75+ best places for happy hour food and drinks

We haven’t updated this list yet for 2022 but expect to review the list “soon”. As we are all aware, some locations may have closed.

Here are our suggestions for some of the best happy hours in Seattle. These are some of the most popular venues and hidden hideaways in neighborhoods throughout the Emerald City.

Note that this list of bars and lounges focus on establishments with popular happy hour drink and food specials. If you’re looking to enjoy the same while watching sports on the big screen, check out list of best Seattle sports bars.

Happy hour is a great way to dine out on the cheap – DepositPhotos.com

Best all-around happy hours

We chose these happy hour spots because they have cheap-to-moderate prices, good food, and entertainment (TV, games, and/or music). Several have outdoor seating when the weather beckons. So, no matter what time of year, these reliable bars and lounges are a great place to grab a drink and snacks in the late afternoon to early evening while spending a Benny ($20) or less.

Happy hour north of downtown

• Wallingford: The Octopus Bar, (temporarily closed for moving, expected opening TBD January 2021). Funky atmosphere with interesting menu of flatbreads, salads, and more to go along with great drinks. There is an outdoor space when the weather is agreeable.
• Wallingford: Kate’s Pub, 309 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105. Relaxed atmosphere most appreciated for the half-price food during happy hour.
• Lower Queen Anne: Blue Water Taco Grill, 515 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Burritos, tacos, and other Mexican style food along with margaritas. A restaurant rather than a bar, but great food and drinks.

Happy hour in downtown Seattle

• Pike Market: Radiator Whiskey, 94 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101. Great cocktail bar with an interesting food menu on the 3^rd floor of the Corner Market Building at Pike Place Market.
• Pike Market: Alibi Room, 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101. Hidden gem in Post Alley (near the gum wall). Surprisingly un-touristy, considering the location in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Pizza, salad, and appetizer menu with a nice selection during a long afternoon happy hour.
• Pike Market: Lecosho, The Harbor Steps, 89 University St, Seattle, WA 98101. Upscale but reasonably priced drinks and interesting small plates menu for happy hour or late night.
• Convention Center: Daawat Indian Grill & Bar, 820 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101 (convenient to Washington State Convention Center). Known more for the lunch buffet, the happy hour drink specials are reasonably priced, which you can pair with something from their fairly extensive food menu offerings.
• Chinatown: Dynasty Room, 714 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104. This bar is in a building slated for demolition sometime in 2019-2010. At one time an iconic gathering spot for Seattle’s Asian community, now re-envisioned as a craft cocktail bar you can enjoy before it disappears for the last time. Celebrate the history, enjoy modern cocktail inventions, and snack on Chinese and Korean inspired street foods.
• Belltown: Rabbit Hole, 2222 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121. Great bar food menu and house cocktails, plus the usual bar selections.
• Belltown: Crocodile Back Bar, 2200 2nd Avenue (enter from Blanchard), Seattle, WA 98121. All ages, hot pizza, cold drinks, happy hour bingo, DJ and karaoke nights. One of Seattle’s most historic music venues, hosting many famous musicians in the showroom including Beastie Boys, Macklemore, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Cheap Trick, R.E.M., Mudhoney, Yoko Ono, and many, many more.
• Convention Center: Carlisle Room, 820 Pine St, Seattle, WA. 98122. Popular spot with hipster vibe across from Paramount Theatre. Late night only happy hour features classic cocktails and half price on all appetizers.

Happy hour in south or west Seattle

• White Center: Anju, 9641 15th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106. Very new spot but receiving rave reviews on Korean food and libations.
• West Seattle/Alki: Marination Ma Kai, 1660 Harbor Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98126. It can get very crowded, but the waterfront view overlooking the Seattle skyline is killer. Hawaiian inspired menu.
• Georgetown: Smarty Pants, 6017 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108. Hipster dive, known for great sandwiches and potato salad, dual happy hours, and outdoor patio.
• South Park: Uncle Eddie’s, 8601 14th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108. Family-friendly pub appreciated for it’s outdoor patio, happy hour specials, and great food, including house made soups (daily), sandwiches, salads, and weekend brunch.
• Columbia City: Lottie’s Lounge, 4900 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. Interesting food menu, weekend brunch, craft cocktails, long happy hour, chill atmosphere, outdoor seating, and people watching make this hangout a neighborhood favorite.
• Beacon Hill: Baja Bistro: 2414 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144. Quesdillas, tacos, and other authentic food choices and drink specials.
• Beacon Hill: Perihelion Brewery, 2800 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144. Newer place already gaining a following with rotating selection of craft brews and interesting food selection.

Happy hour with friends is a great way to unwind after the work day ! – DepositPhotos.com

Best Sunday night happy hours

With a focus on locally owned (and mostly upscale) restaurants with food as well as beverage specials, this list of restaurants in and around Seattle offer Sunday night happy hours . They’re especially great on a three-day weekend.

Sunday night Happy Hours in Seattle

• Bar Cotto (Capitol Hill). Happy Hour Sun – Thu 5PM to 7PM. Fri & Sat (Bar Only) 4PM to 7PM.
• Barolo Ristorante (South Lake Union). Happy Hour All day Sunday startng at 3:00pm and Monday – Saturday 3:00 – 6:30pm and 10:00pm – midnight.
• BluWater Bistros (Leschi), happy hour daily 4-6pm and 10pm-2am (food until 1am).
• Cactus (3 Seattle locations: Madison Park in Seattle, Alki Beach in West Seattle, and South Lake Union). Happy Hour Mon – Fri: 3pm – 6pm and Sat & Sun: 3pm – 5pm.
• Chandler’s Crabhouse (Schwartz Bros. restaurants), south Lake Union in Seattle, Happy Hour Seven Days a Week in the lounge only, 3:00pm – 6:00pm .
• Daniel’s Broiler (Schwartz Bros. restaurants), 3 locations. Bellevue and Seattle/Lake Union: Happy hour daily 4:00pm – 6:30pm. Seattle/Leschi: Mon – Fri 4 – 6:30pm, Sat – Sun 2 – 6:30pm.
• El Gaucho, 3 locations (Bellevue, Seattle, Tacoma). Seattle Happy Hour: (Not available on holidays) Sunday-Monday: All night; Tuesday-Thursday: 4-7pm & 9pm-close; Friday: 4-7pm & 10pm-close; Saturday: 4-5pm & 10pm-close.
• Fogon Cucina Mexicana (Capitol Hill). Happy Hours Everyday: 3:00pm – 6:00pm and 9:00pm – close.
• List (Belltown). Open daily from 4pm – midnight. HAPPY HOUR is all day Sunday and Monday, Tuesday – Thursday from 4 – 6:30pm and 9pm – midnight, Friday and Saturday from 4 – 6:30pm.
• Local 360 in the Belltown neighborhood of downtown Seattle. Happy hour daily 3-6pm.
• The Matador (4 WA locations: Ballard, West Seattle, Redmond, Tacoma). Happy Hour every day from 4pm to 6pm and 10pm to 1am.
• Moctezuma’s (4 locations). Southcenter Happy Hour: Sunday – Friday: 3pm – 6pm and Sunday – Thurs: 9pm-close. Gig Harbor and Tacoma: Happy Hour Sunday All Day! and Daily: 3pm – 7pm & 9pm – close. Silverdale Happy Hour Daily: 3pm–6pm & 9pm-close.
• Neighborhood Grills (5 locations: Seattle/Greenlake, Seattle/Eastlake, Lake Forest Park, Bremerton, and Maple Valleu), 3-6pm and 9pm-close.
• Shawn O’Donnell’s (3 locations, Seattle/Pioneer Square, Seattle/Fremont, and Everett). Happy Hour 7 days a week. Seattle 3pm to 7pm. Everett 2pm to 6pm and 9pm to close.
• Toulouse Petit (lower Queen Anne), Daily Happy Hour: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. and 10:00 pm – close.
• Von’s 1000 Spirits (downtown Seattle). Daily Happy Hour 4-6 & 10-midnight.

Sunday night Happy Hours north of Seattle

• Emory’s on Silver Lake (Everett). Happy Hours Monday-Friday: 2pm-6pm, Saturday & Sunday: 1pm-6pm and Late Night: Sun-Thurs 8:30pm-Close.
• Neighborhood Grills (5 locations: Seattle/Greenlake, Seattle/Eastlake, Lake Forest Park, Bremerton, and Maple Valley), 3-6pm and 9pm-close.
• Shawn O’Donnell’s (3 locations, Seattle/Pioneer Square, Seattle/Fremont, and Everett). Happy Hour 7 days a week. Seattle 3pm to 7pm. Everett 2pm to 6pm and 9pm to close.

Seattle Eastside Sunday night happy hours

• Cactus (2 Eastside locations: Bellevue Square, Kirkland). Happy Hour Mon – Fri: 3pm – 6pm and Sat & Sun: 3pm – 5pm.
• El Gaucho, 3 locations (Bellevue, Seattle, Tacoma). Bellevue Happy Hour (Not available on holidays.) Sunday: 5pm to close; Monday: 2:30pm to close; Tuesday-Friday: 2:30-6pm; Saturday: 5-6pm.
• La Isla (Redmond). Everyday: 3pm to 6pm. Sunday – Thursday: 9pm-11pm. Friday & Saturday: 9pm-1am.
• The Matador (4 WA locations: Ballard, West Seattle, Redmond, Tacoma). Happy Hour every day from 4pm to 6pm and 10pm to 1am.
• Spazzo Italian Grill & Wine Bar (Schwartz Bros. restaurants), at Redmond Town Center. Happy Hour Daily 3:00pm–6:00pm and 8:30pm to close.

Sunday night Happy Hours south and west of Seattle

• Boathouse 19 (Tacoma). Happy Hour: 3-6 pm and 9 pm – Close.
• Dirty Oscar’s Annex (Tacoma). Happy Hour 2:30pm to 6pm daily.
• El Gaucho, 3 locations (Bellevue, Seattle, Tacoma). Tacoma Happy Hour: Sunday & Monday: 4-10pm; Tuesday-Friday: 4-6pm & 9pm–close; Saturday: 4pm-5pm & 9pm–close.
• The Hub (Harmon Brewing Co.) (Gig Harbor, Puyallup, and Tacoma). Happy Hour Everyday 3-6 pm + 9 pm-Close.
• The Matador (4 WA locations: Ballard, West Seattle, Redmond, Tacoma). Happy Hour every day from 4pm to 6pm and 10pm to 1am.
• Moctezuma’s (4 locations). Gig Harbor and Tacoma: Happy Hour Sunday All Day! and Daily: 3pm – 7pm & 9pm – close. Silverdale Happy Hour Daily: 3pm–6pm & 9pm-close. Southcenter Happy Hour: Sunday – Friday: 3pm – 6pm and Sunday – Thurs: 9pm-close.
• Neighborhood Grills (5 locations: Seattle/Greenlake, Seattle/Eastlake, Seattle/Lake Forest Park, Bremerton, and Maple Valley), 3-6pm and 9pm-close.
• Pacific Grill (Tacoma). Happy Hour Mon-Thur 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 2pm-11pm, Sun 2pm-10pm.
• Tokyo-ya Ramen & Izakaya (Federal Way). Happy Hour: 2-5PM, 9PM-Close.

Dive bars offer great food and drinks at a great price – DepositPhotos.com

Best cheap dive bars in Seattle

The following lists of cheap bars focus on value-conscious ‘dive’ bars where you can relax and unwind for a mere sawbuck ($10).

Make no mistake, although these taverns, pubs, and lounges are no frills kinda places, they offer food and personality plus. Most offer an assortment of brews on tap (and in bottles or cans), growlers to take home, wine and classic cocktails (most of ’em), burgers and other tasty snacks (usually), games (darts, pinball, and the like).

Most have big screen TVs, but not always–some are places to talk or listen to music (live or juke) while you hang out and imbibe. (If it’s sports bars you’re after, check our list of best sports bars.)

Lists arranged by zip code.

Dive bars in north Seattle 

• Green Lake: Duck Island Ale House, 7317 Aurora Ave N Seattle, WA 98103
• Wallingford: Korochka Tavern (opening TBA – replacing Grizzled Wizard, which closed 12/31/19), 2317 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103
• Fremont: Pacific Inn Pub, 3501 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103
• U-District: Blue Moon Tavern, 712 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105
• U-District: Kraken Bar & Lounge, 5257 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
• Ballard: Ballard Smoke Shop, 5439 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
• Phinney: Tin Hat, 512 NW 65th St, Seattle, WA 98117
• Northgate/Pinehurst: Pinehurst Pub, 11753 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125

Dive bars in downtown Seattle and central neighborhoods

• Belltown: Nitelite Lounge, 1920 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
• First Hill: Quarter Lounge, 909 Madison St, Seattle, WA 98104
• First Hill: Vito’s, 927 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
• Downtown/Business District: Forge Lounge, 65 Marion St, Seattle, WA 98104
• Delridge: Ebb Tide Room at Chelan Café, 3527 Chelan Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
• High Point: Tug Inn, 2216 SW Orchard St,Seattle, WA 98106
• Uptown/Lower Queen Anne: Mecca Café, 526 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
• Downtown/Belltown: Shortys, 2222 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
• First Hill: Crescent Lounge, 1413 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122
• First Hill: Montana, 1506 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122
• First Hill: Hillside Bar, 1520 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122
• Central Area: Twilight Exit, 2514 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98122

Dive bars in south and West Seattle neighborhoods

• South Park: Loretta’s Northwesterner, 8617 14th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
• Georgetown: 9 LB Hammer, 6009 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108
• Beacon Hill/South: Clock Out Lounge, 4864 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
• West Seattle/Admiral: Benbow Room Bar at Heartland Café, 4210 SW Admiral Way, Seattle, WA 98116
• Columbia City: The Hummingbird Saloon, 5041 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
• SoDo: Hooverville Bar, 1721 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
• Beacon Hill/North: El Quetzal, 3209 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

Best cheap dive bars outside Seattle

List arranged by city.

• Bremerton: Tracyton Public House, 403 NW Tracy Ave, Bremerton, WA 98311
• Everett: Tony V’s Garage, 1716 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201
• Everett: White Buffalo Saloon, 5616 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98203
• Fall City: Last Frontier Saloon, 33813 SE Redmond-Fall City Rd, Fall City, WA 98024
• Kirkland: Central Tavern, 124 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033
• Lakewood: Lake City Pub, 9106 Veterans Dr, Lakewood, WA 98498
• Mountlake Terrace: Getaway Tavern, 24309 56th Ave W. Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
• Port Orchard: Manchester Pub, 2350 Colchester Dr E, Port Orchard, WA 98366
• Shoreline: Darrell’s Tavern, 18041 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
• Tacoma: Camp Bar, 1310 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402
• Tacoma: Beach Tavern at Titlow, 8612 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98465
• Woodinville: Horseshoe Saloon, 12461 NE Woodinville Dr, Woodinville, WA 98072

Chain restaurant happy hours

(Not all locations will participate, so call ahead to confirm.)

Applebee’s : Applebee’s doesn’t seem to advertise an overall Happy Hour, but we found several locations that do indeed have Happy Hour specials in the bar area from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays, and a late-late happy hour until 9 pm, with half-price deals on appetizers, beer, and the Neighborhood Drink of the Month for $1. Call ahead to make sure your local Applebee’s participates.

BJ’s Restaurants: Monday though Friday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Available in the bar only, drink specials may vary according to location.

Buffalo Wild Wings: From 2:00 pm to 7 PM, and from 10:00 to closing at many locations, and some drinks could be as low as $3 each. Call your local Bdub to find out about their specials and happy hour times.

Cheesecake Factory: We found a variety of Happy Hour times at restaurants across the country, so make sure you call your local restaurant to find out their hours and deals. Many have Happy Hour between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and others start at 4:00 pm. Catch the happy hour drink specials and half-priced appetizers at the bar.

McCormick’s and Schmick’s: Most McCormick and Schmick’s locations one of the country’s best happy hour menus. The specials vary by location, but many offer specials from $3 to $9. Hours are ususally Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and weekday specials rotate.

Olive Garden : Yep. This family restaurant has a Happy Hour. They offer all day drink specials for $5. Stop in Monday through Thursday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and take advantage of the Early Dinner Duos for $8.99.

Outback Steakhouse: Outback has a No Worries Happy Hour at the bar Monday through Thursday from 3 to 7, and Friday through Sunday from 3 to 6. Single mixed drinks include Absolut, Bacardi, and Jack Daniel’s cost $5, and signature cocktails including Ruby Mango Lemonade and Aussie Rum Punch for $5. https://www.outback.com/bar/no-worries-happy-hou

PF Chang’s: Many PF Chang’s restaurants offer a Happy Hour from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with a special menu. The restaurant web site states that prices, locations, and participation may vary, so call ahead. The Happy Hour menu lists $5 dim sum, and $4 craft beer.

Ruth’s Chris: Another pricey restaurant, but if you sit at the bar during Happy Hour you can enjoy $9 cocktail specials and a Happy Hour menu.

Sonic Drive-in: From 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm daily, get half-price drinks and slushes, and 99-cent corn dogs. If you order through the Sonic app, you will get drinks and slushes for half price all day.

Steak ‘n Shake: Happy Hour doesn’t have to include alcoholic drinks! Get half-price shakes and soft drinks at Steak ‘n Shake from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Taco Bell: Fast food restaurant Taco Bell wants to get in on the happy. From 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm every day, the chain’s Happier Hour features $1 medium fountain drink beverages.

Upcoming food & drink events and discounts

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But wait, there’s more!

• Fast food restaurant deals and discounts
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• Fine dining loyalty programs & restaurant gift cards
• Discounts for seniors at Seattle and Puget Sound area restaurants
• 50+ restaurants for free food on birthdays, anniversaries
• Find free and cheap things to do every day on the Greater Seattle on the Cheap calendar.
• Visit the Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page and choose from a menu of free and cheap activities in the Puget Sound region.

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