What do bricks, punk music, horses, and hidden treasures have in common? They’re each a unique feature of one of the 9 Best Theme bars in Washington. Combining tradition and innovation, the old and the new, small spaces and unlikely venues, you’ll have a blast checking these out. Here are our favorites in the state.
You’ll have a wild ride at the White Horse in Seattle when you stop by this British-style pub. Hidden away from the main path of public traffic, you can enjoy imported ales and wines in a secluded and comfortable spot. The cozy atmosphere lends itself to quiet encounters. Look for the white horse on the sign.
When you visit the Brick Saloon in Roslyn, you’re stepping into a piece of history. Washington’s oldest operating bar dating back to 1889, The Brick was made of 45,000 bricks, giving it the unique name. You can still see original 23-foot running water spittoon and the back bar that came all the way from England. Sit at the extended wooden bar and mingle with the barkeep or at the picnic tables throughout the bar. Known for great burgers, fries, and onion rings, you can also enjoy a nice selection of IPAs and ales.
You won’t be able to miss Bob’s Java Jive when you come to Tacoma. Shaped like a giant coffee pot, this unusual watering hole is anything but typical. Serving coffee, beer, and loads of fun, their exterior is lit up year-round and welcome thirsty travelers. Don’t miss looking up when you get inside. Everything in and hanging from the ceiling has a story.
Bars aren’t usually for babies, but Baby Bar in Spokane is for everyone. Of course, you’ll want to read all the house rules they have up, like the ones that say, “No crying” or “No fake accents.” This is the best cocktail bar in the area with an underground feel, great jukebox music, live music, raved about shows, great burritos, and more.
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South is appropriately named because it is Washington’s answer to all things south of the border. Specializing in food and drinks from Latin America, South gives you freshness at every turn. Dedicated to serving their customers and the community, owners Price and Cappy Bond are always looking for another great recipe to create the unique food and adult beverages found here. Come for the food, stay for the drinks!
Located right on the river, Pourhouse in Port Townsend is a dog-friendly venue that takes serving to a whole new level. They don’t have much in the way of food, but they have a great selection of beer and cocktails, and they have no problem with you bringing food in from other sources. In fact, they encourage it. It’s easy to spend the afternoon on the patio looking at the boats in the distance, playing ping pong, or just chilling with friends.
This award-winning bar boasts the best whiskey, best cocktails, best drink selection, and best menu in the country and internationally. Canon is a whiskey and bitters emporium and has a Captain’s List (http://www.canonseattle.com/captain.pdf) of 190 pages of alcohol ranging in price from $6 to almost $2,000. It’s the largest selection of spirits in the country and still growing. Plan on being close to friends when you come here—there is a 48-person capacity, and seven tables, although they do take a limited number of reservations.
Funky, Bohemian, nerdy—this is how people describe Redlight, an unpretentious little bar in the heart of Bellingham. The eclectic interior is a great conversation starter and the music is never overpowering so you can still hear who you’re with. The bartenders are super helpful and funny and love to create a good experience for you.
Aptly named the Frontier Public House, this little neighborhood bar is the first of its kind in the city. Offering great Southern-inspired comfort food along with awesome house-made cocktails, you can start with small plates and move to larger plates. There’s a daily Happy Hour and weekend brunch where you can sample featured cocktails like the Frontier Old Fashioned, Bourbon Bomber, or the daily inspired creation.
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