Hang Like a Local
Where Are the Best Dive Bars and Pubs Near Seattle?
Looking for the best dive bars near Seattle? Head to Seattle Southside, where longtime neighborhood pubs, sports bars, live music venues, and quirky local watering holes serve up cold drinks with plenty of character.
Sometimes, you just want an ice-cold beer somewhere welcoming and unpretentious.
When you pull over to that little pub on the side of the road or check out the dive bar with a karaoke night that's been going strong for twenty years, you might leave with some stories and new friends. Read on to find the best local haunts and dive bars near Seattle. Then pull up a stool and join us for a pint or two.
The Lighthouse Lounge
For Salty Sea Vibes & Local Character
Des Moines, Washington, hugs the Puget Sound shoreline, giving the town a breezy beach town feel. It's only fitting that the city would be home to the Lighthouse Lounge, a dive bar housed in a building that's shaped like a lighthouse.
Why we love it: With darts, pool, and a steady rotation of sports on TV, it embodies the area's laid-back vibe. The menu boasts lots of comfort food like burgers, nachos, and tacos.
What's nearby: While in town, keep the maritime vibes going with a walk at Des Moines Beach Park, a beautiful waterfront park that's a short drive or walk from The Lighthouse Lounge.
The Sunnydale
For an Old-Fashioned, No-Nonsense Saloon Experience
The Sunnydale is a quintessential local hangout where regulars (and their canine friends) are greeted by name. This storied bar has been a SeaTac staple since 1941, and its long history is reflected in the eclectic decor, a collection of gifts from regulars and items collected by previous owners.
Why we love it: Aside from the usual drinks and pull tabs, the menu has hearty pub fare, including burgers and sandwiches served in impressive portions with a delicious house-made potato salad. While there, play a round of pool, or join a themed night featuring karaoke or bingo (call ahead for dates and details). On a nice day, take your beer to the covered outdoor seating area and enjoy some planespotting. The bar's proximity to Sea-Tac Airport means you'll see plenty of planes overhead.
What's nearby: The Sunnydale is right next to North SeaTac Park, a large city park that includes walking paths, the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, and a BMX track where you can watch bikers zip around sharp turns.
All Star Sports Bar
For a bar where you can show up solo...or bring a huge party
All-Star Sports Bar in Des Moines looks unassuming from the outside, but this local favorite is surprisingly spacious inside, with plenty of seating. You can easily fit a group of 10 or more by pulling some tables together. But it's also the type of place where you'd feel perfectly comfortable coming alone, posting up at the bar, and chatting with the friendly
Why we love it: With 22 TVs showing every big game, there is truly something for every fan (and if you don't see the game you want, just ask the bar and they'll most likely be able to show it)! In addition, there are tons of fun bar games, including darts, pool, boxing and golf games, pull tabs, and a ping pong table for beer pong. It's also well lit, with lots of windows and even a peek-a-boo view of Puget Sound on the west wall.
What's nearby: In addition to the Des Moines waterfront, there are several other sports bars along Marine View Drive, should you want to do a fun bar crawl.
Creole Soul
For a Taste of New Orleans
Stepping into Creole Soul feels like stumbling into Louisiana. The smell of fresh gumbo wafts from the kitchen, Mardi Gras decorations adorn the walls, and on select days, live musicians play inches from where you eat. Tucked away in Backstage Alley (behind Marine View Drive S), it's easy to miss if you don't know where to go, but that's partly what gives it its "local secret" charm. Learn more about Hampton in our Seattle Southside Stories series.
Why we love it: Owner Hampton Ipsom cooks up the soul food he grew up loving, including fried catfish, po' boy sandwiches, and Bloody Marys with fried gator (yes, gator) as a garnish.
What's nearby: Creole Soul is right by Des Moines Beach Park and the marina next door, so be sure to drive or walk down to the waterfront for a seaside stroll while you're in town. It's also next to The Des Moines Theater, which hosts a rotating lineup of events, night markets, and shows.
Ulysses Pub & Pizzeria
For a family-friendly atmosphere, spacious patio, and house-made pizza
Ulysses Pub & Pizzeria is a locally loved sports bar conveniently located on the way to Sea-Tac Airport. This unassuming pub has been offering cold drinks and tasty eats for more than 40 years, and everyone who visits always talks about the friendly staff and stellar service.
Why we love it: Aside from the pizza, you can also find classic pub eats like burgers, fish & chips, and sandwiches. Watch all the biggest sports games on the TVs, play a round of pool, shoot darts, or head out to the spacious patio for cornhole.
What's nearby: Need a brisk walk after chowing down? Ulysses is a five-minute walk from Crestview Park, a small but well-maintained urban park with tall Evergreens, a playground, and a dog park.
Lucky Liquor
For Weekly Live Music (All Ages!) & Classic Seattle Vibes
Lucky Liquor has a storied and colorful local history in the Seattle punk rock scene. This longtime venue, which proudly embraces a dive bar vibe, hosts live music every weekend on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (check the Facebook page for details). A wide variety of bands play here, leaning towards the edgier end of the rock spectrum. Add cold beer, cocktails, pinball, and pull tabs, and you've got yourself a recipe for a fantastic dive.
Why we love it: Lucky Liquor has the unique distinction of being all ages (until 11 p.m., which is when most of the shows end), so you can bring the fam and maybe introduce your teenager to their first local rock show. As far as food goes, there's classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and fish 'n chips, and a great brunch on weekends. And as if that weren't enough, there are two dog-friendly patios.
What's nearby: If you go to Lucky Liquor during the day, swing by The Museum of Flight across the street and check out hundreds of vintage planes and artifacts.
The Sandbar at Waterland Arcade
For Sipping a Beer While Playing Nostalgic Arcade Games
Waterland Arcade in Des Moines not only offers unlimited play for a very reasonable price; it also has a wide selection of craft beer and cider at its onsite bar, The Sandbar. Crack open a cold one, pick a game, and let the hours fly by as you revisit nostalgic games like Pac-Man and Frogger.
Why we love it: The entire arcade has a retro vibe that will leave you feeling like a kid again. Want to get a group together or celebrate a birthday? You can reserve a table or rent out the whole space. While Waterland Arcade does not sell food, they're happy to let you bring in your own.
What's nearby: The Des Moines waterfront is a short drive away, as are many places to grab lunch or dinner, including The Crow's Nest and Alina's Cafe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dive Bars and Pubs Near Seattle
What are some of the best dive bars near Seattle?
Seattle Southside has several laid-back local bars with classic dive-bar character. Lucky Liquor in Tukwila is known for live music and its connection to the local punk scene, while The Sunnydale in SeaTac offers an old-school neighborhood saloon atmosphere. In Des Moines, Lighthouse Lounge pairs a casual local vibe with pool, darts, pub food, and sports on TV.
Where can I find a good pub near SeaTac Airport?
Ulysses Pub & Pizzeria and The Sunnydale are both convenient options near SeaTac Airport. Ulysses offers pizza, pub fare, sports, pool, darts, and a spacious patio, while The Sunnydale is a longtime SeaTac neighborhood bar known for hearty food, pool, karaoke, bingo, and local character.
What are some good sports bars near Seattle and SeaTac Airport?
Ulysses Pub & Pizzeria in SeaTac is a casual spot for watching sports while enjoying pizza and pub fare. Farther south, All-Star Sports Bar in Des Moines has 22 TVs along with pool, darts, ping pong, and other bar games, making it a good option for groups and sports fans.
Are there bars near Seattle with live music or karaoke?
Yes. Lucky Liquor in Tukwila regularly hosts live music and is especially known for rock and punk shows. The Sunnydale in SeaTac also hosts themed entertainment such as karaoke and bingo. Event schedules can change, so check with each venue before visiting.
Where can I find bars near Seattle with pool, darts, or arcade games?
Several Seattle Southside bars combine drinks with games. Ulysses Pub & Pizzeria, The Sunnydale, Lighthouse Lounge, and All-Star Sports Bar offer activities such as pool or darts. The Sandbar at Waterland Arcade in Des Moines pairs beer and cider with unlimited-play retro arcade games.
You May Also Be Interested In...
Top 10 Happy Hours in Seattle Southside
If you're looking for the best restaurants for happy hour near Seattle, let this list be your guide.
Wondering Where to Try the Best Wines from Washington State?
Washington is known for its wineries, vineyards, and wine culture.
Where Can You Get Mead Near Seattle?
The answer: A hidden meadery just 10 minutes from Sea-Tac Airport.
Best Sports Bars in Seattle Southside
If you're looking for the best sports bar near Seattle, there are plenty to choose from in Seattle Southside.
Related Content:
Ulysses Pub & Pizzeria
Ulysses Pizza is a neighborhood pizzeria and sports bar in SeaTac that’s been serving the community for more than 40 years. Known for its dependable…
The Sunnydale
A Local Haunt with a Historic Vibe
Sunnydale Saloon is a storied establishment that welcomes visitors to unwind in a setting filled with history and character…
Lucky Liquor
Lucky Liquor is a local institution that's proudly "keeping dive alive". It’s the kind of place where the beer's cold, the company’s warm, and the…
Creole Soul
A Taste of New Orleans in Des Moines
Creole Soul isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to the rich culinary traditions of New…
All-Star Sports Bar
All Star Sports Bar in Des Moines, WA, is the kind of laid-back, high-energy neighborhood bar where locals gather to watch the big game, unwind…