Best Places to Drink in Seattle

From urban cocktail lounges to tasty local breweries, Seattle’s bar scene has plenty of variety and excitement.

Before visiting any restaurants or bars in Seattle, my boyfriend Stephen and I made sure to ask every local we met to tell us their favorite spots. We then compiled a list of their top recommendations before visiting on our own. Stephen and I wanted to make sure we experienced the most unique bars that Seattle had to offer!

If you’re looking for the best places to drink in Seattle, make sure that you check out some of these fantastic local spots.

9. Von’s 1000 Spirits

A margarita and a martini at Von's 1000Spirits in Seattle — Bar Boss Margarita ($13) and Skinny Bitch ($13)

Best if: you’re in the mood for cocktails and a show!

Von’s 1000 Spirits is a unique restaurant and cocktail bar located down the street from Pike’s Place Market. Along with a menu including delicious sourdough bread and pasta, they also offer an impressive range of crafted spirits.

During our lunch at Von’s, I ordered a Skinny Bitch, which is a cranberry/grapefruit martini poured over spun sugar. When I say “spun sugar”, I mean real cotton candy served in a stemless martini glass. I got to watch the cotton candy dissolve as my waiter poured my martini on top of it.

Several of Von’s other cocktails involve other fascinating gimmicks. I also witnessed a waiter deliver a cocktail with sparklers in it!

The chic modern interior of Von's 1000Spirits in Seattle — Von’s interior is trendy and intimate

8. List Restaurant

A lavender lemonade at List Restaurant in Belltown, Seattle — Lavender Lemonade ($12)

Best if: you want an intimate date spot with tapas and memorable cocktails

List Restaurant in Belltown is a trendy spot that is well known for it’s dinner menu. Though it’s cocktail menu is small, each drink is thoughtfully designed and mouthwateringly delicious.

7. Elephant & Castle

A sour beer and amber lager at Elephant & Castle in Seattle

Best if: you want to visit a British pub and play darts or pool

Elephant & Castle is a cute British-themed pub located in Downtown Seattle. It’s beer menu is loaded with local Seattle favorites as well as a few national staples for less adventurous folk.

In addition to a robust menu of British food, Elephant & Castle also has a large room downstairs with pool tables and dartboards. If you’re looking to sit back, relax, play some games and make some friends, Elephant & Castle is the perfect spot!

The cute London inspired décor at Elephant & Castle in Seattle, Washington

A cute inspirational drinking sign at Elephant & Castle

6. The Fog Room

A lemon drop martini at Fog Room in Seattle — Remastered ($16)

Best if: you want to sip a delicious cocktail with a stunning view

Located on the top floor of the Charter Hotel in Seattle, The Fog Room is a sleek, modern bar that offers stunning views of the city.

To take advantage of the views, I made sure to visit at sunset- and it was stunning!

Runner-up: The Nest

5. Copperworks Distillery & Tasting Room

A flight of gin, vodka, and whiskey at Copperworks Distillery

Best if: you want to taste whiskey, gin, and other spirits

Seated right on the Seattle waterfront, Copperworks Distillery & Tasting Room is a small craft distillery that creates several different types of whiskey, gin, and vodka.

While I’m not a fan of drinking straight liquor, I thoroughly enjoyed my tasting flight of pure vodka, whiskey, and gin at Copperworks. It was so good, I even ordered a bottle of New Oak Cask Finished Gin to be delivered to my house!

The interior of Copperworks Distillery in Seattle

The exterior of Copperworks Tasting Room & Distillery in Seattle

4. Seattle Beer Co

Two beers at Seattle Beer Company — Two pints of rotating Washington local taps

Best if: you want to try a wide variety of locally brewed craft beer

Also located at the Seattle Waterfront, Seattle Beer Co is a laid-back bar just outside of Pike Place Market.

Seattle Beer Co has a rotating tap menu of several different types of local craft beer. If you’re fan of Sour beer, Hefeweizens, Pilsners, or even Ciders, they’re bound to have a delicious one on their menu.

The downstairs bar of Seattle Beer Company

3. Deep Dive

A Sakura Vesper Martini at Deep Dive in Seattle, Washington — Sakura Vesper ($18) and Mixtape ($20)

A Mixtape cocktail at Deep Dive in Seattle — Sakura Vesper ($18) and Mixtape ($20)

Best if: you want a unique cocktail crafted by an experienced mixologist

Even the entrance to Deep Dive is unique. Nestled within one of Seattle’s famous spheres, Deep Dive is a cocktail lounge decorated with dark, luxurious, and aesthetic décor.

Deep Dive is the place in Seattle to visit if you want a fancy cocktail. Deep Dive’s bartenders are well educated in mixology. If the drink you want isn’t on their extensive menu, they’ll know how to make it regardless!

Runner-up: Canon Seattle

2. Old Stove Brewing Co

Two beers at Old Stove Brewing in Seattle — For What It’s Worth (Juicy IPA) and a Belgian Blonde

A watermelon seltzer at Old Stove Brewing in Seattle — For What It’s Worth (Juicy IPA) and a Belgian Blonde

Best if: you want to visit a local brewery and stunning views of the Seattle Waterfront

Old Stove Brewing Company serves delicious beer and even better views. During our (two!) visits, I tasted 8 different varieties of Old Stove’s beer, and each was amazing. Their food is also amazing- this brewery is a 10/10 in my book!

Runner-up: Pike Brewing Company