4. Restaurants

Owl’n Thistle Irish Pub

808 Post Ave, Seattle, WA, 98104
  • (206) 621-7777
  • Store is closed

Owl’n Thistle Irish Pub Menu

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  • Michael K.

    On Saturday morning, I agreed to drive downtown to meet a friend who was visiting from San Fransisco for brunch. I also agreed to meet him at Fado. I pulled out my iPhone, brought up Fado on Yelp, and clicked directions. 12 minutes later, I was inside the Owl 'n Thistle, trying to figure out wtf had happened. I had already oredered a Ninkasi IPA (+1) so I texted my friend and convinced him to meet me at OnT instead. I have yet to go to Fado so I can't yet say that OnT is better, but it is a really, really solid place. TONS of comfy seating, cute little bar, and really awesome Irish grub. The bartender was very nice and didn't fuss when I had to leave for ten minutes in an attempt to locate my fake high school girlfriend who managed to get massively lost walking over from her new job (it was completely my fault but i won't admit it to her ((and she can't read))). The drink prices were good and the happy hour menu looks awesome so we will certainly go back at some point in the near future. The reuben, bacon cheeseburger with egg (not on the menu), and the shepard's pie were all delicious, and I am a big fan of their thick-cut fries as well. As a warning, the reuben is definitely done in an Irish style with thick cut corned beef but while it's different then the Jew deli reuben's I'm used to, it was still a really good sandwich. A splendid mistake indeed.

    (4)

  • Danielle H.

    This is the go-to place for when we're being indecisive on date night. The atmosphere is laid back, the waitresses are always friendly, and it is just a step above being divey. I love it here. My favorite thing is their stuffed chicken, and their croutons. Yeah, their croutons, don't judge, they're the best. It's a great place to stop by for a drink or a casual dinner. Can't wait to catch them on a night they've got a band playing.

    (4)

  • Christina A.

    I come from Arizona, and the craic in irish pubs there is virtually non-existent. I love the feel of The Owl and Thistle and their Irish poutine is amazing! I also had the fruit and cheese platter, and while the fruit was a little sad (Orange slices and cantaloupe), I really came for the cheese, and boy was there plenty of it. They also gave me a giant stack of sliced soda bread, which was delicious. I took it all on the plane with me. If I lived in Seattle, I would definitely be a regular.

    (5)

  • Shekinah S.

    A friend from Minnesota visited me a couple weekends ago. When I was emailing him ideas about what to do in Seattle he told me he wanted to go to Owl n Thistle. I had never heard of it. He said it was famous? Is it? The location is in a part of downtown I never frequent and the entrance is in an alley so it took us awhile to find it. Once we entered I was surprised by how large it is. It was around 4pm, when most people are still at work so it wasn't crowded at all. He had a Manny's and I went with a Mac & Jacks -- so we met our local beer quota. There's a stage and other reviews mention musical acts so perhaps that's something to come here for. Nothing really blew me away. It's a basic Irish pub. Some of the (antique) decorations were cool. Owl n Thistle may be famous but I doubt I'll be back.

    (3)

  • Stephanie D.

    What is the logic of a sports bar with direct tv--a bar owned by out of towners--not having Sunday ticket???? Could be a great bar but when you call on a Tuesday and are told several times that they WILL be playing a certain game on Sunday and yes they have the nfl package to get out of network games and then you show up with 10 people only to find out they're not playing your game and DON'T have nfl package, it's an ugly Sunday morning. Will never be trusting this bar again.

    (1)

  • Grace A.

    This place, while hard to find, (if you're, you know, a little slow, have bad GPS reception, or your fake high school boyfriend is "special" and gives you wrong directions) is delicious. Good Irish fare and beer selection at very fair prices (Happy Hour prices are twice as good!) -- the Reuben had unfortunately thick corned beef. But to speak to that; who orders a Jewish sandwich at an Irish pub? Just saying. Would definitely suggest. Next time I will go during Happy Hour (and with more than $20) and buy all of the things and drinks. It will be glorious. Ps, I was going to do 4 stars (minus one for the thick cut, terrible location, and subpar parking) but I remembered that the bartender/ waitress was incredibly helpful, fun, nice, and very attentive considering there were several other patrons other than our one table.

    (5)

  • G W.

    First time back here in several years. Positive: good band, nice bouncer, friendly and efficient bartender. Negative: obnoxious crowd, was completely ignored by waitress who made sure to check in with every other table in the room. Overall? I suspect it'll be another several years before I come back.

    (2)

  • Darius E.

    Fantastic time, good food at reasonable prices. Great spot for seeing the real old Seattle, hope they show NHL next year, so extra star on credit lol

    (4)

  • Karen F.

    Owl N' Thistle is a local treasure if not a national treasure. Located in the delightful Post Alley this happy haunt is a short walk from the ferries, bus tunnel, and stadiums. An after work happy hour favorite this place is also a fun environment to catch your game of choice. Grab a hot dog at the pub entrance on game days and enjoy the cool atmosphere in post alley! Not to be missed, this basement bar is a fun lunch stop, over pub fare you can escape the office entirely. Sit in the back and you won't know if its rainy or sunny out, quickly you will discover you don't care. Be sure to catch the live music on the weekends - its a must!

    (5)

  • Daniel L.

    Stopped by for a beer and fish and chips. The waitress was there immediately and made a splendid recommendation for beer. Food was served quickly and tasted great. Very nice, dim atmosphere. Really enjoyed it.

    (5)

  • Vikki I.

    It was my Dad who spotted this place down an alley only a short walk from where we were staying. It was early evening and time for a beverage so in we went - me, my Mum and my Dad. We sat at the bar and were immediately drawn into two conversations - me with the lady sitting next to me and my Dad with the bartender and the baseball game on the tv. Turns out the lady I was speaking to was a local who has been a regular at the bar forever. She turns us on to a few neat things to do in Seattle and extols the virtues of Bainbridge Island and how no visit to Seattle is complete without going to Bainbridge. We dutifully head off to the island the next day! But back to my bar review...I had a few bottles of Magners. My parents had a few mixed drinks. Everyone was friendly. The bill was small. We left happy. Would return in a heartbeat.

    (4)

  • Felipe H.

    If you like bad music, cheap booze, fast women, pirates, good food and Fantastic service then this is your spot. Everytime I stop by Owl and Thisle I recieve Phenomenal service from the servers and bar staff. The regulars are also really friendly and the tourists are ok too. The place has a pool table but its usually pretty busy. theres is plenty of space for dining and the food is pretty good...tastes like it was made with love. I highly recommend this spot if youre in the mood for a good time. Quick side note: I heard the Owner's band there one night and it was fantastic! the only good band i ever heard there; but one of the staff told me theyre rarely there.

    (5)

  • Erica L.

    Randomly stopped in here after the Mariners game. Loved the vibe, like sitting in an old-timey library. Happy hour food was CHEAP and, more importantly, delicious. We had the fish & chips and the pita bread with spinach artichoke dip. Two dishes that are pretty easy to skimp on and make bland, but they were fantastic. Service was a little slow, considering it wasn't at all busy. All in all, I'd definitely go back.

    (4)

  • Crash T.

    Absolutely love coming here. Out of the way, hole in the wall kind of place. My second visit I could not remember exactly where it was, so I spent 20 minutes exploring the area till I found it. Reminds me of being back on the east coast. Give it a try. The low stated reviews of this place, don't know what they're talking about.

    (4)

  • Callie G.

    I love this bar! Very laid back; kind of a dark library vibe. My husband says the alley you take to get to the bar reminds him of where Batman's parents were killed... but I think that's part of the charm. Awesome happy hour (try the fish n' chips); I can generally get my fill of food and booze for under $15.

    (5)

  • Katherine D.

    After a few months in this fair city, I've decided that this is the place where I'll become a regular. The ambiance is dark irish pub style, with a kind of weird set up. I don't care though, still love it. There are TVs dotted around the bar area with a big projection screen. They love their sports here. I don't however, but I still love this bar. Bartenders are extremely friendly and accommodating, and pour nice stiff drinks. I've never gotten fancy with my cocktail ordering, but have enjoyed countless vodka soda extra limes. The happy hour food is great, and super cheap. This is what brought me here, and is a large part of me wanting to return again and again. Fish and Chips ($4) are great, Beef Stew ($4) was hearty and served with scrumptious bread, and Spinach and Artichoke dip ($4) was dotted with bacon and served with ample pita bread.

    (5)

  • Michael G.

    Fish and chips were excellent, and the beer was good. The bar had a B.O. smell. The service was so busy it sucked for us.

    (3)

  • Elizabeth V.

    Great burger (kale, bacon and pepper jack cheese? Who'da thunk it?) and a great beer!

    (5)

  • Rachel P.

    What's not to love about this place?!?!? Great atmosphere, good selection of on tap beers, stiff drinks and friendly bartenders. Live music some nights .... Local bands all fun and worth getting off your duff and dancing to. Always the major games playing, and oh ... Wait for it .... Freeze hotdogs on game day. Yep ... You heard me right .... The award winning Secret Sausage guys are always here on game days. Pool in the second room and a jukebox on the wall. Yep they have it all ... Well they used to, til they took out the photo booth ;(. Definitely worth checking out if you're in Post Alley or heading back from a game ... Or just worth checking out. Do yourself a favor!!

    (5)

  • Don N.

    I struggle with this post. It was near closing time and I witnessed a violent event. A tall bouncer with a beard approached two older men and said its time to go, they said OK. A few minutes went by and he returned and was now angry that they were still chatting. Many people were sitting at the bar and for some reason he had to prove himself on an old man who was finished and ready to leave in peace. There was no shouting or fighting of any kind. My associates and I witnessed the whole event. The man stood up to go and he said OK and patted the bouncer on the shoulder. The bouncer yelled "don't touch me, get your hands off me." He shoved the older man and grabbed him by the throat. They struggled a bit as the older man was confused and saying hey, I am old and half your size, but the bouncer was in full bizerk mode and when the man turned to leave, he charged him from behind and lifted him off the ground and he landed quite hard in the middle of the street. If a car was coming at that moment, the man would have been killed for sure. Many people inside and outside witnessed this event. The old man brushed himself off and walked away with his friend. The management should not hire mentally unstable bouncers. I could see if there was some fight or reason for this behavior, but the two men were already standing and leaving when the bouncer shoved the older man out the door into the street. No establishment has the right to physically assault people. There is no excuse for what happened. The bouncer should be fired before somebody gets seriously hurt and sues the place.

    (1)

  • Richard W.

    We're talkin' lunch, so here goes: If you're looking for a great American-Irish lunch served in a friendly downtown dive, Owl'n Thistle should be your go-to spot. The food is great: our party last time ordered the fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and Guinness beef stew, all of which was really delicious and fairly speedy. The ambiance here was a drastic and welcome mid-day departure from corporate America. I highly recommend checking this place out for a sit-down meal.

    (4)

  • zee s.

    We were watching a sounders game on the big screen and without warning they changed it to Sunday night football when no local teams were playing (hawks had won earlier). Bartender was a jerk about it and offered a smaller screen in a different room where there weren't good seats. They pretend to be a soccer friendly bar, but they're not. No thank you. I will not be returning.

    (1)

  • Courtney K.

    This is a great, hidden, low key place where you'll find locals and just a few tourists disguised as locals. The staff is cool as are the patrons. Happy hour specials are fabulous and they have good local beer on tap along with Irish favorites. Since I was there for happy hour I ordered a local craft beer and fish and chips. I was stunned that my tab with tax was less than $9. Damn, I should eat here more often. Some of the patrons were a little drunk but all were well intentioned and friendly.

    (4)

  • Gina T.

    Probably the only bar I will go to downtown (I'm more of a Cap Hill girl). Definitely a smorgasbord of characters in there so you can always count on an older gent telling you their life story, what number wife they're on, and so forth. Bartenders are suuuper nice, they have live Irish music on Fridays and Saturdays, and just a cute little hole-in-the-wall place.

    (5)

  • Chelsy C.

    The Owl and Thistle is a Solid Irish pub. The happy hour is pretty great here, I'm a fan of the $4 mini-burger and the missus likes their $4 fish and chips and the $3.25 for a glass of Mac & Jacks!! Very cozy atmosphere and a good place to meet up on weekdays with a group of friends. Stick around and see one of the bands. Pro Tip: Car parking is almost impossible around here, heck even bicycle parking is difficult- no bike racks around and few solid things to lock to. Plan accordingly.

    (4)

  • DeAnne E.

    I wonder if the writers of Frasier got the inspiration of Episode 5.10 "Where Every Bloke Knows Your Name" from this restaurant. "Fox and Whistle" sound familiar? If you're looking for great fish and chips then come here! I've been here with friends and co-workers and we always have a good time. Service is attentive and friendly. It has a good neighborhood feel and it's not a chain like the one around the corner.

    (4)

  • Scott F.

    What a gem. The Tuesday night jazz jam was an incredible experience to be a part of. The level of musicianship was off the charts, and the mood was chill, but energized. My server was a sweetheart - she always made sure I had a drink in my hand, was knowledgeable, and accommodating. My friend had the shepherds pie and said it was a winner.

    (5)

  • Crystal G.

    I will always have fond memories of Owl N Thistle. It really is a Seattle staple to me. $4 fish and chips for happy hour? Amazing. The staff are friendly, the space is super cool and the food is good too. I love that just about everyone knows about it too. "Where you wanna meet?" "Do you know where Owl N Thistle is?" "Of course..."

    (5)

  • Cami G.

    What does "Owl 'n' Thistle" even mean? And why can't you afford more lights up in this place? I can't even see the beer I'm drinking. Atmosphere is otherwise kind of cool. While I lack any Irish blood, I really feel the Irish vibe with the decor and the food things. Beware of their food things though, for they are greasy and rich. Play some pool to burn off the calories if the regulars will even let you.

    (3)

  • Conner C.

    I found this place on the choose local city map that my a visiting friend picked up from the Green Tortoise. We headed there after the Sounders match on Saturday and had a fantastic time. I expected the place to be busy because of St Patrick's Day, and it was. The crowd had great energy and the drinks were strong. The only part I wasn't a fan of was the reps for Jamison wanting us to buy shots. They weren't rude or mean, they were just trying to sell their brand. I'll stick with beer. Wonderful place to watch soccer and enjoy a lively environment. I'll be back.

    (5)

  • Dante M.

    Another fantastic happy hour in the area. I often come here whenever I'm in the mood for a cheap, good drink and some eats as well. The atmosphere is very laid back and some great service as well. 3pm-7pm is their sweet spot for these great deals and I'd recommend their Happy burger & fries paired with one of their draft beers. This will run you around $6.50... ...That's cheap, do it now!

    (4)

  • Cassidy R.

    Cool little place to grab a drink & some bar food. Service was super friendly & the happy hour prices are awesome.

    (3)

  • Kevin T.

    So great. Good music, friendly servers, amazing happy hour, good vibe. You need to go here!

    (5)

  • Michael M.

    Love this place! Its a go to before the Sounders game and it can be very loud (which I like) and very crowded. If you manage to nail down a bar stool, cherish it like your child. Its mostly standing room only but the vibe is Seattle pub. Great beers, pretty decent food. Its a must go for late night drinking.

    (4)

  • Ralph T.

    We sat at the bar. Great bartenders: Adon and AJ? My wife loved her fish and chips. Great amount for happy hour price. I, you guessed it, had the Sheppard's pie. Very good, finally a decent one. Lots of character near the waterfront. The restaurant looked big and table service is available.

    (4)

  • Sonya L.

    Dropped in here for a birthday event. We were able to easily snag a table for 7. Ambiance is fine - lighting is rather dark but it worked with the nice day outside, as light came in through the windows. Our waitress was super nice and attentive. Our food took a little while to come out, but overall people seemed happy with what they ordered. I only had a vodka pineapple, which was $5 bucks, and munched on some fries from a friend's plate. The vodka pineapple was fine - not very strong, but decent. The fries were tasty, but 75% of them were crispy nubbins from the bottom of the fryer barrel. We ended up having to leave when whatever band was setting up for the night continued to give us microphone feedback heart attacks. While not great, we had an "A-OK" time here. I'd come back and give it another shot.

    (3)

  • Elizabeth L.

    SF U2-tribute band Zoo Station played pretty decent set last night. Bartender was a major blot - only served my friend his drink in a cracked glass, but then proceeded to dump the existing drink directly into a new glass when he requested a new glass. She then continued to be pushy on drinks all night. Classy. Based on previous reviews on good service, may just have had bad luck with our server. Overall, an average pub with ample seating.

    (3)

  • Becca C.

    Downtown Seattle was mayhem last Saturday afternoon before the U2 concert. I was dying for a beer on that perfect sunny day, and all of the freakin bars were way to packed. I was about to give up after leaving Fado, but then I saw a sign for Owl-n Thistle...says it was right around the corner. So we left 1st Ave and set out to find it. What we got was good food, fantastic beer, not (too) overcrowded, and pumped-up U2 fans waiting for the concert like us! It was an epic day, and I'm glad I finally tried out this place. Service was pretty slow, but there was one girl working the entire room of tables! I felt so bad for her. I'd go again in a heartbeat. Oh, and the happy hour menu was cheap and delicious!

    (5)

  • Trixsi K.

    Very nice small place. A awesome pub to go to when you don't want all this loud crowds and music. With all the people in Seattle, you have this bar that makes this town feel like a "small town" feel. Love going in and also listening to their band while drinking a beer.

    (4)

  • Miguel S.

    This is a cool pub. Nice assortment of beers (including some tasty local brews), nice menu, friendly staff, great service & an interesting mix of patrons. It's a laid back atmosphere and a great option if you're downtown & looking for a local neighborhood bar vs. a tourist trap. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Jeff E.

    Tucked away in an alley, it is easy to miss - but if you stumble upon it, you won't be disappointed. A neat atmosphere fits well with it's hidden-away location. Good selection of drinks that you'd expect in an Irish bar.

    (4)

  • Jonathan B.

    Upon entering the establishment, my date and I were warmly greeted by the bartender and the smell of urine emanating from the bathroom. Our server was fantastic and very knowledgeable of the menu and specials, but was apparently immune to the noxious odor that filled the dining hall. The conference room chairs at the mismatched tables were not the most comfortable, but the selection of 60s pop music more than gave us that warm and fuzzy feeling. The ambience was that of a "Cheers" that had caught fire and I think that's what really gave it their special charm. Once our fish o' chips arrived, the vinegar definitely helped with the smell, but the urinal cake meets BO aroma lingered for a day or two. We got used to it after a while. I would absolutely recommended this establishment to any passer by looking for a last call or corner to urinate in; and for any of you that miss the 1030 to Bremerton and are stuck until 1250.

    (3)

  • Kim B.

    It's my go-to happy hour spot. I'm fine with the negative reviewers saying what they want, less assholes in our bar-right? :) Kimberly is great, so are the other 2 guys. Especially love it when Miss Bossy begs for "chips" ;) Fish 'n Chips are likely the best in the city & their sauce is to die for.

    (4)

  • Megan M.

    tucked away in an alley, this local spot was introduced to us through jake (seattle free walking tours guy). he mentioned it was one of his favorites, so we made sure to stop in to check it out. like everywhere else in seattle, owl'n thistle has a pretty solid happy hour, including fish and chips for $5.50. we took ours to go, but the short 10 minutes we spent at the bar were absolutely hysterical. owl'n thistle isn't bombarded with tourists and out-of-towners, its all locals who know eachother by name. great vibe and very home-y. food was quick to come out and it... was phenomenal. so good, we debated ordering a second one the moment we stepped outside and took our first bite. fried bar food has a tendency to be soggy and undercooked, but not here. every bite was crispy, piping hot, and oh so juicy (the fish, not the fries). the sauce it came with was delicious too. i'm usually not one for sauces, but i would probably (not) drink it if i was eating alone. that meal was probably my favorite of the entire weekend trip. well done owl'n thistle. if ever i'm back in seattle, i'm coming for ya

    (5)

  • Wendy P.

    I read all of the other reviews on this place and was really excited to try it. I was sorely disappointed. Our waitress was very odd, not bringing menus and then wanting to know what we wanted a soon a she set the menus down. My first glass of lemonade was so tart it made my eyes water. The second was a little better. The shepherd's pie was absolutely disgusting. There was no salt in it at all, but was overpowering with herbs. She took away the food uneaten, but still tried to charge me for it. It took forever for her to fix the check. The only upside: the fries were good.

    (1)

  • Veronica V.

    I went here on a Saturday afternoon during Happy Hour with two girlfriends - one of them I haven't seen in a few years who now lives in Seattle! We ended up not getting drinks from the HH menu, but they were good drinks nonetheless and weren't that pricey. We also got some food - jalapeno poppers, potato wedges and mozzarella sticks...OMG, they tasted amazing! I especially like the poppers and the wedges (looked like home made style, which I love!) and they have these fruit-flavored vodka shots (the nice lady serving us suggested these) that my friend and I had were great! I never really liked pubs, but this place I would go to again in a heartbeat because it was that awesome!

    (4)

  • Erin N.

    Hands down the best Irish pub in Seattle (we've tried most of them). Had the good fortune of filming here (they even put our poster up!) and have become such great friends with the staff and owner that they have embraced my husband and I like family. The food is ALWAYS amazing and the drink service is great. We recently held our Baby Reveal party here and they let us use their wifi for our Google Hangout with family who wasn't nearby, reserved a space for us on a Saturday and were just as attentive to our large party as if it were a small party of 2. Don't let the tiny whole in the wall look deceive you. The place is gigantic as part of the Seattle Underground and had the rustic old world charm and Irish pub should have with out the conceit of its neighboring pub Fado (very fake Irish pub above it on 1st ave.) This gem is tucked away on Post Alley just north of Pioneer Square and I swear you will have a good time. You'll be at home here, we always are.

    (5)

  • Erik L.

    I've never been to the Emerald Isle, but this is what I would imagine a little pub in Ireland to be like. And until I can actually go there to prove myself right or wrong, I will hang on to this as the standard by which other American Irish Pubs are measured. Great place!!

    (5)

  • J K.

    Man, this place has been here forever... well, as long as I've been 21, which seems like forever. I know the owner -- good guy. I don't normally like Irish bars, but The Owl is a great place to get a pint and they always have fun music.

    (3)

  • Angela B.

    Out of all the Irish bars in Seattle this is definitely my favorite! It's got a kick-ass atmosphere and it's just plain fun. It's good for groups as well as coming with just a friend. Sometimes theirs a cover charge, sometimes there's not. Sometimes there's a live band, sometimes there's not. Sometimes the music is so loud you can't hear your friends, sometimes it's not. It's kind of a hit or miss, but i love those nights when you've got a good group, there's no cover charge, and the music is not overly loud. We usually hang out by the pool table, as the bar tends to be a bit louder. The bartenders are usually cool, and once when we did a fake-bachelorette party here, my friend who was good friends with one of the bartenders paid him to strip for us... and he actually did it (down to his boxers). We were all rolling over with laughter, it was pretty funny! Now how many bars can you say that about??? This place is super chill and great to hang out in. Parking is typically horrible in this neighborhood and sometimes weirdos are hanging out in the alley. Stay clear of the weirdos!

    (4)

  • John S.

    I still can't get over the fact that The Cranberries were playing on their sound system while I was eating food. It really isn't a big deal considering I don't mind their music. It sure seems coincidental considering this is an Irish pub. Hmmmm. It so happens that I didn't come here because it was an Irish bar. It was a convenient place to wait out the opening of another neighborhood bar on the same block. The theme of the restaurant was cool. It made me wonder if the Irish bars in Boston or on the east coast were similar in their layout. The Irish Stuffed Chicken Breast was pretty awesome. I'm not too into cabbage so it was a clear choice for me from the beginning, not to say that their menu is riddled with cabbage dishes though. You just can't go wrong with stuff wrapped in bacon and tinged with liqueur. I'll be back.

    (3)

  • Trish R.

    When: Friday night. Cinco de cuatro. Food: House salad. Fresh. Big. Food #2: Shared fries. Super salty. I like salt. Drinks: Called. Gin & tonic. Strong. Prices: Good. Service: Nice. S. L. O. W. Bad math. Bad memory. Entertainment: Fabulous. Fun. Saloonatics. "Right on!"

    (3)

  • Erin B.

    This place is our GO TO! Sounders game Days- Free Hot Dogs! (Complete with cream cheese & hot sauce) Happy Hour offers a good selection of Brew & some seriously delectable deals including a $3.99 fish & chips. Do it. GET THE SOUP. Always amazing, it comes with these heavenly slices of thick soda bread and butter. Great for soaking up boozy stomach. All the food is surprisingly elevated from what you would expect. Cannot believe I haven't written about this dank hole of a dive bar, it's one of my favs.

    (5)

  • James M.

    Excellent happy hour. Waitress was nice. Room has the right about of dinginess.

    (5)

  • Carleen P.

    Do you know what I ate a lot of when I was in New Zealand? Great fish n chips. It's been hard finding good fish n chips in Seattle for some reason. Owl N Thistle has good fish n chips. They have a great happy hour, a huge screen for football games, attentive servers, and I've always been able to find a table. The only downfall is I lose cell phone service when I'm in the back. But the back is where the screen is and the charismatic bartenders. I suppose I can divorce my phone for an hour. Who needs to play words with friends that badly anyways.

    (4)

  • John H.

    Nice building. Service wasn't truly welcoming. Not a perfect pour for a Guinness. Typical american Irish pub. Nothing wow about it. Chips ok but chowder too salty for my taste.

    (3)

  • Eric S.

    INCONSISTENT, dine at your own risk. We went to the Owl'n Thistle a couple weeks ago for the first time and really enjoyed it. We had the fish and chips and smoked salmon platter, both were great. We went back today and had the same plus a Reuben. The smoked salmon was still very good but the fish and chips were bland, greasy and the portion was half the size of the last time we came. The rueben tasted like it was on stale bread and was dry and bland (I didn't even know you could make a dry reuben). The waitress, although polite, was more interested in talking to the people at the bar than attending to our table. $65 dollar bill for 2 regular entrees,one happy hour entree and 3 happy hour beers, by it's quality was worth about $20. They are 50/50 for us so my recommendation is dine at your own risk.

    (2)

  • Tom C.

    Cool joint, can't really go wrong here.

    (3)

  • Jessi L.

    My wife and I came here during happy hour before going to a Mariners game. She had the stew; I had the fish and chips. It's worth pointing out that the happy hour portions are TINY. Very tiny - but also delicious. Great fries, and the fish was not overly greasy and had tons of flavor. It's good to keep in mind, however, that this place is a pub first and a restaurant second! Great for a drink and a quick bite of good food, but not the most intimate of settings.

    (3)

  • Sabina S.

    I work only a few blocks away and when I was first hired, I was taken here by my fellow work comrades because that's just where everyone there goes. After going, I understood why it's "our bar." It's wonderful. The bartenders, AJ and Adam (on occasion Colin) are fantastic. Ian, the bouncer is probably the coolest guy ever, and the ladies who serve are down to earth and attentive, but okay with it if you want some privacy. I recommend this becoming a regular pub for those who can easily get there, because it's worth it. Particularly on Sounders or other game days, this place is super busy. They even give out free hot dogs on game day! I honestly love this place, and if there is one particular place in Seattle that I would call "my pub," it's this one (and proudly so.) Come here often!

    (5)

  • Robert C.

    The owl and thistle has the look and feel of an authentic Irish pub. Ridgetop red is a very fine brew.

    (5)

  • Greg T.

    Great happy hour. Epic hummus! I have never been disappointed here.

    (4)

  • Bill N.

    I have been here a few times to watch the Stoutpounders (Irish Band) play. I am not sure why I have never made it here for dinner. The food looks great and the place has a genuine Irish atmosphere. The place is always packed when I go to see music and everyone gets into it.

    (4)

  • Kate B.

    The Owl n' Thistle is by far one of my favorite places to hunker down with my girlfriends and relax. The atmosphere is easy-going, the patrons are friendly and the staff is exceptional. Their Happy Hour menu is priced as such, but the quality is out of this world! My favorite thing is the Hummus Plate! I meet here once a month with my girlfriends and we all go out of our way to get there. Even if you aren't a social butterfly, the people watching is well worth a visit. On game nights, they have free hot dogs for hometown fans out front and it's a PACKED house - and for a good reason! There's always a reason to go here. I highly recommend this Pub for it's food, drinks and wonderful hospitality.

    (5)

  • Robert H.

    Great little pub! Nice atmosphere, well priced happy hour and some very good Shepards pie. Definitely worth a go!

    (4)

  • Kimberly B.

    Don't expect anything fancy here. This is a straight up pub, so you won't be sitting on the most comfortable chairs and eat off of table-clothed tables. We came here to watch the Niner game while we were in town and were glad we did it here. Their Happy Hour was great, and they had this huge projector screen for us to watch the game off of. Just a chill, quaint place filled with what seems like a lot of loyal customers.

    (4)

  • Jennifer W.

    It was really dark when you first walk in. We went in around 5 in the afternoon. Had some really good artichoke dip and a couple of beers. Not bad on pricing. Possibly will come back later. I'm fan of the good service.

    (4)

  • John O.

    We were here during Happy Hour, 3pm to 7pm, and got: * A Hot Toddy. * A pint of Porter. * Stuffed Chicken Breast (w/ mashed potatoes, spices, onions, and mushrooms, on grilled tomatoes) served with clam chowder, bread, and a couple honeydew slices. * 3-piece Fish & Chips (beer-battered with thin, crispy batter) from Happy Hour menu. All VERY good, for $25 + tax/tip. Owl & Thistle is in the basement of a building that faces 1st Avenue, and it's entrance is on the other side of the block, on Post Avenue (Post Alley), just north of Columbia St.

    (5)

  • Suzanne S.

    This place was excellent! I ordered the Dublin Brie and a side salad. My husband had the Guiness Beef Stew and both were AMAZING! There was a group there called the Montana Shamrockers who were visiting Seattle for the Northwest Folklife Festival and happend to stop in for dinner too. They got up and sang a couple of Irish folk songs and WOW what an amazing night we had! Great food and as a bonus this group! The place has character for sure! Everyone we met there was so friendly. I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Jean L.

    Nearly empty on a 6 pm Friday evening. I probably wouldn't have known it but for its mention in pub crawl reviews. The hidden spot would give way to a gem-like feel, but it was just so...vacant. Nevertheless, there was a stage, pool tables and ample seats, so I can imagine a great local pub scene happening here. The bartender was without a doubt a really nice guy. An avid Seattle Mariner/Seahawks and basically everything Northwest fan, but totally funny and down-to-earth. Points! I'll probably be back, but at a much later pm.

    (3)

  • Peter A.

    This is my favorite place for a threesome!! Me, Jamesons and Guinness. The Owl and Thistle does not care that I am Italian. It does not care that I can't dance the jig- or dance at all. But, when I am inside this dark and warm and inviting Irish pub, I feel like I am Irish- well, maybe Italian and Irish. The Owl and Thistle is a great place to sit back listen to great live Irish music and pick at an order of the Peasant Bread and Cheese Platter. The Owl and Thistle is an inexpensive start to a great night in downtown Seattle. It is a great end of a night in downtown Seattle. It is a great night, period.

    (5)

  • Cody S.

    This will always be the first place that I will come to if I ever have to take a ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle again. The food is fantastic. I always love a great shepherds pie and this place did not disappoint. I recommend you come here and have a pint or two and decide what you are going to do. The a The atmosphere is pretty good.....if there is live music here and a few drunks, you will be friends with several people almost automatically. Overall, i would give this place a 3.5

    (4)

  • Daniel W.

    Great happy hour, decent food, very dim, good place to hide an ugly date.

    (4)

  • Kris G.

    DID YOU KNOW... that seattle has a network of underground passageways and basements that was ground level at the city's origin in the mid-1800s?? after the streets were elevated these spaces fell into disuse, but have become a tourist attraction in recent decades. DID YOU KNOW... that the owl 'n' thistle pub has a secret door leading to this underground wonderland?? lurking beneath all that dark wood, pool table, dart boards, pinball machines, tables, and booths lies a network of underground passageways complicated enough for even a sober person to get lost in. DID YOU KNOW... that you can get a double red bull and vodka for a mere $7 at the OATP?? so if the awesome underground lair doesn't do it for you, then the cheap drinks and chill atmosphere surely will. if you see an artist named ace with half a shaved head and half green dreadlocks, tell him kris says what's up and thanks for the tour.

    (5)

  • Yvonne L.

    What to do on a beautiful Saturday morning in Seattle? What's that you say? Get daytime drunk in a back alley bar, excellent suggestion. My husband and I happened upon this gem after escaping from a cruise ship. We will definitely be back the next time we're in town.

    (5)

  • Bill M.

    Kitchen open till 10 the night I went in at 9:30 PM in Feb., 2013. Thank heaven! I recommend the smoked salmon salad which really hit the spot that night. Friendly people on chilly Seattle night, nice choice of beers. A trick to find - on the alley, a flight down from the main street level - but worth the search. Not a huge place, either, but really home. I'd definitely go back.

    (4)

  • matthew r.

    A fine place, good beer, good service.

    (4)

  • Kristin C.

    Great food, great music, great atmosphere!

    (5)

  • Séamus C.

    Was traveling to Bremerton but had 8 hours to kill before taking the red-eye from Sea-Tac. Wandered around downtown Seattle and stumbled upon this slightly off-the-beaten-path Irish pub. It was pretty lively, although nearby Pike's Place Market was shut down for a fundraising event. The atmosphere was okay, service was friendly, and the fish & chips were satisfying. It doesn't quite match up to my fav places in the DC-area, but it was pleasant enough for a 1-stopper.

    (3)

  • Rowena M.

    I'm easily won over by people who give me free stuff and compliment my pink plaid galoshes. The fact that it came in the form of girls promoting Jameson's doesn't mean that I can't evaluate a joint based upon its merits...it just means that I like a place that gives me free stuff and compliments. That's all. Aside from that, people in there were real, not super pretentious too-cool-to-be-here types. Others mentioned slow service for food, but since we just had drinks I can't comment on that. But I hear they have awesome fries. And did I mention the free t-shirts?

    (4)

  • Ian B.

    This was the first place I went to for a work Happy Hour in Seattle, and I came back today after a long time away. I'd say that the beer selection is slightly better than average...choices like a good hefeweizen or a Ninkasi IPA for $2.25. The food is very average...greasy fish and chips, grilled cheese sandwiches with fries, etc. The atmosphere is pretty low brow compared to some other HHs nearby like The Contour or Sazerak, but, the front room is very cool with the books and all ( a library type of a look similar to The Bookstore). Overall, it's a fun place worth going back to now and then... The one thing I keep missing is the live music, and I've heard it's pretty good for people who dig the folk scene like me. I need to check that out sometime soon.

    (3)

  • Reza M.

    Came to the owl for lunch and was pleasantly surprised! I ordered the cheese burger and ceasaer salad. The burger was cooked perfectly, and the salad was fresh and tasty. The waitress was also very friendly, and we had great service ;-) I would definately recommend The Owl, and come here again.

    (4)

  • Kelsey F.

    After flirting with the idea of going to Owl'n Thistle forever and a day I finally headed in on a Wednesday late afternoon with foodie date. +1 star - great atmosphere: old, back alley dive bar with a strange library feel going in the front dining area. +1 star - Smithwicks on tap. Yes! +1 star - dart board, pinball, and pool in the back dining area. +1 star - adding tomato to their grilled cheese sammies +1 star - TVs showing college hoops in every direction. So what if it's the NIT? This is promising for those of us looking for a place to camp out and watch some March Madness. -1 star - service is a wee slow. Okay, more than a wee slow. It wasn't ridiculously busy that evening, nor was it completely empty, so while some slowness would be understandable, this was a bit past "some slowness". -1 star - waitress wasn't very interested in us. In fact, she'd hardly settle by our table long enough to get an order or to have her "can I get you guys something to drink?" query answered by us. She was much more interested in chatting it up with two guys nearby. Maybe it's because I'm a girl. -1 star - said waitress messed up our beer order. I have NO idea what we got. It wasn't bad beer, but really, there were only two of us and we ordered two very generic beers - a Smithwicks and a Guiness. How on earth do you mess THAT up when you're an Irish bar? +1 star - really really really good fries. I mean REALLY good. I'll stick with those next time. In other words, the fries saved this place. I'll go to Fado's next time.

    (3)

  • Steve G.

    Man, am I glad I found this place! I was staying at a trendy - uptight hotel up the street, which BTW had superb food and a good selection of single malt scotches. But too snarky for me, so I went walking. When I walked in, I knew immediately that had I found the right hole-in-the-wall! I phoned a couple of my troops back at the hotel and they joined me. The vibe is real, the people not uptight and plastic like the "hotel of no name" (Alexis!). The friendly bartender poured stiff drinks. I wished I hadn't eaten already, I just love a good shepard's pie. The band was great, real musicians, not a bunch of posers wearing the obligatory grunge flannel uniform of Seattle. Real Irish music, as far as this American musician could tell.

    (5)

  • Drew D.

    After consuming large amounts of asian-styled barbecue, and walking through descending August cloud-cover, I ducked into the Owl 'n Thistle with a couple friends at the cusp of Happy Hour on Thursday. While mostly empty save for the bar, I could dig the dank-yet-inviting atmosphere, dark & wooden so you've no idea what time it was. Unfortunately didn't get to try the $4 happy hour burger, just cheap pints of Ninkasi IPA. At one point, my buddy sneezed so loud that everyone in the joint turned around and said, "Bless you!" Upon exiting, the sun was shining again, and we felt full of life. Coincidence? I think not.

    (3)

  • Ash s.

    Great happy hour.. We only sit at the bar, and with Marissa. The pints are cheap, the fish and chips are to DIE FOR.. and beef stew is perfect on a cold day. good place to catch the game!

    (4)

  • Barrett C.

    Swung in Owl'n Thistle last night and I was immediately diggin the Atmosphere....dim lit, old school, attentive bartenders right off the bat. Had a couple beers, small talked with the older crowd and listened to a live jazz band.. but then...... around 10pm all these dudes started showing up with instruments and breakin out all their bad A brass instruments. These guys started goin nuts on their horns, trombones, and trumpets just playing and feeding off one another while the drummer played super cool beats. This place is one of a kind come Tuesday Improv Jazz Night. You will find me here next Tues, and the next Tues, and the next Tues....come on, it's Tues night in Downtown Seattle....what else could you have going on??? American Idol??

    (4)

  • Lisa W.

    Only stopped in to use the bathroom.

    (4)

  • Cameron B.

    I love going here after work for a pint. Walk right past Fado to the backside of the same building and you will get the best Guiness pours in the city. A great place to go before any sporting event or to bring an out of town guest looking for a dive bar downtown with some cover bands.

    (4)

  • Melissa L.

    I used to hit this place regularly on Tuesdays for Bebop & Destruction shows, which featured lots of local jazz musicians sitting in, and was usually a good time. I always sat at the bar and was treated well by the big bald bartender Colin, who is a gem. Never ate the food as I always got there after the kitchen closed, but I hear it's not bad. Beer selection varies, but they always have something local on tap, which I applaud because it's so easy for an "Irish" bar to just keep Guinness, Bass, and Harp on and call it good.

    (4)

  • Stephen O.

    Hidden round the back of 'tourist trap' Fado. Owner from Massachusetts, what more can I say? Great place to sit at the bar and pick up a random conversation with the regulars and not so regulars. Decent range of draft beers, pool table.

    (4)

  • Chris B.

    I had a bit of trouble finding this place to meet up with some friends about a month ago, but once I did I was quite happy. Dimly lit, lowkey atmosphere. We had a totally cool bartender that was super friendly to everyone. I'd totally recommend this place to anyone looking for somewhere to go that doesn't blare music so loudly you're eardrums bleed and still have a good time. We didn't spend much time in the area with the pool table, but I saw one there. Just to throw in an extra tid-bit of info.

    (4)

  • Melody M.

    So fun!! The night I went the owner was singing old Irish drinking songs. Amazing!

    (5)

  • Tim O.

    As if Irish pubs weren't lacking in light already, this one is in a basement in an alley....and wrapped in a space blanket. Well, ok, let's just say, it's dark. They have a pretty extensive menu, so eat away, wee lads and lasses. Then go play some pool to burn those calories off. BTW, what the hell does "Owl 'n' Thistle" mean? I don't know but they rule the Google search for that phrase.

    (3)

  • James F.

    I much prefer the Owl to the Fado. Better food, cheaper drinks and good live mostly irish music from time to time. I enjoy supporting a pub that is not a chain also, in fact I don't really like supporting any chains. Usually you will find food made with ingredients from the PNW as well as some local brews. Good place to meet up with some friends and play some old world drinking games, like I can drink more than you can.

    (3)

  • Riss J.

    I wasn't here for long and i wasn't here to drink, but I'd be remiss to not review it. I liked it here, I'd love to go back again. Layout, atmosphere and crowd were all not what I expected and in a good way.

    (3)

  • Rita L.

    Super legit happy hour (3-7pm!!) deals-- I got the Happy Burger for $3.50 with fries and a draft for only $2.50. The music is definitely a hit or miss but I gotta say Owl'n Thistle is a awesome place to hang out to get your grub on with your friends and waiting for I-5 to clear up a bit.

    (5)

  • Joe A.

    Fun place. Great sing along music atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Neil D.

    The Owl & Thistle, or those who know it well, "The Owl" is a great place to chill and relax on any given night. Without going into too much detail to spoil the surprise, it's a place worth checking out whether you're in for pub fare, strong drink, an Irish theme, or just to hang with friends for a few beers shooting pool. Shhh Free Pool on Mondays (All Night Long!). The atmosphere borders that of most pubs - dark and scarce of light - but with a warm, welcoming presence. The local bar flies are a decent bunch and will chat it up if offered. The staff are friendly and service is good. As mentioned the drink can be strong and worth it; selection of beers is up there as they do have many taps offering a variety; and the food is really good and inexpensive. I'd recommend most anything but am partial to the hummus and their chicken strips with hot (think a Frank's Hot) sauce. The only downer I have with the place - and it's more to those who have been there and know what I mean - is that they do not offer the curry gravy and fries any more. That stuff was great! Four stars because of the lack of Curry Gravy.

    (4)

  • Kristina G.

    Nothing terribly special, but an excellent cheap happy hour option in the area that rarely gets too crowded - great for a big group. The fries are particularly delicious.

    (4)

  • Dave S.

    Cool little spot. Went on the post Sounders v Timbers night, which may not have been the best choice. Free hot dogs were good though! They can poor a nice Guinness and the service was very nice. They had some live music that night, which I really didn't dig. The cover charge was lame, which I didn't pay. I just wanted a good drink and to chill out, which on this night this place was a poor choice. That said, I would try it again before making a final verdict on the place.

    (3)

  • Elena M.

    Stopped in one night as we are big Irish bar fans and wanted to check out Owl'n Thistle as we'd never been. The decor here is more nautical than County Cork pub, but we'll give them that. Ireland is an island, after all. Still, it was very comfortable. Service was a tad slow, but our server had a lot of tables to worry about and was doing her best to take care of us all. I ordered the Irish Stuffed Chicken Breast. Again, not quite sure what made it "Irish," but I'll let that go. It was a (small) chicken breast covered (not stuffed) with mashed potatoes. It was supposed to be stuffed with mushrooms, too; I think I found one. I knew (assumed) that somewhere under all those potatoes, I was going to find some chicken. I did, eventually. Did I mention the chicken breast was small? On the other hand, the food was tasty. My side salad included real, genuine kalamata olives and not those little black rubber things that come out of cans and most places serve. Owl'n Thistle gets big points for this. Mr H had the fish and chips. I stole a few of his chips and they were quite tasty. These were definitely made in house and were not just a frozen something out of a plastic bag. I got a decent glass of house wine ($6). Prices were overall very reasonable. Since it's in a part of town where we often find ourselves, I could definitely see going back some time. I'd be interested to check out their happy hour...

    (3)

  • Michelle F.

    Great place to come for happy hour and Guinness. The fish & chips are wonderful. Sometimes they do live music, too, which is nice (but expect to pay cover).

    (4)

  • Melissa J.

    Two stars specifically for multiple sub-par Happy Hour experiences. I haven't been there before or after Happy Hour in a few years--it might be great, but I dunno. My gripes: Happy Hour has been cut back to a more moderate 3-6. In and of itself, that's reasonable. 7pm is better, but 3 hours of Happy Hour is usually adequate. Unfortunately, the waitstaff starts ignoring folks around 540 and uses bar time to end Happy Hour. I'm okay with paying full price--really, I am--but I'm not okay with sitting with an empty beer glass for 15-20 minutes while she walks by and tries her best to ignore me. When flagged down, she apologizes and says she'll be "right back", only to return after Happy Hour has ended. Again--I don't care about paying full price. I tip extra when I've gotten cheap food/drinks. I just don't want to be ignored. Please just bring another beer. This has happened with a waitress who's had experience with us (so knows we tip 20-25%) and most recently with an unfamiliar server. For a while, we stopped in 2-3x/month. Not regulars, but not tourists. I've watched them freeze out the entire room in this way--eking out the minutes between 530-550 and telling folks Happy Hour is over. Great place to watch a band, decent food, reasonable prices (even regular price is fine), and overall fairly pleasant folks. Just don't ignore me, please. There are too many other places who will keep my glass full. We'll probably come back in a few weeks--it's a convenient location, I like the fish & chips, I'm a slow learner. But every time we've been in over the past six months it's been lame between 530-550. too bad, because we work downtown and like to get a beer on the way home.

    (2)

  • Heather J.

    This is my 2nd favorite Seattle Irish bar. I love the music and often go and sit in the bar area and sing along with the songs. Something about Irish music just makes you happy, even though some of it is pretty depressing. This is a large establishment, but it is often filled up especially on St Patricks Day. Its location does make it a nice meeting spot for those going on or off a ferry. The food is good, I often enjoy the hummus. They also have pool tables. I do find the bathroom a bit strange as it is in a seperate hall and you can't take your drinks with you, not good for those people who are afraid of stuff being put in their drinks. The slanted front entry can also be dangerous for drunk people.

    (4)

  • Cherry Blossom Girl A.

    The first time I went to the Owl n Thistle, I was going for lunch. Yes, lunch. Their hummus is much talked about, believe it or not, and the fish and chips are right on, according to those in the know. So I went in by myself and didn't like the attitude I got from the bar-lady. I basically walked out. Useful note is that they have a second door that brings you near a cool looking barber shop. Took me a while to want to come back, but I did for various lunches and happy hours. Their Caesar salad is pretty darn good, with home-made croutons. That pretty much sold me. The hummus plate does rock. You get 3 tomato wedges, a small pile of olives, and other veggies with it. The Owl n Thistle proves that hummus and happy hour can co-exist.

    (3)

  • Chuck W.

    Great place, happy hour and food. Quick service. Wonderfully divey. Irish bands at night. My favorite place in Seattle.

    (5)

  • Steven H.

    A great little hang out spot. I have been here a few times, but always seem to forget to check in/review the place! Reasonably priced, cozy, and decorated in a style that I find rustic and inviting. The beef stew was delicious, and so was the Hefeweizen. I'll be sure to visit again soon.

    (4)

  • Devon C.

    wow randomly found this place very good. all I had was the food on the happy hour but it turned out really freakin good

    (5)

  • miya S.

    Drinks are decent, but atmosphere is everything to me. The people were fun and friendly.

    (4)

  • Wade F.

    I like to go here for happy hour specials. It's a fun atmosphere with all the things on the walls, in a classic pioneer square brick building facing the sound. Drinks are made strong, and it's affordable as far as bars in the area go. They also have some good Irish food on the menu worth a try. Check it out if you are in the area.

    (4)

  • Joey O.

    I typically hate going to Seattle because of the parking. When I went to go to the Owl n Thistle I couldn't find it at first. So I decided to park and find it on foot. Some friends spotted me and said they'd walk me there. Turns out it was right behind where I parked! So now when I go the parking is a breeze!! I've gone to the Thursday night Comedy twice now and laughed till my face hurt. But there's one reason why I was motivated to write a review. I ordered a Caeser Salad with Chicken. The chicken was pretty good but really there's not much you can do with a Caesar Salad. HOWEVER, it came with this bread that was DELICIOUS. I will probably go back, order a beer or two and just munch on bread.

    (5)

  • Bryan M.

    Awesome hole in the wall, if you're into that sort of thing. Plenty of unique character and charm that doesn't feel like it's product of a chain who has someone on payroll with a title like "Purchaser of knick knacks and flair". Friendly, welcoming staff, provided you appreciate the lack of nonsense in blue collar establishments and a menu that even includes a garden burger. Great place to meet friends.

    (4)

  • Sara P.

    The Owl and Thistle is really just ok. The food is expensive and not that great, the decor and atmosphere are cool but the service sucks.

    (3)

  • Anthony L.

    Great place to go before a game if you can find a place to sit or get service. If it's busy order from the bar even if you have a table it will probably be faster. Food is pretty good and happy hour specials are better than most in the area. This place has a great neighborhood bar feel to it and I will continue to frequent them.

    (4)

  • Becky G.

    My friends from HS are always inviting me to join them and now I'm kicking myself in the butt for it! Headed down to Pioneer Square for a few drinks with my roomie and we ended up here. The live band was awesome and we got up to dance with a crowd on the floor. The staff is all very nice and my beer selections were delicious.

    (3)

  • Colin W.

    This bar/restaurant looks like a hole in the wall from the alley entrance, but it's big and cozy inside. The live music is great and generally ethnic-appropriate, the beers are cold, and the food is superb. If you're looking for a place to grab some comfort food, this is it: try a steak pie with a Guinness.

    (4)

  • Shannon B.

    After miles of walking, my friend and I stopped in at this cute little Irish pub. Although the bench seats were falling apart, the place was cute with friendly staff. They had a band later on, so we heard some of the set. I was surprised that the hummus and veggie plate was quite tasty, and my friend ordered a sandwich that was delicious too. I also enjoyed a few ciders on my trip here.

    (3)

  • Bob D.

    Aside from its location and Guinness on tap, it doesn't offer much. Service is simply lousy every time I've been there. The blues band was good. The pool table was crap. Good location for the ferry crowd.

    (2)

  • James L.

    It is a DIVE Irish Bar, but Oh what fun Ive had there.... I would definitely avoid the weekends due to long lines, cramped space and cover charge. Going on a Sunday-Thursday though is good times.... The most memorable....Christmas Night.......about 2 years ago.... The owner of my pub, my girlfriend and a few of the lads went down.... We had our own little sessiun down there.... Leo playin the whistle and flute, Pat and Flynn singing and me being a dumb-ass clappin and Hooting to a friggin ballad..... And OH the "Twelve Pubs of Christmas" a Seattle Rugby tradition.... Holy Hell..... SAMBUCA, SAMBUCA, SAMBUCA, MAGNERS, SAMBUCA SAMBUCA SAMBUCA, breathe breathe Dirty and Divey but many memories here

    (4)

  • david j.

    Think again! Definitely has some of the worst service anywhere and the food is blah.

    (1)

  • Lori B.

    Ah, the good 'ol Owl N Thistle. Things that come into mind- drunken irish singing, certain drunk people doing jigs during ballads, turning around and having another drink put in your hand, stumbling in the streets, trying to squeeze through crowds just to get a breath.... Aaahhhh! Great memories..... Yes it does get crowded and obnoxious, but it serves a very good purpose. And that is a place to drink with friends and have stories to share about the "12 pubs of Christmas".

    (4)

  • Miss Kelly W.

    Why haven't I reviewed this place yet... the fish and chips - AWESOME... especially that tasty tartar sauce (drool) and OH MY GOD the beef stew.. with irish soda bread and butter and salad.. and.. and.. i'm so going there after work

    (5)

  • jim I.

    The Owl and Thistle offers a nice alternative to the other Irish Pubs in the area... a little out of the way, a little tougher to find, and a little less polished, caters to the lower class of drunks that I prefer surround myself with. Plus the live Irish music is the best in Seattle.

    (4)

  • Sean T.

    I've hit the Owl & Thistle several times - most recently before (and after) embarking on the infamous booze cruise (courtesy of, although not sanctioned by, the Washington State Ferry system). This is a great pub to waste a few hours in on a bleak afternoon. They offer several tap beers, a decent menu, pool tables, a good jukebox, and relatively clean bathrooms. The place can get crowded on weekend nights, and the service suffers accordingly. They also have live music (usually the house band) on weekends and charge a cover - which can be negotiated using the age-old tactic of simply offering less. Their Happy Hour lasts from 3-7 PM and includes a mini burger, fish & chips, hummus, and curry fries for $2.95 each, and $2-$2.50 pints of beer. Slainte!

    (4)

  • Marina M.

    I was here with a group of seven people for happy hour and there was ample room for plenty more. Happy hour selection was nothing special, but it was cheap, the beer was cold, and the food appeared good. Definitely a great spot for a meetup or group.

    (4)

  • Rylee O.

    Of the three big Irish bars in downtown Seattle I would choose Owl & Thistle every time. Why? It's a little rough around the edges. Just like me. The drinks are poured liberally, the servers actually talk to, and joke with, you, the food is typical Irish pub fare - but a little better. And - of course - it's the home of the Owl & Thistle Band. If you don't find your toe tapping to their music then you must not have ears - or rhythm. It's the one Irish place I would go on St. Patrick's Day - despite the crowd.

    (4)

  • Tracy S.

    Happy Hour is one hour shorter than in previous reviews: it's from 3PM - 6PM. Fortunately, we arrived at 3:01PM and proceeded to become very happy, indeed. It's a shame they don't have a more realistic fireplace :) But if that's the main complaint, then there's nothing more to complain about, is there? Well...they did serve my friend's Guinness in a glass that was not only chipped, but split all the way down its side. Fortunately, her husband had just finished his so he poured hers into his glass so that none of the precious brew could be wasted. Like we were. ;) Cheers! Salut! Slainte!

    (4)

  • Andrea J.

    Owl and Thistle, Owl and Thistle, Owl and Thistle--what a cool name. I didn't really think this place was very divey...I'd heard some stories about raucous bar fights, but none materialized. Our service was fine, except that they charged us for a whiskey we didn't order, but the waitress was nice about it. The happy hour fish and chips was almost too affordable at $2.70 for ample portions.

    (4)

  • Matthew M.

    Horrible service in the back dining area. Expect to wait 20-30 mins for a server to even talk to you. The only reason it gets two starts is because the fries are good.

    (2)

  • Mark S.

    Went there for the first time on Monday for lunch, sat at the bar, had the fish & chips (fish = great, chips = good). I recommend getting the half order, as the full order is big. There weren't many people there, but those that were seemed friendly (though not directly to me as I'm a don't-look-a-stranger-directly-in-the-eyes type). The bartendress (not a real word) was also quite friendly and flipped the channel over to the US Open without a hint of annoyance (all too rare of a reaction).

    (4)

  • Geoff N.

    I saw neither owl nor thistle listed on the menu when I visited for happy hour this evening... and that made me a little sad. What made my hour happy, however, was the $3 fish and chips and the immediately available seating despite a lively crowd of working stiffs. Other happy hour munchables included hummus, artichoke dip and the standard happy hour burger. Unfortunately, despite the fantastic happy hour deals on food, the drink prices were through the roof! I paid $4.50 for a hard cider and according to our bill, that was the happy hour price! I would hate to see how much they charge for drinks during unhappy hours. For that price, I expect my drink to be served in a leprechaun's pot o' gold... or by gum, you'll feel the weight o' my shillelagh.

    (3)

  • Christopher L.

    The Owl is the best Irish bar in Seattle hands down. Great beer. Great Service. Cool owners. Cool regulars. Lots of chicks on the weekends. Good food. Live music. And this coming from a guy who's been to some great Irish bars on the southside of Chicago. Cheers!

    (5)

  • Reina H.

    The best of the best Irish pubs outside of Ireland, New York or Chicago. The Guinness beef stew is a-mazing and especially brilliant with the dark-brown soda bread. One of the few places that has Celtic music regularly, and they play it loud and proud on weekend nights. There are pool tables and dart boards, but get there early if you plan on playing. The bar is well-stocked and the bartenders are usually good-looking, rugby-playing young men from Irish stock. They make great cocktails and pour good beer. If I go out on St. Patty's, this is the bar that I would stay at all day. Get there early, there's always a line.

    (5)

  • Kerri A.

    Very comfortable atmosphere....service can be slow but then again I don't slam them down like a pro. Never had a complaint about the appetizers when they do eventually get there (great cup of soup). Never had a problem with seating except for St. Patty's and even then I still managed to have a good time standing up. Great place for after work drinks!

    (4)

  • Bryan B.

    Very authentic Irish bar; I definitely feel at home here since the pints of Guinness are as good as any in the city. Paddy's Day here is always a blast although I tend to prefer Fado a little more since the crowd tends to be younger. If you like authentic Irish music then this is your place :) The owner's band is really good and they always get a few "up ya boy-a" out of the ground :-P

    (4)

  • Samantha M.

    Eh. Place is spacious and gorgeous but bartenders were boring. A good selection of music was played, Radiohead, Muse, Killers, Coldplay, etc, but the bartender committed an unpardonable sin in my eyes. Radiohead's Creep (acoustic version) was playing, and the bartender had the audacity to change it after one crazy guy made a stupid comment about the music making him want to kill himself. I glared at him, but that didn't stop the bartender from going over and changing it. You do not change any Radiohead song EVER and get my approval, as to me Thom Yorke is a deity. The bartender asked me if I wanted another drink and I told him, "No thanks. You lost me when you turned off one of my favorite Radiohead songs." Then he started going on and on about how the original version of Creep is better and that the acoustic version was way too whiny. I'm like, "Okay," Downed my drink, got up and left. Will not be returning if I am in Seattle again. Two stars for the decor and for my first encounter with an Irish guy in Seattle (one of the patrons was from Donegal.), but nothing more.

    (2)

  • kelli r.

    If you're of Irish decent..it feels like home. I loved the atmoshphere..dark, unique and somewhat surly. I could do without the mouthy frat boys..but it could have been because the Notre Dame game was on. Yes, the waitstaff is not very friendly..but that is what made me feel at home. Irish waitresses are used to giving out what they get. And they do it well. I tried the fish and chips...because I love fish and chips. But these were not the best. If I had never eaten at The Cock and Bull in Covington, Ky...these would be the winner. But, alas, for now they suffer by comparison. Joe got the shepard's pie. I have never found a shepard's pie as good as mine..until now. Actually, it was much better..sniff..sniff. Now for what really matters...the bartender poured a beautiful black and tan. Many attempt but few perfect it. I was impressed. I thought it beginner's luck, so I ordered another..and again perfection. After a third, and some clever northeast banter with the obnoxious frat boys..Joe quietly paid our tab and escorted me home. I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Thomas B.

    I've got a love hate relationship with the Owl. They're always understaffed at lunch and sometimes at happy hour, but the menu is so good. They've got great happy hour deals that won't break anyones bank and it runs until seven. They take credit cards, but you're better off paying with cash if it's a busy night. ie Friday Happy Hour

    (3)

  • Carlie B.

    It's dirty, it's crowded and it's full of people who've been DrinkinG. When you're downtown in a pinch, the food is not bad. Don't expect to not get bumped into or cornered into unwanted conversation though.

    (3)

  • C C.

    Fun atmosphere, pool table, good happy hour... Not very good food. just alright

    (2)

  • Cameron M.

    Great play to go before a Sporting event, or for happy hour. This is an old time bar that has been around for a long time, great place for great food. If you go there during a sporting event down the street, expected it to be super crowd. Good for happy hour prices and food.

    (4)

  • Lydia P.

    I went here last night to meet up with Maria (as delightful as anticipated). I got there first, and generally hate being in a bar alone, but this is one exception for me. I used to come to the Owl all the time when my friend bar tended here twice a week... so much so that I knew the menu by heart, and Percy and Marlis (fixtures perched at the end of the bar) knew me by name. I'd only gone once since my friend quit bar tending about a year ago, but when I walked in last night, it was like an episode of Cheers... a homecoming of sorts. Is that sad? Heh... Anyhow, I got my pint and sat down to wait for Maria. Unfortunately, once Maria arrived, we appeared to be completely invisible to the surly looking waitress, and Maria finally had to go up to the bar to get her pint... eventually, I had to go up to grab a couple of menus. Finally we managed to flag her down to place our orders... Two happy hour fish and chips, and for old times sake, I got a cup of chowder. I have to agree with Michelle as I am also a bit of a tartar sauce fiend. Delightful! It's all that dill! All in all, the service was rather lackluster, but the company was great, and the chips were just as I remembered them. Yummy! I'll be going back... though not twice a week... never again! Unless my friend starts bar tending there again.... :-)

    (3)

  • Justin B.

    I like it here. Food was good and staff was nice. I think I was a bit raunchy to one of the waitresses but she didn't kick me out or slit my throat, so for that, I'm grateful. note: I apologized and explained that I was from Tulsa, and it had been a very long ride (horseback) out to Seattle and she was the most beautiful maiden I had seen on the dusty trail. A man can't live on beer alone.

    (4)

  • Julian H.

    Kind of a dive pub... the back area is dark, cramped and worn down in parts. Which, depending on your mood, can really hit the spot. Great happy hour menu, if I recall.

    (3)

  • Dena P.

    I went to Owl'n Thistle Irish Pub last year for St. Patrick's Day and I had a blast! The bar had a band playing Irish songs and everyone was having an amazing time. This bar wasn't as packed as other Irish bars around Seattle which was very nice. Owl has three areas to hang out in. The back area is pretty chill with a pool table and some tv's. The main bar area has numerous tables and tv's as well. I've also gone to Owl'n Thistle before a Sounders game and it was a blast. Lots of fans come here before the games. A great place to visit if you're in the neighborhood.

    (4)

  • Christopher C.

    Perfect location for me, since I sometimes park in the pay lot across the street. I pop into the owl'n thistle for a drink before a Sounders game, and right outside they typically have free hot dogs for Sounders fans on gameday, which is pretty awesome...

    (3)

  • Chris Z.

    One of my favorite pubs in Seattle. On a Friday night I would start my night out with a pint of Guinness. I loved the small pub feel, and the food is also great. And the live music was always fun.

    (5)

  • Eric M.

    Sick from the food twice: 1st time fish and chips, second time cheeseburger. The service is usually slow as well.

    (1)

  • Robert L.

    As a business traveler I'm looking for places where I can feel relaxed a I eat alone. This place completely fits the bill. Great happy hour prices and good food - the Reuben is excellent. Friendly service and a homey dive atmosphere. Too noisy for my taste but most places are ...

    (4)

  • Sean M.

    A great place for lunch or happy hour. It has that dive feel but in a good way. Food is filling and nicely priced. Happy hour prices are cheap with a $2.95 fish and chips or "happy" burger...

    (5)

  • Anthony M.

    Cool place a bit of a dive, personalities were great and my gf had a IRISH CAR BOMB for the first time. LOL

    (4)

  • Allison H.

    Once again basing my whole opinion on looks paid off. I just happened to be hungry and walking down the street when I came across Owl 'N Thistle. It looked cool and hey it's an Irish pub and I'm Irish and cool so it's a match, right? If you can't see well I would seriously suggest bring a small flashlight. This place is freaking DARK, I had to hold the candle on the table up to the menu to see it, and I have very good eye sight! My friends and I ordered the Hummus as an appetizer and I'm used to a small bowl of hummus and a few pita chips. This is NOT the case here, they bring you a whole plate full of vegetables and chips so you could make mini hummus sandwiches if you want to. I then ordered the Colecannon. Again another large plate of food was brought to the table, Colecannon, melons and salad all crammed on to a plate. The food is very good. Oh, and the price is cheap! They also have bands that play there. The night that we went there was a jug band playing. They looked like they could be gold miners that decided to start a band out of what ever was lying around the cabin. They were good! A good portion of the audience actually got up and started dancing in a small corner of the room. It was a very fun place and would definitely go back if I had the chance.

    (4)

  • Philip L.

    Only been once and had a beer and a sandwich. Food was fine, atmosphere was pretty cool.

    (3)

  • Michelle B.

    Go for the beer, stay for the fish and chips. Holy cow! Their fish & chips are some of the best I've ever had, ok, ok, so the fish and the fries weren't all that special. It was the tartar sauce that made me swoon. I like to consider myself a tartar sauce connoisseur, but then people laugh at me, so I generally keep this hobby to myself.

    (5)

  • Susan C.

    The best hummus at an Irish bar? Weird, but true.

    (4)

  • Dan B.

    This is one of those places that's so infuriatingly difficult to review. One one hand, you've got great food, atmosphere and happy hour deals -- the curry fries at $3 are a great deal and shockingly addictive. On the other hand, you've got waitstaff who, when not hiding out in the kitchen, seem to be incredibly annoyed by your presence. The exception to the service can be found at the bar. The folks doing the pouring are always friendly and fast (well, as fast as the Guinness will allow). Perhaps that's why it's so hard to find a seat at the bar?

    (3)

  • Aaron M.

    Oh how can you charge a cover to get in the O&T. I remeber when I could get a pint of Guinness and have some Jameson in peace. Now it is packed and rowdy. Service has beed sort of hit and miss my jaunts here, leaning towards the good but sometimes quite bad. Food is good, atmosphere fine, just wish it wasn't a sell out.

    (3)

  • Sutee D.

    Cover for a dive bar. Nothing to see here. Move along.

    (2)

  • Marc K.

    Awesome Fish'n'Chips and Burgers. The Irish Stew is great. One thing I appreciate most is that they actually care about beer - they are always on the lookout for great beers to have on tap besides the obligatory Guiness (which I do love). They have a pilsner there right now that is fantastic. I love the bartenders. The house band is amazing if you are lucky enough to catch them. Overall great place to be.

    (5)

  • AC A.

    Great happy hour prices from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on weekdays. This place gets packed during these hours so expect to get the typical bar service - you'll wait about 15 minutes for a drink and even longer for the food. The food is pretty decent - especially the spinach dip.

    (3)

  • Liz L.

    I went on a Friday night and there was a live Irish band. The crowd was mixed, the air was very friendly, and it wasn't crowded in there at all. After a healthy amount of beer, lots of my version of jigging (involving clapping and foot stomping), I emerged from Owl & Thistle having an awesome time! Next time, I'll try the fish and chips =P

    (4)

  • Matt J.

    Go here for happy hour on Wednesdays. Good deals on both food and some food items. Lasts till 6:00. Service is usually pretty slow but you learn to deal with it. Nice little pub.

    (3)

  • francis s.

    One of my favorite places to take out-of town-guests probably because I don't want to share it with the locals. Early evening/happy hour is ideal at the bar as you keep company with a mix of ferry commuters, sailors and service industry workers. The food is OUTSTANDING for a pub (smoked salmon w/ homemade raspberry dressing? fish and chips? cheese plate w/ baked brie?) AND the barkeep is getting my vote for most brilliant, beautiful and unpretentious bartender in town (you know who you are).

    (5)

  • Milo D.

    Let's see, the food was great, the beer was beer, and the service was super friendly, I'd have to recommend this place. They had a fun crowd the night I went and the joint had a real laid back yet fun feel to it.

    (4)

  • ryan u.

    Just your average neighborhood (mine at least) dive bar. Burgers and fries are strangely tasty but then really anything is with a Guinness washing it down. Table service is doled out begrudgingly but they seem to lighten up if you also don't seem to care. This place is comfortable like visiting family before they've had a chance to pick the place up but feed you anyway.

    (3)

  • Nicole P.

    i love this place! the site of many a night of drunken adventures with wonderful friends. the food is pretty good, the drinks are strong and fast... plus, live music most nights of the week, parking everywhere, great prices, friendly and helpful service, a pool table AND a juke box full to the gills with david bowie. it's a beautiful thing. if your looking for an awesome irish pub and you end up at fado... well, lest just say you are in the wrong place- your supposed to go down stairs. I LOVE YOU, OWL AND THISTLE!!!

    (4)

  • Brycelaine P.

    Great Pub!!! It's always refreshing to grab a pint in a pub echoing accents from the Isle...I highly recommend a Saturday afternoon, watching the game on the massive screen and working the happy hour menu. $2.50 micros with fish and chips to die for...only $2.95. A must do when your downtown looking for something low key.

    (4)

  • Teresa Y.

    the best - definitely a staple to start or end the night in town

    (4)

  • Scott S.

    Hard to find at first, but well worth the venture. This Irish pub is within walking distance of Pikes Place Market and it'll make you feel all green. Friendly staff with cheap happy hour munchies. Stick around for the band and sing along while clapping your hands or slip over and read a book. You'll find frat guys, fisherman, office personnel, or bikers.

    (4)

  • Kate P.

    Well, Wayne's no longer there, so that's why it doesn't get 5 stars. :) When I visit, it's to the Owl for decent drinks, and like the first review, the fish & chips, except I love their fish & chips for themselves. yummm. Good stuff. I like the way the establishment is divided; front part more quiet and for dining, while the back is noisy and dim...and I love the ally location of the pub. Am not sure why, but I do.

    (4)

  • Maria C.

    Quintessential Irish dive bar. Wanted to love it and will give it another try, but service was spectacularly lousy. Guinness was great. Guinness is always great. Even if I had to go to the bar to get it myself since no one seemed inclined to sell me a drink otherwise. The fish and chips were great too, especially the chips. The fries are divinely seasoned and the tartar sauce with dill in it was outstanding. The soda bread slathered with butter was on a different planet from the bread I've tried to make. Meaning it was moist and cake-like and actually edible, unlike mine. It just took forever to get someone to take our order and the waitress seemed like a very unhappy person. In fact, I think Lydia and I were the happiest people in the place. Who wouldn't be happy meeting Lydia (yes, the Lydia of Yelp fame and highly envied cook). She's awesome and it was fun. The other great thing about the place is the predictable Irish music over the speakers - the same songs you hear at every Irish bar you've ever been to. There's something comforting about that. And it's awfully cute from the outside. Happy Hour prices for food are great ($3 fish 'n chips) even if you have to bring your happiness with you.

    (3)

  • Julie M.

    Comfy atmosphere and really good food. The Guinness Beef Stew was so yummy and just right after a long day. I highly recommend the Deep Fried Brie as an appetizer but I didn't love the bread that came with it; Too soft and sweet -- but it was paired with fried cheese so I'm not complaining so much. Great music too! They were doing The Shins playlist on Pandora and almost every track was an "Oh I love this song." The adorable and friendly server, Anne with an e, was full of great suggestions about what to do in and around the city, and just nice to chat with. It's a hidden little charm in what seems like an alley next to heavy construction but I'm very glad we found it.

    (4)

  • Valerie W.

    My favourite place to go out with friends. Laid back, good people, good drinks. Can't ask for more.

    (5)

  • Daniel H.

    I only had Guinness, but what else do you need to drink at an Irish pub? Jukebox, pool table, punk rock. Great dive bar atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Zarkle B.

    This place gets pretty warm but it's great on St. Patty's Day or for any happy hour. They have a pool table, irish bands some nights, and they even allow dogs!

    (4)

  • Bill V.

    The booze here is good. No AC in the summer so it's crazy hot, but cooled off when the sun went down. Waitress had swimmers ear, which somehow seems to affect the food and drink serving area of the brain. I admit, we were an unannounced party of 20, and she was new. However, if your Grey Goose on the rocks is full, it is probably not finish. Nor should it take an hour for burger and fries. I will lay off though, this seems to be a local favorite with rich history. I will go again my next trip.

    (3)

  • Tori T.

    Living in Seattle you get used to the high priced bars with a pretentious crowd but sometimes you just want a good Irish Pub Dive bar. The Owl & Thistle is this hidden gem in Post Alley. The first thing I love about it is the location. It's a little tucked away from everything else which makes it seem like a secret. The atmosphere is really laid back as well. The inside is very dark and smells like old books and wood. All types of people can be found here so don't worry that you won't fit in. Last night there was a group singing Journey at the top of their lungs at the pool table while another table in the bar was screaming at their team on the humongous TV. This place has affordable prices even when it's not the every day 3-7 happy hour menu. Happy Hour is really great here as well. You can get some decent bar food for under 5 dollars (I recommend the spinach artichoke dip.) They also have 4 dollar craft beer drafts and 3 dollar Bud/bud light. Wells are 4 bucks. This place does fill up, especially right before a Sounders match but the Bartenders and wait staff are usually very attentive and friendly. So if you are looking for a cool Irish Pub and want to save a little money check out the Owl & Thistle.

    (4)

  • Tamsen G.

    J.P. Hennessey. Great reason to venture out and listen to live music. The management here is pretty solid. Do not expect to come in and ask for foofie drinks. You'll get a good Irish glare and you'll get a good drink as well. But not a foofie one. All in all, an a-ok place to come chill out and have a few drinks with friends.

    (3)

  • Nikita M.

    A work friend and I are from out of town and we stopped in for a game of pool. And I say goddamn they pour a good pint of Guinness! Good crowd too. Gwenyth Says: My goodness my Guinness!! Bartender is awesome and very handsome, he just gets me.

    (5)

  • Vivian L.

    Prompt, fiendly and attentive staff. Great happy hour deal on food and selected beverages. My fish and chips was hot and crispy. I look forward to going back for live music.

    (4)

  • Cynthia L.

    Blep. I may have caught them on a bad day, but from my initial experience, I don't really have the motivation to try it again. It smelled peculiar inside. I can only describe it as a lukewarm food smell and people's bodies. We sat in the area with the pull-down projector screen and was immediately helped (throughout the night, so that was great.) Once I opened the menu, I was excited to see colcannon (spelled 'colecannon' on their menu; my spidey senses went off and I should have listened.) I make colcannon at home; during cold weather, it's the kind of food that makes you feel like you can drive a wagon train in the middle of winter cross-country. It's cabbage, potatoes, cream and BUTTER. Lots of butter. Here, the cabbage was SOURED (I'm thinking on purpose, but I can't tell). Soured cabbage in colcannon?? It was seriously not good. The top had a small cheddar cheese 'lid' because the potatoes weren't hot enough to keep the cheese in a melted state by the time it got to my table. The potatoes themselves were fine, but the cabbage... Another had the Shepherd's pie and even with gravy on the side, it wasn't good eats. The thick-cut Irish Bread was cold from the fridge and moist (very good). I did have to ask for butter since it didn't come with it. Nice service, but if that's the hallmark of the pub, then I'll have to pass.

    (2)

  • J K.

    Great, fast and friendly service. Excellent fish and chips. Wasn't a fan of the Colcannon, but we all are particular about the different ways we like ours made! One thing we didn't like was the cigarette smoke wafting in from right outside the front door and the street vendor who stands directly in front of the pub - right in front of two open glass windows. Ugh - wish they could ask that vendor - and his smoking clients - to move it out of the large open pub windows!

    (3)

  • Katie H.

    We went after a Sounders game but arrived when the place was still completely empty, waitress was rude and when we asked about spinach dip we ordered after fish and chips and sliders arrived and got a nasty response. We tried ordering more food and drinks but waitress ignored us or constantly told she needed to get paper and pen and would disappear for 20 minutes. We had 3 people sit with us maybe 15 minutes before we asked for the bill that only ordered one beer, but then made us a party of 8 and she automatically charged us with 18% gratuity which she did not deserve when we only had 3 people order food and everyone else ordered happy hour beers.

    (1)

  • Ryan B.

    Anytime I need some great Irish food or east coast friends are in town, this my go-to place. I know some like Fado and some like Kells, but this is the real Irish bar for Seattle. Best made half and halfs, best poured Guinness pints, and the best Irish beef stew in the northwest. Not to mention the homemade soda bread is absolutely amazing! Also a great place to watch Seahawks or Sounders games, or just to kick off your weekend (or midweek morning pub crawl). Plus the owner is a huge fan of the Red Sox and both patriots and Seahawks; what's not to like?

    (5)

  • M S.

    Service surly and not reponsive. Insulted when we walked in. Service staff busy chatting with bar flys, can't be bothered.

    (1)

  • Janelle W.

    We happened on this pub for lunch after The Seattle Underground tour. The waitress was very friendly and prompt, even taking the time to chat with us about tourist must-sees. Our food was a good sized portion, even my daughters pulled pork sliders from the Happy Hour menu. The Irish brown bread was moist. Prices were on the lower side of the nice restaurants in the area. Definitely would go back if we lived in the area

    (5)

  • Katrina S.

    Rude server MADISON!! We came here, sat ourselves because no one was there. We came for the fish and chips, people say it's the best in town. Haha ITS NOT!!! The fish and chips were small, few French fries and two tiny fish. It looked like a kids meal. The fish and fries had no flavor, and the fish wasn't crispy more like soggy. The server , Madison was in a weird crabby mood. She told us to hurry and order, also not to sit in this section because she needed the table for a party. So we ate, we wait about 15 minutes just for her to acknowledge us to cash out. More time goes by, I walk up to the bar and try to cash out because Madison was no where to be found. Then I'm waiting at the bar and Madison comes to the bar and says to the lady who's working the bar, I don't understand why all my customers want to cash out at the bar, and takes my card out of my hand and walks away. Worst service ever! Fish and chips suck!!!!!!

    (1)

  • Heather H.

    Tucked away within the hidden alleyways of Pioneer Square, which can make for a scary run if you're a female, along, at night. I'm usually not into divey bars so this place didn't make high marks for me. I came here with a bunch of girlfriend to check out the live music which lived up to some of the hype. Folks there were mostly of the 40+ bunch so it isn't as rowdy. I didn't order any drinks, but if I had too I would just opt for beer. Don't expect the cocktails to be of high standards other than rum and coke. The place is pretty dated, most of the chairs looked like they were reclaimed from another bar, old tvs, and there was carpet on the floor. Adding to that, there was also the constant smell of being in a musty basement cira 1997.

    (2)

  • Chris S.

    Just a bit off the beaten track of tourists, but worth the 1 block diversion. Great staff, great food.

    (5)

  • Jessica L.

    Great happy hour prices! The fish and chips were great... For the price, I half expected the frozen, non-fish concoction you generally find... The fish tasted like nice, crispy fish and the fries were great. Pulled pork sliders were very sweet-- delicious but sweet. The cole slaw offset the taste. And the cole slaw was also great! If I lived here, I would return. As a tourist, the prices were more than appealing. Ended up spending 25 dollars for 4 alcoholic drinks and two entrees (not including tip). Also, cute and attentive server (looked like a fellow mixed chick).She was extremely sweet and pleasant!

    (5)

  • Rod F.

    A great place to just enjoy the food and music. I was a little surprised to be carded...as two younger guys were waived in...but hey, that is the vCard only thing I can complain about. My waitress was awesome. Made great recommendations.

    (4)

  • Alaina W.

    One PAX day we decided to get dinner at Owl'n Thistle. I had never eaten there and have heard good things. Well, the environment and food were great. Huge portions and tall glasses of beer. Good screens to watch the game on. But our service was very much lacking. I think they were really short. Our server was nice, but we had to flag her down several times for several things, and our check took forever to come.

    (4)

  • Dana L.

    This place is a little hard to find. It's under that highway exit and off of 1st. It's hard inside and their bathroom is in one of those shared business areas. The prices are decent during happy hour but the waitresses and bartenders always seem flustered and aren't exactly attentive. It's good for large groups though!

    (3)

  • Priyamvada B.

    We went to the pub on the basis of reviews on Yelp. We were looking for a very affordable place to have drinks and stuff. The place looks very vintage but ordinary. Drinks were good - we ordered margharitas, mocktails and beer. We tried hummus, fries and spinach dip from the appetizer section which were good, though we didn't much like the colecannon dish they had in the vegetarian section. Our main disappointment was our server, who was kind of uninterested...we lost her for quite a long time when it was time for drinks to be refilled. When finally we went to the bartender for re-ordering, he came to our table with the bill instead. It was a sad experience for me specially cos my friends went there on my suggestion. Service needs to be improved.

    (3)

  • Benjamin C.

    Came here after a long Mariners game that had gone into extra innings. The place was dead and we had to go get a server. She seemed annoyed we were there; demanded a card be put forth before ordering a drink and later said it was against policy to split the check and pay individually. Really? Policy? ... Never experienced such horrible service and "policy." Too bad, seemed like a cool spot until the "waitress" decided we weren't worth her time

    (1)

  • Funglin W.

    If you come with a group of people, THEY DON'T SPLIT CHECKS! So, I'm slightly disappointed by Owl'n Thistle. I didn't come here for food, so this post won't be about that. I called Owl 'n Thistle to warn them that there would be a group of us (about 25 people) coming to Owl 'n Thistle for happy hour and drinks around 6PM at work. I also told them in advance that we would be coming in and out throughout the night. The lady was so nice to me and thanked me for the heads up and told us that there should be no spacial issues. When I arrived, it was true. They had space for us to enjoy a happy hour so I was so happy about that. On top of it, service was fast and the waitress was really sweet and nice. But here comes the problem, we were then told that we couldn't split checks. Now, good thing most of us had cash and it all worked out, but it also worked out because not many of us ordered food to make it an annoying hassle. I just wished they had warned me ahead of them when they knew from me through the phone that there would be 25 of us. Overall, I liked Owl'n Thistle and i was satisfied with the service. just wish we were warned about not being able to split bills.

    (3)

  • KT E.

    Stopped in for HH it's pretty fun for that. Good prices, especially for the downtown area and the waitress was amazing. Too bad I can't rename we her name but she kept everything in order and ran the whole game room by herself. There were so many groups there and everyone was paying on a different tab. QUICK service even though she was the only server!

    (3)

  • April G.

    Close to the ferry, makes this super easy for people on either side of the pond to meet up for a quick bite or drink, it would make life SO much easier if they split checks but they will not separate out an order either so just be prepared to know your math and expect it. They are on their game quick and the food and drinks are exactly what they should be. I enjoy that this place is hidden and yet easy to find. It is a great stop to the game or on your way home.

    (4)

  • Gregory K.

    I thought this was great. Projector for sports game, plenty of beers on tap (let's be serious, you don't need to have a thousand beers on tap to impress me. Just a few good ones). It is your traditional feeling pub; a bit gritty, smells faintly of musk, and has lots of people with story to tell. I would gladly go again if in the area. I got the fried fish and chips (FREAKING AWESOME!!). Cooked perfectly (I should know, fish and chips are a staple in florida), and the fries and slaw tip you into that "I fat and happy, without feeling fat"

    (5)

  • Heidi S.

    I was content, the place was a typical Irish pub. I decided to come here primarily because it was a block away from my hotel.The location was kind of tricky to find, located on a little back street. Good thing they had a sign on 1st Ave or I would have missed my turn. The front dining area of the pub was empty so I headed down a short hallway to the bar in back. There was a small crowd, pretty good for a Monday night. The place had a slight odor about it, a combination of dish water, food and beer. The decor was dark and pubish. Overall I'd say the place needs a little facelift. I ordered the special, a bacon, spinach and Swiss quiche with a cup of beef & barley soup. I should have never order quiche for dinner but I love it. This quiche however was overcooked and rubbery. The soup was alright, I couldn't tell if it was home made or from a can however. It also came with the best soda bread I have ever eaten. I guess you can pick up a loaf for $6. I might go back there just for that. After dinner and beer I decided to call it a night.

    (3)

  • Kathleen S.

    We had lots of fun at the pub last Saturday night 1.3.15. We came for drinks and music. The 3-man band was terrific, I wish I could remember the name so I could give them a shout out as well. I was pleased that when I requested water after my g&t, my glass was kept filled.

    (4)

  • Katie H.

    This is, by far, my favorite place for happy hour. They say the fish n' chips are the best in town, and I have only experienced this to be very true. Plus, you can get a basket for $5! You can't beat that (and the basket is incredibly generous on the fries). I have also had the hummus plate, same price as the fish n' chips basket, and it is also a generous portion, especially for happy hour. Everything on the happy hour menu is good, but I find myself craving their fish n' chips! The well drink prices are good, and the drinks aren't watered down; I also love that they have Smithwick's on tap! Good overall beer selection. I also like the separate dining type area from the actual bar. You can have a bar or a tavern feel, depending on which mood takes you. If I had to take someone who was visiting Seattle to just one place for happy hour, it would be here, hands down.

    (5)

  • Jordan W.

    This is an update to the review written 9/2/14. As another preface, this is strictly regarding the server Kristen, who ruined our whole evening, and is not indicative of the overall service at Owl 'n' Thistle, which rocks. Really, check them out! Just not while she's around. Today I received a message from Kristen, who said she checked around with the staff and can guarantee we were never in the pub on Tuesday, 9/2. She called my review "libelous" and tried to bully me into taking it down. She asked for proof that we were there. So, I offer these additional details to back up my original review: - The menu was limited that day and we were unable to order from the happy hour menu. Kristen may remember bringing us over the special menu, printed on normal paper, which were provided to all patrons that day - I think Kristen mentioned that something in the kitchen was being fixed after I asked for hummus. - I arrived about 30 minutes after my 5 other friends were there because I had to come from Kent. - The date was Tuesday, September 2, 2014. We stayed just over an hour. - We split our bill for the server, per Owl 'n' Thistle rules as our party had over 5 people. We didn't leave a tip for Kristen past the automatic gratuity (because she sucked). When I wrote "0" on the tip line on my receipt, I put a frowny face next to it. It shows up in my bank statements as "POS Withdrawal - OWL & THISTLE 808 POST AVE SEATTLE WAUS - Card Ending In 9015", and was a charge for $23.46. I wrote the review on my phone immediately after leaving the pub. If you would like, I can have my companions (names: Kiley, Sara, Dylan, Evan, Nikki) confirm the events. We were all there. This review is TRUE and will NOT be amended. I take personal offense at this server's patently false response to this accurate and true review of her god-awful service. To Owl 'n' Thistle, I have only this to add: We LOVE your bar. We are regulars, and we want to come back. Please use this as a learning experience for your staff.

    (1)

  • jenn w.

    Came here for the cheap fish and chips special during happy hour and to be honest, it wasn't all that great. The portion is pretty much a snack size so you get what you pay for. Plus, I thought it was a lot of batter and not a lot of fish. Service was also pretty horrible. The lady was totally a grump while she served us.

    (2)

  • David P.

    My 2nd favorite Irish place, has a fun speakeasy-ish location and gets great music. Not a lot of space to move around and seems to draw a rough crowd, but still a fun time

    (3)

  • Adrian S.

    I went out looking for a burger and was sadly dissapointed with it. It's nothing more than average. Especially for $14. I heard they're fish and chips are good and will most likely try those if I ever go back.

    (3)

  • Dae Y.

    went there on a tuesday night when they have open stage jazz night. some friends invited us to see a swedish jazz singer who was leaving town to go back home. and she had her teatro zinzani percussionist juggler performer friend with her too! it was a fantastic little show. i got the guinness stew and i really enjoyed it with my shot of well whiskey and PBR.

    (4)

  • Monica B.

    It's been awhile since I've been to Owl'n Thistle. I was summoned there for a group event during happy hour. Since I enjoy spending time with my friends, I was happy to be there. The decor is dark - which I appreciate for privacy. I like the different areas in the bar and tend to choose the space that is slightly elevated with the books. I like it better there than the other areas, particularly the space with the pool table. The drinks are poured well and are plenty strong, but not particularly flavorful if ordering anything other than a beer or straight shot. On this particular night, I was unable to drink alcohol and ordered a soft drink. We wanted to order food but the waitress was very clear that she would take our drink orders, then take our food orders. It was good to know that she had a system. It was not so good that her system was "my way or the highway." At that time, there were 9 of us. 8 drinks came and mine was not among them. When I said something to the server, she said there wasn't enough room on the tray. For some reason, there was a server switch right after the drinks came. The new waitress introduced herself and let us know she would be taking over the section. After getting two more drinks for late comers, apparently she went to one corner of one of the three tables we had and took an order for 2 baskets of fries. For 11 people. When I asked someone in my party where the waitress was since I wanted to order food, I was told that she had already come by. It took us awhile to flag her down so she could get the rest of the food order for the rest of us (two of three table). I ordered fish and chips. The fries were a bit overcooked but very hearty. Most of the happy hour food menu is under $4 which is a big plus. Of course, you need to purchase a drink for that price but I find it reasonable. The batter on the fish was okay. The fish was not a good cut and also cut unevenly, which means it cooked unevenly. The fries were overcooked but very hearty. The tartar sauce with dill was amazing! I think the fish and chips is okay for $4. For a few pennies more, I think I'll walk to the Ivar's walk up window. Honestly, I have drank enough there in the past to think that everything I ate was the best thing I ate. I appreciate the strong drinks and cheap eats.

    (3)

  • Margo J.

    Came here for dinner after reading yelp reviews. It was getting late and we wanted something close to our hotel. The service was absolutely terrible and the waitress was rude. I ordered the beef stew, which had no flavor. I also ordered a whiskey and ginger which tasted like soda. Husband ordered the special and he liked it but said the chowder was horrible. Prices are cheap....you get what you pay for.

    (2)

  • Gerribee L.

    We were from the other side of the state. My boss wants to go to an Irish Pub. We found this. The gentleman who checked our IDs was friendly and funny. At the time, they had a jazz band. Didn't care much for the band but we enjoyed the shots. And the shots? Oh-em-gee! A shot of fireball from this pub is equivalent to a double shot of fireball somewhere else. Needless to say, we had a lot of fun!

    (5)

  • Brian D.

    Happy hour pork sliders! The bartendress was friendly enough considering I am not a regular. Lots of good Irish Whiskey for the discerning drunk. A good time, but only a few seats at the bar so hope you get lucky.

    (4)

  • Misty M.

    Came out for a little relaxation with the hubster. Ordered chicken strips and the O n' T sandwich (yum!). The strips were fine, and the sandwich was yummy (steak, grilled onions and peppers, provolone cheese on perfectly soft buns), but the house fries were amazing! I'd come back for beer amd fries! The server, Sophie, was super nice, really fast, and treated each customer with respect and a smile. Live band was fun! All in all, a good experience.

    (5)

  • Laura V.

    We went here on a friend's recommendation. Apparently, this has been a long time venue for live music. The night we were there, a lot of soccer fans came in after a San Jose v Seattle soccer game. Ironically (since we were visiting from CA), the fans who came into the bar afterward were Quakes fans. The server was one of the highlights of the experience. She was knowledgeable and friendly. She got us our drinks and talked about the band that was going to play and convinced us to have dinner there while we waited for the band to come on. The food was not the highlight of the experience. The Shepard's pie was made with what tasted like instant potatoes. It was served with a side of brown gravy, but it was still dry. The Irish stew tasted of Guinness, but it was mostly soup with not a lot in it. The bread that was served along side the food was very good bread, though. The band was good and the crowd was into them. They were a jazz band, but a sort of modern jazz band. It was the kind of jazz you could dance to, but there wasn't a lot of space to dance in front of the stage. Still, a good time. The server told us that the previous night (Tuesday) had been a jam session. I think I would have liked to have had time to go to one of those.

    (3)

  • Gavin P.

    Friday night adventure: While the street that the bar is located on is a comfortably lit and a hidden joy to find, the neighborhood is full of tons of homeless people and is not comfortable to walk through alone. Inside, the bar is divided into 3 separate areas, a front room that acts more as a restaurant with antique furniture and book shelves and plants. The back room is the bar and had a live band playing irish music which was great. The side room has the pool table, and dart boards which is a fun distraction if the conversation gets dry. Problems: Friday night and only the back room had anyone in it. Everyone was over the age of 40 so not a good place for young adults to hang out. Attire is very casual and nose level is loud but not distracting. Overall: its a fun place to check out and a nice dive bar if you are looking for something new, but its one in a hundred and not a place to go to on a date. More for meeting friends.

    (2)

  • Chi P.

    #NAME?

    (3)

  • Karen D.

    GREAT (and cheap) fish and chips on the happy hour menu...they make it truly worth finding this place that is a little off the beaten path. Five stars just for the fish and chips, and yes, hand-cut fries that were awesome! I like the fact that they have three separate areas at this bar...a little "library dining room" for lack of a better way to put it, that is a nice place to relax and have a conversation over a beer. There is a louder, more active bar area, and then yet another room with a pool table and some booths. Something for everyone's tastes! Good selection of beers on tap, and friendly, quick service. We will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • J S.

    Stopped by for a bite and a few pints, the place has character and a good vibe. Collin was great and the location on Post which looks like an alley when you find it just added to the experience. Worth a visit for sure. Had a corned beef and Swiss sandwich. it was good, corned beef was very good. I'll be back!

    (4)

  • Dean A.

    An oasis in the center of seattle. Pleased to find an irish pub with a Boston heritage. Food is excellent and the Guinness pints perfectly poured. Well worth thr hike.

    (5)

  • Douglas J.

    Maybe I came at the wrong time; it is St. Patrick's Day. First there was a $10 cover (cash up front or added to your check). For what? Live music (that wasn't Irish), plastic cups and and a plastic spoon? The place wasn't packed at 1pm when I arrived, so charging and using plastic was not warranted. My Guinness arrived within 90 seconds of ordering, and you could tell that it was not pulled correctly. The Guinness stew was very good, though, but it was served in a paper bowl, and there wasn't much for $11.50. The "normal" price is $9.50. Avoid this place on St. Patrick's Day. Maybe even on a regular day. It doesn't deserve the stars it s receiving. I was very disappointed.

    (2)

  • Collette G.

    Drinks were strong, atmosphere was dark, ambiance was lively, sliders were a little dry, tables were wet, service was quick. Overall, it was a good experience.

    (4)

  • dave m.

    I've hit this place up twice now, and both times it has given me one of my favorite things in a restaurant: consistency. Whether that consistency be simple and basic or high end or always a dive, consistency is a good thing. This place had wonderful servers, both very nice and friendly and offered good suggestions. THe shepards pie was wonderfully tasty, seasoned just right, and the turkey sandwich I had was well done. The prices are just right, and I will be going back.

    (4)

  • Nita M.

    Growing up in California, I'm preinclined to be wary of bars in alleys...Owl'n Thistle is pretty good. They have a good happy hour, a menu with a large variety of options, piss poor service, and generally a lot of seating unless it's before a Sounders game. I had: - French fries: These are awesome! Really thick & big, crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and $5 gets you a giant plate. - Dubliner Brie: I was so excited for battered & fried brie because I love baked brie & fried foods..but this was gross. The batter coating was really thin and didn't add anything good, and the oil it was fried in was clearly not fresh and gave the dish an overall ick taste. The dark brown bread it was served with was really good, but the "fruit" on the menu was actually 1 tiny slice of melon and 1 tiny wedge of orange. This is definitely a skip...our table of drunk people didn't even finish it (the only dish with that fate). - Spinach & artichoke dip: Passable. Nothing special but not terrible. The pita bread it's served with was really yummy. The dip tasted like it was made with chicken broth, so be careful vegetarians. - Hummus plate: Wow this was awesome, and much nicer than bar food. The hummus tastes fresh & very strong on garlic, and it's served with a nice spreadh of warm soft pita, fresh cucumbers, fresh tomato, & good olives. We went on a day with an evening Sounders game, and the place was packed with Sounders fans. Later in the evening there was some (bad) live music (and that's about when we left).

    (3)

  • Kevin E.

    Great Service. I like the fact it's a bit off the beaten path, but quite close to the Sound Transit station (3rd/Cherry area) and Pioneer Square. The happy hour specials are great (nice selection of brews and food - including $4 fish 'n chips that were quite tasty.

    (5)

  • Jen B.

    Great relaxing atmosphere where you don't need to dress up- just eat some good pub food (I usually get the chicken sandwich & fries) and since I am usually working, I haven't had any beer but I plan to soon enough....Oh yeah. The servers are always friendly and the service has always been quick. Oh, and there's some cute manly men there too~!

    (4)

  • Andrew H.

    I recently moved to the East Coast and certainly miss this Seattle gem. It's close to the ferry to Bremerton which was convenient for me. They have a pool table used less often than expected (for a dive bar pool junkie this is heaven), a classical juke box which is fun to play with, and that's negating the bar area, which has a great selection of Irish booze and frequent live music... the small area between seating and stage is often haven for dancing when live performers are bustling. It caters to many desires and does so with a fashion worth the money. Best reuben sandwich in Seattle by far, as a side note.

    (5)

  • Janie M.

    Granted I went there as a designated driver, but it would be nice if they were at least polite to DD's. The crew I was escorting drank plenty, so when I ordered water it shouldn't have been a problem. It's not like they were losing money on us. Every other bar we hit brought me a glass of water with ice in it, like you'd expect. But not this place. The waitress plopped down a small plastic cup half filled with lukewarm tap water. No ice. No straw. I'm not sure what the big deal is about the atmosphere. It was just a bar. We also went to Fado, Contour, and Hooters and they were all as good or better than Owl'n Thistle. Fado and Contour were much better atmosphere-wise and just a block away. My other complaint about Owl'n Thistle is the service. I swear it took two hours to get three rounds of drinks. As the non-drinker in the party it was *painful.* The rest of the crew didn't seem to have much of a problem with it, but they were already wasted. I think perhaps that's the trick. Get drunk *before* you go to Owl'n Thistle and then it'll be awesome. Don't go if you aren't drinking though because you'll want to drown yourself in your half cup of lukewarm water.

    (1)

  • Molly C.

    I've been to this place a couple times over the years and now happen to work a block away!! Whats important to me in a bar/restaurant is feeling comfortable, acknowledged, and good prices. This is an Irish pub after all, so taking that into mind, I really enjoy this place. The last waitress I had was super patient with me and my friends. I always take notice to that because Im well aware of how indecisive and difficult I can be, lol. I've recommended Owl'n thistle to friends from out of town, family and my wide range of friends. This is coming from some who worked in the industry. :)

    (5)

  • Inna B.

    I ended up here on my 21st birthday and had an okay time. I had already had a little too much wine at the amazing place we had dinner, but figured that I might as well take advantage of the opportunity of friends buying me drinks... plus, well, this was the first time I could finally go there! I started off with a martini that was alright, and then I had some "blueberry" flavored drink that was something the bartender created when I asked for something fruity. That one was odd and after a few sips had a really bad taste. I think I'll stick with something easy or go for beer next time I'm there. The service was pretty bad, but that won't stop me from going back one day because I think fun can definitely be had here.

    (3)

  • Kyle B.

    Maybe we came at the wrong time? It wasn't even busy but the service was horrible. 15 minutes for someone to ask what we wanted, another 15 minutes for our drinks?! Then the waitress brought my side salad withy "meal" which was supposed to be Guiness beef stew, but she only brought be a cup of it because she couldn't figure out how to ring up the larger meal on the register. But I couldn't even complain to her until she brought the check because she never checked on us. The food itself was decent but coupled with the horrible service I wouldn't come here again.

    (2)

  • Lisa I.

    My husband and I went here late Sunday night because it was one of the few restaurants in the area surrounding our hotel that did not require a reservation and was still open at 10 PM. I've never been to Ireland or to a proper Irish pub, so I was looking forward to getting some Irish food. I went with the Shepherd's Pie after a recommendation from the waitress. I've only ever had Shepherd's Pie at one other place that I'm embarrassed to admit (hint: starts with Cheesecake, ends with Factory), and there is no comparison. This was flavorful and saucy, and the gravy was perfectly seasoned. I got a Caesar salad with it, and it was a perfect meal. They also included soda bread, which I was completely ready to dismiss (I never have high expectations for free bread), but it was awesome! For those of you that are not familiar, it has the consistency of banana bread, but obviously is not banana-y, and is not sweet. I could eat my weight in that bread! I cannot vouch for the authenticity of any of this food, but as always, I do not care when it is good. We were the only table that was eating in the restaurant, but still received lackluster service. We were watching the Golden Globes on the big screen, so it wasn't the end of the world. There is also a huuuge dog that comes in the restaurant. Or was it a neighborhood bear? Either way, it is friendly.

    (3)

  • Christina S.

    A fav spot to visit.... $3 cover on the weekends... Great food and pretty fast service. I love to stop in when I'm in the area. Live music which is pretty cool along with tv's for the sports followers. TIP: Great place to visit when on the First Thursday Art Walk since it's near the 619 building... Highly suggest!

    (4)

  • Jenny D.

    Full of character. Good whiskey, good music. I didn't try much else... a couple of nice local brews. I liked the locals hanging out here, and the barkeep was charming. I was-am very happy to have stumbled into this place toward the end of my epic Seattle layover. I hear it's one of the last dive bars in Seattle. Don't change! I saw Guiness stew on the menu. They have a happy hour in the afternoon. There's a cool stage in the bar. The front is like an old study, and someday I'd love to come back for some time on that side...

    (5)

  • Carrie R.

    This is a local bar, not a tourist attraction. There are a ton of regulars, and on game day, a ton of fans! The drinks are strong, and the cheapest in Seattle. The food is pretty awesome for bar food, especially the fish and chips! Overall, it is definitely a place I enjoy spending time just hanging out. It's not a place you have to get dressed up to go to, no one really cares. Just walk over in shorts and a t-shirt, and have a good time hanging out.

    (4)

  • Kelly F.

    This is a fun pub. Great happy hour specials: fish and chips, hummus, chowder, and even fried brie. Lots of good beer on tap. It's a great place to meet friends.

    (3)

  • Mel O.

    not as good as i thought it would be...but still not all that bad. I've heard a lot of bremertonians talk of this place....saying how they had hung out there....waiting for the ferry or waiting for whatever event that brought them to seattle to start. It was ok. not as good as it was hyped up to be though. They had moderately priced whiskey...i can deal with that...i don't prefer it(cheap is better), but can deal. one thing that was kinda awesome was their house band...they seemed like some chill guys and they were pretty damn good for a house band..my friends joked around with them in between songs and we shouted requests...they were totally good sports about it.

    (3)

  • Bridget R.

    Best clam chowder and home made Irish soda bread I've ever had. The chowder is tangy and nice- not the thick, bland, wheat-paste that you get at Ivar's. Nice 'locals hangout' feel. It's a neighborhood bar, not a tourist trap or a pick-up joint. Dark, private, tucked away. Perfect place for a downtown worker to grab a brew and relax for a few.

    (4)

  • Delilah R.

    Ian, the bouncer...awesome guy. Colin, the owner...always there (most times drunk), very cute, funny and irrevocably the king of any trivia you might think up and throw at him. The bartenders are very sweet and smiley. The bar can get too crowded and there is an issue I have with a piece of the architecture....you have got very little space between the bar and this awkward stand-still table parallel to it. I'd suggest copping a squat in any other part of the bar. Speaking of "parts" of the bar. This is the best part. No pun intended. There are three sections to this pub. When you walk in, you've got an elevated area with several booths and tables in the center. Excellent if you want some one on one romancing time. Further in and to your left, you can mozy on into the pool and dart section where there is a mini bar. Great space for getting a little rowdy and enjoying some conversation. Instead of taking a left, or a right continue forward and you'll find a full bar (which is where the said "bad architecture" is), along with a stage. Normally there's a live band to boot. This Irish pub has some excellent Irish bands playing more often than not and some other cool groups that I truly dig. One example: The Fiasco. The crowd draws thick on a Fri. or Sat. There is a lot of standing. Permissible amount of room for dancing between the stage and seating. I love it because it's right along the Piers and downtown. The location is perfect.

    (5)

  • Sean R.

    The Owl and Thistle is a little Irish Pub in downtown Seattle with a great atmosphere and good food. Their lunch menu is pretty good. I love their Rubens and have to recommend them. A great place to visit!

    (4)

  • Michael E.

    A ROTD reminds me to give this place a review. Great HH, that's perhaps the best reason to use the ole Owl'n Thistle. Cool little spot, been there forever in the ally down there. Gives you that old Seattle pub feel if there's such a thing. Always keep this place on the list!

    (4)

  • Kristina B.

    this place is dope and the artichoke dip was delish! little hard to find but we managed. definitely a cool casual hangout spot

    (4)

  • Elena Z.

    Came here during a Sounders game on a Saturday afternoon, had a beer and a stuffed chicken breast with mashed potatoes and a salad. Outstanding! Loved the atmosphere, dark and cozy feel, sports fans doing all kinds of shots, having fun. I would definitely recommend.

    (5)

  • Mo M.

    Exactly what I wanted after work. I was searching for Guinness on tap, and Fado is pretentious at times, so I went down to hang at the Owl n'Thistle. The barkeep was friendly and fast. The waitress a little frazzled and forgetful, but fast when asked. The bouncer was actually friendly as well, which was surprising. I had the clam chowder, which I was shocked to find VERY tasty with lots of flavor and texture. Came with classic Irish bread, mmmm crumbly deliciousness. Being enveloped in the fun I waited until the "suffering fuckheads" began their set, and pleased to find them much more entertaining than I thought they would be. The crowd varied, every smell from fratboy to girlsnightouter's to bikers. I loved that. Not the same kind of classic Irish drinkin' hole I've grown accustomed to when in NY, but a nice hangout with killer soup. Gluais faicilleach le cupan ln!

    (4)

  • Jessica B.

    great selection of beers!

    (4)

  • Julie T.

    I love this place on a Tuesday night! The best jazz band plays all night and they let other musicians jump in and play with them. It's a great blend of local jazz musicians. Not to mention the fish and chips are awesome and so is the whiskey : )

    (4)

  • Jack M.

    Went to Owl'n Thistle for lunch. We had been there before to see a U2 cover band at night, and that was really cool. Unfortunately lunch was completely different and not awesome. We arrived at noon and had to wait a long time for drinks, and our food didn't get to us until past one. Considering there was no one in the restaurant area and only sort of full in the bar, the service was pretty dang slow. The food was good. My Guinness beef stew was great. I got to enjoy the stew a second time as the server spilled it on me while clearing dishes. I understand that these things happen, but I expected some sort of bill reduction or gift certificate, when all I got was the server telling me that "If you come back again, find me and I'll buy you lunch." Hmm, couldn't you just buy this lunch that I just had spilled on me, or give me a gift certificate so I don't have to track down some waitress. Apparently not.

    (2)

  • Brooke S.

    UPGRADE! Now I've heard that since my last review, O&T's service is still spotty. I suspect this might have something to do with the number of people they have on staff. But on Saturday we got lucky! We took our rough n' tumble bachelorette party of 7 out here and had a fabulous time. Our waitress kept the chocolate cake shots and the baked brie (best idea ever!) comin' back round after round.

    (4)

  • Erik M.

    I used to visit the Owl 'n Thistle as a pub when I was younger, but these days it's mostly a semi-regular lunch destination when I'm in the mood, typically for the atmosphere more so than the food. From the shadowy, library-esque front dining room to the dark, somewhat mysterious bar, there's an authenticity to the On'T that resonates nicely when you have a hankerin' for lunch in a shadowy, mysterious library. Don't get me wrong, the food is good. I'm partial to their Reuben and their shepherd's pie makes for a hearty cold weather meal. All told, I can't think of a single lunch I haven't been satisfied with. It's also an occasional happy hour spot when a Guinness feels like it'll hit the spot. Ironically, one of the downsides of the O'nT is that it is dark and shadowy. While this is can be a plus when the weather is gloomy, it's a huge turnoff when it's nice outside. This is probably why I really only set foot in the place between October and April. Another downside is that the typically amiable service can be sluggish and inattentive, even when they are not that busy. If I have any time constraint at all, O'nT simply isn't an option. It's great to have it readily available as a lunch possibility, and it's one I do take advantage of. On the other hand, there's nothing particularly outstanding about it.

    (3)

  • Kat F.

    This place is cool. Cheap pitchers and nobody looks at you funny when you come in with 4 friends and go through 7 pitchers of mac n jacks before it's really even the afternoon. The waitress even called us smart because we ordered a couple of pitchers of water in there somewhere to help fend off the absurd drunkenness that ensued. Right when we were getting ready to go (once again, 7 pitchers later) we realized that it was 3pm and we'd made it to happy hour!! So we had to stay and order some food. And another pitcher. I think. I can't even remember, actually. I don't go out downtown very often but when I do, this is a guaranteed stop.

    (4)

  • Perry H.

    I loved this bar!! I stopped in with some friends to grab a drink around happy hour time and had a great time. Good beer selection, they have bands during the week, lots of TVs, friendly bartenders...what more could you ask for?

    (4)

  • Lee A.

    The food in Ireland: not so much. I spent a summer in Galway, and pretty much lived on brown bread because a girl can only eat so much fried fish, and every restaurant seemed to serve the exact same pot of vegetable soup. I'm serious, it was like there was a giant vat of the stuff flowing under the city. On the other hand, I really liked that brown bread. We found each other again at the Owl n' Thistle. That's the good news. My, my tasty! Great chips (my favorite all time food). Decent glass of Pinot Grigio (I know, I know - but I'm the only person to ever visit Galway for a summer and never order a Guinness). There's a pool table, and I thought the waitresses were friendly. The bad news: Incredibly hard to find if you're looking for it, and LOUD. I mean, beyond loud. Seriously boomingly loud. The acoustics are just terrible. On the other hand, pinball! Brown bread! I'll definitely be back.

    (3)

  • Megan A.

    I visited here on Saint Patrick's day this year, which I think was a mistake. I was really missing my grandma's Irish food, so I gathered up a few friends to go with me. I knew that it would probably be crazy on the holiday, but I did not know it would be as crazy and unorganized as it was. Here is how it went: First, we had to pay a $10 cover charge to get in. I did not have a problem with the cover charge, since I was expecting it and it was cheaper than Kell's, but I think they should have kept track of how many people they were letting in. Just because people want to get in and hand you money does not mean your establishment has the capacity for that many people! Once we got in, we wandered around looking for a table. Every single one was full, so we had to stand around until one opened. One whole table was occupied for face painting and guess how many adults in a bar were getting their faces painted? You guessed it. 0. We finally managed to grab a table, but it only had 2 seats and there were 4 of us. The other patrons were really rude (not at the fault of the pub). We asked another group if we could borrow a chair that they were not using and they said no and nobody ever showed up to sit there. There were also booths that could seat 4-6 people, but they were occupied by 2 people. It would have been helpful if they would have had a host to organize the table madness. A couple of friends then went to order drinks, while we stayed to save our table. A waitress came up and asked if we needed drinks and we told her that we were ordering them at the bar. I asked if they were serving food that day and she said that they were so I asked for a menu. Then she asked what she could get us, so I asked if she could get us a couple of menus. She then continued to stand there and asked again what we wanted. A MENU. SHEEEESSSSSSSHHHHHHH. I did not know that I was supposed to find a copy and memorize the menu before I got there. We finally got our menus and my friend came back with our drinks. He ordered a for baileys on the rocks for me, yet they forgot the ice. Instead I got a small plastic cup with about enough baileys to stick in my eye and it was not cheap! Finally the waitress came back to take our orders and we did not see our food for a long time after that. (The overall wait staff was terrible. I always try to be very polite and tip well because I believe that waiting tables and dealing with the public is a difficult job, but that means that I would like a little respect in return. They could not even crack a smile. I understand that it's a busy holiday and you have to deal with gross, drunk people, but you either need to check your problems at the door or don't work there because that attitude is annoying.) I think I was most disappointed with the food. My friend and I ordered the Guinness beef stew and another friend ordered the colcannon. I was a bit in shock when it came out. My stew cost about $10 after tax, so I was in shock when it came out in a tiny, disposable bowl with half a slice of soda bread on the side. Everything tasted good, but it was not worth the price. Also, the stew was brought out but my friend's colcannon was not, so by the time we finished he still had not gotten his order! The waitress came to take our bowls and I said that he never received his food, so she said she would go check on it. She came back about 10 minutes later and said it was on its way. He got his food. Eventually. After that we all ordered a round of Irish car bombs (funny aside: the couple at the table next to us obviously did not know what they were doing because they ordered Irish car bombs and were just sipping them, so the Bailey's curdled.) They were about $10 a drink and once again served in small, plastic Dixie cups. It's sad to me that an Irish pub does not know what a pint is. They also served the liquor in another plastic cup and told us to just pour it in. That totally took the fun out of an Irish car bomb. When we wanted to leave there was no waitress to be found, so I had to search for her so that I could pay. I can't believe I spent $40 here, left hungry, and sober. I really did try to make the best of things and be understanding of the holiday situation, but I am frustrated that just because it was a holiday they became some money-hungry business that took all the fun out of Saint Patrick's day. Their food tasted good, but I don't know if I could give them a second chance after the service we got.

    (1)

  • John G.

    We were there celebrating St Paddy's day and we were very disappointed with the behavior of the staff. My girl friend was assaulted by one of thier bouncers for simply asking what happened to one of our friends who was over-served. The 230lb bouncer shoved her (110lbs) so hard she would have fallen on the floor if the door hadnt been there to catch her. Seattle Police Department responded and took statments.

    (1)

  • Rebecca E.

    Cheap Greasy food, poor service, small pours... Not a good happy hour boat waiting location... Fun, very fun- for live music. A good place to wait for a late boat but not a commuter ferry.

    (2)

  • John C.

    Once again I must thank the Yelp Seattle reviewers for finding this little fun pub. I never would have noticed it if not for reading the reviews on it, since it is kind of hard to find unless you are actually looking for it.Turns out it was only a block from our hotel which was very sweet. It's a nice local pub which is cool, and the happy hour prices can't be beat. I highly recomend getting the fish and chips at happy hour no way to beat it, I would have gladly paid twice as much as I did, it's that good!

    (4)

  • Bernie P.

    Its a stereotypical Irish Pub on one side and looks like an old pizza place on the other side. My only complaint is the food is very OFF and ON, it depends on who's cooking or who does the ordering maybe but sometimes the fish and chips is good and sometimes its not so fresh. Also, sometimes tools make find their way into the bar but its not too often and they usually leave when they realize they aren't in Amber like they wanted to be.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    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 : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Best Nights : Tue, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Owl’n Thistle Irish Pub

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