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Happy Hour in Seattle, WA: Five Spots Worth an Early Exit

Seattle happy hour is back, with discounted bites and drinks waiting before dinner. Make an early exit from work for five bars and restaurants, from Ballard wine and tacos to Wallingford queso.

Part ofSeattle nightlife

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Many restaurants and bars have brought back discounted pre-dinner drinks and snacks to draw in guests, though it is less widespread than it once was.

Ballard works well, since Sabine Café & Bar and Lupe's Situ Tacos are both on Ballard Avenue. Wallingford's The Rebel is another solid stop.

Often, yes. Spots like Lupe's Situ Tacos offer tacos and nachos that add up to dinner, and discounted burgers and oysters are common around town.

No. Each venue sets its own schedule and deals, and they change, so check the business's website before you go.

The full guide

The hours before dinner belong to discounted drinks and snacks again, as restaurants and bars around town bring back their early deals. Happy hour in Seattle, WA has made a real comeback, and Ballard is a strong place to start, with wine at Sabine Café & Bar or tacos at Lupe's Situ Tacos. Head to Wallingford for polished bar food at The Rebel, and confirm deals and times before you go, since they change often.

How Happy Hour Works Now

Many kitchens use early discounts to fill seats before the dinner rush, and some of that food is hearty enough to count as a full meal. Look for cheap oysters, once hard to find around town and now on plenty of menus, along with good burgers at friendly prices.

Every spot sets its own days, hours and discounts, and they can shift without much notice. Treat any menu as a starting point, then check with the venue directly before you plan your evening around it.

Read the full guide

Where to Go for Happy Hour in Seattle

Sabine Café & Bar

Settle into Sabine, a stylish all-day café and bar on Ballard Avenue in Ballard. Happy hour here is known for discounted bottles of wine on certain weeknights, plus martinis and small plates, and the harissa and Aleppo honey flatbread is a favorite. Come by when all you want after work is a relaxed glass of Pinot.

Lupe's Situ Tacos

Stroll just down Ballard Avenue to Lupe's Situ Tacos, where Mexican and Lebanese cooking meet on the same menu. Happy hour runs in the back bar, and tacos, nachos and canned beer specials add up to an easy dinner. Save room for the deep-fried dishes, a highlight here, and know that vegetarians and gluten-free diners are well looked after too.

The Rebel

Head to NE 45th Street in Wallingford, where The Rebel has taken over the old Kate's Pub space. The bar food arrives with more care than you might expect, and the chips and queso are a happy hour staple. The cheesesteak sits outside the discounts but still draws plenty of fans, and the room stays lively with live music and late nights.

Hannyatou

Seek out Hannyatou, a tucked-away Japanese bar that has earned attention for its drinking snacks. It suits small groups and solo visitors who would rather graze over drinks than sit down to a full meal. Look up its location and current menu before you head out.

Make a Night of It

Ballard pairs especially well with happy hour, since Sabine and Lupe's sit a short walk apart on the same street. Map out your route with our guide to Seattle neighborhoods. For ideas before or after drinks, browse our list of things to do in Seattle or explore nearby Seattle landmarks.

Check each business's own website for current happy hour days, times and menus before you set out.