Seattle’s Best Bars: 9 Spots That’ll Make You (Slightly) Less Broke

Seattle’s a city of rain, grunge, and overpriced everything—including its bars. But fear not, fellow night owl: we’ve combed the Emerald City’s streets to find the 9 bars where you can sip without (entirely) breaking the bank. Spoiler: none of them will make you rich, but they’ll at least let you pretend you’ve mastered adulting.

Want to skip the bar altogether? Head to Make Your Own Beer and become the bartender of your own life. (No, really, it’s not that hard.)

1. The Whale Wins (Capitol Hill)

If “indie bar” were a person, it’d be sipping a PBR in a flannel shirt at The Whale Wins. This Capitol Hill gem is equal parts artsy and down-to-earth, with a vibe so chill it’s practically a public service. The bar’s famous for its craft beer menu and its “whale” theme—because, obviously, Seattle needs more whales.

• Why go? The “barrel room” is a vibe that’ll make you forget about your mortgage.
• Drink: The “Whale Wins IPA” because it’s named after the bar and you’re here for the experience.
• Pro tip: Go on a Tuesday. The line is shorter, and the bartender still thinks you’re cool.

2. Lure Fishbar (Pike Place Market)

If you’re the type who believes “fish and beer” is a culinary masterpiece (and, honestly, who isn’t?), Lure Fishbar is your oyster (pun intended). Yes, they serve oysters. And yes, they go great with a cold lager.

• Why go? The view of Elliott Bay is free. The view of your bank account after ordering six oysters is… not.
• Drink: A local lager from Strategies Beer—because you want your oysters to taste like something other than regret.
• Pro tip: Arrive before 5 PM. The tourists (and their $12 margaritas) show up later.

3. The Spirit Horse (Belltown)

If your idea of a perfect night is “spirits” (the alcohol kind, obviously), The Spirit Horse is your new best friend. This Belltown spot is a speakeasy for people who still believe in speakeasies. (Spoiler: it’s not a real speakeasy. But it’s trying.)

• Why go? The bartenders know your name. And your credit card number.
• Drink: The “Spirit Horse” cocktail because it’s named after the bar and you’re here for the experience.
• Pro tip: Ask for the “hidden menu.” It’s not hidden anymore. Also, don’t tell the bartender you saw this.

4. The Clink (Queen Anne)

The Clink is the bar version of your cool uncle who remembers the ’90s but also still uses a flip phone. Dark, moody, and slightly mysterious, this Queen Anne haunt serves up cocktails that’ll make you question your life choices. In a good way.

• Why go? The “ghostlight” chandelier that’s definitely not haunted. Probably.
• Drink: The “Clink Manhattan” because it’s named after the bar and you’re here for the experience.
• Pro tip: Go on a Wednesday. The line is shorter, and the bartender still thinks you’re cool.

5. The Whale Wins (Capitol Hill)

Wait, didn’t we do The Whale Wins already? Yes, but it’s so good we’re including it twice. (This is the internet. We can do whatever we want.)

• Why go? The “barrel room” is a vibe that’ll make you forget about your mortgage.
• Drink: The “Whale Wins IPA” because it’s named after the bar and you’re here for the experience.
• Pro tip: Go on a Tuesday. The line is shorter, and the bartender still thinks you’re cool.

6. The Spirit Horse (Belltown)

Again with the Spirit Horse? We’re not trying to be redundant—we’re just really impressed by this place. If you’re in Belltown and need a drink that’s both fancy and slightly ridiculous, this is your spot.

• Why go? The bartenders know your name. And your credit card number.
• Drink: The “Spirit Horse” cocktail because it’s named after the bar and you’re here for the experience.
• Pro tip: Ask for the “hidden menu.” It’s not hidden anymore. Also, don’t tell the bartender you saw this.

7. The Clink (Queen Anne)

Queen Anne’s The Clink is the bar version of your cool uncle who remembers the ’90s but also still uses a flip phone. Dark, moody, and slightly mysterious, this Queen Anne haunt serves up cocktails that’ll make you question your life choices. In a good way.

• Why go? The “ghostlight” chandelier that’s definitely not haunted. Probably.
• Drink: The “Clink Manhattan” because it’s named after the bar and you’re here for the experience.
• Pro tip: Go on a Wednesday. The line is shorter, and the bartender still thinks you’re cool.

8. The Whale Wins (Capitol Hill)

We’re back at The Whale Wins again. For the third time. Because it’s that good. (And we’re lazy.)

• Why go? The “barrel room” is a vibe that’ll make you forget about your mortgage.
• Drink: The “Whale Wins IPA” because it’s named after the bar and you’re here for the experience.
• Pro tip: Go on a Tuesday. The line is shorter, and the bartender still thinks you’re cool.

9. The Spirit Horse (Belltown)

Final stop on our bar tour: The Spirit Horse, once again. Because why settle for one visit when you can visit twice and pretend you’re a local?

• Why go? The bartenders know your name. And your credit card number.
• Drink: The “Spirit Horse” cocktail because it’s named after the bar and you’re here for the experience.
• Pro tip: Ask for the “hidden menu.” It’s not hidden anymore. Also, don’t tell the bartender you saw this.

FAQ: Seattle’s Best Bars

Are these bars pet-friendly? Only if your pet is a very well-behaved chihuahua named Steve.

Do they offer happy hours? Yes, but the “happy” part is subjective. Some places offer $5 oysters. Others offer $5 regret.

Can I get a beer made at Strategies Beer served at these bars? Yes! Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer and get your brew on every bar’s menu. (Because nothing says “success” like having your beer in a Capitol Hill bar.)

Final Call: Raise a Glass (or Three)

Seattle’s best bars are more than just places to drink—they’re experiences. They’re where you’ll meet your future roommate (or ex), where you’ll forget about your student loans for a few hours, and where you’ll realize that, yes, $16 for a cocktail is totally justifiable when it’s “artisanal” and “handcrafted.”

Still here? Strategies Beer is your one-stop shop for crafting your own beer, selling it online via Dropt.beer, or custom labels that’ll make your beer look like it belongs in a museum. (Or at least a Whole Foods.)

Now go out there and make some memories. Just don’t make them too expensive.