My guide to Seattle Happy Hours that don't end at 6pm
Who else encounters the weekday struggle of getting off work late and missing happy hour? It still irks me that most happy hours end promptly at 6pm in Seattle. In fact, I've been at places that come 5:58pm, the happy hour menu is considered over and I find myself paying $12 for a drink instead of $6. I decided to compile and share a list of my Top Seattle-based happy hours that surpass the 6pm cutoff and allow those of us 9 to 5'ers to make it before the clock strikes 'full price.'
MR. WEST | 4pm-7pm, Monday through Friday. Downtown.
I could rant on and on about this incredible place! I used to work right across the street from Mr. West and would go almost every day for coffee or happy hour after work. Their happy hour goes until 7pm, but it can get packed! So grab yourself a spot the minute you get off work. There's also seating on the patio and at the bar. If you're a cheese-lover, order the cheesemonger board. Their HH wine list is $2 off any wine of the regular wine list and $10 off a bottle. Cocktails and draft beer are $1 off. Among other options on the menu, the atmosphere is a bit noisy but a fun vibe with dim lighting, marble counter tops, lush greenery and gold accents. Needless to say, an Instagram-worthy spot.
THE SITTING ROOM | 5pm-7pm, Monday through Friday. Queen Anne.
My friend Mckenna of The Modern Mosaic introduced me to this spot in Lower Queen Anne about a year ago and it's become part of my monthly happy hour rotation! They offer an array of happy hour options on a rotating weekly menu for drinks and food specials. My favorite days to visit are Tuesday's and Thursday's for $2 off a glass of wine! Their cheese board is also delicious as is their rotating chip and dip special. Their prices are beyond reasonable and the atmosphere is a laid back lounge vibe with comfortable sofas, benches or bar table seating options.
OLIVER'S TWIST | 5pm - 7pm, Tuesday through Saturday at Magnolia and Monday through Thursday at Phinney Ridge.
One of my favorite happy hours in town. I'm a fan of the Magnolia location over the Phinney Ridge location due to the more intimate size and atmosphere, but in case you're closer to Phinney Ridge - there's one there too! Oliver's Twist is a gem that not many people know about here in Seattle. The bread salad is a delicious choice on happy hour that is Oliver Twist's take on a standard caprese salad. They're known for their cocktails, so I recommend getting one of those over a beer or wine. I gravitate toward the Giles or Estella depending on what I'm in the mood for and how hot it is outside. They also have an array of darker alcoholic drinks that include whiskey, bourbon and bitters. As I mentioned, I favor the Magnolia location due to the fact it is smaller in size and I also like the interior decor better - there's a wall covered in Gatsby flapper gals wallpaper that greets you in the back with a marquee BAR sign making for an Instagram-worthy photo. The Phinney Ridge location is also nice - larger in size, so you have more of a chance getting a spot at happy hour. It's darker and not as Instagram-worthy, but the food and drink menu is consistently delicious.
LIST | 5pm-6:30pm, All day Sunday and Monday. Tuesday-Saturday 4pm-6:30pm. Belltown.
By far my favorite happy hour in Seattle. Their menu is to die for and the prices are unreal! The space is on the smaller side so get there as early as you can or anticipate a wait. It's also a bit unseen from the outside, before I made a point to visit it, I walked past it many times. The beauty of List's happy hour is all items on the food menu are half off. Draft beer is $3.99, a glass of red or white wine is $4.50 and a whole bottle of red or white wine is $18 -- SO, if you are enjoying happy hour with a friend, you're only paying $9 for a bottle of wine! The menu is incredible and full of options. I highly recommend the truffle gnocchi, salt and pepper calamari, grilled caesar salad and the sea bass. The atmosphere is upscale and on the darker side with red chandeliers accenting the space. I'll even mention that the bathroom toilets have heated seats. So there's that.
I hope with this list, your weekdays get that much happier! What are some of your favorite happy hours in town?