I’ll answer first since I asked. Hands down, my favorite bar is The Hideout, in First Hill. It’s out of the way, always full of interesting people, and the owner and bartenders are great. From the free jukebox to the fresh squeezed fruit in your cocktails to the art on the walls, I love it all. I would marry it if I could in this state.

If you’re looking for a refresher, here are all the places in Seattle tagged “bar”.

can’t help you out as i’m underage. =)

The Zig Zag cafe. It’s in Pike Place market, on the hillclimb on the stairs below Western Ave and next to the Spanish Table.

http://www.zigzagcafe.net/

Why?

1) Drinks. Murray Stenson is the best bartender on the west coast, possibly in the country. This is a cocktail bar. We’re not talking cosmos or lemon drops or exotic martinis, though they will make them if you ask. We’re talking old-fashioned, well-made, pride of the house authentic drinks. You will not find a better version of your drink anywhere else in town. What do you like? Bourbon and bitters? Something citrusy with vodka? Let me make something for you.

2) Atmosphere. Owners Ben and Kacy run an outstanding etablishment. It’s perfectly lit and initmately situated; it hits the spot in all seasons, and the clientele are the most interesting and amiable you’ll find anywhere in town. All ages, all kinds. Ben and Casey and Murray will unobtrusively introduce people to each other to keep the conversation going.

I like neighborhood-y bars. Like Sully’s on Phinney Ridge or The Summit Ave Tavern on Cap Hill. But I have to admit to liking Sambar when it isn’t chock full of people.

Also, The Beacon Hill Tavern is a phenomenal neighborhood bar.

Jade Pagoda! Because I’m nostalgic and weak-minded.

also, cheap drinks…good jukebox…bartenders who recognize you…and number one reason—really great back patio that is the perfect place for summer drinking.

I was there in ‘77… a few years ago. I don’t drink anymore.

Ohana

..because I’m easily led by a phalanx of huge tiki drinks.

Rosebud, because the drinks are absurdly cheap and plentiful, it’s always busy but not that busy, and you can hang out outside when it’s nice out.

Plus good food if you want to do dinner beforehand.

The stumbling monk. because it is a divebar ,has good beer, and an original name, not to mention board games…

the music, atmosphere, and couches at the chapel are okay too…

I’m a fan of pubs more than bars, and I think my favorite pubish bar is The Virginia Inn. Mellow, nice, you can drink outside, old school non-smoking policy, and tasty eats. I haven’t been in years.

Honest answer, my favorite bar is the close by open one.

My fav used to be the Pacific Inn on Stone Way cuz of the local scene, but not any more. My new fav is Lottie’s Lounge in Columbia City. They mix a nice stiff drink, very relaxed atmosphere and now they have Rainier in a bottle for only $2.