Looking for a fun themed bar in Seattle? These creative establishments promise a memorable evening.
Your neighborhood dive bar is always a safe bet but we all need an adventure every once in a while. Luckily, Seattle has no shortage of bars centered around zany and offbeat themes. Some of these bars stick to the classics, such as the always-popular speakeasy theme, while others aim to entertain Seattleites with a novel and high-concept drinking experience. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your Saturday night or you’re hoping to impress your out-of-town friends, these themed bars will not disappoint.
Read on for the top 12 themed bars in Seattle!
1. Carnelian Bay, Fremont
Newly opened in Fremont, Carnelian Bay sits on the patio of popular bar and diner Dreamland. Describing itself as “a luxury resort on a subtropical moon,” this high-concept patio bar is a fun diversion on a summer night.
Address: 3401 Evanston Ave N (located on the Dreamland patio)
2. Benbow Room, West Seattle
This West Seattle bar is actually a relic from the 1950s that has just recently been revived in 2022. When you enter Benbow Room, you’ll get to enjoy a tropical cocktail menu, hot dogs, and arcade games inside the galley of a pirate ship.
Address: 4210 SW Admiral Way, Suite A
3. Unicorn, Capitol Hill
It’s impossible to not have fun in the carnival-themed interior of Unicorn. Even their menu is carnival-themed! You can also slip into their sister bar Narwhal, which has a matching theme.
Address: 1118 E Pike St
4. Inside Passage, Capitol Hill
Describing itself as “a Pacific Northwest, under sea, sunken ship, tropical immersion bar,” Inside Passage is always a blast—and not just for the highly-committed decor. Their creative cocktail presentation is practically performance art.
Address: 1108 Pike St
5. The Splintered Wand, Ballard
Update: The Splintered Wand announced it is permanently closing as of January 2023. We will remove it from this list soon and do our best to find another magical option!
Address: 5135 Ballard Ave NW
6. Life On Mars, Capitol Hill
If you love vinyl, Life On Mars may be the Seattle bar for you. In addition to their well-stocked record store and covered patio, they also have a great non-alcoholic cocktail menu and a plant-based food menu.
Address: 722 E Pike St
7. Revolver Bar, Capitol Hill
When you’re done at Life On Mars, head over to nearby Revolver Bar for even more vinyl! Revolver plays vinyl all day, every day while serving up a revolving menu of creative cocktails.
Address: 1514 E Olive Way
8. The Octopus Bar, Wallingford
If you’re looking for a nautical-themed bar in Seattle, The Octopus Bar in Wallingford is your best bet. This cozy and welcoming Seattle landmark has three patios, a stage and dance floor, and creative cocktails.
Address: 2121 N 45th St
9. Bathtub Gin & Co., Belltown
Of course we had to include a speakeasy on this list. Bathtub Gin & Co. can be a little tricky to find and somewhat snug inside, as true to speakeasy tradition, but this Prohibition-themed basement bar is worth it for the carefully created cocktails and charming vibe.
Address: 2205 2nd Ave #310
10. Gold Bar, Capitol Hill
Get in touch with your inner kid on your next night out at Gold Bar in Capitol Hill (previously located in SLU). This bar doesn’t have an exact theme so much as several! This is a great Seattle bar to visit with a large group; we imagine it’s a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties. They also have a dance night every Thursday with no cover!
Address: 1418 E Olive Way
11. Gemini Room, Capitol Hill
Do you love wearing ’70s-style clothes? Well, put them on and head over to Gemini Room in Capitol Hill. It’s a cafe by day that turns into a bar after 4:00 p.m.—and the groovy ’70s theme is on-point for both. You can read our recent write-up of Gemini Room before you go.
Address: 1101 E Pike St.
12. Pie Bar, Ballard
Bonus entry! How about a bar that revolves around delicious pie? Sounds pretty good after a night of drinking, right? Pie Bar serves sweet and savory pie slices along with cocktails, beer, and wine. Best of all, they’re open late into the night so you can get a midnight snack on your way home from one of the other themed bars in Seattle.
Address: 2218 NW Market St.