If anyone knows of a better place to see live music in Seattle let me know- but I'm pretty sure you're going to be hard pressed to make a complelling argument because it really doesn't get better than The Tractor. The crowd is always laid back, the sound is the best in the city hands down, the beer is completely reasonable- even the lines to the bathroom are never all that out of control...how they manage that one, I don't know. So, yeah, there is one tiny down side to The Tractor, the staff is essentially a bunch of pseudo hipster snobs that seem to always be looking at you like you're not worth their time...but they still do a good job so I'm not all that offended by it and it's not worth losing a star over. So go ahead, disagree with me that the Tractor isn't the best music venue in Seattle...I won't believe you, but I am willing to listen... read more

My favorite venue in Seattle! We go here fairly often as they always get amazing shows... Seems to cater to Americana... Lots of bluegrass, singer/songwriters and alt-country with random jambands, jazz and other misc. projects thrown in... Friendly staff, great neighborhood, bar side and a large dancing side... Good beers... No food for sale, but they allow you to bring in your own outside food! Only a $1 service fee if you purchase advance tickets... Only downside is that the bathroom gets pretty tight on busy nights... Some highlights in recent memory: Emmit-Nershi Band, 30db, Toubab Krewe, Altered States of Funk with Haiku-Chi, Ryan Montbleau Band, Garage-a-trois, and more... The Tractor rules! read more

I love coming here for concerts! I've been to two shows in the past 2 months. It's so much fun to have dinner/happy hour drinks somewhere on Ballard Ave and then pop in here for the concert. The interior is tastefully decorated and relatively clean. (I really enjoyed the Halloween lights and decorations!) Bathrooms were not so bad for bar bathrooms. As other reviewers have mentioned, this place never seems uncomfortably crowded. We went to a sold-out show, but there was plenty of room to move around, the bar never got too crowded, and the will-call line was very manageable. The bar has a decent selection of drinks on tap, bottles, and your standard liquor options. Be advised that they charge $.50 per card swipe, so it might be a good idea to pay in cash if you're going to be stopping at the bar quite a few times. read more

I'd give the Tractor a 3 1/2 if I could. Firstly, as a venue, it's great. The sound is great (props to the sound guy). It holds a good number of people, and from a business view, that's great, and they have tons of shows there. There's plenty of room, even when it's pretty packed. The majority of the place is standing only though, which is great when you want to get your groove on! It would be nice if there was at least some folding chairs against the walls and such though for when you need to sit for a little. Standing for hours on end isn't all that fun, and the few seats in the place get filled up fast. That's just a minor gripe though. That accounts for the half star loss. I've been to the Tractor twice, and have enjoyed my self both times. However, each time, the doorman (same guy, possibly the owner?) has been a dick. To my self, and my friend. He's really gruff, and in no way is friendly about you bringing money to the business. I don't need the door person to give me a hug and tell me I'm the greatest person in the world, hell I don't even need a smile. You can at least act courteous though. First time I went, music was playing, and there were a lot of people talking just steps away. I'm hard of hearing, so when he asked me to take my ID out, I had to ask him what he said, because I couldn't hear him. He repeated it as if I had just insulted him. He then got a stamp ready, and I put the back of my hand out, he said something I couldn't hear, I said what, said it again, I said what again. Each time, he was more and more gruff about the fact that I couldn't hear him. My friend, who's ticket I had prebought along with mine, had gotten stuck behind people pushing the line just outside the door, when I said it was me and her, and waved her to come forward, he said very rudely "Well why is she back there?" I commented to my friend that he was a total ass afterwords. The second time I went, I knew the procedure, so I did everything the way he wanted right away with him asking, and he was still gruff, as if it was some inconvenience that I was there at all. He apparently did the same thing to my friend, and she commented to me that he was an ass again. So, yeah. It's a great venue! Just grab a seat fast if you want one, and get past the doorman quickly. read more

This is a great second stop on a drinking evening. I typically go out to happy hour in Belltown with friends, but tend to out-last them all. I have, of late started hitting The Tractor, as I live in Ballard, on my way home. There is always decent to good music and the bartenders rock!!! I usually go for the PBR tallboys, but they have a full bar. The crowd is always interesting and good. Most times, I end up meeting up with folks here and then we go to a last stop in Ballard. This is a great place to go alone or with others and the folks are top-notch. read more

SQUARE DANCING - HOLY FUN! But FYI - square dancing is some serious, complicated business. Add alochol and it's just swinging your partner round and round. Came here for the first time tonight to celebrate a birthday on Square Dancing night. It was not packed, but enough people for it to be a good time. Lots of space for dancing, great band, fun "instructor" dude. Bartender was awesome and friendly. Had a couple of really good ciders (Seattle Cider and Anthem), though my husband opted for a 'rita, which was strong and tasty. Loved the decor and wished somehow I would have gotten married here. LOL. Maybe that was the alcohol talking... Not too divey, but just enough ;) Will definitely come back - lots of fun to be had here. read more

When going to a rockabilly/ alt-country/ blues show I expect the venue to be dark, somewhat musty and laid-back. There should be beer in a can, as well on draft. There should be fold-up chairs and ashtrays full of cigarettes. Well, since the new smoking ban - the tractor has all of these things except the ashtrays. I went to the Handsome Family show last week - which by the way was awesome. The sound was great, maybe because it's such a small venue, I don't know. I've been to shows before where I know it's not the band - but the sound system that sucked. Getting a drink, even when packed was shockingly quick and easy. They have a sign at the bar requesting people leave the bar once they get their drink - as it SHOULD BE! Probably my favorite place to catch a show. read more

My favorite place in all of Seattle! I love the Tractor like my hometown. It's alt country/folk/bluegrass, it's divey, it likes to rock my face off! They have the best sets that come through their doors. If you know anything about the music scene you have been to the Tractor a time or (few). They have a small venue that is one of the best to see a live show here in Seattle. Very up close and personal, so much so that you can actually smell the band. It's gets my heart beat up just thinking about seeing shows here. Always cheap tickets in the range of $10+ and a decent selection of beers including pounders. Dont miss out on this local gem! read more

Spec-tacular! I've always had a thing for the Tractor, and just realized I never gave them the accolades they deserve! Firstly, much of the best local music in Seattle happens at the Tractor (debate what you will, and genre considered, of course). Secondly, even at crowded shows, you're likely to end up right in front if that is what you're looking for, the crowds, at least, for the shows that I've been to here (quite a few), are usually really respectful. The greatest part, the stage is the perfect height for all to see, but again, when you get right up front, you're right, right there, the music in all it's glory, blasting toward your melting face! I love it. Charlie Hunter, Clinton Fearon, Roy Kay, Picoso, Lemolo, Loch Lomond, whoever, if they're pretty local, very awesome, you'll eventually find them at the Tractor, would be my guess. Expect to pay $6 for a draft beer during a show, go figure. But, expect the staff to be polite enough, considering the density! Great stuff, great people, great music, full calendar! Be on the lookout for your favorites! read more

This show was NOT my favorite 2 hours in life. I went with a friend because I have attended a few really fun nights there of good music and people having fun. This particular act was like a survival contest. How long shall I stand not being able to see.. listening to something which makes my head reel in pain.. the act itself was interesting and had skill to it.. but after awhile.. why must the song titles have butt crack in them? Bartenders friendly. Bathroom pretty trashed, and close quarters. Better luck next time. read more

I went to the Tractor the first time the other week to see the Colin Hay show. I dug it, it has a very dive feel to it, but it wasn't overly so. Not that I would have cared. There were ******* cowboy boots everywhere, hanging on the walls, it was righteous. I wasn't impressed with the crappy plastic-cup beers that they were selling. Weak. But other than that, I would definitely go back. Very intimate setting. read more

This is a great place, hands down. The area is divided smartly keeping the folks who want to stand and mingle safe from the folks who want to jive and wail. The area where dancing may occur is nice and big, so a lot of people can pack in there and show their love for the musicians on stage. It has a classy yet rural feel to it, that the west in general seems to support. The band we saw, NOMO, was recommended by a great DJ friend of mine in Minneapolis and they truly kicked ass. We had a great time. The sound was great: rich and not ear bleeding loud. The doormen were friendly and deft. The bar keep attentive. The bartenders: I mustn't forget the drink slingers! I ordered a whiskey ginger and was served up three or four shots of whiskey poured over ice while looking at a ginger-ale bottle. It was STOUT. A while after that had gone down I followed up with a Mac and Jack's Amber Ale, for which I'm tempted to write an individual glowing review. read more

Inexpensive with great bands. Good acoustics. Bench seating around the edges of the room which is nice when you've been walking Seattle for several days. Saw Mother of Pearl there and they were so good. read more

If you only like Belltown you probably won't like the Tractor, but really it's fun. Good, loud, down home fun and on certain magic nights it can inspire memories that last for years to come. Ok, maybe that's just me and I'm just living in the past, but when I can cut the chain to my kids and get out of the house I'd go whoop it up here. read more

Tractor Tavern - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This really is one of my favorite places in Ballard. The drinks aren't overpriced, the staff is friendly, and the music lineup is impressive for a hole-in-the-wall in Ballard. The biggest problem here is the facility itself. It's hot. The bathrooms suck (plan ahead). It's crowded with limited seating by the bar. On the plus side, it's a really, really fun atmosphere and seems to attract a friendly crowd. I'll keep coming back, but some AC sure would be great! read more

Four words: Monday Night Square Dancing. I hadn't really been to the Tractor much when someone took me here square dancing and now I'm hooked--fun setup, great bands, super friendly people and staff--what's not to love? The most fun you can have on a Monday night. read more

I went to a show here last week and had a fabulous time! Most of the staff is friendly (the female bartender was a bit less than friendly) and the place has some great music. I loved the set up and had a great time dancing the night away. The crowd is a friendly, young crowd of music lovers and the location is perfect in the adorable Ballard area. Parking sucks as far as I can tell, but it seems like a pretty safe neighborhood if you do have to walk a few blocks. read more

Never a dull moment "hear". The shows are worth every economical penny you will spend. The acoustics are great and the crowd is a whole lot of fun! I suggest getting there earlier and grabbing a spot by the left side of the stage. That way you are close to the facilities and the bar. Cashed Out and Clumsy Lovers are two of my favorite but there is never a bad band. Check this place out for sure! Good times to be had by all! read more

IS NOT A TAVERN. This fact and a broken ATM on the night of a show are my only sources of complaint. I'm sure its a historical thing and that they used to be a tavern, but it does irritate me that the term is sometimes accurate in Seattle and other times not. Uber Tavern does not sell hard alcohol, thus is an actual tavern. Some reviews seemed to indicate beer and wine only at Tractor, so maybe its a recent thing? Anyway, decent setup. Red Elvises were awesome as usual. Hales Cream ale on tap! Somebody needs to book SCOTS at this venue, its right up their alley. read more

I seen dozens of shows here and played a couple of gigs. As a performer, it's top-notch. Great on-stage sound and a good vibe. As an audience member, it's been pretty decent besides the fucking plastic beer cups! I've seen some amazing jazz shows (Joe McPhee, William Parker/Hamid Drake, Charles Gayle) and it's a great space for it and crowd is always reverent. But at rock shows, people tend to get chatty. Really chatty. I hate Devendra Banhart, but felt bad when the bar talked over him for the entire set. So fucking rude. read more

This place was awesome!!! I will definitely book here again!! The sound guy was easy to work with. Super nice guy. The door guy super cool and nice.. 2 drink tickets per band. Load in was easy as pie. They do a pre show sound check at 6pm. There is no food available but Hattie's Hat is close by and offers a discount for bands playing at Tractor. The room sound was great!! I'm surprised at how many people were there for a tuesday night. We will be back!! read more

Went to see The Dead South last weekend. Show was awesome....the drama behind getting tickets was a mess. We purchased tickets as soon as they were available, for the 9pm show. A couple months later, I get an email that they are adding a second show, so our tickets are now 11pm, while the new show is 7pm. The email said I could 'exchange' my tickets, so I called to do that. I was told "you can't exchange, your only option is to get a refund and repurchase" So, those of us that were on top of things got screwed....luckily, I was able to buy new tickets. Money grubbing, bad business model.... probably won't be back read more

I went here last Monday for their square dancing night. I was actually dragged here by some friends of mine expecting to be bored or uninterested in square dancing. Square dancing makes me think of middle school, braces, sweaty palms and general awkwardness. I could not have been more wrong. It was $7 per person but completely worth it. You can go with a partner or not. Half of our group had someone to dance with; the other half took turns dancing with others. There are many people who have never been before and others who are veteran square dancers who go to square dancing conventions. I suck at dancing but the directions the person on the microphone gave made me feel accomplished and good at what I was doing. It was also fun because each dance was different so everyone started on the same playing field. You definitely will get a work out, get to meet people, and feel confident (or at least not stupid) in your dancing abilities. There are also cups and a do it yourself area for water so you don't even have to bother the bar tender. Side note: the women's restroom has hilarious graffiti. Check it out :). read more

What a great venue. Nice staff, good set up to see a band, nice vibe. I have to say that Stephanie (who was my first & last point of contact left a very good and lasting impression on me). What a wonderful thing to have someone provide that level of customer service when you are in town seeing a band. I immediately felt comfortable from the moment we stepped up to ask the dreaded question of "what time do the bands play?" Depending on the city you are in, you will get a multitude of varying replies to that - everything from just a dirty look to a complete lie, to a sneer with a "we aren't really sure". It just is annoying when you are PAYING MONEY to go into a bar to watch live music, that a venue cannot be organized enough to HAVE a schedule, or adhere to even a loose one. Luckily Tractor Tavern gave me my first positive venue experience for Seattle. They welcomed each person as they came in the door, answered questions with a smile, & truthfully, AND posted the set times once doors were close to opening. I was being a pest, & went to the venue BEFORE doors even opened -- & they were STILL nice to me and HAD the answers I needed. That goes a LONG way in my book. So we definitely will be back the next time we are in Seattle. The venue was just intimate enough to get a great view regardless of where you were located. But it was big enough to feel the energy of a "crowd". It is located in the Ballard area, which is accessible via public transit, & is nestled among many other bars, restaurants & shops. read more

Good selection of drinks Non-alcoholic and alcoholic! Two cider options Seattle Cider dry and Anthem Cider. Anthem cider is the sweeter of the two, both were decently priced. Small stage, standing room only with exception of a few seats. Can fill up very fast with no designated clear zones for beer run traffic. Nice venue for personal and community driven show. Went to benefit-ish show on 03/03. Star Anna, the Young Evils, and the Rockfords. All very energetic, seemed to have ties to venue or staff working it. Great place to watch a show and to feel the high school going to a rock show nostalgia. read more

Love the Tractor! If I didn't know better, I'd think I was at a bar in New Orleans or Austin and coming from me, that's about as big of a compliment as I can give. Bring or buy earplugs for a buck, you're gonna likely need them. read more

This is, hands down, my favorite place to see a show in Seattle. Is it because my favorite alt-folk/alt-country bands play there? Is it because when some drunk dude asked why there was no pool table the staff member said "because it's about the music"? Is it because it appears in a Paperboys song? Perhaps all of the above. read more

Great show venue.

Great venue for live music and a nice cold beer. The place hosts events ranging from a David Bowie cover band to a local blue grass band. The crowd tends to be mid 20-30's locals who just want to let their hair down but not get wasted on a Friday night. Bouncers and Bartenders are friendly and efficient and the crowd is friendly. read more

What a live music venue should be. To have this near perfect spot in Ballard is one of the reasons I live here. I used to fly down from Alaska to see shows here and when I moved to Seattle, it weighed in my decision to pick Ballard, and its a big part of why I can't leave. read more

Tractor Tavern is one of my favorite spots to catch one of the countless talented bands in Seattle... and I'm pretty sure it's also the first place I got hit on by a guy. Being married to a woman, I had to break his heart, but it was a flattering experience nonetheless. Other than that, TT It's a no nonsense, wood floor, filthy bathroom kinda place that books quality acts for wicked cheap. The bar prices are decent, even if there are entirely too many people ironically drinking PBR, and the bartenders are swift. Seating is quite limited and is usually taken by older patrons before we arrive. No matter, we always end up standing mere feet from the stage anyway. If you go, be sure to wear your opalescent buttons and come by to say hi. read more

I came and saw Flatland Calvary with some of my friends tonight and the show was super awesome! The band was great and I had an overall good time. But unfortunately the customers extremely judgmental and not the nicest. Defiantly did not create a comfortable environment. The service was horrible. From the second we walked in it was just bad. The bouncer was really rude from the beginning and honestly just gave me a bad feeling from that point on. There were two bartenders, Will was really great! He was awesome and super nice but the other was was pretty rude to all of us. We had some to drink, but were not bad and had just arrived. We drove a far way to see this band for my friends birthday and ended up pretty disappointed. read more

I'd give give this place a 4.5 but yelp doesn't let me do half stars. Anyways, the tractor is by far my favorite place to catch a show. It's the staple venue for Rockabilly, Country, Southern Rock, Western Swing, Americana, and Folk. In fact, the Shake the Shack Rockabilly Ball is held here annually. I have read some reviewers who knock on it's decor, but how many of us won't go to a show because of that? As a small venue shows here are more intimate. If you are into Rockabilly and are visiting Seattle, then this is the place to go and knock down a few PBR's and see acts like The Roy Kay Trio, Marshall Scott Warner, The Two Timin Three, and The Black Crabs. Also check out Conor Byrne just down street for other shows in the same scene. I'd have to say that The Tractor Tavern is to Seattle what Duff's Garage is to Portland. P.S. When your stumbling around Ballard, go outside and grab a Dante's Dog Down the street. Extra Cream Cheese Please! read more

One of the best small venues in town, due in no small part to their excellent booking standards. 20 years from now when you tell your kids how you saw ________ before they got huge, The Tractor Tavern will be the room you mention. Drinks aren't cheap. There's very little seating. Coat check a plus in wintertime. Get there early to get close to the standing room @ the stage, and bring a friend so you don't have to give up your space every time you need a beer. read more

Hell yeah. You gotta love the Tractor. This is a good way to test the people you know, hang out with, date, love, love on occasion, etc. Take 'em here. If he/she doesn't get drunk and yell "Hell yeah!" at least once during the evening, ditch 'em. I always have a good time at this place. Bartenders work hard, no matter how packed it gets. Beers ain't cheap, but it's Seatte. Admission is cheap for the balls-out show you almost always get at the Tractor. Great places to eat and drink nearby as well. Parking is not horrible. read more

Tractor Tavern - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I never thought I could reminice about junior high so much. But kickin it on the Tractor dance floor to country twang and a caller telling me to "swing your partner" and "promenade home" brought back some fond memories as I swang and dipped and waltzed. Hipsters and cool 20-30something Ballardites abound at this place. Tips- For the single men - go here. You will meet cute and fun single ladies. For the single ladies - go here. You will meet cute and fun single men. Tho' bring a boy-friend to share...there's always more ladies. You can mix n match. For everyone - leave your "cool card" at the door, be silly, and just kick it on the dance floor. For Brad- you sure are cute when you dosie-doe :-) read more

I only knock it down because the bathrooms here are ridiculous. There are only two stalls, and often the line for the girls is 10-12 deep. One girl ventured into the men's because someone told her it was empty: before you make that desperate leap, she says the stall is open and visible. Other than that, this is great place to see a local band. Intimate, but not a total sweat box. And a good selection of beers! read more

Meh. Stage is not hard to see, so that's good. Acoustics actually aren't bad, I could hear highs and lows fairly well. The bar has a strange selection of things on tap. If you fancy yourself a cool beer person, then you'll definitely be able to puff up your ego enjoying some stuff that I've never heard of (not that I don't like beer, mind you). They serve in plastic cups (kind of lame) but don't have any garbage cans around that I could find (duh). The bathrooms have been adequately covered in other reviews. The good news is that it's really close to my house, so I'll definitely go when bands I want to hear are playing there. But, you know, it's just a big cave with a bar in one corner and a stage. So... three stars. Nothing special, nothing awful (except the bathrooms). Meh. read more

Normally, I'd avoid a place like the Tractor like it was infested with leppers... but I have an odd attraction to this seedy and obnoxious bar. Maybe its the stale nuts beckoning me from behind the bar when I'm 3 sheets to the wind, or maybe its the really weird shows. Either way, its a great venue (just get there early, and sit on the bar stools off stage right) to see a show and get hammered. OH, and its like right next door to King's, so you can avoid the nuts and go eat some sliders and sweet potato fries. *drool* read more

One of the nights off and just got to be a spectator. We saw Murder by Death on this night. The sound was really good. The place was rather small, but it wasn't a bad kind of cozy. i really don't have a lot to say about this place; i'm kind of indifferent about it. i guess it didn't really stick out in my head. Although parking was a bitch to find- there is just street parking. read more