Eastlake Zoo Tavern - Seattle

Best bar where everyone knows your name! It's a really fun place!

The Zoo Tavern might be the best dive bar in the United States, definitely the best in Seattle. It features a snooker table! When have you ever seen a snooker table, two pool tables, skee ball, darts, and a table tennis setup all in the same bar? It’s a cash-only establishment with a classic sign of Johnny Cash on the wall. This place has an undeniable charm. I’d give it an 11/10!

What was once known as bars in Seattle during the 70s and 80s is now referred to as dives in the new, shiny Seattle, where few people stay longer than a couple of years. From the days when there was a line of Harleys parked outside to the grunge-fueled 90s when the Eastlake Zoo was a lively event spot, it was always bustling and a lot of fun, albeit a bit rough around the edges. However, as the flannel-clad crowd rolled in during the 90s, some of the bar's sharper features seemed to fade away, and they've never returned. Nowadays, I’ve rarely seen it filled with more than a handful of patrons, and I often wonder how it manages to stay in business. But it’s probably one of the last true pieces of Eastlake that remains. It’s hard to imagine the Eastlake neighborhood without the Eastlake Zoo, which once was the only reason many people knew that part of the city was called Eastlake.

This venue boasts a fun and vibrant atmosphere, complete with shuffleboard, pinball machines, and pool tables. Keep in mind that they only accept cash. It's also worth mentioning that the crowd typically skews younger and may not always be the sharpest, but overall, it's a fantastic spot if you're okay with that. #bar #seattle

Had a great time! It's a really cool spot. Just a heads up, they only accept cash, so make sure you're prepared. There is an ATM available on-site.