Flush with natural beauty and human talent, South Lake Union may be downtown Seattle’s most changed neighborhood in the past few years.
With longtime residents and a swell of new arrivals seeking atmospheric places to wind down with a drink after a day of productive work, the bar scene in the area has exploded. Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy watering holes in SLU.
Brave Horse Tavern
A chic design, great location, and high-quality food and drink make Brave Horse Tavern a favorite for many who live and work in South Lake Union. Featuring dozens of local microbrews, the beer selection is a hit. So are the beer-boiled pretzels and their delicious dipping sauce accompaniments. If you’re not looking to emulate an Oktoberfest celebration every time you visit, you’ll be happy to hear that the burgers and other food items served up at the tavern have received rave reviews as well. Shuffleboard tables add to the experience, serving as a great form of entertainment for both players and spectators.
If you haven’t already visited the Brave Horse, just a five-minute walk from AMLI 535 and AMLI South Lake Union, be warned it’s generally crowded and noisy from late afternoon on. If this doesn’t deter you, then this may become your new go-to hangout. Maybe it already is.
Paddy Coyne’s Irish Pub
Even closer to AMLI 535 and AMLI South Lake Union than the Brave Horse Tavern, Paddy Coyne’s Irish Pub is a Seattle area institution. With a history spanning 50 years, the place has established itself as the region’s premier Irish pub. The SLU location, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this past summer, offers an excellent happy hour and actively supports the neighborhood.
Aside from being a well-run establishment with fair prices and a good selection, something Paddy Coyne’s has going for it is its Irish Members’ plaque. Sign up to be a member, and become a part of the pub’s decorative fabric by getting your name inscribed on the plaque after you’ve ordered your 100th drink. Check out Paddy Coyne’s the next time you’re looking for a game to watch or that traditional Irish pub atmosphere.
Pan Pacific
If you want to sip on fine wine or an expertly shaken cocktail in an upscale environment, the Pan Pacific Hotel might be your best bet in South Lake Union. A seasonal patio with primo views of the Seattle skyline makes the Lobby Bar especially popular in the summertime. If you’d like a little food to go with your drink, the locally sourced appetizers and entrees on the menu rarely disappoint. Visit during happy hour between 4 and 6 PM on weekdays, and you can enjoy this fine atmosphere without having to pay upscale prices.
re:public
Another happening place to enjoy farm-to-table food and handcrafted local brews in SLU is re:public Restaurant. This trendy eatery can get packed, but tends to be less boisterous than nearby Brave Horse Tavern. If you like seafood, ribs, or savory vegetarian fare, it shouldn’t be hard to find something on the menu. In addition to a great selection of local beer and wine, the bartenders know hot to shake up some delicious cocktails.
Feierabend
We’ll cap off this list with a place so close to AMLI 535 and AMLI South Lake Union you can’t even justify taking a Lyft or Uber if you live in one of these communities. Feierabend, German for “quittin’ time” or “beer o’clock”, is what you might expect from a German-inspired restaurant and bar with a name that translates as such. Brats, currywurst, pretzels, sauerkraut and bier are all available in abundance. The place has 18 imported German beers on tap, and the warm environment can put a smile on your face when you walk through the door. Happy hour takes place every day from 3 to 6 PM. Closing time is 1 AM, and if you stay until then you should be able to make it back to your SLU apartment by 1:05. Prost!
If you’re new to South Lake Union or looking for new haunts, check out one of these bars. Afterall, they’ve all been vouched for, each having earned a favorable reputation for good reason.
SLU has a slew of great watering holes. Let us know which ones are your favorite by leaving a comment below!
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst