Seattle has extra music venues than is feasible to listing in a single go, and whereas that poses a logistical drawback for this text, it additionally implies that we’re collectively spoiled for selection. Because the unofficial capital of grunge within the Nineteen Nineties, the house of Sub Pop, and the busking location of selection for a younger Brandi Carlile, this city has seen various musical acts rise to excessive ranges of fame. That stated, it’s additionally top-of-the-line locations to catch an indie rock present on a Thursday night time together with your buddies and bandmates in tow. Forward, one of the best music venues in Seattle for big celebs, humble newcomers, and each act in between.

Ballard
Arguably Seattle’s greatest dive-bar-slash-venue, Sundown Tavern is the type of spot the place you’ll be able to catch indie bands all the best way from the east coast (Gustaf, Delicate Steve), plus a ton of native PNW acts (Tomatron, Sunbathe), most of which is able to solely set you again 12 bucks. Décor-wise, this former Chinese language restaurant turned music venue is simply as charming and kitschy as you’d anticipate.
The place to eat and drink close by: Hattie’s Hat, WeRo, Parish NW

Belltown
The Crocodile has been by fairly a little bit of change in the previous few years, most notably shifting areas from their former spot (additionally in Belltown) to the previous El Gaucho constructing, the place they’ve now received a number of phases, a seated comedy membership, and a 17-room resort (apparently the likes of Bikini Kill and Radiohead used to play upstairs on the Sailors Union of the Pacific Corridor). Most significantly, although, that is nonetheless the house of a few of the greatest indie exhibits on the town, so don’t let a brand new location scare you away.
The place to eat and drink close by: Umi Sake Home, Al Basha, Taqueria Cantina

Downtown
Nestled in an almost-100-year-old theater that was initially christened the Seattle Theatre in 1928, the Paramount is appropriately lavish for the Roaring Twenties, and nonetheless sparkles with extraordinarily intricate golden ceilings, a number of chandeliers, and an old-school stage full with velvet curtains. You possibly can catch some fairly huge identify acts right here, however anticipate to pay accordingly for the splendor—and the sound.
The place to eat and drink close by: The Carlile Room, Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar, Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya

U District
Established in 1921 as a film theatre (true locals could keep in mind the 14-year streak of enjoying The Rocky Horror Image Present as soon as per week again within the ‘90s), the Neptune might be one of the best spot to catch an indie band play a present within the U District. It’s additionally the host of the annual Seattle Worldwide Movie Pageant, amongst different arts and cultural occasions.
The place to eat and drink close by: The Mountaineering Membership, U:Don, Finn MacCool’s Irish Public Home

Ballard
Simply down the road from Sundown Tavern on Ballard Ave, Tractor Tavern caters to the indie-twang aesthetic that we’re listening to increasingly today from bands like Lower Worms and Half Stack, with cowboy boots hanging from the ceiling and completely Western vibes throughout. Native bands dominate right here and very like Sundown, the exhibits are blissfully reasonably priced and riotously enjoyable.
The place to eat and drink close by: Barnacle, Percy’s & Co., Ballard Pizza Firm

Downtown
Finishing the trifecta of non-profit Seattle Theatre Group’s venues, Moore Theatre is steps from Pike Place Market, AKA, steps from one of many liveliest elements of downtown Seattle. Inside, this landmark 1907 constructing is much less decadent than the Paramount, however simply as historic and simply as enjoyable to catch a present whereas sitting in an old-fashioned film palace seat.
The place to eat and drink close by: Aburiya Bento Home, Cloudburst Brewing, Jupiter Bar

Capitol Hill
Tucked away from Pike Avenue within the basement of its sister venue Neumos, Barboza is the type of small membership excellent for bands who can’t replenish an even bigger house—like, say, Neumos—fairly but. Thus, it’s excellent for a spontaneous night time of excellent music, and for those who’re eager on busting out some strikes, the $3 and Free dance events are a few of the best (and least expensive) methods to have a great time on Cap Hill today.
The place to eat and drink close by: Oddfellows, By way of Tribunali, Havana

Capitol Hill
Neumos could seem to be a random gibberish identify however that’s solely till you be taught the historical past of the venue, which, in brief, includes Moe’s M’Roc’N Café and a relaunch in 2003 to New Moe’s (get it?). These days, this spot hosts all the great indie bands and love in a chief Capitol Hill location that’s a hop and skip away from a few of our favourite bars and eating places.
The place to eat and drink close by: Boat Bar, Pony, Linda’s Tavern

Capitol Hill
Although some could argue that Cafe Racer hasn’t been fairly the identical since shifting areas from U District to Capitol Hill, this new period for a beloved mainstay of Seattle is shaping as much as be simply as pleasant because the final. Come right here for open mic night time, comedy, karaoke, indie rock from locals like Megadose and No Cowl, Sunday Jazz, or just an excellent drink.
The place to eat and drink close by: Comet Tavern, Karachi Cowboys, Gentle Sleeper

U District
Jazz and funk are best to search out within the U District at Sea Monster Lounge, a small spot on the principle drag of N forty fifth Avenue that has free dwell music on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Subsequently it might probably get fairly packed however often in a enjoyable, non-claustrophobic manner.
The place to eat and drink close by: The Octopus Bar, TNT Taqueria, Dick’s

Downtown
This landmark jazz membership, household owned and operated since 1979, is a kind of bucket listing locations that’s performed a defining position in Seattle’s music scene. Regularly enjoying host to a few of the most iconic jazz acts of our time, Jazz Alley makes a speciality of each legends and newcomers alike.
The place to eat and drink close by: Wilmott’s Ghost, Mamnoon Avenue, Deep Dive

Downtown
The Showbox has been a mainstay of the Seattle music scene because it opened in 1939 (internet hosting the likes of Duke Ellington, the Ramones, and Soundgarden), a lot in order that STG truly provided to purchase it, in partnership with Historic Seattle, in 2019. It stays to be seen if the deal will truly undergo however regardless, there’s loads of good music available right here within the meantime.
The place to eat and drink close by: Previous Range Brewing, Maximilien, Alibi Room

Downtown
A former vaudeville home turned film theatre turned music venue, The Triple Door is one more cornerstone of Seattle’s historic music scene positioned within the coronary heart of downtown, simply throughout from Benaroya Corridor on Union Avenue. Swankier than a few of its different counterparts, you’ll be able to anticipate to have a sit-down, dinner-and-a-show type of night time right here.
The place to eat and drink close by: Ben Paris, Seattle Beer Co., Purple Café and Wine Bar

Fremont
Substation is the really no-frills watering gap for locals who love native music. A fairly tiny stage and dance flooring make for an all the time intimate efficiency, and the neighboring combo of Unhealthy Jimmy’s and Huge Mario’s make for the right weekday (or weekend) night time out.
The place to eat and drink close by: Unhealthy Jimmy’s Brewing Co, 4Bs, Huge Mario’s Pizza

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