Top Night Clubs in Seattle

Showbox

With the prow-like marquee, this looks like a standard concert venue planted in the grit of First Avenue. And indeed, the musicians who perform here are well-known, but not big enough to fill a stadium such as P.J. Harvey, Zap Mama and Les Nubians to name a few. Small raised platforms offer seating around the dance floor, and there are two separate bars. The attached Green Room bar offers cocktails and a varied bar menu. Ticket prices for shows vary, but generally run USD10-USD20.

Neighbours

This dimly lit joint, located on Broadway, predates the Australian television show of the same name by a good many years. This is just a friendly diva hangout, be the divas the DJs, the drag queens or the frenetic, largely gay clientele. Everyone is welcome here though, and the dance floor is packed every weekend. The music is always dance, usually Top 40 or disco, and the crowd is always upbeat.

Wellington Tea Room

Shut off behind red curtains, this place usually looks closed, and the interior doesn't jibe with the typical conception of a teahouse as an airy living room. But it's very much alive. The light-colored room has British-style knickknacks on the walls and in display cases. Traditional British tea is served, with hot tea in pots covered in cozies, Scottish Smoked Salmon Sandwiches, tarts and scones with cream and jam. Dinner is an eclectic selection of Stir-fried Vegetables, Seafood Fettuccine, Game Hens or Salmon Salad.

Owl 'N' Thistle

Owl 'N' Thistle is a casual little Irish pub tucked away on narrow Post Avenue, on the fringe of Pioneer Square, clearly encourages its slightly clandestine atmosphere. It serves pub fare consisting of burgers and such, with nothing too Irish except the Guinness beef stew. The good beer selection includes Guinness, properly hand-pumped. On any given night, one is likely to hear live Celtic music or a poetry reading. There is also a game room located just off the main bar with pool and darts.

Rainbow Bar & Grill

Located on the outskirts of the University District, Rainbow Bar & Grill attracts a mixed crowd. Live jazz, funk, rock and blues acts take turns on the stage. Patrons include college students, passersby, overflow from the Blue Moon Tavern, next door and loyal fans of that night's band. Two pool tables and a few arcade games add variety to this large, dark bar. Cocktail, wine and specialty beer prices are fair. Try an Alien Skin Shot if you dare. The kitchen serves cheap grill food including burgers and steaks.

George & Dragon Pub

This British-style bar called George & Dragon Pub firmly holds its ground among the many Irish pubs in the area. The decor is traditional with dark wood paneling and a large, impressive bar. The outside terrace is a great place to dine and drink under the stars on warm nights. Entertainment includes pool and darts. Draft beer options include many British imports like Double Diamond and Bass. Guinness is also available for those with a taste for the Irish. Regional microbrews can be purchased in bottles. For dinner, there is traditional British fare including shepherd's pie and kidney pie.

The Little Red Hen

One of the few joints in Seattle where a true country-and-western lover can stomp his boots or twirl her skirt, this place has been a regular haunt for 45 years. Featuring a wide array of local bands and weekly country karaoke nights, the Hen offers something for every C&W fan. It also has some of the tastiest Chicken-Fried Steak around. The bar is boisterous and playful, the bartenders friendly and generous. There are line dancing classes every Saturday night and lots of friendly regulars dying to pass on their skills.

The Cuff

Opened in 1993, this bar became a nightclub in 1998, adding a dance floor, full bar and full menu. Although it is mainly a bar for men, women are welcome. There's a typical bar atmosphere complete with pool tables, darts and pinball machines. The 10,000-square-foot facility actually consists of four bars, two with DJs, and there's also a cafe and patio. The food is Cajun, and when the kitchen is closed, you can still order cold sandwiches and wraps. The place is open daily from 2p.

Last Supper Club

On weekends, the hippest of the Seattle crowd, dolled up in their Saturday-night best and tightest, dance at this Pioneer Square nightclub called the Last Supper Club. The music pumps on two floors. DJs run the show on weekends, and various bands entertain weeknights. Each month the walls of this club are decorated with different amateur paintings. Red velvet chairs lend a lounge elegance. Order upscale grill food, plus Thai and Italian dishes as you fuel up yourself for the night ahead.

Funhouse

One of the oldest Punk bars in the Seattle, the Funhouse is the place to be for all you rock and punk lovers. A rather small establishment it is a stones throw from destinations like Seattle Center, Space Needle, Experience Music Project and others. Presenting various live music events the venue also hosts genres apart from punk and rock. The atmosphere here is casual and the crowd friendly, hence stopping by will be a great option to spend some quality time simply chilling out.