Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Seattle / Eastern Washington

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Seattle / Eastern Washington? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Kro Bar

4.9

4.9 (588)

$31 to $50

Dining Bar

Bothell

About the restaurant

The krō bär is an eclectic bar with a speakeasy vibe and a passion for spirits and great food with a nod to another era.

Tucked away on Main Street in Bothell, a walkable neighborhood teaming with local art, culture and food, the artfully handcrafted krō bär has been reclaimed from the bones of Bothell’s historic hardware store in the Mohn building. The 16-foot-high tin ceilings, a hanging catwalk and the original wood floors were uncovered and restored.

Please note we are 21 and older only.

Due to the size of our location, we are unable to seat parties of more than 4 guests.

Top review

Ryan

Dined on Oct 6, 2024

The cocktails are excellent. The vibes, immaculate.

Whiskey by John Howie

4.9

4.9 (117)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Bellevue

About the restaurant

Whiskey by John Howie is the Eastside’s whiskey and craft cocktail destination for guests 21+ years old. The global selection of rare and well done whiskies has been thoroughly collected for the curious to the connoisseur by Whiskey’s in house curator, Tim Lodahl. The unique menu of delightful bar bites features new and favorite tastes crafted by proprietor John Howie and executive chef Jed Laprade.
Whiskey by John Howie is available for private events. This 1,420 square foot space - which can accommodate up to 84 people for private events - features rich, dark woods complemented by dark brick and gold accents that give the room a comfortable, stylish feel. Hundreds of rare and sought after whiskey titles elegantly adorn the main wall, just above Whiskey’s open kitchen space. John Howie Catering offers a diverse range of chef-designed specialty menus that can be customized to the unique needs and style of each event.

Top review

Corrin

Dined 3 days ago

Great happy hour options, drinks were perfect. We only had happy hour and will go back!

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Experience

Whiskey Wednesdays

Rumba Seattle

4.9

4.9 (54)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

Rumba is the Northwest's premiere rum bar featuring over 700 different rums. We make delicious rum-forward craft drinks with our freshly squeezed juices, balanced house syrups, and sourced best-quality ingredients. Our drinks are flavorful, focused and "not too sweet!"

https://www.rumbaonpike.com/

Top review

Colleen

Dined on Sep 29, 2024

Amazing cocktails and good values. Service was very attentive and friendly. Loved the refined guacamole, plantains and carne asada. The bananas for dessert were extra delicious and gluten free. We will be back soon!

Radiator Whiskey (21 and over)

4.8

4.8 (469)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Downtown

About the restaurant

(21 & over only)
In the heart of Pike Place Market, Radiator Whiskey Bar features food that brings a smile and drinks in every variety of container and iteration; straight, mixed, bottled, canned and on tap. Step inside Radiator Whiskey and be immersed in Pacific Northwest atmosphere, warm tones, industrial architecture and plenty of natural wood accents including a larger than live whiskey barrel wall.
(21 & over only)
Radiator Whiskey has daily happy hour drink specials and daily rotating meat specials on top of the regular menu. All the dishes are created fresh with options such as apple salad, smoked & fried half chicken, fried pork shank and warm cornbread.
Must be 21 and over.
Please bring valid identifications per Washington state law.

Top review

Margaret

Dined 2 days ago

Our first time here. Luckily, I'd read the directions about going up to the third floor. Quaint and fun place, great food and service. The brisket - like butter, just sayin'. We loved it, will definitely be back.

Bake's Place

4.8

4.8 (1226)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Bellevue

About the restaurant

Bake's Place Bar & Bistro is a restaurant, bar & private event space in downtown Bellevue that exudes atmosphere and elegance. Bake's is also home to the largest, most unique patio on the east side. We feature outdoor covered & heated areas as well as being very dog friendly. During these challenging times, your health and safety are our top priority. We strictly adhere to all guidelines set forth by the governor. In addition, all tables inside and out are properly socially distanced, mask wearing is mandatory, tables and chairs are fully sanitized before and after each use. We feature a chef driven seasonal menu that is available for takeout, a well curated wine and spirits list that includes over 200 whiskies and an ever evolving craft cocktail to go program. Inside the restaurant, our high vaulted ceilings give way to a spacious, multi-level dining room making it one of the most ideal spots for private events in Bellevue. So come spend some time with us and let our enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly staff guide you through a one of a kind experience. Top it all off with free parking and who knows.we may just become your new favorite place.

Top review

Carol

Dined 2 days ago

I LOVE this place! We went for music, which turned ou to be sooo enjoyable. And the food was excellent! Nice wine list, good prices. The desserts are outstanding!

Inside Passage

4.8

4.8 (278)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Capitol Hill / First Hill

About the restaurant

Inside Passage is a Northwest sunken ship, underwater, tropical cocktail bar with a sea creature named Kiki that lives above the bar. Created and run by your friends at Rumba and found within. Cocktails have elaborate, outrageous presentations and are crafted with premium ingredients and exotic flavors.

Reservations are released on a rolling basis, six weeks out. If you are looking for a date beyond that range, please check back! Inside Passage is a 21+ establishment.
https://www.insidepassageseattle.com/

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

Such a fun tiki bar with great eats and an awesome story.

Japonessa Sushi Cocina - Seattle

4.7

4.7 (1997)

$30 and under

Japanese

Belltown / Pike Place Market

About the restaurant

Located in downtown Seattle next to Pike Place Market, Japonessa houses the latest talents of renowned Chef Billy Beach. We are a sushi cocina, featuring a Japanese menu with hints of Latino flair. From traditional offerings at our full service sushi bar, to innovative rolls and exotically imagined Japanese tapas, Japonessa boasts a menu to tantalize all palates.

Top review

Jose

Dined 4 days ago

Great place that we came back to from our first trip in February. Love the location, food, service and the happy hour. Always a must for us.

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Popular dish

Salmon Sashimi

Deep Dive

4.7

4.7 (314)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Lake Union / Eastlake

About the restaurant

Renee Erickson’s Deep Dive: eat and drink inside of an art installation turned cocktail lounge within the iconic Spheres. Expect timeless, thought-provoking, and original cocktails, alongside refined plates, and an exceptional spirits selection. Deep Dive is a modern classic, inspired by marquee hotel bars the world over.

No Minors - strictly 21+. Elevated attire encouraged, but not required. All parties MUST bring a valid, physical I.D. - pictures will NOT be accepted.

Please be advised that a reservation does not guarantee specific seating arrangements - no distinction is made between tables or bar seats.

As we are an intimate space, we kindly request that inquires for parties larger than 6 people be directed to events@eatseacreatures.com

We look forward to hosting you in Deep Dive! Until we meet, beneath the surface....

Top review

Lydia

Dined 3 days ago

Coolest bar I’ve ever been too! Drinks were delicious!

Von's 1000 Spirits - Seattle

4.6

4.6 (154)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Enjoy creatively prepared American fare at Von's 1000Spirits Gusto Bistro. This charming spot features various flags draped across the ceiling and an open kitchen where patrons can watch the chefs at work. Owner Merrisa Firnstahl-Claridge and Executive Chef Jason Amador delight in offering delicious food with friendly service in a comfortable atmosphere. Patrons can choose from entrées like salmon cakes with pickled vegetables, homemade meatballs with pasta or a hoisin-glazed prime rib burger at Von's 1000Spirits Gusto Bistro. Sourdough pizza with a choice of toppings, salads, hearty sandwiches and vegetarian dishes also make for fulfilling meals. Von's 1000Spirits Gusto Bistro is featured in publications such as The Seattle Times and The Stranger. It has happy hour with a sizable bar that serves cocktails as well as housemade vodka, gin and tequila. This bistro hosts private events for parties as well.

Top review

julie

Dined on Sep 27, 2024

** dont get scared by the long line of people waiting to enter or the full restaurant, it is extremely worth it and so fast ! We had ab amazng time with Patrick our server , he even added a little touch of french for us. The sourdough pizza was the best I have ever had and the garlic shrimp the perfect flavor! Would highly recommend for the service, the menu and the ambiance. A little loud and be prepared to share your pizza !

Sabine Café and Bar

4.6

4.6 (65)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Ballard

About the restaurant

reservations accepted for dinner only, from 5pm-9pm.
our day café remains walk-up and counter-service only - NO reservations accepted for brunch.
we are 21+ after 10pm on friday and saturday.

sabine is a café, bar, and bakery serving a lively daytime and nighttime experience for all on ballard ave. here you'll find vibrant espresso drinks, colorful cocktails, and fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily. our inviting menus by chef dunkelberger draw upon mediterranean influences with middle eastern spices and herbs, while our dedication to using local, in-season, and organic ingredients wherever we can highlights the bounty of the northwest. our mezze and salatim dishes are meant to be shared; here we value the community that dining together brings.

Top review

Art

Dined on Oct 6, 2024

Food was very good, but portions were very small. I do not even like giant American portions, but this was a bit extreme. Ordered the hummus platter - that is a serving of hummus with a bunch of delicious sides and dips. It came with one small pita cut up and a small slice of bread cut up. They acted like it was weird that we asked for more bread. Other portions were also small (for the prices and level of sophistication).

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