On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Mon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Loading...
What's not to love? The 'Wheel sort of feels like drinking in your friend's basement that he or she turned into a kick-ass bar. There's karaoke, bingo, poker, Wii, sports on tv, two stationery bikes outside for exercising away your vodka between drinks... and on the slight chance that nothing else fun is going on at the 'Wheel, there's a shelf of books. I'm halfway through the Fantasy Football 1989 Guide.
Excellent Sunday morning (okay, excellent ALL day on Sunday) spot for breakfast and a bloody mary. $4 two egg breakfast and a $3 bloody mary. Done and done. And you can feel good about going in your jammies, there's no judging at the Waterwheel. I'm so glad to finally have MY neighborhood bar!
People thought this was:
Gotta love the Waterwheel! Small, divey joint with good beers, good food, and some of the best clientelle around! Pulled pork sammies, fried chicken, great french fries, and a good selection of beer on tap. Bartenders are on their game and very friendly and can pour a stiff drink.
Ping-pong, pool, rockband/guitart hero and poker nights make this a great draw. Hell, they have a drunkie-bus to home Seahawk games too. How can you go wrong with that?
Just a great and unassuming spot to hit up for some beers/drinks with friends and really enjoy the evening.
This is the Pop Inn of Seattle. A grimy, locals bar that didn't quite feel like Seattle. It feels like walking into a trailer park or something, with a fenced in smoking area out back. They were BBQing the night we were there, and made us out of towners feels totally welcome. We came for the karaoke, and well, stayed for the karaoke. The KJ knew what she was doing, and even acted as a bouncer when some drunken fool got out of line and was dry humping a girl.
There was a good mix of people, a couple of dude-bros, but otherwise a pretty happy and fun loving crowd. And the drinks were cheap.
I will be back here when I visit Seattle again, until then, I guess I'm going to need to get my fix of semi-nasty, out of the way, karaoke bars.
People thought this was:
I felt like I was in Columbus, Ohio....or Anaconda, Mt....not sure if thats a good thing. Made my way to see what the hype was about, before hitting the Baranof. This bar tries really hard to be a dive..but somehow does not quite manage the feat.
Too many fratboys..too many girls with the reese witherspoon do...not my scene. I could see where if there was a yelp event, it could be fun, because all it takes is 20 people in there, and its a crowd...
There are just too many other options from queen anne to greenwood, that I would rather hang out at...
People thought this was:
The bartenders here are a weird combination of standoffish and suspicious and seem to have something against people in glasses (one guy remarked that I looked "studious" and kind of laughed at me in an unfriendly way); I practically felt like I was sitting in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee every time I visited. Besides the anti-intellectualism, the food is serviceable and the beer is beer, though once the bartender played ping-pong instead of manning the bar; I chose to leave rather than disturb her. Probably off nights, but I won't be back.
People thought this was:
...Imagine you have a soft spot for dingy, merry and colorful holes-in-the-wall with karaoke.
...Imagine then you win some money via inheritance--oh, that sweet, sweet Aunt Margie, rest in peace!
...If you don't have Aunt Margie or your family members tend to live up until they're 100-years old, then you got the extra money because you just asked for a Quick Pick as your change at the gas station's mini-mart.
...Don't dream too big. The extra money isn't that much! Well, it's enough to buy a house and make some remodeling. Happy now?
...You decide to buy an old but charming house in Ballard. After paying for it, you still have a bit of the money left to make your dream of "I want a hole-in-the-wall-in-my-house" a reality. You have an unfinished basement-dungeon underneath those 90-years old original hardwood floors. Better place? Impossible!
...You sit down and visualize how you want it. Then, magically, you're transported to the Waterwheel for ideas, beer and karaoke.
That's what the Waterwheel is about. I felt like entering into the "bar in the basement" of a good friend's house. It's a warm, friendly place where Alex the bartender, sings along some tunes while he's serving you a pint. If you ask him, he will be happy to mix a Cosmo for you (he told me he likes to be asked for a specialty drink, 'cause he doesn't have much chance to make those). Needless to say, libations here are on the cheap side of the moon!
The karaoke selection is large, large, large. From Motown and hairband Rock to Enrique Iglesias and The Hoff, you'll pretty much find the song you have been craving to sing for ages. You can even dance when someone else is singing: there's space enough to shake it to the raspy voice of a Michael Hucknall wannabee.
We had a wonderful time during the Pearl Jam Karaoke night our dear M'lady Katie hosted. Even thought not everyone sang to the tunes of the legendary band, we had fun listening to a varied selection of musical choices between those. Yelpers and non-Yelpers (Garrington, man!) kept returning for 5 more minutes of fame.
That night I discovered, after two years dating The Dude, that he LOVES karaoke and that he can do a killer impersonation of Eddie Vedder. I wish I could be a bit bolder, so I could have a "Tom Jones fervent female fan" moment...! Second place in the karaoke competition can give you an idea of my man being good (and hilarious). Fellow Yelper Heather F. and her pretty voice got the first place. Our friend Garrington came up third.
Karaoke is not the only form of entertainment available at the Waterwheel. They have a pool table. The have TVs with your favorite games on. They have plenty of great bar conversation. The incredibly sweet karaoke gentleman--very a-la-80s in his gray suit--will sing for you from time to time.
Waterwheel feels like home. In these times of general tribulations, this is one of those places where you'll successfully wash out any pains and worries.
Just ask for a pint and grab that microphone. And make sure you can reach Marvin Gaye's highest pitch! And afterward, get your butt back to your basement...good luck trying to recreate such a wonderful place!
People thought this was:
A Pitcher of Mac n' Jacks = $14
$4 Two Egg Breakfast & a $3 Bloody Mary = $10 w/ tax n' tip.
Happily Allowing Yelpers to Rick Roll it up on a Sunday Night = Priceless
People thought this was:
To all you people who don't like rowdy, sweaty girls with musical instruments gettin' all up in their grill while you're trying to sing karaoke, I have two words:
My bad!
I just can't control it. Like the full moon to the werewolf, something in the music-lyrics-beer combo turns me into another person entirely. Add in Cousin and her bag-o-tricks (i.e. percussion collection) and it's all over.
The greatest thing about karaoke at the Waterwheel was that the karaoke-master didn't get pissed at us and make us put it all away. Dudes at the *other* places in town (cough-Ozzies-cough) apparently don't like their patrons to have a good time. No such snobbery at the Waterwheel.
Let's see, what else was so great about this place? Well, for starters, when I ordered a Mack-n-Jack from Stu (owner), he offered me space to place my face right under the spigot. I declined, but still appreciated the offer. The fries we ordered were super good too! AND, just in case you feel a little hefty after the beer and pub grub, there are two exercise bikes out in the back to burn off some calories! You know, in case you're not comfortable making a spectacle on the dance floor (like yours truly).
People thought this was:
This is quite a small bar, but it packs a lot of fun!
One of my best friends used to live in a condo right across the street and I can't believe we never ventured here, we sure missed out!
I came here for my first time for the "Singing for (your) Change!" yelp event. I walk in and this place is packed, granted it's a rather small place, but it was like sardines in a can in there and I'm not complaining! I would rather be in a packed bar any night of the week then sit awkwardly an empty bar, the more the merrier I always say! :)
The bar tender was a really cool, friendly and very attentive dude. Granted I was sitting at the bar but he was always there with my next drink when I wanted it, no waiting! He even got into the karaoke and sang a few songs, which weren't too shabby if I remember correctly.
It was nice to see some yelpers I knew and a few new faces too! This is a fun bar with a great atmosphere and I'll be sure to check it out again, definitely if the yelpers host another event here!
People thought this was:
So I ventured all the way up here to see Will L.'s band (Stay Tuned) play. I arrived and worked my way through the pretty big crowd there on a Saturday night. I squeezed in with my group around the back side of the bar.
At first, service was quite slow. However, I don't blame the bartender as he was working as fast as he could and there were a *ton* of people in there. The atmosphere was great and people seemed to be having a good time all around.
This is really where my review should stop. The rest of the night gets a bit hazy. However, I can tell you that the following things with some certainty that they are true:
* shamelessly flirting with the bartender while drunk will get you service a bit quicker
* the bartenders handle people who get out of hand quickly (I was nearly knocked over by one running to kick someone out)
* chances are you won't leave here sober unless you're a DD or just not interested in having a good time
* there's a diverse crowd here, but people are super friendly
* there are some steps that take you to a back patio that are hard to navigate in heels while drunk
I'd highly suggest you stop in here sometime and have a few drinks (or many) and enjoy! I hope to make it back sometime for the infamous karaoke nights!
People thought this was:
I don't recall alot about this place other than it is very far from my house. And they made a shot that ended my night.....
Walking 30 blocks while drunk I am surprised I only fell once....my knee is still scabbed up. I don't know if I will be back this place it is bad news bears.
People thought this was:
Let's see. What did I do here last night?
* Drank some very good beer. Mac & Jacks on tap!
* Helped Don celebrate his B-day and Trevor & Jessie have a killer last Seattle event.
* Unsuccessfully attempted 'Street Spirits (Fade Out)' by Radiohead on karaoke.
* Pretty successfully tried out 'She Don't Use Jelly' by The Flaming Lips on karaoke.
* Kicked 'Punk Rock Girl' by The Dead Milkmen's ass on karaoke.
* Watched people play Wii bowling for their first time. It's always funny seeing people Wii it up for the first time.
* Got licked in the face several times by the most hyperactive dog ever.
* Heard good (for the most part) karaoke of songs I've never seen available in karaoke before. Very wide range of songs to choose from.
* Had a blast with a crowd of happy fun Yelp and non-Yelp folk alike.
Sundays here are going to be fun from here on out. Karaoke and Wii. Powerful combination. Go. You'll have a great time.
People thought this was:
Why is my wallet sticky? This is the question I asked myself this morning. What had the Waterwheel done to me last night that resulted in the inside of my wallet being smeared with shiny goo?
I'm really not sure. I'm assuming somehow I managed to get a small amount of booze in there, perhaps from money that was was once on the bar in dangerous proximity to a drinkpuddle. Yes, it's true - the well drinks here are cheap enough to put down a five, tip your bartender and still have change. They are not fancy. They are not garnished with little umbrellas. They do not taste like a million glittering fireworks cascading off of your tastebuds. They taste like booze. They look like booze. My rum and coke was barely brown. Enough said, at least on this front.
Everything else is exactly what I'd desire and expect out of a dive bar. The decor is totally tacky in that comfortable down-home sort of way that makes it easy to tie one on without worrying about knocking over a really fancy vase. I promise you will never risk setting yourself alight on an ill-placed votive candle at the Waterwheel.
Shower curtains instead of doors on the bathroom stalls? Klassy, but effective. Mostly.
The oft-mentioned stools are also everything somebody with childbearing hips or inner ear problems could ever want out of a drinking establishment seating arrangement. Like sippy cups, these stools offer a true sense of security and balance, even when dancing in your chair to karaoke favorites.
Given the way they pour here... after two or three drinks, you're going to need all the seating stability you can get.
People thought this was:
I finally made it to the Waterwheel for a Yelp event... if you know me, you know I went on a Sunday (KARAOKE!!!) It is true what they say, when Yelp takes over this place becomes a mad house (in the best possible way!)
I can't tell you how nice it was to be at a place where I feel totally comfortable! Bonus was that almost the entire Yelp crew was so fantastic. I was introduced around and forgot most of the names by the time I finished my second Mac & Jack. It's almost the feeling of coming home to a big group of friends...friends I had never met, but friends none the less.
Karaoke was divine! I was able to witness the "Rick Roll" that I had heard so much about...there was some interesting dance moves displayed on the floor, and once again TONS of song choices! I think one of my favorite things about this place is the bartender singing and bartending... that is really downright amazing!
I saw most of the same regulars I had seen the weekend before. Maybe I saw too much of them though, I happened to witness some lovely purging going on in the ladies restroom. This was probably 1 of 2 not so nice things that I witnessed/was part of during the evening but I am not going to put that as a negative on the bar...only the people involved. I did manage to get an apology from the girl who yakked in the bathroom...she said it had been a hard day. :-( I understood...
I officially love Yelp events...especially here. I drive by often, and really like the folks who work there and run the place. Can't wait for Stu's Bday bash... I will be there with bells on!
People thought this was:
I went to the Waterwheel on Sunday...I felt like I was in someones living room. This place was… Read more »
Still rockin' the mic at karoake-night, this time for the after-party on the Elite Event at Ballard Loft. I couldn't make it to the Loft before even left (early?!) but caught up with the "cool kids" (TM) here. I don't get why I can sing along (badly) in my car but when I get a mic in my face I CAN NOT get through a song without forgetting or stumbling! WTF! Well finally made it through Sweet Caroline last night (you know, sweeeet Caroliiiiiinneee BAH BAH BAH)! YAY!
This place still rocks - Stu was gracious as ever, and we all tipped a few back for Ian K's birthday before he staggered out. Karoake night is Weds and Sundays here, so if you've got a song in your heart and a spring in your step, come entertain us!
People thought this was:
I can't believe it's taken me 2 damn weeks to write this! This was the location of my birthday party… Read more »
It is amazing to me that I haven't written a review of the Wheel yet!
Where to begin? How about Karaoke! Not only do they have Karaoke on both Wednesdays and Sundays but it seems that the Waterwheel has become the new venue for Yelper birthdays. This is in no small part to the Karaoke host who always gets the house pumped up with suicide Karaoke songs and wild introductions to the next singing victim.
Slap into that equation, the owner of the joint (Stu) who ensures the drinks are stiff and that the food is sizzling and good. Tara, one of the bartenders is cool and very friendly. There's never an empty glass in front of me longer than a minute and it's never a task getting efficient and fast service.
Out of the various places close by to stop in and have a good time, I'd put my money on the Wheel as the best of the lot. Ample space on the outside patio for smokers (or those who just smoke when they've been drinking), as well as the opportunity to play Wii...poker....pool..etc. Your wish is the Wheels command.
People thought this was:
Thank you Stu, this one's for you!
What kind of bar opens it's doors to rowdy yelping karaoke birthday madness? the BEST kind ;-)
Plus you put up with me screeching the words to "Closer", which earns extra bonus points as I wouldn't have had the ovaries to do it in any other bar for the first time ;-)
People thought this was:
I used to hang out here a lot more when I was still hanging out with my friend who lives right… Read more »
Three visits later, and it's time for an update.
My first visit, I had a close encounter with the best smelling yelper I know and a Sharpie.
Second visit is a blur, because it was Party Bus time!
Third visit, was for Don L.'s birthday party! After the fun time at the Rickshaw, karaoke was something that was gonna be for his birthday, and I had just found out they started doing it at the Waterwheel....but...could they do it on a day when we could do the party?!? Oh hellzyeah! Wil was a wonderful middle-man between me and Stu and Stu was more than accomodating and happy to have us crash his place for the party.
Rumor has it the Waterwheel will now be sporting Wii bowling and karaoke every Sunday in honor of the 'late, great', Sunset Bowl, so be sure to check them out!!!! Don't make me cut 'ya, GO!
What a freakin blast Don's birthday was! Just about everybody sang (you songless people know who you are, sit and cry in your cheerios at the shame of it all!), and the songs were just as fun. You never knew what someone would pick next!
My karaoke debut consisted of trying to sound like a 12 year old girl for Don's rendition of "Teenage Dirtbag"...thanks to the free-flowing alcohol I somehow managed to get up there 3 more times.
HUGE props to Sarah for joining me for "Faith" and for gyrating on the floor with me to "I touch myself", I could not have done it w/o ya lady! =)
*Single Tear* for Jesse's "Leavin on a jet plane", and ^5's to all the yelpers I drug up there to sing with her, you and Trev are gonna be sorely missed lady! I mean it, Greyhound, $40, I'll be waiting at the station!!! ;-)
I'll run out of room if I try to highlight the entire night and all the fun that we all had, so I'll leave more up to everyone else's reviews.
Happy Birthday Don L! you really rocked (and rick rolled!) that mic all night mister!
People thought this was:
Heather hit it right on, the hip uncles basement! I loved it!
The drinks were good, but I have no…
Read more »
Not a bad place to have a drink.
They seem to have a variety of gimics to get people in to harass and annoy the regulars. This includes:
- guitar hero competitions
- karaoke and wii bowling on sundays
- poker nights
The place feels like the basement of a houseparty of someone you don't know very well with new people wandering in every so often. If you like that kind of an environment, you'll like this place.
People thought this was:
Any bar that has free wifi is a good bar in my book.
Any bar that looks imposing and a little rough from the outside, is set back on a road that doesn't have many other bars or restaurants around it, thus making it sort of dark and certainly not somewhere that you would "just pop in" on your way to another bar makes this my kind of bar for sure!
The fact that I can STILL feel like I am super young when I walk in to a place seals the deal for me.
This is not exactly a dive. No bar that has a clean bathroom with a medicine cabinet stocked with FREE tampons, Aqua Net and scented lotion could really be a dive. It does nod heavily in that direction, though, with the older clientele, wood grained toilet seats behind curtains instead of doors, cheap strong drinks and an interior that is dated back to the 70's.
I haven't tried their food but I am guessing if my gramps were still alive he would think it was fantastic, which means I would, too. If only I had a take on whether gramps would like karaoke or guitar hero because, apparently, on set nights, this place also has these modern marvels to go along with the wifi. I personally prefer to go on the other nights and make a toast to gramps.
People thought this was:
the food seem to be merely a means to soak up the booze or in other words, sustenance to filly the belly-not bad, not good, just warm. Decent prices on food and drink though
the short haired bartendress was quick, pleasant and handled Betsy's drunken mob with ease.
To me though, this bar strikes me as a wood paneled double wide that should be smack dab in the middle of a cowboy town...like Norco, Ca:
http://www.norco.ca.us...
People thought this was:
This place is perfectly disgusting. Nothing comes to your table fast but here everyone knows your name. It can make you feel warm and fuzzy or if you are like me, sad for yourself and others there when you read this:
"And don't miss our weekend breakfast specials!
$3 Bloody Marys and Mimosas ALL DAY LONG Sunday...
Come in and get the hang-over started ALL OVER AGAIN!"
Oh and the bathrooms are so ghetto - there are no words.
They have Wii bowling and football on many tvs and the bfast is cheap and greasy just how you need it... after a night at late the Waterwheel :)
People thought this was:
The Waterwheel Lounge delivers a good time! I was here for karaoke night and even the bartender sang a couple of tunes. I played some pool and chatted with the fellow patrons. Drinks are good and prices very reasonable. Didn't get a chance to order any food but will check it out next time.
Went here on a Sunday night for the Wii bowling and the kareoke. The kareoke was horrible...which is a good thing. While in LA I saw some amazingly good kareoke performers, and thats just not how karoke should be. I prefer my kareoke singers to be off-key, overweight, and unattractive. Thats what it's all about.
Back to the original subject
The Waterwheel gets three stars because they have their own parking lot, an outside patio, a really nice lady bartender, and fun activities for all the drunkies.
The bartender who was working took extra time to look up how to make a particular shot that I had ordered. Then she delivered them to my group outside to make sure that they were to our liking.....and they were delicious!
Great place if you like dive bars and hate crowds.
Be careful while turning into the parking lot. Every car that we saw enter bottomed out. Ouch. They should fix that.
People thought this was:
By the time I got here, I was already very, very drunk, thanks to the combined and coordinated efforts of one birthday, my beautiful girlfriend, many awesome Seattle folks, and some very heaving pouring.
So, I don't really remember many things about the Waterwheel. In fact, come to think about it, the ONLY thing I remember is that I was served a rather wicked Gin & Tonic at the (faux?) wood-paneled bar. I know I had a great time...
Clearly, I'm going to have to come back at some point.
People thought this was:
I'm contemplating moving to Ballard just so this place is closer.
This is the BEST neighborhood joint in town. Good drinks, amazing Sunday breakfast (with seriously tasty bloody marys), awesome jukebox selection, and a crowd of super friendly regulars.
I cannot recommend this place more highly.
People thought this was:
New ownership = good times!
My love affair with the Waterwheel has been rekindled!
Where to start...basically what's not to like about this place. The staff and patrons are super friendly, the chicken is heavenly (hasn't changed a bit), there is free wifi, Tuesday night bingo, and Thursday night Guitar Hero duels. The prices are good and the pours are healthy. I can't say enough good things about the place.
This place is like an oasis in a sea of boring meat-market type joints (so sad Seattle is slowly losing its unique watering holes).
Check it out for yourself!
P.S.
I am almost ready to compete next Thursday, so watch out ;)
People thought this was:
We stopped by here to check out Stay Tuned last Saturday night. I always feel comfortable in bars like the Waterwheel. From the hooded sweatshirt clad to the dolled up, all were welcome here. The bartender was very attentive on a busy night, and kept us well lubricated without having to leave our seats to venture to the bar.
And while I'm on the subject of seats. Can I mention: Holy Hell, where did they get the ginormous stools? Finally! A bar stool that can accommodate the circumference of my booty!!!
The selection of beer on tap wasn't extensive (Bud, Bud Light, Mack and Jacks, and Guinness) but I'm always happy with Mack and Jacks, so I wasn't bothered.
My only recommendation to the new owners? The sign outside with the Burger and Martini is strangely disturbing. But it is quirky, and gets your attention while driving down the street, so maybe it should remain unchanged.
People thought this was:
"I'm a freak in heat, a dog without warning... My appetite is sex 'cuz me so ho-nay!" Yeah, bitches. Love the karaoke here. Delilah's birfday was a splackin' good time! From Journey to 2 Live Crew to the Lion King soundtrack, all bases were covered. A nice little bar in Ballard with killer karaoke, one pool table, and a small parking lot in front. Good times.
People thought this was:
Now, I know this place is far from swank, but honestly, for the most part, the bartending staff here is so positive, so fun, so honest, and so good to just be around, that I can't give it any less than 5 stars. Susan during the the week and Jeff early weekends are just wonderful people, and it makes me happy to live around the corner from where I can visit them.
the update button wasn't there yesterday.
Anyway, this is from Riss J:
"really, what more is there to say? fun, sing, booze, repeat."
Very true.
I had my bday here, thanks to Don L (jerkface) for making it an event. The drinks are strong, they have a patio where you can smoke, and they make some pretty tasty tatter tots, onion rings, deliciously fried treats you only eat when you're intoxicated so you don't feel guilty about it all going to your thighs.
Wed and Sundays are karaoke. I love karaoke. The DJ's whizbang machine remembers your name and the songs you've sung previously, so this is your warning: he will call you up at random points in the night, even if you haven't submitted a song.
Oh, and Stu is rad.
People thought this was:
bday was fun here.
Wed and sun = karaoke
drinks are strong and delicious.
People thought this was:
Hit the Waterwheel with the soccer team after a game in Loyal Hts. We picked a good night because it was Guitar Hero Competition night!! Sweet entertainment, some serious players - all on the expert level. Yeah, it was fuckin' rad.
First note of importance - they do have offstreet parking but be careful, they're in some kind of feud with the neighbors (either that or the neighbors are just plain jack asses) so if you park in the lot next door you will get towed. Luckily the staff at the Waterwheel keep an eye on this and do a standup job of warning people.
It's nothing special inside, just a comfortable dive to drink beer if you are in the neighborhood of 15th. The staff is super friendly (we scored free Jagermeister t-shirts - cool, can't wait to wear mine to church on Sunday) and move fast to keep the beer flowing.
Oh, the beer - one drawback in my book, only 4 taps ?WTF!? - Mac n Jacks, Bud, Bud Light and one other that didn't get my attention. Seriously, only 4 taps is OK if you're a dive bar in Peoria but this is Seattle. However, they sell lots of beer by the bottle and can. I was in beer drinking mode so I didn't even notice if they had any hard stuff. They did have food though - typical pub grub; burgers, fries, soups and sandos, some salads, quesadillas and burritos, etc. The special of the night was sloppy joes with a side of cottage cheese and pineapple? Ummm, OK, so they smoked a bowl before they figured out the menu for the day. Whatever, it was a cool place to hang out and drink beer with friends while watching guys with WAY too much time on their hands play fake guitar in front of a big screen. I'll definitely go back for more.
People thought this was:
I've been going to the waterwheel for years, and, yes, could consider myself a "regular".
The thing about the Waterwheel is...hmm....it's like going to a bar that exists out of time and space.
Let me explain what I mean:
-At 35, I'm usually one of the younger folks there.
-The square footage is just a bit larger than my apartment.
-The bathrooms are sparkly-cleen.
-The booze is cheap.
-The food is cheap.
-The finest cheeseburger in Seattle (no, really). Not fancy, just mmmmmm good.
-Tami the weekly bartender will actually give you a hug when you come in, and cut you off when you need it, not when your head hits the bar.
-Did I mention Cheap?
-Weekend bartender Toni laughs at all my stupid jokes.
-I have a drink named after me! Tell Tami you want a "Jason" and you'll get a tasty sensation ONLY found at the Waterwheel.
-On your birthday, you get hosed down with water.
-Pool is just fifty cents
-The jukebox contains everything from Johnny Cash to Eminem to Patsy Cline to Sublime to 80's hair-bands to the Star-spangled Banner.
-Hey kids! Do you like violence? There is an occasional fight. Sometimes between girls!!
Just go. You need to experience it. Bingo night is Tuesday. Monday is Taco night.
Enjoy! (and tell them I sent you!)
People thought this was:
So I read and read about how awesome this place is and I though you know what I need to join Yelp if only to write about how awesome this Dive is. I went here on Sunday afternoon and probably had some of the best brisket I have had in years! Tender and it just melts in your mouth like butter. A-MAZ-ING!!!!! Drinks are great also! 2.75 for wells!!! Are you trying to get me drunk on the $20 in my pocket and take advantage of me Waterwheel? I will have a double rum and seven thank you and I am on my way to party-town! I am also a fan of the deck you can take your drinks out on and smoke (even though I am just a social smoker). I will go back and as a matter of fact I am going to enjoy another one or five of those drink right now! SWEET NECTAR!!!
Um, yea, another place for me to love in Seattle, and another factor in Carly needs to move West campaign. I didn't know what to expect, but I had a GREAT time! Friendly staff, great company, and karaoke. And after being silent in karaoke world for a few years... I am back with a vengeance. I love me some karaoke, but next time, I won't drink white Russians. Ouch.
People thought this was:
I'm going to try really really hard to write this review as if I accidentally walked in to the Waterwheel. I didn't, though, and I can't imagine there will be some bias here as the Waterwheel is now owned by my good friend Stu (who also plays drums in my band, Stay Tuned).
Stu is one of those few people who discover an opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream and regardless of the amount of work, loss of sleep[, and lack of time to practice with the band,] he pursues it. He's a killer bartender and a savvy business man, and would love to make his professional life the Waterwheel [and hopefully the band, as he's an amazing drummer as well. Come see us some time, you'll agree.].
So, having never been to the Waterwheel, but hearing often about it during practice, me and a few friends headed down to check things out.
Cue to the theme song from Cheers (http://www.youtube.com...), seems like a place where the locals know each other's names. Stu has been raving about the Waterwheel's food, so we came hungry. We had the Cheeseburger dip (think like a French Dipped Sandwich, but with a cheeseburger), chicken fried steak, and a regular old burger. We also saw someone having the roasted chicken which looked fricken good. The food was like comfort food, tasty and heart-attack rendering. :) Fries were a bit crispy, but Stu mentioned that was on the list of things to deal with. We had pitchers and/or bottles of beer, and regardless of the place being reasonably full, we still got them pretty quickly. Service was friendly, decor was unique.
And the jukebox... it's been a while since I paid attention to a jukebox. In fact... I don't think I ever have. My friends are music-philes and put $10 in, reserving about $4 for me. Selection was pretty good. Rare you can hear Steve Miller 'take the money and run' back to back with Curtis Mayfield's 'Freddy's Dead.'
People thought this was:
When I think of a bar, I think of a place to sit down and have various alcoholic beverages placed before me in exchange for small, sweaty, wads of cash. And when I think of various alcoholic beverages placed before me, I think of tasty food items - preferably fried and preferably containing, at least partially, a meat of some kind - to accompany said beverages and, even, to stimulate my desire for beverage with salty goodness. And when I think of various alcoholic beverages and tasty food items placed before me, I think of TV's with entertaining sports playing. Or football (if you're into that). I think of a salty bartender with a saucy old timey name like Alex or Stu or Mortimer who tells off-color jokes and tells me my hat makes me ass look fat. I think of suicide karaoke, neon signs, and a wide urinal with leftover ice from the bar. Preferably the urinal is in the bathroom but hey - I'm not picky.
And once I'm done thinking, I am usually tired and need a nap.
But when I think of a bar, I think of the Waterwheel Lounge - it's the "glory hole" of Ballard. You may think it's just a hole in the wall but, if you get closer, it will surprise you. Hopefully in a good way and hopefully you don't get poked in the eye.
People thought this was:
Sick of trying to impress your co-workers at a high class oyster shooting happy hours? Put on your jeans and sweatshirt and head to the water wheel with a few friends (really - keep it to a few - it can't fit much more!). Sit on the amazingly comfy stools and fill up on some of the best fried chicken in Seattle. Then, after a few bud lights - sing your heart away with the locals at karaoke, make friends with the chilled out bar staff - and before you know it you've found your new local bar!
People thought this was:
A great place to drink. Or leave your keys for safekeeping. The resident dawg is pretty adorable when he plays touchscreen games. The ping-pong competition looks fierce. I would hang out here more if it didn't involve a long-ass bus ride.
People thought this was:
I went to the Waterwheel for the second time tonight but this is the first night I remember. I have a soft spot in my heart for a bar that looks like you're drinking in your "hip" uncle's basement. (And I mean that in the most positive of ways!) I found out that they serve brunch on the weekends, the menu looks pretty decent, so I will have to come back to check it out. The prices are pretty fair too. I'll be back.
People thought this was:
Neighborhood: Belltown
Category: Karaoke
Neighborhood: Ballard
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: International District
Category: Japanese
Neighborhood: International District
Category: Karaoke
Neighborhood: Greenwood
Category: Dive Bars
If you can't stand the bass, take your crabby ass…
Some gems, some duds, but all part of the best…
here is where I have the fun times of my life that…
There's plenty to do around Seattle. When I head…
Keep me off the travel websites...If I think about…
Considering I am in Seatown at least 5 days a week…
So do all other cities - here are the bars in…
I go here and drink alcohol. Because I like…
