Seattle's Best Bars

Since I turned twenty-one, I've enjoyed getting to drink at all the great places in Seattle, and not just the grimy ones that don't check ID's. Your choice of bar depends on your goal for the night: to get a drink with friends, possibly hear some decent music, dance, or just hang out and play pool. I like to try everything at least once, but when it comes to bars, there are some that you just tend to gravitate to. Usually, it's because of the neighborhood they're in, or the regulars you'll see, or the entertainment they book on any given night. These are the places that I would head towards:

The Rendezvous. Belltown The Rendezvous is a cozy place with warm red lighting and some of the greatest bartenders in existence. They remember you, they remember your drink, and they look after your driver's licence when you leave it on the counter. The Rendezvous also offers great entertainment, including cabaret and movie nights. The place is deceptive, however: I was going there for months before I realized there were other rooms than the steet level space. Try and score one of the coveted window tables, and keep an eye out for regulars. 2320 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA, 98121 (206) 441-5823.

Belltown Pizza, Belltown Located in the same neighborhood, Belltown Pizza has the Rendezvous beat in one crucial area: here, you can have a slice of cheese with your vodka collins (or whatever your choice of poison may be.) The pizza would be less good without the cocktail, but hand-in-hand makes for a very satisfying meal. Avoid most of the clubbing, mock-glamorous Belltown crowd, although some of them venture in every so often. It's not a dive, but you won't feel stupid in your jeans. 2422 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 441-2653

The People's Pub, Ballard. This is a great place to go with a few friends for a beer or a whiskey. it's dark, it's smoky, and the patrons are cool, down-to-earth Ballard residents. The cuisine is South German. For satisfying barfood, get the heaping plate of fries, or, for the more adventurous, yummy fried pickles. 5429 Ballard Ave NW 98107 (206) 783-6521