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Al's Tavern
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Al's Tavern
Review Highlights
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"...unpretentious place to drink a beer out of a mason jar." In 3 reviews -
"ladies night tuesdays." In 3 reviews -
"The regulars are great too." In 6 reviews
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Anna P.
4/22/2012
I'm not a "UW kid" and haven't been for quite some time, so maybe I won't incur the wrath of some of the rather possessive reviewers before me...but I want Al's to join the ranks of places I call "my bar." It's the perfect neighborhood bar with a tap list that can satisfy both my gourmet-cheese-eating-fancy-beer-drinking inner snob as well as my Rainier-and-Dick's alter ego. It's also got great prices, probably because it's cash only.
And lucky for me, the bartender who worked here last night didn't have the same "we don't like your kind 'round here" stick thrust up his backside as the folks below.Listed in: Wally-good!
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Review from Brad F.
Seattle, WA
3/27/2012
Let me be clear on this. I love this place. Might be my favorite bar in the neighborhood. The one star rating is for the good of the bar and it's regulars.
How do you think the pain in the ass UW kids find out about places like this? yelp. Al's is about 10 more 5-star ratings from being a bar right off Fremont ave. Do you want that?
Preserve the Al's Tavern that's been doing its thing since 1940. Keep a great neighborhood bar great for once. -
Review from Rhiannon D.
Philadelphia, PA
1/16/2012
This bar is making me consider moving to Seattle.
A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I went out to Seattle for a funeral. We are both from and live in Philadelphia so one night, we decided to take the bus in the direction of downtown. About 15 minutes from our hotel, we stumbled upon this place.
From the outside we knew we were going to like it.
Al's Tavern has the same Philly dive bar feel, except everyone is exponentially nicer.
The bartender was a sweetheart, all of the people that we met were sooo nice. What a breath of fresh air from the dickheads on the east coast.
Go here, SERIOUSLY! cheap drinks and good people. -
Review from Nick B.
Seattle, WA
4/19/2012 7 Check-ins Here
The bartenders here remember your name. It is creepy. The clientele is really invasive and talkative.
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Review from Amanda B.
Seattle, WA
4/4/2012
Stay away from Al's. It's mine. It needs to stay exactly as it is forever and ever. Students, you will hate this place. It's for old farts. Like me. Go away.
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Review from Kat F.
1/16/2009
So I walk in. I'm meeting friends but they aren't there yet. I walk up to the bar and wait my turn. And I wait. And I wait. The bartender repeatedly serves people who have come to the bar after me, without so much as looking at me. Finally she practically snarls at me, asking what I want. I tell her I want the porter. She asks for my ID and it takes me a minute to dig it out, which clearly puts her in so much pain that she nearly dies right there at the bar. Finally I find it, she looks at it, and then asks me what I want again. I tell her the porter. A mason jar of the stuff slams down on the counter in front of me. I offer a card and she stares at me as though I've just crawled out of the sludge and am growing legs right in front of her. "We don't do CARDS here."
One of the regulars at this point takes pity on me and points out the ATM, but I have a twenty in my pocket for once and offer that instead. I'm so flustered by her bitchiness that I actually forget to tip and only remember once I'm sitting down...but I decide I'm not too worried. (Of course, when I go for my second jar a bit later, the service is even worse.)
The atmosphere sucks. I like a good dive bar, but this place is trying a little too hard. The beer jars suck. Are they the pint size? They feel smaller.
I liked that there was a dog in the bar, but I wish that he had been pulling the taps because all dogs automatically get five stars from me.
I won't be coming back here. Why would I when there are several places on 45th where the bartenders know my name and actually want my business?Listed in: Worst Bars in Seattle
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Review from Anje V.
Seattle, WA
2/12/2007
When the kids can't get away from their studies long enough to make it to Cha Cha they head to Al's. My assumption was that I would enjoy Al's given that I have a sensible friend who frequents the place. I expected Al's to be an oasis amongst the sad little spots along 45th. But Al's is a serious disappointment. Nothing but hipsters frequent this place and their vulgarities are disarming not to mention countless. I am almost convinced the scenesters here take themselves seriously. At any moment one of them may lean over and confess that it wasn't a choice but rather a way of life. Oh preach on mix tape.
No funny ha-ha here a la Cha Cha lounge, oh nay nay. Mocking the patrons isn't a sport at Al's like it is at the Cha Cha. It may be the set-up, not quite sure, but for whatever reason there is no good clean fun to be had at the expense of the ironic set. For those reasons I would never venture to Al's on my own ever. I would never go out of my way to go to Al's or suggest it like it is a good idea or something. However, being the eternal optimist, Al's redeems itself by giving patrons a good pour. At Al's the drinks are strong and cheap. Just be aware of the after affects. One could be vomiting from the alcohol or the Rivers Como impersonators singing Morrissey at the top of their lungs...or both. -
Review from Lauren D.
Seattle, WA
7/21/2007
If you're a fan of a beverage in a mason jar, then this is the bar for you. Beer or liquor - if they've got a clean jar, that's what you're drinking out of.
A cash-only bar!!!! Though if you forget, there is an ATM by the door.
Two pool tables in the back. On the occasions where we have played pool here, we haven't had to wait too long for a table - and we've often paired up to play against other fun people.
Can get busy, and I've been there on a few nights where there's just been one bartender - but my drink's never run dry. -
Review from Bill N.
Seattle, WA
7/2/2007
The Ways In Which Al's Tavern Is A Real Northwest Dive Bar And Not A Faux-Dive Bar
1. Non-hipster locals drink there. That is, until they are driven out by mooks in skinny pants around 10pm who come in, try to order a Sparks on their debit card and start bitching iabout the music (that was Neil Young, not Devendra Banhart you doucheflake).
2. The cheap beer of record is Rainer. Someday we will all feel a little stupid that we drank Pabst for so many years just because Dennis Hopper's character in Blue Velvet couldn't shut up about it.
3. The floor under the pool table nearest to the bathrooms has soaked up so much stale beer and god-knows-what over the years that it smells like diaper truck during a heatwave. Only a Paul-Newman-in-The-Color-Of-Money-Esque love of billiards will keep you there for more than two games. -
Review from John E.
Olympia, WA
6/19/2008
Friendly.
If I was in the area, this would be my go-to bar, regardless. Somewhere between dive and swank: this bar is comfortable and not too self-aware.
I wish the pinball was fixed, but you might rather play pool or mock-the-hipster. -
Review from Todd M.
Juneau, AK
4/9/2009 18 Check-ins Here
Al's is the most laid-back bar in Wallingford -- IMO. Unlike some of the previous reviews, I find the staff to be super friendly. Some people need to learn to check their attitudes at the door. Buying a beer at a dive-bar doesn't entitle you to royalty status.
Also, in previous reviews, Al's is given a low-rating due to "hipsters" hanging out here. What freaking bar near the U-District doesn't have hipsters? And who cares? Why does this reflect poorly on this bar? Did a hipster steal your girlfriend and take her to Al's?
Anyhoo -- it's a great place to hang out with friends...the staff IS friendly if you aren't a total douche, of course. The JukeBox has a wide selection -- having newer music doesn't exclude you from the Dive Bar category...I mean, i love whiskey driven sappy country music...but do you really want to listen to that ALL night?
The 7pm-9pm (daily) Happy Hour is nice for folks like me who get out of work later than most. Ladies Night on Tuesday's has been attracting more ladies, which is always nice.
I wouldn't order the food here. In fact, the staff prefers that you don't any ways. You can bring food in, just don't leave a mess. You'll usually see people bringing in Dick's, Taco Time or Rancho Bravo.
Al's is awesome. The end. -
Review from Siri N.
Seattle, WA
4/24/2010
Drinks are strong, clientele is delightfully grizzled and curmudgeonly, bartenders are sweethearts. I love the old mural, and the older decor.
I've been trying to make "regular" status for years, but I feel like I'd have to be a full blown alcoholic to accomplish such a task. However, I seem to get the regular pours. (did I mention they make 'em strong?)
Sometimes it gets a little UW-y on a Saturday night (can't those kids stay put?), but go there on most nights and you'll find a decent seat and meet one or two nice old dogs that frequent the place. -
Review from Anna A.
Oceanside, CA
4/9/2008
Hole in the wall. smells like gym but has 2 pool tables and a pacman that may still be working. Staff is nice. Beers come in nice little jars.
They have chips when your salt craving hits after too many beers.
Cash only, but they have a ATM inside. Also a jukebox. Just one of those cozy lcoal hangouts -
Review from Colin C.
Seattle, WA
11/12/2009
I have noticed Rainier literally tastes better here than anywhere else. Maybe it's the mugs.
Friendly staff, eclectic music, Animal Planet on TV if you ask for it, and a beautiful mural of Puget Sound. A favorite Wallingford establishment. -
Review from Dave A.
Seattle, WA
2/16/2010
Al's is one of those places where it helps to know that it's a dive, it's all about the regulars, and they only take cash. If you can get over that then it can be a good for a few laughs.
I recommend going on a Tuesday for the Boozy Doodle sketch night, where big sheets of butcher paper are draped across the tables and they hand out markers and crayons to the patrons to draw with. The bartender on Tuesdays is awesome; he helped to set up the sketching nights. He was playing weird old movies on the TV the night we were there, which added to the kooky atmosphere.
Would I go back on a non-sketch night? Not sure, but if I really have to be honest I wouldn't order the food here, and I'd probably stick to bottled beer since when we were there the bartender had to chase down and trap a mouse running around behind the bar. Sorry Al's Tavern fans, I know that this probably doesn't happen all the time, but it's one of those things that doesn't instill faith in the general cleanliness.
Go for the cheap beer and the drawing, leave the cheap grub to Taco Time across the street. -
Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
11/1/2008
When I lived nearby, I used to go in.
There were some regulars. I didnt quite fit in. Life has gone by.
I think much will be the same and more new folks. Good pool tables and a neighborhood feel. It draws a diverse young crowd. Some drunkiness is tolerated, but worries me. -
Review from Raz B.
Seattle, WA
12/10/2009
I am in Peace Corps right now and I miss Al's something fierce.
So unpretentious it is easy to miss the place (the signage is terrible) Al's is a great place to have a beer in the middle of the day. It can get kinda loud on weekends, but as a weekday haunt it is unbeatable. The barstaff are super friendly and even when the crowds do come, my glass rarely runeth empty.
The regulars are great too. I am a big hairy dude, but a lot of my female friends have said they love Al's because they know the regulars (a bunch of big hairy dudes) will take it upon themselves to eject anyone who makes someone feel uncomfortable in "their" bar.
Food choices sorta suck, but there are all sorts of options in Wallingford (taco truck is a couple blocks away). -
Review from fortysixandtwo a.
Seattle, WA
7/27/2008
I like this place a lot. We'll see what happens when the U gets back into season.
Friendly bartenders, cheap Rainier, nice characters, and all the negatives you'd expect from a bar that you could walk right by w/o even noticing it. Maybe that's the biggest reason I like it? -
Review from Sage S.
Seattle, WA
3/21/2011
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say the Al's is Seattle's Best Dive Bar. That's right - the best! Beer in mason jars, pool tables, friendly (not surly - like a lot of dives) bartenders. A great place to watch sporting events, when sportsfans are lining the bar. If you're looking for a cozy neighborhood experience, Al's is where it's at!
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Review from Doug F.
Seattle, WA
3/25/2009
This was the original UW extension college back in the early to mid fifties. According to my dad who was enrolled at the time this is where he did most of his studying. If you can't make it to the main campus for class have a seat. Later in the eighties when my bball team needed a place to rehydrate and a sponsor (for the league, not the addiction) you couldn't beat 50cent schooners and Herb the bartender. The one with F**K U tattooed on his knuckles. Now I'm a little older, a little stupider but a lot more appreciative of true Seattle iconic landmarks such as the SpaceNeedle and Al's Tavern
I can't wait till my kids are old enough to drink there. -
Review from jack g.
Seattle, WA
4/26/2009
Als is an awesome bar. I love the mural, the bartenders and drinking out of an old jar. I usually go alone and check out the peeps. There are all types. When I do bring friends, they also think its way cool.
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Review from Chloe H.
Seattle, WA
5/22/2006
This is a very cozy dive, with old fashioned games and pinball and good specials; I went on ladies night, and go two dollar pints! Al's is right by Dick's, which is good, because I wouldn't recommend ordering food here, (it seems that they heat it up right in front of you with a toaster oven kept behind the bar.)
Listed in: Dive Right In
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Review from casey c.
Seattle, WA
8/28/2008
You know..... I have always loved Al's. It has been a great low key bar to get a good drink and the staff has always been friendly. Until now I would have given it a 5 star rating. Although I went there tonight and took my 56 year old father who just moved here from California. Everyone there is great, but tonight the owner was there and out of nowhere told my father "didn't like him, his mustache or his jacket" said "you look like a gay cowboy." WOW. What a jerk. My father may not be Mr. Hipster but Al's isn't exactly a diamond either. Why the owner ( who also owns the Sunset in Ballard) felt like it was ok to verbally attack an old man like this for no reason, I'm not sure. If he was having a bad day I don't know and I don't care. It was totally uncalled for. I have been consuming libations, paying, and tipping well at Al's for 1.5 years now. I was glad to show my dad a bar that I thought was very friendly and fun, well it didn't turn out that way.
Thanks Al's owner-for being a big a-hole. I appreciate it and I'm glad that my money has gone to support YOUR family, jerk. -
Review from cooper d.
WA
1/27/2008
Als is one of the friendliest dive bars I've been to. the bartenders all rock, the people there are all approachable and unpretentious. there is a lot of regulars that keep the place interesting and that "everybody knows your name" if you go there semi-regularly.
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Review from katie j.
Seattle, WA
10/18/2005
Al's Tavern is the gem of Walingford. . .it is a fabulous, cozy, unpretentious place to drink a beer out of a mason jar. If you are stuck in old Wallingford and you need a beer, go here and then walk down the street and peer in the windows of the dirty cake store.
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Review from Leigh B.
Seattle, WA
12/1/2006
Al's is my cheers! Gail always has a hello waiting for you when you come in. There are plenty of regulars there which means that it's a great little watering hole in my book! Music's great, people are friendly and pool is cheap. I don't want to tell you how much because I like that the tables are fairly open...
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Review from Michelle E.
Portland, OR
1/29/2009
Al's is pretty great if you like a good dive. $3.50 drinks, cheap pool, video games, a jukebox stocked with indie and alternative music. Go with a group of friends and don't expect to meet anyone under the age of 50. It's rarely crowded. If you're not careful, you might have to play pool with a woman named Shirley. And she will kick your ass. Bring cash!
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Review from George T.
Tonawanda, NY
3/7/2007
Good enough for an average bar. Great set up. laid back. 2 pool tables for only a quarter a game and a TV that has tetris set up on it.
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Review from Robin D.
Boulder, CO
2/13/2010
It went down like this: Walk in, bartender immediately asks what we want to drink and introduces himself to us, discover there's a "bonus" happy hour making our pitcher of beer only $9, proceed to get tipsy, order the cheesiest quesadilla ever, shoot pool on tables made for those under 5' 4" but still sucked at it anyway, bartender tops off my beer and provides me with a bag of tortilla chips because clearly, after spending 6 amazing hours there I needed something! I'll be back for another 3-6 hour shift.
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Review from Tom H.
WA
4/5/2010
Al's 4EVA!
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Review from dan i.
Burien, WA
8/12/2009 2 photos
4 stars greet you on your way in through the front door. dive bar? hipster bar? somewhere in between both, beer in mason jars, 2 pool tables, touch screen game, pinball machine, video game, juke box with an ecclectic range of tunes. i myself have been greeted only by friendly bartenders, but then again i'm not one to piss off bartenders. i love this bar, and the way it stands on it's own,as al's doesn't remind me of another bar so check it out you may find you like it in all its charm.
bluegrass jams mondays
ladies night tuesdays...probobly more going on other days but i find myself there these 2 days -
Review from Nicole P.
Seattle, WA
12/2/2009
al's will do now that tony's is no longer open.
don't get me wrong- i do love this place. and i love that all of us who have been suddenly left home-bar-less after the tragic loss of our beloved tony's have been able to find another place that we can get a drink from a fun and friendly bartender while listening to great music and playing pool for only 50 cents a game. plus, i have recently learned that i am able to bring my 4 legged friend with me to al's. how can you not love that?!? oh, and check this out: tuesday nights there is a huge roll of butcher paper on the bar with scissors so you can chop yourself off a piece and get your doodle on. i was obviously the new one here as my group and i were the only ones drawing with pens and it seemed like every other table had brought their own markers and colored penciles from home... planning on us leveling the playing field next week- ya all better be on your toes...
