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Nov. 2, 2005 Classy dives and one-of-a-kind bars
A number of factors make your average bar into a classy dive, including, but hardly limited to, a crowd that's equal parts shiny hipster and scary wino, a well-worn but still regulation-level pool table, bathrooms that merely disturb instead of disgust, and most importantly, a no-nonsense bartender who knows how to pour a freakin' drink. Seattle is blessed and we don't use that word lightly with many fine establishments that fit the bill.
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Did we miss one of your favorite classy bars? Tell us about it and why it's special.
9 Lb. Hammer
(Georgetown)
Something about this saloon makes you an instant believer. Perhaps it's the complimentary peanuts, the cheap drinks or its crowd of punk babes and blue-collar Joes.
Ballard Smoke Shop
(Ballard/Crown Hill)
Old, grizzled Scandinavians mix with young Ballard hipsters at this hard-drinkin' haunt.
Baranof Lounge
(Greenwood/Phinney Ridge)
The Baranof is, in a word, nautical. In more than a word, it's old-school-dive-bar-tiki, only without so much tiki. The service is prompt, attentive, polite and dang friendly. The drinks are healthy without being "healthful." Trends can't get in here.
Bush Garden Restaurant
(International District)
Bush Garden in the Chinatown International District is Seattle's longest-lived Japanese restaurant. It's got karaoke and a serviceable menu that's long on Japanese-American favorites and short on inspiration.
Comet Tavern
(Capitol Hill)
This dusty old tavern is pretty much the best place on the Hill for cheap beer and those who love it. Local bands strut in and stagger out of the establishment on a regular basis.
Jules Maes Saloon
(Georgetown)
This classy joint boasts a large and very respectably stocked bar, two stages, a room of vintage pinball machines and enough pure class to fill 10 such bars. Local and touring punk, rockabilly, soul and garage bands tear the roof off the joint every weekend.
Kort Haus
(Greenwood/Phinney Ridge)
Phinney Ridge's vaguely Germanic pub has exotic meat burgers and occasional live music.
Little Red Hen
(Green Lake)
The Little Red Hen is a real honest-to-Gilley's honky-tonk. The heartbeat of the establishment, live country western music , beats six nights a week (Wednesday nights are for karaoke). Don't fail to rustle up the bar grub - it's damn good.
Lockspot Cafe
(Ballard/Crown Hill)
Nice and simple great fish and chips, pitchers of beer, uncrowded pool tables and a decent jukebox.
Mecca Cafe
(Queen Anne/Seattle Center)
This diner has been serving modestly priced burgers, breakfast and pie for decades. It's adjoined by a magnificent dive bar that proudly declares, "Booze makes you cuter -- so come in for a make-over."
Monkey Pub
(University/Montlake)
Want to play pool, video games or darts with your buddies while downing a tasty brew? This low-key spot's the place.
Nite Lite Lounge
(Downtown)
A retro-decor dive with a lot going for it: a dartboard, comfy booths, stiff drinks, crazy regulars and surly bartenders.
Ozzie's Diner
(Queen Anne/Seattle Center)
Ozzie's hosts some of the liveliest karaoke you'll find in Seattle, seven nights a week.
The People's Pub
(Ballard/Crown Hill)
The People's Pub serves German beers and bratwurst mit sauerkraut, but more importantly, it has a full bar in the back of the house one of Ballard's best.
Rendezvous
(Belltown)
This 80-year-old mainstay feels old and decaying in a good way. The bartenders pour strong, a full menu is available, and its JewelBox Theater regularly hosts film screenings, burlesque shows and more.
Shorty's Coney Island
(Belltown)
The circus-midway-slash-dive-bar vibe is identical to Las Vegas' Circus Circus, Shorty's hot dogs every bit as tasty, the "Hangover Special" cheap and the carnival décor witty.
Tin Hat Bar & Grill
(Ballard/Crown Hill)
Funky atmosphere, hip crowd, drink specials, cheap, tasty bar food and a great juke box.
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