Nightclubs and Nightlife in Seattle
cc: photo credit: surrealize
It may always be raining, but that’s just a better reason to head on inside and catch some night vibes. Seattle is a happening city with a good number of clubs and hot spots. Almost every taste in music is represented and the level of excitement is adjustable to suit your mood. From the Sea-Tac Airport, head dowtown Seattle to begin your fun!
A bonus to the younger ones in the crowd, or the older teens to be exact, many Seattle clubs have 18 and over nights so if you fit in that age group you are no longer prevented from seeing your favorite local band play live at the hippest club in town.
And if it’s live music you’re looking for then The Crocodile Café would have been the first place you went. Home to the Seattle music grunge scene, the Croc was THE place to be, that is until 2007 when it abruptly closed its doors due to financial problems. So, why mention it? Because rumor has it that The Crocodile Café will once again welcome bands to its stage and crowds will flock to be one of the chosen few allowed inside. So stay on the lookout because if The Crocodile Café opens it will most likely once again reign in the crowds looking for great live music.
Until then, give The Tractor Tavern a try. With live shows 5-7 nights a week featuring a wide range of local and national acts, you’re bound to find something that gets you up and dancing. The dancing and music is really the highlight at Tractor, but Pabst Blue Ribbon is on tap, several great ales are chilling in the cooler and you can order a TV dinner if you’re feeling a bit puckish.
Another great place to catch live music is Neumo’s . Voted Editorial Winner by Citysearch, this club knows how to book a good act and pack the club. Not big on variety, Neumo’s features mainly indie rock music, but they’ve chosen a popular theme that draws a hard drinking crowd. The balcony seating is great to really view the act, but no matter where you end up, you’ll get a great show.
For a totally difference live music experience, The Triple Door is a great way to spend an evening. First there is the delicious Asian menu (from Wild Ginger the upstairs neighbor), then there is the full bar and award-winning wine lest. And most importantly there is the music. The Musicquarium and the Mainstage Theater both feature great live music, most of it with a jazz flare. Although the renovated 1920′s era vaudeville is really worth experiencing, you can catch the music on the cheap. The live shows are piped into the bar, so you can save the price of a ticket and experience the live show from the bar.
Okay, one last live music venue, The Funhouse, dubbed Seattle’s oldest surviving punk club, is a great old-school experience. There’s no pretense, no attitude and plenty of good vibes. The Funhouse features great local talent and the crowd is there to listen, drink cheap beers, and enjoy the camaraderie of other patrons.
If dancing is more your speed then head over to The Last Supper Club. With three levels and four bars (not to mention several private rooms) there is ample space for dancing. Most nights feature a DJ but there are live acts booked with some regularity. Most patrons seem to enjoy the lowest bar and its laid back atmosphere, but if you want to see and be seen, then give one of the higher floors a try.
For more multi-leveled fun, give Trinity Nightclub a once – or thrice – over. This three-roomed dance club features different DJs so each room has its own distinct flare. It’s basically three different nightclubs under one roof. The Main Room is the happening spot with a large dance floor and a kicking beat. The Blue Room is a bit futuristic and trendy and draws national acts. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the Card Room offers a taste of elegance and some delectable delights as well.
Maybe the most happening hot spot of the moment, The War Room is constantly packed. If you’re just going for the experience, try visiting on a week day rather than a weekend. Wednesdays feature an 80′s them and have almost the amount of excitement as a weekend night. DJ’s play nightly and the dance floor is almost always rocking. It’s a comfortable hot spot for locals and visitors.
SEE Sound Lounge offers a bit more laid back atmosphere as the guests sip cosmos and nibble on the Mediterranean treats. But the DJs know how to spin a techno groove that often gets the crowd up and moving. The crowd is a bit more upscale but the drinks are still moderately priced. If you’re looking for a good salsa club, try See Sound on Tuesdays.
A chameleon of a bar, Club Noc Noc serves its post work patrons well with generous happy hour prices and comfortable atmosphere, but stay too long and you’ll either get swept away with the partying dancers or wish you had left a bit earlier. The Noc Noc swiftly turns (as quickly as that first DJ starts spinning) into a happening dance club and hot spot. And to add to its chameleon type nature, some nights such as 80′s night or goth night, draw an entirely different crowd. Check the schedule and keep your eye on your watch to catch the transformation.
Seattle is a laid back kind of town that is very serious about its music business. If you’re going for a visit and want to hit the clubs bring something nice to wear, but leave your coolest garb at home. You should also leave the stereotypical grunge gear at home as the residents find that insulting. Instead dress well but not showy, expect to pay a bit in drinks but you’ll get good strong ones, and experience as much of the music scene as possible. Don’t worry if you happen to stay out a little too late, there is literally a Starbucks on every corner.
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Categories: Nightlife
