Hooverville Bar

 

14

16

Steven o.

Seattle, WA

Perfection....like to thank my friend nic who took me here...the atmosphere, the people, the booze, the nuts....i just wish i lived closer...

Hooverville Bar is the real deal...may i say abit of a throwback to how bars use to be in seattle....

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

228

539

mel r.

Seattle, WA

Hooverville...you rascally devil you...how have I missed you for so long?! Spank me for my insolence-go ahead-SPANK! Fine, just have the cutie behind the bar pour me a stiff one - That a boy Max

Driving down the street, it's easy to miss, a simple sign "bar", marks the spot. Inside, there's ample seating; shabby booths, bar stools and benches. A couple of pin ball machines, arcade games, board games and darts. They don't have food, aside from the peanuts that litter the floor and the occasion purse.

It's an awesome kick back location, that carries the appearance of a working man's bar.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

67

115

Natalie W.

Seattle, WA

Hooverville... You are my new love... I will be bringing my friends to meet you...

I met my roommate and her new coworkers here. She convinced me to come be stating that there was a free parking lot- but I should warn that I got the last spot in it at 4:30pm. I think that everyone was meeting their coworkers just as I walked in... serious. The place became more and more crowded as 5 pm hit and passed. The crowd was a mix of technology types, a group of women rugby players, and a Seattle biker gang and hangers-on. There was also a guy in a red and black flannel shirt with Bruce valanche glasses and a fellow with a dog. Free peanuts were available out of a box and they had pinball machines in the back. Hooverville has booths and tables with chairs as well as a dark wood weathered bar. It is large with high ceilings and has a very mixed dive bar feeling. The decor was fun.

I people watched with my PBR (bought for me) and happily threw my peanut shells on the floor. I had a good time. The best part of the evening was when a bar fly told my friend that he had not been touched by a woman in a long time when she accidentally bumped into him getting out of a booth. I laughed so hard I would breathe and he guy kept talking as we were leaving.

I would give it 5 stars- but I am picky and they didn't have any drink specials posted or obvious.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

5

16

Jason W.

Seattle, WA

Best damn bar that isn't on cap hill. Crazy strong drinks. Great music. Awesome clientele. Free peanuts. Pinball. Dogs. Rollerderby chicks. Bikers. Programmers. This is the kind of joint I would love to own.

- Makes a great place to meet up before mariner's games.
- Makes a great place to watch people put their hand down other patron's pants.
- Makes a great place to go when 9lb hammer's shuffleboard table is in use

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

28

53

Megan R.

Seattle, WA

I must say - I will be sad when I have to leave SODO and in effect leave Hooverville. I came to this bar on the advice of some new coworkers who had gone the Friday before. I walk past it every morning on my way to work and have been curious. The sign outside just appears to say "Bar" all though I think that Hooverville is written very tiny above it...
We went around 3:30 on a Friday. No one really there... got a comfy booth and settled in for some fun and people watching. Great variety of beer on tap (always excited when they have Boundary Bay on tap) and an abundance of free peanuts. Bartenders are really friendly and awesome 80's/early 90's music blares! My kinda place. They also have a great selection of arcade games. Will be back as much as I can!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

18

17

Stephanie J.

WA

Love Love Love HOOVERVILLE!

Peanut shells on the floor - strongest drinks you'll find around. Great atmosphere for before a game or after a long day at work.... This place just rawks.

**Make sure to score some Hooverville stickers.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

59

89

Brooke S.

Seattle, WA

Every bartender in this place is awesome. Best service ever, hands-down.

It'd be cool if they had food, but they'll recommend places for you to order there. They do have peanuts....

Lots of seating if you have a big group.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

2

17

Katherine S.

Seattle, WA

If I ventured out more, I would live here.  Possibly one of the best bar names ever, in terms of site specificity.  Peanuts!!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

81

259

Peter W.

Seattle, WA

Saying it's the best bar in Sodo is like saying The Warriors is the best movie Michael Beck ever made.   I mean, yeah, there aren't that many bars in the Sodo, but fuck this bar is one of my favorites in Seattle itself.  A quick description would be that it's like Shorty's with more seating and less pinball.

A longer one is that it's a great bar, with plenty o' beer, four pinball machines, a few classic games including Galaga and Asteroids.  They have tons and tons of free peanuts, cool bartenders, great music playing, a good crowd, lots and lots of seating.  I just love this bar, and if I could open a bar, it would be a lot like this one.  Great for groups, or hanging out after work.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

4

3

dave m.

Seattle, WA

There are a few key things that bring a bar, regardless of type (dance club, dive bar, rock and roll), to that next level:

1) Bartenders
2) The crowd
3) The drinks

Granted I knew Billy back in the days at the 9lb, but when he opened Hooveville, I wasn't sure what to expect. First of all, the location cannot get much better -- about two blocks shy of the stadium, easy parking constantly, and it's a great warehouse space conversion.

The decor is pretty kickass -- peanut shells look just as heppy on the floor as anything else. It's got a nice airy feeling -- plenty of space. There are always peanuts around, and old video games to boot.

Now on to the aforementioned three keys above:
1) Bartenders -- The bartenders are incapable of being mean, rude, or snotty. They are ALWAYS kind, helpful, and funny to boot. When it's busy, they give you the nod -- a nice touch

2) The crowd -- ZERO pretentious cap hill hipsters. In fact, if one were spotted, they would probably only be asking for directions elsewhere. This does not mean it caters to one clientele -- everyone is welcome here, and it shows. Most everyone is friendly, and if not they keep to themselves. I've seen the gamut there, and it makes it feel like home.

3) The drinks -- Holy F**k! They are incapable of making bad drinks. I am not sure if it's just me, or what I order, but I've tried to order crazy stuff to throw them off and they always nail it, every time. The prices are just right, too.

Go there. Bring your friends. And eat a hot dog from the guy outside, too.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

7

cyclist P.

Seattle, WA

Yea, I like to give 5 stars!! But that is because this place is awesome. The bartenders are some of the friendliest I have encountered in this city, the beer selection is killer, the house music is well chosen, there are pinball games and plenty of peanuts to throw around! What more do you need in a bar? Sure you could consider this a "dive" but any place that serves "lips and assholes" as their only food item (besides the peanuts) is alright by me. Cool place and my new favorite bar in the city.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

14

Ramon N.

Seattle, WA

A hidden gem.  Only discovered it because of a Pogues show across the street.  Peanuts on the floor and Rainier and Rogue on Tap.  Can't ask for much else.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

10

32

Jacquie L.

Seattle, WA

Bartenders who can shake it and pour it Better

I was truely impressed by the simple perfection that both bartenders who served me could make my dry slightly dirty vodka martini perfect.  I have to admit that I have had many a horrid time finding a bartender in Seattle who could accomplish such a traditional task as this.  A round of applause for the tenders here and their talents that go beyond just pouring from the copious taps that line the wall.  I admire a full service bar..... with Smiles even.  And with drink in tow a line of pinball machines to indulge my obsession.  This place was truely alive with a great energy which was coupled by the show going on across the street.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

43

234

John E.

Seattle, WA

Reasonably priced top shelf drinks, ahoy.

Good selection of pinball games, maintained by the Shorty's gurus.

Free:   peanuts, water, parking.  

Random conversation probability:  high

This place is a bit on the moon, but when you want to kick back, drink cheaply and play pinball, it might fit the bill.  Perhaps an I-5 detour will have you darkening their door.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

6

Hawk N.

Seattle, WA

Go there today.  Now.  If you have anything less than the best time of your life you can hold me personally responsible.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

11

58

Meghan M.

Seattle, WA

This was my favorite after work drink spot during the Mariners season. Seeing as how the Mariners was the work I hope I get my lazy ass down there in the off season to enjoy the awesome peanut bucket, my far booth by the window and my Mandarin Heff!!!!!!!!! yummmmmmm.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

34

74

Heather O.

Seattle, WA

3 main Points I will cover in my review
-pretty stiff drinks
-peanuts
-pinball

Don't feel strange when you walk in, you'll be right at home two sips into the first drink.  Let me put it this way...I ordered a double and they gave me a sidecar for the mixer 'cause there wasn't any room for it in the regular glass.  
On the left-hand side you will see a great big thing of peanuts.  Take a basket and grab some.  Protein is good for you.  You can drop them anywhere on the floor (score!) and don't feel bad about it.  Also a good thing to chuck at other annoying patrons or the person you are flirting with.  Don't let the bartenders catch you.
PINBALL BABY!  Three (or was it four?) pinball machines and three old late 80s-esque arcade games.  YES MISS PAC MAN IS ONE OF THEM!  The Twilight Zone pinball machine is especially awesome, though I noticed it became quite challenging after a double or two.

Don't forget to look up at the ceiling and ponder how all those dollar bills got stuck up there.  Its a great story, ask an employee!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

4

8

Colin L.

Seattle, WA

I love this place, 5$ cab ride from my house. Good taps, good drinks, peanuts, really great bartenders who play cool music.  Nice big tables to accommodate a large group of thirsty friends, or for an intense game of dominoes.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

4

7

Rachael O.

San Francisco, CA

local and homey, a good place for the local pint of Manny's.  As an out of towner, I felt like I got a glimpse into "sodo culture' as it's locally known as.   I also got a chance to relive my 80's wanderlust humming along to "heart and soul", "neverending story" and some other 80s tunage a choose to omit from memory.

Join the local crowd and order a "manny's" and throw your peanut shells on the floor and go with the flow.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

4

40

Ducky M.

Seattle, WA

This place is a hidden Seattle gem and I really cannot put into words the old-time, rustic feel and classic ambiance they have created with this local watering hole.

If I hadn't done some research online after my visit, I would have thought Hooverville was as old as Seattle itself. Turns out, the place really isn't that old; the owner just had a vision of a down-to-earth, blue collar, neighborhood bar from a by-gone era. Non-pretentious with a touch of "dive bar".

This place just rocks. You will be "sketched out" when you arrive, but the second you walk in the door, you will feel right at home.

Night just goes well with this place. I really can't wait to check it out on a cold and rainy Seattle winter night. It just has such a good aura.

Drinks are reasonably priced with a nice kick and there is a nice variety of every choice of liqour and beer.

The bartender was very friendly and interacted with the work peeps and I, talking about the Sodo area.

Will be hitting this place up more, fo' sho'!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

6

G M.

Seattle, WA

Great place for an unpretentious drink close to downtown.  Free nuts.  Good selection of retro pinball and vids, did I say Galaga?  Manny's...mmmmm.  Fun owners and bartenders.  Not the cheapest drinks in town but a fun place to go.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

197

235

Jasmine M.

Seattle, WA

Gotta agree with Jon B.

This place is awesome. Severely spacious, and yes after driving by twice I finally was able to park. Sometimes there's a wiener wagon out front so keep your eyeballs peeled for that.

A nice tequila selection so of course I was happy right away.

A good family friend of mine has been hounding me to come down to this place for weeks. I finally made it this past Friday and man I'm glad I finally did. Billy, the owner, is down-to-earth and so friendly. He keeps a good hand on things and though it may look like it could be a rowdy place, it's not.

Located on the west side of the street, between the stadium and Starbucks on 1st Ave. Look for the wine store, pull in and park in back, breeze in, return greetings, start some of your own, and get a drink. It's that fucking simple people!

:o)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

9

Teri S.

Mukilteo, WA

Very quaint little bar next to Safeco & Qwest Field.  We were there the night of the big rain storm before the football game and even though water was coming up through the drains, there was no power, and about a foot of water in front of the entrance/exit - we left with a great feeling.  The "shots" come in small well glasses which is so cool and the other beverages were poored very well.  The owner was a hoot and the waitstaff were very efficient.  They even gave us a hat for the game.  How cool!!  (I had to wear mine to work the next day since we had no power, so double cool!)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

24

130

Dan P.

Seattle, WA

Simple place, simple options, simply worth trying out.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

8

Jon B.

Seattle, WA

I won't go into the etymology of the bar's name (I'll let you look that up on your own), nor tell you how to find the place (let's just say there's a good chance you might miss it on your first or second drive-by). When you do find it, however, you will be rewarded with a down-to-earth and spacious bar that looks like it's been there for a long time. They serve a good selection of beers and alcohols, but a great selections of bourbons and whiskeys. I am a fan of real darts and dart boards, and it's nice to play on a real target of horsehair. There are a few pinball machines and circa 80's video games (not telling which ones tho....) Food is very limited, but grab a handful of peanuts and munch til you're full; letting the shells drop to the floor. Hooverville is a cool place where you could stop by with a friend to enjoy a beer, or meet a group of your peeps for some kick-ass conversation.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review