless you are by the windows Indoors near the back has some tables as well And outdoors also has a fireplace that is nice for rainy Seattle dining. Very fun atmosphere and good drinks as well. Strong.

During my Fall stay in Belltown this cool quaint spot was recommended to me based off of a set of…read morecriteria I asked from my bartender at another spot: dive-y, cocktails, preferably records/vinyl DJs, and cool vibes. The bartender said Screwdriver Bar. I looked it up, closed my tab, and walked over to Screwdriver Bar which was a short walk back to my hotel. Score! First off don't get confused. There is one (1) door attendant possibly for two venues?! I want to say there was a venue on top of this bar. Either way I saw Screwdriver Bar was downstairs so be sure you kinda know where you are going. Screwdriver Bar is (seemingly) free from a cover. I walked down the steps and entered a whole world of vinyl records, throw back artwork and memorabilia that filled the very top of the ceiling all the way down to the tables and floor. This spot made me feel welcomed right off the bat with laughter, people dancing, and a busy bar staff serving up all the drinks from tallboys to fancy hand shaken cocktails. I really enjoyed my time here when I visited. On the menu I thought I saw a dumpling type of food situation going on. I know I smelled good warm food smells but I did not have a chance to order anything (I ate somewhere else). Mostly locals here which made me feel good as the recommendation was spot on and the others here were all having a great time which was the vibe I needed during my stay in Belltown.

Very cool dive bar with an old punk rock, mildly gothy vibe. The cocktails available and the…read morequality is better than your average dive bar. It was pretty packed on Friday or Saturday, can't quite remember which day I was there. I didn't order but nobody at the table had problems with service. The music was loud, and everyone was talking, yet a chill vibe, everyone just having a good time. I'd easily come back and I recommend.

First timer and will be back! Good lime. Come for the lime stay for the back patio vibes!read more

This place had all the markings of a typical dive bar. There were plenty of TVs to watch sports and…read morea couple of pool tables. The interior was dimly lit with more tables and seating in the back. It was a neighborhood bar with a lot of locals and frequent barflys. Their website said that their happy hour is from 4-7pm but when we arrived at 6pm the bartender said it was actually 4-6pm. She told us though that "it's not happy hour but our stuff is cheap anyway" which was a funny exchange and gave us a chuckle. She was right though because wells were $5 and the Moscow mule was $8 (although it was just okay). We played pool, watched some TV, and just hung out. It was a cool vibe.

Next level food. Never missed the mark. Long wait but worth it. My whole family loved it. Wish they…read morehad a location in California!

Great happy hour and the staff is amazing. Watching Elton hustle is next level. I would have…read morebelieved he owned the place based on his work ethic. Dasha was great, ask for her section. Everyone at Vons is killing it! Happy hour++

Had a great saturday night dinner here! They do take…read morereservations (call) and they sat us like 10 mins early which was great. Cozy and intimate atmosphere (it's not a large space) and totally romantic. Our service was great (attentive, one step ahead), the prices are reasonable, and they have curated a great vibe in there. One pizza is like the perfect size for dinner for two, we got the margarita and it was perfect. Nice thin crust, and their house cheese mix was great. Would totally return!

I stumbled across this pizza place entirely by accident while I was in town and popping in to catch…read morea show across the way. Tucked into the side of the Gum Wall, this dark, tavern-esque gem serves up some really tasty food and hosts a full bar. Maybe it's a Seattle thing, but the bartender was extremely friendly and gave me the lowdown on an amazing meatball appetizer that served as a perfect quick meal. Will definitely be back next time I'm in town!