My husband and I found parking () and showed up for the Bowie Blast. In LA, I always went out for Bowie'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. read more

Best Nashville bar that's not in Nashville. I've never been to a bad show here. 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. read more

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No food here. Only beverages. What a fantastic small venue with excellent sound. Parking is tricky in Ballard but totally worth the drive. I recommend using spot hero and reserving a spot. I was able to park really close for $9.00. I also recommend arriving early. Because this is a no seating venue so you can grab a seat at the only bench along the wall. And when the show starts you can stand on the bench which provides a great view! The service here is super friendly and the bathroom is well, a bathroom. Not fancy, small and clean: super fun overall vibes! Going to keep an eye on there calendar. Enjoy life! SYOY! read more

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I've been going to the Tractor for nearly 20 years. It's a funky little music venue in Ballard, emphasis on little. But it's a great venue to catch local and not so local talent, with decent sight lines throughout most of the venue. It can get really crammed full with people, depending on the band, making it very difficult find a place to stand or to wind your way to the bar to grab a refill. There are also precious few places to sit, so you'll likely be standing the entire time (unless you're one of the lucky few near the stage or along one of the walls). I found the staff at all levels to be friendly and accommodating, the bartenders in particular, who, despite the crowds, remembered the drink orders each time we stepped up. read more

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Cozy little neighborhood venue that maintains reasonable prices thank the lord. Be prepared to stand the entire show as there is little seating but it's the perfect spot to take in a concert. Very personal setting, you're right on top of the artist! The interior decor takes you right out of North Seattle and in to a country western feel. read more

Great environment to catch a variety of musical acts. The staff is always friendly, and it's in a phenomenal location. read more

Tractor Tavern - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

As a frequent concert guest, I go to a lot of small venues, navigate a lot of different places, and generally have a good time... all while in a wheelchair. Shocking.. I know Most places have an ADA area where people like myself can sit and watch without an obstructive view or the risk of being tripped over. I showed up to this venue an hour before doors open, let the staff know I was there and made arrangements to come to the side door. However the bathroom is down steps, the merch table is down steps, the bar.... down steps. No space for me anywhere. I ended up at the back of the room, tripped over, drinks spilled on me, kicked, and only able to see the butts of the people crammed in front of me. I left a few minutes into the show after being tripped over by a woman who actually gagged when she looked down at my leg and yelled my legs don't work. ( For reference my legs are fine. ) I'm really disappointed. read more

Great place to hang out with great music. I am waiting for future bands to play there read more

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Tractor Tavern is a cool, hip little venue for acts to come through and do their thing. Not a large venue so I don't think AAA acts will come through here, but that may be kind of the draw and it's not all that large of an audience area. I'd suggest getting in early if you're on the shorter side. I could see getting screwed as the crowd rolls in and not being able to see anything an hour into performances. Everything you'd expect is here. ID checker dude. Ticket checker dude. Bar girls. Bathrooms. Stage. Area to stand and watch the stage. Tucked in the corner is where the band can stock their merch for purchase. That's it. At least as far as I could tell. The acts sounded good, but I'm not sure if I can chalk that up to their equipment or the actual venue. Tickets aren't outrageously expensive but you gotta be prepared for the service fees. Right on the busy Ballard Ave. there is plenty to get into before or after concerts so that's pretty cool too. Not a bad spot to catch a show. read more

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I am so disappointed in the Tractor Tavern (I want to stress this has nothing to do with the bands). When I purchased a ticket for a band that I love, I did not know that this was a "no seat venue" (except for a very few against the wall). I saw "general admission" when I purchased the ticket (not standing room only). Most folks have to stand for hours (and a few can sit on raised platforms but super uncomfortable). Disabled folks better have a walker with a seat. Better be young. I complained to the manager and he replied I should have known this was no seat option. I asked how? Then I asked if they complied with ADA regulations; he insisted that they did. I don't believe it. They want to pack the place like airlines overbook. I will never be back. read more

Small booze and beer selection, but the decorations are pretty fun. Lots of posters of bands that have come through, but not too much to spoil the country aesthetic. read more

Tractor Tavern - Coleman (Hank) Williams IV and his band rippin' it up - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

If there is any place you want to go for live music in seattle, this is it. There are multiple shows on same day and you can hear different local artists. It's not a large space so I would suggest coming early to get a good spot. The acoustics of the place or the equipment if the place can be done better. read more

I had such an amazing wedding after party at Tractor Tavern! A huge thank you to Jeff and team for being so easy and wonderful to work with, and for the fantastic music. Cannot recommend this space enough for wedding after parties in Ballard. Hope to be back soon! :) read more

I have seen hundreds of shows at the Tractor. In all that time, I've never seen a bad one. Not one. Never. Plus the staff, from the doorman to the bartenders, fast, efficient and friendly. It's like they know how special the place is and they each do their part to keep it cool, safe, clean and fun. read more

Reeks of great music, close up. You will stand. Greatest show this year, so far... Shinyribs!!! Eat before you go.

This place is amazing. It is cozy inside, the bartenders are friendly, the sound system is great for live music. I top of all that, they have beer. Hard to beat. I'll be back. read more

If you like left-of-the-dial country and Americana, the Tractor is one of the best music venues in the world (although it also hosts plenty of other types of artists). I've honky-tonked from Nashville and Austin to New York City and Tokyo, and there's nowhere like The Tractor. It's a special place. Yes, it can get crowded, and there's limited seating. Come early if you want to nab a seat on the bench by the wall. Or, for a more relaxed dance floor, check out Conor Byrne, which is down the street in Old Ballard. read more

The perfect Seattle music venue...intimate, livelier than most...it's got all the vibes and a healthy rotation of great bands/musicians. Pick a show...any show...and go! read more

Although this place seemed to have plenty of dance floor they pack you in like sardines. Not my style. Came here for the prince and George Michael tribute band concert. We left after about an HR as we were crammed in a corner. It's hard to even move. I could see this place being fun if you don't mind having strangers touch you and smelling other people (body odor, lotion, cheap perfume etc) the entire time. I am used to concerts but not like this so it wasn't for me. The bar was also hard to get to. Staff manning the front were very short with people and didn't seem like they wanted to be there. But it could have been a long/busy night. I can't judge on what I don't know. This was a Saturday night which I know is busy anyway. read more

Tractor Tavern - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Fun, small music venue in Ballard, usually showcasing local artists. I dig that. My friends and I came here for a 90's-2000's Party, and had a blast here! You can get tickets online, where we saved five bucks versus at the door, and there is a will call where as soon as you walk in, there's an employee with a list of ticket-buyers to check off. The space is split in two rooms: the bar and stage. The bar is where you walk into as soon as you enter Tractor, and in the back is the restroom. The stage is in the other room where you can still see and hear the performer from the bar at a distance. Sound quality and lighting was good. They don't serve food here - but have a full bar, and the drinks are strong and cheap here! Bartenders are much friendlier here than at other music venues I've been to, where they can get cranky from how busy the place gets but never got that feeling here. They also have a coat check in the room where the bar is for $3 cash. Overall, this is a nice space to listen to some music and dance! Friendly staff, lots of support for local artists and a full bar, necessary for any of those dance moves! read more

(This review is based on my experience of trying to buy advance tickets from the box office.) I try to save money and avoid extra service charges on tickets by buying directly from venue box offices. I called Tractor during their daytime box office hours and was told I could buy tickets for advance shows at their box office when they are open for other shows. I planned my evening around doing this and was amazed by how horrible the response was when I got to the venue. First, after waiting in a short line, I was told by the door guy that he had to help the people behind me get into the show before he could sell me tickets. That night's show was far from starting, but sure, no big deal. As I was waiting, he suggested that maybe the other employee standing next to him could assist me with the other computer they had next to his. That guy froze and said he had to go check with the owner back at the bar. He came back and said "Can you come back at 10:30pm?" Mind you, this was at 8:30pm. I let him know that I wasn't planning on just hanging around for two more hours to buy tickets. Then he said I can just buy them online, to which I let him know I was there to buy them in person to avoid the service fees. He was nice about it overall and I could tell his hands were tied by whatever the owner told him. By this time, there was no one left in line (other than me) and no one trying to get into the show. Then the two staff conferred with each other and the first guy says "Yeah, I guess the system is down or something. It will be back online at 10:30pm." So, your system is suddenly down, even though while I was waiting you were using it to look up online tickets for people arriving for that night's show, and you also know the exact time your system will be fixed?!?! So, on top of them refusing to sell me tickets, they blatantly and insultingly lied to me about the reason. Now, Tractor is far from my favorite venue in Seattle, but I've been to a good number of shows there and have spent plenty of money there, having mostly enjoyed my experiences. This was a very frustrating experience that I will have to consider in the future when there is a band I want to see that is unfortunately playing there. If you can't handle the stress of selling advance tickets at your door when you have ten people in the venue (but nowhere near the ticket counter) before the show starts, then just don't tell people it's an option! It's ridiculous to tell customers you will provide a service and then just tell them "nevermind" when they show up to give you their business. I guess you have no interest in treating your customers well, even when they are trying to give you money. I'm very disappointed in you, Tractor read more

Can anyone here explain why I just paid a $10 service fee on top of the $40 for two tickets? No worries if that's just highway robbery, indie rock style, but just looking to call a spade a spade.... read more

Fun place to see live music, considering there are not many options. However, they over sell events to the point where you cannot move, you can never sit down, and you're on top of each other, which is really not enjoyable. Meanwhile, they also are extremely vigilant about mask enforcement, which is kind-of ironic because if they cared about covid safety they probably wouldn't over sell the place to the point where you can't move and everyone is 4 inches away from each other. Idk, maybe it's just me but I'd rather pay more for more space than pay $25 to be "packed in like sardines" and unable to move. read more

Took care of me when someone was being over the top rude. I will come back specifically because of the staff

Tractor Tavern is an intimate concert venue in the heart of Ballard. It is standing room only and doesn't really have a bad location since you can see the stage from just about every place on the floor. There are 2 bars, one just as you walk in, and another inside near the stage. You can hear the music from both bars, so I would suggest going to whichever line is shorter. There is also a water station inside the venue at the back (to the left of the stage) where you can fill up a cup at your leisure. There are also 2 bathrooms. One just as you walk in (next to the bar), but it is a single stall so there was a line most of the night. The other bathroom is in the back of the venue, just to the left of the stage. Coat check is available as well ($3/item). read more

A haunting tune plays on the pre set PA in the empty 2 room "Tractor"... This is rumored to be Ballards best music venue but the 8.00 show has a sparse turnout... A few scruffy hipsters all with big rimmed glasses clutch their PBR tall boys for dear life.... The anticipation for this unpretentious show is less than vibrant with their understated passive aggressiveness. A band playing for no one but me may sound exclusive... But it is only 7.45... read more

Tractor Tavern - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Great venue for live music. Been to more than 10 shows here. Depending on the night, music ranges from quieter indie rock to fun standing room only, fast and loud stuff. read more

Tractor Tavern - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Lovely space for live music and hanging out with friends! They do charge a $10 cover on weekends but doing so ensures that it doesn't become overly crowded - this was a relief as some places in Ballard get uncomfortably warm and crowded on busy summer nights. One of my friends suggested this place and so the four of us came in to enjoy the live music and company. The drinks were refreshing and the space was like that of an old repurposed barn. It was a good first experience and I look forward to seeing more live music here in the future! read more

Was pretty disappointed at the bar service today. When my card declined at the bar for an annoying reason, I got yelled at by the bar keep, and they refused to give me my card back. Of course, I covered my bill, but the service was rude and handled the situation unprofessionally. Don't feel like going back any time soon. read more

Paid $50 (40 + 10 in fees) to a show I could not attend. They told me to kick rocks. They don't care. They closed their box office and use ticketweb. I'm a musician and I have blacklisted this place as well as ticketweb. They can go right ahead and fuck right back off. read more

Only got drinks, not food, but had a good beer selection and a fun band playing in the back! Was a lot bigger of a venue than I realized from the outside and had a lot of fun here, will be back! read more

My first Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) ever!! I was invited by friends. I was not going to join, but drove in front of the tavern and got a parking spot right across street! I was like awesome! I went without knowing what was happening. All I knew was everyone was happy, dancing, and kind of drunk! It was a concert venue and playing Mardi Gras style music, which is very interesting to me. It was very upbeat and really made me super happy. And, I can't believe I only had a cup of water still being kinda high. It's the music! It only cost me $10 by the door. And, the main show started at 10:30, which was late for me but I sucked it up. I was glad I stayed and had such a good experience. Bartenders are friendly! Imagine water was all I ordered (it's free) and they didn't yell at me! Their bathroom!! Oh my... It may be just slightly better than the bathroom in Baranoff if you know what I am talking about! If I am lucky all the time with parking, I'd be here more often for sure! read more

Tractor Tavern - Dang! How old are they?! - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Oh Tractor Tavern, why have I endured 6 long years of concert attendance without you? Boo hoo! Saw American Authors and Royal Teeth here. The Colourist opened. I was very impressed by them. Glad to add another band to my fledgling list. The sound here is fabulous, and it is a great venue size-wise. Big enough for lots of standing, with a few tables nearer the bar. Bar and door service was great. Tickets are SO CHEAP. If you're ever bored in Ballard, just wander this way. The show I saw was THIRTEEN DOLLARS including taxes and fees. Odds are it will not be sold out, so save a few bucks and go $10 at the door. Anyone want to go? I'm buying! read more

**This review is for Tractor Tavern as a sample sale venue** I went to Tractor Tavern for a Joe's Jeans sample sale. The location was convenient (especially with the free parking on Shilshole) and there was an appropriate amount of floor space to accommodate the sale boxes. The stage was perfect for the DJ setup. However, there were no suitable areas for changing garments. The lighting was also quite dim in some places and blinding in others -- both lighting conditions were not ideal for shopping. There was limited bench seating (fixed) along one wall. If you're attending a clothing sample sale here: - Wear leggings and/or a tank top to try clothing on over - Leave big purses at home read more

Looking for a great spot to see a band in Seattle? The tractor is a great small club. Outfitted like your grandfathers barn, The vibe is very laid-back and fun here. There isn't too much seating but we arrived half an hour after the doors opened on a Wednesday and snagged the cushioned bench right by the stage. For $15 we saw an opener that was better than a lot of main acts that we've seen, and a headline act from Australia that was outstanding. They had four IPAs on tap and about 10 taps total as well as a full bar. Not much for food except for peanuts so eat something before you get here. Highly recommended. Come here and have a great time. read more

Look, the ticket stand is my first impression of a place. The door person was a bit rude, but hey it was crowded. He's probably cranky. The bar keeps the drinks flowing with their "kindly step away" after your order sign. The atmosphere is definitely the tavern style- tall wooden walls, low lighting, a couple of seats, but mostly standing room for the concerts. Great sound this time around, last time we had to bring earplugs for everyone in our group. Unapologetic drunk dancers stumbling towards us. The environment is playful, but you really don't want to get pushed around. That's what elbows are for! As for the bathroom, get in, get out. Don't look, don't breath, don't listen. It's not pretty and if they can't budget for cleaning it up routinely, then it's damn disgusting, but hey drinks and live dancing music. It's hard to compete with. It's still a four Stars! read more

Tractor Tavern - Rockabilly music with fire and personality. Wouldn't have it any other way! - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Fun live music venue featuring local talent. Saw Matt Coughlin & the Growlers on Sat, great musicians. Crowd is fun and into the music. Venue is like an oversize barn -spacious and tall-ceilinged, good for sound and you can pretty much see the stage from anywhere in the main room (standing room only). Drinks are cheap and strong - seemed as if bartender forgot to stop pouring... Staff is friendly, which is refreshing among live music venues. read more

First trip to the Tractor Tavern, to see Aaron Crawford. The place is very interesting and as a sort-of farm girl, I dig it. The bartenders were really nice and there is a self-service water station which is awesome for us DDs! We got there at 8 when doors opened, scored a table along the side which seemed like a good idea until the place got full and then we couldn't see much. No biggie, as we made our way to the front of the crowd during the break between bands and ended up right next to the stage. The bathrooms are pretty awesome/eccentric. Looked like they sell bags of chips if you desire a snack after all the dancing. They also have a coat check, for $3/item. It's Ballard so parking is a challenge but there is street parking (if you are super lucky!) and paid lots. Or take an Uber like most of the people we saw. Lots of restaurants and shops nearby to check out! read more

Tractor Tavern - Can't get much closer to the stage than this! - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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The Tractor Tavern is a fantastic venue in Ballard for music enthusiasts. Always quality national & local bands playing on this tiny stage. It's an up & close experience for the music fan so a must head to venue and grab brew to see your favorite band. read more

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I think I legitimately love this venue! It's everything you love about small venues...the ability to be close to the performers, great sound and cool vibe. Went to a sold out show last night and there was NEVER more than a 2 minute wait at the bar. That is a testament to how well the bartenders do at getting you served and on to the next....and they were NICE too....you didn't leave having felt like they were just pushing you through to get to the next customer. There were 2 small problems that caused a 4 instead of 5 star review....no seating other than a wooden bench along one wall, While I anticipated this and wore sensible shoes I can imagine this isn't ideal for everyone. Secondly the bathroom, the only problem with small venues is small bathrooms. The bathroom line was longer than the bar line every time....because there'e only 2 stalls. read more