High Dive
513 N 36th St, Seattle, WA, 98103
High Dive Menu
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Address :
513 N 36th St
Seattle, WA, 98103 - Phone (206) 632-0212
- Website https://www.highdiveseattle.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 pm - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner, Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Wed, Thu, Fri
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Chelsea J.
High Dive is a solid music venue in Seattle. Last time I was here several years ago I blacked out and this time I did not black out so that's an improvement. The bartenders are nice and the set up is intimate enough that even if you're at the back of the bar you can still see and hear the band. Their prices for drinks are kind of high. $11 for a Manhattan? Sure, the drink was fine. But for this venue I think anything over $10 for a cocktail is pushing it. The women's bathroom didn't have a mirror. How am I supposed to check my situation when there's no mirror? Oh that's right- forward-facing camera phone. Service was good. The bartenders routinely came around to check on everyone to see if we needed anything. I'm a fan but the drink prices are high for this particular bar scene and they need a mirror in the bathroom.
(4)Grace A.
The bartender is cool, cute, and appropriately judgemental. She gives better shots to regulars, but who doesn't? The sound is good for shows. The KJ is just awful. Her singing is okay, but her attitude is crazy crazy bad. Maybe it's better for regulars, but maybe not. All I know is she'll straight turn your mic down if you aren't hitting the notes. Parking is bad. Lighting is bad. The smoke machine needs to go away (far away). But they have a solid selection of taps, including a great cider. The bathroom seems to have one perpetually busted toilet, but at least it doesn't smell. $5 jamesons on Mondays, and they play adult cartoons til kareoke starts, so that's neat. Solid rating 3.5 stars. There's literally nothing special or that stands out at all. The literal height of mediocrity in almost every facet. There's about 50 others bars more worth going to all bordering the place; places with good food and better kareoke and better shows, and even better dives. But hey, if this is what you're into, look for the super awesome sign of the chick diving.
(3)David P.
A favorite for seeing shows. Bigger than you think, hard to find, ugly menu, decent bartenders, good dance floor, a fun joint
(3)Tamsen G.
Cool venue for local bands. Decent service and pours - if you know an insider. Otherwise, you're just another lemming following another lemming as you wait in a slow line for a fairly good pour. As a band - and I don't belong to one - the stage set up seems pretty ideal because you're showcased the moment a patron walks into the space. Acoustics seemed pretty solid. I'd definitely come back.
(4)Arry Y.
Place is okay - not exactly my scene, but we went to support my husband's friend's band that was playing. The crowd is generally a little more seasoned (30s-40s age group). Some other notes: -- They have an awesome Ginger Beer. Get it! Super spicy/gingery. -- Staff is very friendly. Don't be intimitdated. -- There's an ATM inside if you need cash for the door fee. Cover fee sucks. Will probably end up there again some day. Will enjoy the ginger beer.
(3)Kiana F.
A friend of mine played a gig here, and I loved the vibe. It's a great venue, and if you ever want to get on the pulse of local Seattle music, this is the place to go. I love the place, and I am always stoked when a band I adore is booked here.
(4)Chris M.
When I went to this place, the staff was very surly and rude. But then I thought a little more about that. When I think an employee is rude, is the person merely reacting like I would to something annoying I'm doing? Hmmm..... Anyway, back to the High Dive. Some friends and I were here until close after leaving Oktoberfest, and from their attitude I gathered that the bartenders hated Oktoberfest, customers, and working. I am fairly certain I deserved all the free frowns and grumpiness, though. There was a lively crowd up front by the bar and plenty of dancing back by the stage. It is indeed a dive bar, and the size of the venue is perfect for regional and local bands. I'll be back!
(4)Michael C.
It was pretty slow on the Sunday night I first visited (before 7pm), but I could still see the potential with the large stage and a top notch bar. Their grilled cheese and tomato soup for $5 (HH) was amazing. I will be back to High Dive very soon as I feel there is something special going on here.
(4)Jim C.
This evening, a group of friends and I ventured out to "High Dive" to listen to the 80s cover band that was playing there. Upon entering the establishment, the doorman/bouncer began to check IDs and take cash for cover (a cover that was changing back and forth from $8-$10 with each person). When I proceeded up, I handed the gent my ID and a $20 bill for myself. He took both the ID and the $20 together. At the same time, some of my friends asked if they could check their coats. He said yes and handed them a couple of hangers (making sure to mention that tips were encouraged multiple times since the coat check was free). He then handed me my ID back and put my $20 with other cover he had in is hand. This is where I believe things took a turn for the less than thrilling. After my friends handed the doorman/bouncer their coats, I moved up to get the standard "re-enter" stamp and my change. The doorman/bouncer then asked to see my ID (which I thought was odd since he had it no longer than two minutes previously). Thinking maybe he wanted to double check it, I handed it to him, only to have him then ask me for cover. I explained to him that I originally handed him the $20 bill with my ID and that he had given me my ID back. He asked if I had been given change to which I replied that only my ID was returned. The doorman/bouncer proceeds to tell me that he didn't get any cash, which I immediately call out because I was stone cold sober and know he was lying. He looks at his cash box for a moment which was scattered on a stool next to him and says that he doesn't know. Thankfully, one of my friends stepped in and paid for my cover (for which the doorman/bouncer again provided two different cover prices like he couldn't make up his mind). I can fully understand being a bit overworked on a busy Saturday night or even getting distracted by a ton of things happening at once, but the sheer incompetence of this doorman/bouncer was utterly amazing and left me anywhere from $10-12 lighter as a byproduct, which is not great since this was my first time going there. If an establishment is going to have a cover, then they should have someone who can multi-task at the door, correctly/consistently provide accurate information about said cover and can cleanly handle a cash box. Outside of that incident, the place was a hot-box with poor ventilation and the sound system they had for the band was "meh" at best due to the engineers failure to properly monitor sounds levels around the venue. There are better places out there to see bands play. If you go here, be wary of the questionable door staff.
(1)Ryan S.
Great staff and a great venue for live bands. Conveniently located in the heart of Fremont. We've been coming here for a few years and have always had a great time. Reasonable drink prices and a great good menu. Highly recommended.
(5)Laura B.
This review is for bands who want somewhere supportive to play. High Dive books local bands. They support the up and coming Seattle music scene. Everyone I know who is in a band has played here. Sometimes you play in front of 10 people... but you've got to start somewhere and it helps to have a place willing to give new bands a chance. Thank you High Dive for supporting Seattle musicians. Keep up the great sound work, too, grumpy sound guy!
(5)Monica F.
A fun place to watch karaoke on a Monday night. Cool blue colors make for a nice laid back vibe. Drinks a bit pricey. $8 for a shot of Jameson and a PBR is kinda high, but maybe I've been spoiled by New Orleans' standards for drinking. Anyway... decent place to start a night.
(4)Lori K.
During my visit to Seattle my cousin and her friends were going to see their friend's band at this place in Freemont. I was looking forward to checking out the music scene so after a quick stop into the Ballroom we headed over to the High Dive. I liked their signage for obvious reasons. yelp.com/biz_photos/X4iw… This place was easy to get into and get around in. Even when it got crowded it wasn't too bad. I don't know if it was the bands playing that night or the fact that I'm getting old but the crowd was a bit too young for me. I felt like I was at an undergrad party with a bunch of sorority chicks and frat broys (that's not a typo. It's a word I made up that encompasses bros and boys). They weren't too annoying but one drunkard plopped down right next to me and insisted on trying to engage me with his rancid breath. I'm all for live music at bars, but if I'm going to be surrounded by a younger crowd I prefer all ages shows where the kids are better behaved. I'm not saying I wouldn't return to the High Dive, I would just do my due diligence to see what kind of fan base the bands I'm going to see draw in before going.
(3)Trav K.
I went to High Dive for a Bass Drop affiliated show recently, and was pleasantly surprised by this establishment. As many other reviews say, this is indeed a skinny, intimate venue. When you walk in you will see a bare along the wall on the left, and seating on the right, while a stage lingers in the background with a smallish dance-floor. While the sound and lighting isn't spectacular on the stage, it was adequate. The decorating (if that is something you actually pay attention to) was excellent, there was all sorts of eye candy to look at, read, and watch: Of note, the metal nude figurines suspended from the ceiling, the High Dive theme it's self (I love pin-up girls), and even the restrooms were plastered with posters or names of bands that had come through. There was a certain feeling of nostalgia about this bar/venue that just rubs off on you and makes it somehow endearing. The wait staff and service was great, even for a fairly busy Friday night. The drinks were made quickly, were potently strong, and I was even able to close out my tab quickly with no long wait, or fuss. I have to say, that yes, I will be back the next chance I get, and maybe even purchase one of the High Dive t-shorts available for sale!
(4)Shandiin G.
I had my "Ready To Rock" hat on when I went here! I recall being at this place when I did the Troll Stroll earlier this year so I kinda knew what to expect! I love the look of this place! Great sized bar and the stage was great for local bands to get up there and do thier thing! I was there to see my coworkers band, Pacific Nomadic, put on a good show along with two other bands. I had a great experience!!! There were no drink specials, but I was happy to see that they had a wide variety of beers on tap! The service at the bar was excellent!!! they kep coming back over and checking on all of us that were there. heck, the even let us mix beer with i think is the only way I will ever drink an IPA!!!! All in all this place is pretty dang cool!!!
(4)Steven C.
The bar/venue is very aesthetically pleasing and the sound is pretty decent. However, as the night grew longer, the bartender decided to make drinks more expensive. I order a tall boy of Tecate... $4.50. Didn't seem right, but who knows, maybe they mistake it for something more than it is. Then a pint of PBR... $4.00. Never in my life have I had a $4 PBR. I clarified with the bartender and he gave a very prickish smirk as if "What're you going to do about it?" Gross. The bands playing were pretty good, but I overheard the headliner talking to the same bartender about receiving money for their performance and told them they'd get nothing because nobody showed up. Seems strange considering I'm standing in line to get drinks... He told me they recently remodeled the place, maybe they exceeded their budget or something?
(2)Ninette C.
I came here to watch my friend's band perform. The place isn't big, but I liked that. It wasn't super crowded or loud. I could hear my friends and they had a good area to stand and hear the band and then to sit as well. The stage seemed decent and there is a room for the band to the side. The drinks here are pretty stiff. I couldn't finish my greyhound. Really though, I could have gotten more juice if I felt like it. Even my boyfriend thought the jack and coke was strong. With that said, I would consider this a pro. I'd rather ask for more juice than keep buying alcohol right!? This was not my scene, but not a bad venue.
(3)Nathan R.
Great stage- good sound and good folks. All around a wonderful staple in Seattle.
(4)Steve M.
Awesome venue! My band has played here a couple times and we've developed a great working relationship with the talent booker and owner. Sound is excellent as are the service and atmosphere! Great place to party!
(5)Inna B.
The venue was alright. I liked some of the decorations they had, and that hanging wooden statue couple thing freaked me out a little! We were only there for a short while and weren't in the mood for booze, so our interactions with the bartender were limited. The one we did have, however, was pretty good. My out-of-town acquaintance didn't know about the grab-it-yourself water on the table by the bar, so he asked the bartender for three waters... and, after the initial hesitation, he filled up some glasses. The crowd: It was a Wednesday night, not particularly busy, and the people seemed more interested in drinking and socializing with their friends than watching the band. A few people were standing in front of the stage watching the show, but only one older man was dancing. Everything quickly shut down at midnight. The part I was the least happy with: They charged each of us the $6 cover even though there was only about 30 minutes left of the performance (and before they started stacking chairs), and they failed to mention that. Oh and the performers at ToST were still going when we left the High Dive. I'd be willing to go back and definitely think it's an A-OK venue, but I wasn't particularly impressed.
(3)Monique M.
Love this place! They have a really great happy hour until 7:00! Their burgers a amazing! Music every night...friendly...awesome.
(4)Gillian W.
This was kind of an interesting place. Was a great place for a music venue. We were in town to see a local band from our town play. Left Coast country was singing for an fun raising event, it was a great place with room to dance- which I always love-nice wide open space, throughly enjoyed and would visit again but not near here in this area like we did before, was too far from the heart of the city. I did like everything else though.
(4)Thai D.
I really like performing at the High Dive. The staff treats the bands well, the sound guy is good, and the stage is great. I'm certainly a fan of this place and always enjoy watching other local bands play here as well. We need more places like this in Seattle.
(4)Ross H.
Music Venue Checklist: Great bookings (I've seen Brad, Champagne Champagne, The Dead Kenny Gs) - check Cheap cover (usually $5-$10) - check Cheap cans of Rainier - check Sound system run by folks who can make a band rock and not leave my ears ringing - check Not to hard to get close to the band but still a good view from the back of the venue - check People generally respecting the no smoking laws - check Food - (Updated March 2012: Kitchen is doing great things these days. We did the Happy Hour Nachos and Sliders and were impressed with both. Tater tots hit the spot. I look forward eating here more often in the future. Kitchen stays open until 11 most nights which brings more solid late night dining to Fremont.)
(5)Brittany N.
I loved High Dive!! The door guy was super friendly and so was the bartender. I came to see a band that I love (Wooster) and it was such a great, intimate venue. There was a dance floor as well as plenty of space to sit and relax. Great vibe and great crowd..I'll go back next time I'm in Seattle to see some local bands!
(5)Heather B.
Underrated for the high quality, amazing food! I didn't expect much over the typical bar fare, but this place has transcended that stereotype and they top it with the best Happy Hour in Seattle. I dare you to find a better deal than $5 plates generously heaped with quality gourmet food and greatly discounted generously poured drinks. It's nice to sit feast and linger around a little extra time to listen to and watch the early bands. If you can't see past ripped, old bench seats and concrete flooring, go spend more money for a lesser experience and more glitz elsewhere.
(5)Denise D.
Very rude person at the door saw him push a older women to the ground after he pulled her from the bathroom and threw her out the front door all for not paying the cover first couldn't believe it! This was after he let the woman in front of her go in to use the restroom without paying. Bad PR,Bad behavior wouldn't feel safe here
(1)Dae Y.
i liked the stage and the venue much better than the last place in West Seattle they played. i didn't get to see Tommy's band though. bummer. they actually started on time!! but the beer was cheap and cold. the place wasn't too crowded. we found good parking, luckily. i took a bunch of friends and met friends there too. all in all, a very fun night.
(4)Nancy C.
There drinks are good - the Lifesaver was really good. The sound was great for the Eric Hutchinson show and the price to see him was excellent (would have gladly paid 2-3 x more). But the layout is really not conducive to large shows. Had a great time and couldn't believe how Freemont has become such a hot spot!
(4)Melissa F.
This place is so clean and they have great bands! The sound quality is amazing, service is great. I really can't say much more than that. Whenever my favorite local bands play here, I am sure to go!
(5)Michael B.
High Dive is a smaller venue, which makes it easy to hear the bands playing clearly without getting too loud, but difficult to move from the floor to the bar and back when it starts to fill up. Not a lot of seating, but the staff is always nice and the cover and drinks are usually cheap.
(4)Eric K.
Note: This review is of High Dive as a concert venue, not as a bar or restaurant. I have such a mixture of feelings towards High Dive. One one side it's a cheap music venue with a decent sound system and sound engineers that pulls in some cool local bands and some more mainstream ones every now and then (like Sea Wolf performing with Nada Surf in attendance). But if you look beyond that, the experience can be maddening. First of all, the bar setup leaves much to be desired. It's long with a row of tables along the opposite wall so you end up with a pretty thin space to walk through, especially when the place is packed, to get to the stage. Also, it is pretty much in college town (near UW, where I went, and SPU) so there are a lot of people there to hang out and not necessarily see the show. Which means probably half the bar will be yelling (you can't really talk and hear each other) the whole show. In most larger venues you don't hear much talking, but at High Dive you hear it constantly and you have to accept that upfront if you are going to enjoy the show. It really is a more high-class dive bar so the name is fitting (though the name is intended to refer to something else). It does what it is meant to do reasonably well and I'm glad there are small places like this so I can see bands I might not get to see otherwise. But unless I know the band I am seeing is so good that everything around me will melt away I never find myself heading to High Dive anticipating an incredible night. But you will find the High Dive giving you bands and an experience just good enough to keep you coming back.
(3)Alexander L.
The girlfriend and I stopped in for a couple beers fairly early on a Saturday evening. It's a big, fairly open space with seating along the wall that seems well thought out as a live music venue. I was surprised to find the place completely empty, so I assume things must pick up later on. I have to point out the cool neon sign out front, and I like that they pulled off the vintage/retro theme in a nice subtle fashion without it feeling cheesy or forced. The bartender was really friendly and and they had some great beers on tap. After beer #1 we couldn't resist ordering some sliders which proved to be quite tasty. I'd definitely go back the next time I'm in town. Although we had a great experience just chilling and sipping beers, I'd probably arrive a little later and see a band play as I get the impression this would be a cool spot for that.
(5)emily r.
3.5 stars I only go to the High Dive if I'm there specifically to see who's playing. Sound is fine, service is kind of friendly (depends on who you get) but the staff doesn't seem to have much turnover and I appreciate that. Plus the beer selection on tap is super decent, and they have blueberry vodka behind the bar. A+ for that! The big bonus is there's a photo booth in the back right by the front door. Sweet! I love those. I've gone in 10 times strictly for photos with friends, and 5 times to see bands. Vanity is costly. There's also that golf game which must be tons of fun because there's always a gaggle of guys around it. To recap: live music sounds good, nice selection of bevvys from which to choose, service is A-OK*, photobooth for the ladies, golf game for the guys. (Photobooth for the ladies who lure in guys from the golf game. Easy targets.) *thanks Yelp for the phrase inspiration
(4)Shane R.
Great venue! Great atmosphere! Every time I have come here the staff has treated us very well. Plenty of room to stand and observe without being in the way if your not at a table. They book local talent that keeps me coming back for more!
(4)Scoops M.
Good shows good drinks(from cute girl in in glasses)
(4)Alex G.
I went on a night with 4 bands for $6. I really went for the opening band. We got there a little early and were lucky to get a place to sit, but it was at a table, so that was a bonus. The service was good all night. The server continually checked up on us, even when it got really packed later on. Their cocktails were good. The sound for The Dimes was really good. They play a lot cleaner folksy/pop type stuff, and sounded amazing. However, the next band was cranked so loud that it was all types of distorted (not just because of the guitar distortion) and the singer was barely audible. I really like the vibe here though. Its cozy and just has that venue feeling. I like that most of their shows are very affordable presenting those obscure indie gems in your collection. I'll be back but probably try to show up early again.
(4)Lanny K.
So, if possible, my appreciation of the high dive has gone down. The drinks were okay... but this review isn't about me... What I'm disappointed in was the bar staff's irresponsibility in service. Am I mistaken that it's the responsibility of the bartender and/or server on staff to cut off people who are clearly intoxicated? X people out of the bar and refuse service to people who are acting inappropriately or in a way that leads them to believe they are a danger to the neighborhood? People get drunk. It happens. I have been. Lord knows, I've been drunk. But my gripe is with the fact that so much alcohol was served to a particular patron that she was literally dry humping a stranger next to me. Then proceeded to lean across the table and suck face with another stranger (the dry-humpee's companion)... AND THEN with a third stranger who proceeded to show off his chubby when she was through. She left with the first guy (if you lost count, it was the guy she humped) and then fell on her face as she slammed into the doors on her way outside. Someone should have cut her drunk ass off, and I'll never go here again, if this is the kind of crap I have to endure simply because I wanted to see a band play. (the last one. Not the shitty nu-metal one with the man in the leather vest + no shirt singing.)
(1)amy m.
Great place to catch a show. Plenty of floor for dancing, not much seating. Drinks are a tad pricey, but they were good, strong signature drinks. Bartender was nice and easy to order from. Decor is interesting. I have worked this venue as a photographer and love the size of the stage and easy access to the green room. I have never had a problem shooting here, the light guy is great, he bring up the stage lights if you need him to. The green room is a bit small when you have 3 bands on a particular night. The sound is OK from the dance space, but over by the bar...not so much. Worth the trip out!
(4)Brien H.
Apparently, the High Dive are incapable of hiring sound guy who knows how to work with my purple vocal pedal, complaining about feedback problems. Let me tell you, buddies, you two sound guys are the only two venues in Seattle that have had any problems with my pedal. The sound guy showed up an hour late. That put us on 30 minutes late, even though we arrived at the prescribed 1 hour before doors open. Then he ushered us off stage to get the next band up before we were done with our 45 minute set. We got cheated out of 15 minutes of play time. Bitch, bitch bitch, I know. I'm done.
(2)Katie G.
You want to love this place... great space, open kitchen, good vibe....but then you sit down, take in the price points (for generic sounding food), your server looks at you like you have two heads when you explain that you can't have sour cream on your soup (dairy) and then ignores your empty wine glasses and/or requests for condiments when the
(2)Kelly M.
We went there for a Girls Night. The food was great, the people were fantastic. The band that night wasn't all that great, but that's not the bar's fault.
(4)Aaron W.
I saw Seattle natives Math & Physics Club here on a Saturday evening - doors opened at 6pm. Cover was six dollars, and I got a three dollar pint of PBR. So, total, the evening was less than $10. That was the best thing about the High Dive. After the rude'n'sassy bartender curtly dismissed my happy hour question, I sat at the bar and perused the menu, which took about three seconds. Do you like "chicken?" How about tater tots? You can buy "chicken and tater tots" if you'd like. What kind of chicken? Well, presumably not a live one, but thank god I will never know exactly what kind. I have been to a few dives in my time, and I can say that the High Dive would be better off not offering food at all than offering such a paltry poultry menu. The sound system was awful. I don't know if this was due to unique technical problems, but neither the opener nor the main band were able to properly present their music. Base was muted, vocals were inaudible, and some instruments seemed turned off. Feedback was terrible. I thought it was the fault of the newbie opener, but neither band could get the music right, and judging from their looks towards, and explicit requests of, the audio engineer, I would say that the engineer needs a new job or the equipment sorely needs updating. Or both. Or, of course, you could just not go here.
(2)Conner H.
I like the High Dive. Good venue, at a good location. The staff has never been rude. The neon diving woman sign out front is automatic points as well.
(4)Kimber R.
No need to sit around. Good shows, good drinks, great staff!
(4)Mat W.
I am not sure why this place is averaging a 3. I have played here several times and sound wasn't perfect, but relatively good as Seattle venues go. I have seen shows here and the sound on the floor was great. The bar is deep so you can semi-escape bad music if you are just in for a drink. Drinks are strong, average priced. Food is excellent bar food. I would highly reccommend the nachos which are stacked with all the nacho goodies you crave. Great happy hour. Friendly bartenders. A few years ago I forgot my card/tab here during Octoberfest, which is something we all dred doing (Octoberfest or not). They were cool about closing quick and not charging me, etc.
(4)Eugene C.
Had to hang out around Fremont last night waiting to pick up my lady from her friend's place. I started at the George and Dragon, but their bar was too packed and I didn't want to drink beer alone at a table so I quickly left. I wanted to check out Nectar, only to find that they charged a $15 cover in a empty room on a thursday (wtf?). Granted they had a reggae concert going on, but no one was there and it was already around 8:45. So I meandered a bit further and walked by the ballroom, but I could see the place teeming with ex-frat boys, so I continued on. Then came the High Dive, seemed like Fremont's best attempt at a divey bar, so I decided to check it out. Unfortunately, the High Dive was also having a concert that night. They were charging $7, but this place actually had a decent number of people sitting and waiting for the band to start. Still, I didn't want to pay cover when all I wanted was a quiet place for a beer. Luckily for me, the musician playing that night saw me hesitating by the door and was kind enough to give me a free ticket. The High Dive instantly got golden stars in my book for not booking the best artists for their shows, but atleast booking nice people. I really wasn't expecting anything and was fully prepared to continue walking in search for my divey bar, but luckily, a divey bar came to me. I'm not sure what the complaints are about the acoustics of the place. Sure, they aren't the best in the world, but they are certainly not the worst. The noise did sound a bit hollow, but I enjoyed it. Honestly, after a pitcher of beer you can't really tell anymore. So kudos to you, High Dive, and thank you to that musician whose name I can't remember. You made my dull night of waiting for my lady into an example of random acts of kindness. Good beer from the tap, and fast service from the bartender gives this place 4 stars!
(4)Becky W.
Well - they booked Sea Wolf, so they have to know what they are doing! One of my fave bands. Good drinks, great tunes, a photobooth - all the makings for a fun Saturday night. A little bar-heavy to enjoy the show when you are a die-hard fan of the band, but there is the opportunity to get up close and rock out where you may not be able to at a large concert venue.
(3)Randi S.
Awesome live music venue and bonus that it is in Fremont. The staff here rocks. -1 star for the weird privacy curtains in the women's bathroom +1 star for the black and white photo booth..my fridge is littered with many reminders of nights at the high dive I might have otherwise forgotten..
(5)G R.
The Name says it all. It's a Dive. The few times I've been here the bands have been awful, and the volume tooooo loud. Its a narrow bar, and takes some muscle to power your way to get a drink. There's to many other bars within feet that are better choices. The best thing about High Dive is Dante's Inferno hot dogs are posted up outfront on the weekends.
(1)Will L.
According to a guy who used to book the High Dive, the place is haunted. We played a couple shows here, did a series of 'first monday night a month' shows with Jett City (A Tribute to Joan). Well, we did two Monday nights. Is that a series? Both bands decided we'd had enough when we got stiffed again the second time. See, we're not totally sure if that promoter guy ever actually made it to a show. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and say he didn't. Instead, the guy working the door at the time must have had a difficult time counting money. Or maybe he was embarrassed to take it from patrons. Or maybe he was just sitting outside sleeping. Whatever the case, we brought in about 15 people, maybe 20, on a Monday night. Not bad for a couple newer local bands on a fricken Monday. Amazingly, though, according to said promoter guy, no one showed. Therefore we didn't rate getting paid. Therefore, the High Dive must be haunted, and I was playing for a bunch of ghosts that night. What really freaks me out is that the High Dive is haunted by the ghost of my currently living wife, who mentioned to me that I didn't get on her a list and she had to pay $5 to get in, as did her currently living friend Natalie and her currently living two coworkers James and Ian. None of them are dead. But they sure weren't at the High Dive that night. Maybe I wasn't either. Hey, you know, maybe it's cuz I'm a musician, and adding/multiplying and all this business stuff confuses me. Let's see. 20 people multipled by $5 cover is $100, to be divided by two bands, consisting of at least 3 people each (5 in the case of Jett City)... you do the math, like I say I'm just a musician/artist type. What do I know? I think we spent more each at the bar tipping the bartenders for beer then we would have been paid each. This isn't a job for me, but somewhere in there I guess pride figures in. And honesty. And decency. But you know, what do I know. I play in a band, I don't book them. As a venue, the High Dive is a pretty cool place to play. Big stage. Pretty good sized place. CLEAN. Nicely decorated. Nice, big back area for the band to get changed in. Kind of rough carrying your stuff up the back stairs if that's the way you choose to enter with your stuff. Me being a big dumb lug, that's the way I chose to enter. Cuz that's how I ROLL! Like JELLY! I don't much remember the sound, except that one night there was a pretty nice young fellow there doing it who also did sound at the VERA project. (He was there once. Or was he a ghost too?) I remember the bartender(s) being cool folx. Even the owner, when we finally talked to him, was a nice guy, and reimbursed us for the ads we took out in the Stranger for those shows. So next time you're at the High Dive to see a local band, keep an eye out for ghosts! Especially when you're in the bathroom looking in the mirror!
(3)Mawlee D.
This bar is one of my favorites :) I'm not really usually into bars in Fremont cause of fratty crowd that they usually attract, But im a frequent visitor of the High Dive the first Saturday of every month when KEXP's audioasis broadcasts live. I may be a little biased because my boyfriend works for KEXP BUT, I've never had a bad experience, The shows are usually always excellent, the foods really amazing for bar type fair, and drinks are always really strong....in a good kinda way! I suggest a Blueberry Lifeguard (Blueberry Stoli, tequila, muddled lemons, and homemade sweet and sour) And the cheese fries....which come with cheddar and monteray jack cheese on top, bacon bits, and tomatoes. The only thing that kinda sucks is the seating when its crowded is non-existent and sometimes the cover for the bands is kinds high.
(4)aaron r.
I'm bored and bitter, but fuck the High Dive. It's a little slice of shit nestled in the heart of Fremont. Everybody working was massively prick-ish...add to that the high cover price to see a shitty band, the awful layout of the club, and the "East-Side comes to Seattle" vibe and you get a bar that deserves 0 stars. Their saving grace; they serve alcohol.
(1)kat s.
Photo booth! Erotic Photo hunt! The wait staff has always been cool, and prompt and friendly even when it gets crowded. It does get crowded, and the bands playing are usually loud, so its not a great place to have a long and meaningful conversation, but it is cool and fun to hang out at. One of the most mellow vibes in Fremont, and pretty good booking for shows. All their food is $5-$6 (mini burgers with tater tots, mac and cheese, cesar salads, etc)! Micro-brews are $3.50 each, and sometimes they have $5 PBR pitchers. The only downside is that their opening time is nebulous, so don't try to come here randomly for a drink after work. Sometimes the doors are open at 5:30, other times 6:30, etc.
(4)Sheri N.
i used to come up to seattle regularly, and would come in here for drinks on a low key sunday, and have watched the live bands on friday and saturday nights. the place can get pretty packed when they have a good gig lined up. great selection on tap and full bar. fun photo booth for drunken memories.
(3)Josephine M.
On weeknights, this place isn't half bad. But just the way the space is shaped it is extremely narrow right by the bar. This makes it damn near impossible to get in and out of the venue on always crowded Friday and Saturday nights, let alone ordering a drink without spilling it as you reach over two other patrons to get it. I avoid the High Dive, unless I know it will be less than packed or the band is a must see. Nice place, but just such a bad layout.
(3)Ninja S.
Kind of a neat music venue, but a lame space for a bar. Super skinny place. It's almost like a big hallway with a stage at one end. Since I'm rating the place and not any band that might be performing here, it's a low three. I wouldn't return here unless it was for a show.
(3)MyBabyLove R.
I go to the High Dive when a good band is playing there. It has decent sound, and the crowd is usally mixed (college to artist/musician to dharma bums). The prices on drinks aren't too expensive, and when you just want to see a decent band grind it out at a generous decibel level then try this place out. While you're waiting for your band to go on, head next door to Tost, have another drink, and pretend you're not a music snob. Parking sucks, but hey it's Fremont, not dt seattle, and compared to SF, NYC or Chicago it's not that bad-- deal with it.
(3)Rinn S.
Saw a good band here (Saturna, check them out!), had some good drinks. At first I thought to myself, "This place is so not a dive bar. This is Fremont but now it's full of frat kids and they must have never been to a real dive bar. Oh, maybe this is a "haut" dive bar and hence the name. Ha ha!" And then my internal monologue was interrupted by water dripping on my head from the pipes above. So, yeah, I guess it is a dive bar. Nice of them to add that little feature to help clear up any confusion.
(3)Jessie R.
I'm giving High Dive one extra star because they hosted two of my favorite local bands last night, and the show was great. High Five, High Dive for booking quality musicians! My highlight for the night was the bathroom door plaques. No banal "men" and "women" signs for this joint....just a illustrated picture of a rooster for the men, and a kitten for the ladies. Overall, it is a pretty nice venue for smaller shows. I didn't hang around the bar much, so I can't give a rating on the drinks and/or prices, but I did notice that PBR seemed to be a crowd favorite.
(4)Ryan G.
Being based in Wallingford, Fremont tends to be our most convenient nightlife scene (that is, close enough to stumble home) so when the need strikes us, that's usually where we head. The High Dive's a bit, well, divey (hurr hurr), but that also means not much of a cover. For $5-8, you can catch a handful of local bands, but don't expect a great seat -- the stage area is pretty much relegated to 30 person standing room, at the back, before the sound guy. Still, though; it's about the music, man... well, and the good bar.
(3)Pinaki S.
Great place, making Fremont my favorite Seattle neighborhood. Low cover, eclectic music and small space makes it for a great chill night (went here Labor day Sunday).
(4)Yoshi S.
On the smaller side but cozy. Interesting decor.
(2)Becky B.
3.5 stars is more like it. I love me some good local music (the operative word being "good"). I'm not a scenester, but I can see why this place would be considered a good place for them. The ambiance is kickass. White/light blue/red, very LA, in my opinion. Good area for dancing, but to be honest, I have never paid too much attention to the price of the drinks. I just drink them and sign my life away at the end of the night. The only problem is that if you are there to see a band you REALLY like, you might be stuck at the very back of the place considering the layout of it. It's like, large dancing space for the band, and then a skinnier hallway-like area, and then more space in the back. Good sound, excellent for band viewing (although, I must say, whoever is booking their shows needs to step up a little nowadays.)
(4)Ryan H.
Both playing there and watching shows is awesome! Sounds is amazing, sound guy does a great job, they don't rip you off, lighting is sufficient, door guy was nice, and they have a green room! Not to mention drinks are cheap too! By far, my favorite place to play in Seattle!!!!
(5)Kimberley D.
Don't get the house red wine... it's awful. But I ended up here two nights in a row anyway to see friends' bands. I agree with the comment that the sound is loud and decent. Not somewhere I'd go randomly if I just needed a place to hang out but not somewhere I'd avoid either.
(3)Matt M.
Three of the four in our group walked past the "bouncer" at the door, who was busy reading a book, before he noticed us and asked for a $6 cover charge. I offered $20 for four and was ready to walk when he said OK. We were able to find a couple of chairs at the bar, place wasn't over crowded (it was Sunday night). Kind of a mixed bag of clientele, but overall everybody was friendly and got along. Live music was OK, place lived up to it's name, but in a good way.
(3)Lori B.
Ya, it's a High Dive bar venue for sure. Small, crowded, but fun. Saw a couple concerts here- they do bring in great acts. But what is so strange is that- here is this dive bar venue on the corner...surrounded by UW-Yuppie-going bars, restaurants, and other attractions in the heart of Frement. Seems out of place, but once you go in you are sucked into a void of fun, loud music, cool staff, and cheap drinks.
(3)A P.
One star for poor sound, garage bands, and the scariest curtainy bathrooms ever. Hate it
(1)Lars H.
This definitely seems like a hip spot. I came with some friends to watch a buddies band play, now this really wasnt my scene and felt a little out of place, but they have good music and pour a descent drink. Not somewhere I would frequent, but if you like the hipster, garage band scene this place is for you.
(3)Chanda I.
i like this spot to check out some bands and get some drinks. the prices for cover is reasonable, under $10.bartenders were helpful. drinks are reasonable price and i like that they have their own cocktails and margaritas. I recommend the Lifeguard, taste like candy! i do like how there is the bar area with seating as you enter and then the band is at the far end with an area for people to stand to watch the band. it creates a space for those who want to drink and talk and those who came to see the band. i thought the bathroom was funny since they don't have a sign that says Men or Women but rather two photos. I think the women's bathroom had a picture of a white bunny or a cat. also the women's bathroom doesn't have doors but rather curtains.
(4)Colin J.
I've seen a couple live bands play here, and I've enjoyed the atmosphere and sound quality. The bathrooms are a little sub-par and the owners or someone wouldn't let the band go on until over an hour past the scheduled time. I suppose they wanted people to buy a few more drinks? But all in all, I'd totally recommend this place for drinks and watching a local band.
(4)Chris C.
For some reason, good bands only play there once in a blue moon, but its a killer place to hang out -- yes, even in Fremont. Sound is great even if the bands blow and the staff is awesome. Great sliders, great tap beers...can be a mellow hangout or a ragin' place to rock out. Diamond in the rough.
(4)Karin B.
High Dive makes me wish I was back with my peeps!!!
(5)Derek R.
Cool Place to see a show....Or just chill at the bar and listen to some live music even if you don't know whos playing...Great Atmosphere...Cool Peeps..Good Beers on Tap...Cheap Cover Charges....And just an all around chill place...I like it and I'll go back
(4)J K.
A great place to see a band. Nice big stage. Room enough to move. Nice people. Good bar. Not as dirty as other places of its ilk. Nice neighborhood. Sometimes it can be loud, but maybe I'm just getting old.
(4)Paul L.
Went to a show last night. this was my second time coming here, and it was just as busy as the first time. I'm not sure I'd say the drinks were cheap, for a basic well drink mine was 5 bucks or so. But the biggest issue is the shape of the place. I wouldn't recommend it for shows that pack the place. It's tough to see anything if you're not close to the stage, and moving around is also difficult because of the way the bar is set-up.. I definitely think the Nectar is a better choice for seeing shows which are sold out or close to being so in fremont. Having played a lot of shows myself I will give props to the sound guy. The quality of the sound at the high dive was surprisingly good.
(3)Amber E.
I've only been on a Sunday night to see some friends play but I definitely liked the style of this place. I like the menus and the fun drink names and the seats were comfortable too! The sound was pretty good for a little music venue and the staff was extremely nice! The food was only so-so but it's a bar so I don't hold that against them too much!
(4)K. E.
Was here to see a friends band. The venue is okay, but the sound kind was a total jerkoff. We were standing at the table near him (we were like 5ft from him) and he kept complaining that we were in his space. We heard him complain about his space to patrons like 10 times throughout the night. Most of the time he wasn't even around, he would turn down mics for instrumentalists, then when they would try to sing backup they had no volume. It was ridiculous.
(1)Lisa K.
I've been twice, bar tenders always seem attentive,. It is a good place to see local bands, but once the show is over I tend to need to change of scene.
(3)Paul G.
Average beer selection, good place to catch some local bands.
(3)Chloe H.
The High Dive is indeed an increasingly hip place to see local music. However, it doesn't have much vibe, and when I stopped in for a before dinner drink I found that the prices were a bit steep, and that the bartender couldn't be bothered with us, even though the place was dead!
(3)C. C.
Great happy hour and fun pin ball machine. Turning into a destination for local musical talent. Darren, the manager, is a really cool guy and hires quality staff.
(5)