Pony
1221 E Madison St, Seattle, WA, 98122
Pony Menu
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Address :
1221 E Madison St
Seattle, WA, 98122 - Phone (206) 324-2854
- Website https://www.ponyseattle.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Loud
Music : DJ, Music Videos
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Has TV : No
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Bill F.
Clearly, Pony now understands that a cover was a terrible idea. I have been fascinated with this divey treasure this summer, and I continue to not be disappointed. It's so simple and uncomplicated, and I'm sure that's why it's successful. Clearly, this is what Seattle Eagle wants to be when its not overcome by the new gaybros. The music is heads above everywhere simply for being different. I have noticed that this place can be too busy, and there are really annoying odors in the back toward the bathrooms, obviously. However, it reeks like a very public bathroom if you smell it too long. There is tremendous potential for greatness here.
(4)Sarah M.
I have never felt so discriminated against in my life... It's apparently justified and within their rights as a business to forcefully push you out of the bar if you are straight. My first time at Pony was with my roommate and our gay friend. We were in the bar for less than 5 minutes. My roommate wanted to take a picture of me and I happened to be standing In front of the DJ booth. Before she had a chance I felt hands on my back (very aggressively) push me away from the booth. I turned around thinking maybe the DJ was falling but found him in my face screaming and calling me a bitch. He accused us of trying to "film" him. Then a larger female bouncer showed up and continued to call me and my roommate "basics" "sorority girls" and "bitches" I told them that derogatory terms were not called for and we were just trying to take a photo and enjoy our time with our friend. This female bouncer then started pushing me and my roommate toward the front door where the confused looking doorman stood and just told us we should probably leave. The DJ then went out of his way to walk out of the bar and get in my face again. He said I had no right filming him and then proceeded to tell me to "go fucking kill yourself, you stupid bitches" he flipped us off and walked away. Worst experience of my life. I'm an understanding person and can actually feel empathetic toward them because I know that DJ faces more discrimination everyday than I do, but you can't treat people like that. Hate only breeds hate.
(1)Matt E.
cheap drinks, great DJs and an attractive alterna-gay crowd. All that AND a patio? I'm sold. With a brief 18 hours in Seattle, I didn't get much of a chance to check out the Capitol Hill gay scene, but Pony came highly recommended and we opted to make this our first stop. It wasn't long after stepping into this tiny little bar that I concluded we had made a wise decision. Though it may skew a few years younger than my typical dating pool, the crowd at Pony was just my type. Full of fellas who seem to appreciate the gym as much as fashion and music, there was plenty to keep my eyes entertained. I can't really speak to their cocktails,though somebody insisted they make a great margarita. The beer selection is pretty basic, but seeing as I was drinking PBR all night, I can hardly dock them points for not having the fanciest of microbrews. Either way, the bar staff was super friendly. Nice guys here, I tell ya. One last note: If you have any particularly prudish friends, this might not be the best place to invite them. Not that I saw any lewd behavior (it doesn't strike me as that kind of place), but the walls are covered in pictures and drawings of wieners. But seriously... if your friends can't handle that, they're probably kind of lame and you should reconsider your nightlife buddies.
(4)Cory H.
I'm always down to grab a drink and a dance at Pony! Very open environment and great bartenders! It's very small, so be prepared to swim through the crowd a bit. There's almost always a go-go dancer and great rotating DJs. When I have friends or family come into town, this is one of my favorite late night places to show them. It's a great representation of the culture of Capitol Hill!
(5)Matt V.
COCK!
(5)David M.
Have had some fun nights here, but I won't be returning after what happened last Saturday. Everything was fine until the bartender ripped my friend's dollar tip in half (it was a damaged bill but still legal tender) and flung it in our face. Pony's definitely at the very bottom of my list now.
(1)Rykiel E.
I've been here a couple times for drinks and to hang out with my two friends. One of them actually suggested this place for the night because unicorn was WAY TOO PACKED (and I had to buy my other friend her bday shot). We agreed we should visit pony again cus we had such a great time last time we were here. The bartenders were nice and super chill. The first time I was here I asked for something "peachy" and he made it really tasty... And really strong. The drinks are worth how strong they are! Tonight, I bought a blowjob shot for my friend but he ran out of kahlua? Weird. So I asked if he could make something similar. It wasn't in a skinny shot glass and there wasn't whipped cream.. Aw no fun. But my friend said it tasted like kahlua so I guess he did something right. Left bathroom has a glory hole. Anyway. The patio is our favorite place to chill here. My friend always has a good time checking out the guys (BUT he never actually talks to them smh), and it's a nice place to people-watch with fresh air. I like this place cus it doesn't get too insanely packed! excessive people around me gives me anxiety lmao but that doesn't happen much here no one really wants to touch girls here LOL. The drinks are strong, the service is good, my friend likes the guys there *smirk emoji*, and I can enjoy myself in seattle without worrying about creeps trying to talk to me. Give pony a try if you don't mind the excessive male genitalia everywhere.
(5)Jason J.
How to use a small hole in the wall throw back to the early 80's gay bar with a seedy feel but with updated pricing. different nights of the week hosts different parties sometimes karaoke other times still have dance music. it's a very popular spot during the summer on Sundays as the Sun neck is one of the most popular places that people tend to gather for a Sunday night as the Sun sets on Seattle. Does the fun picture boo you can take photos on but just keep in mind that they keep copies of all the pictures were taken any of the booth so snap away with caution. you never know what you might find inside Pony, so it's always worth it just to stop in and check it out.
(3)Sarah M.
Remember the feeling you had the first time you saw Titanic. The passion that filled the screen and your soul with the highs and lows as Leo took you on in a roller coaster of emotion. This is the best way I can explain on my visit to pony. I cried, I laughed. I blacked out. I feel in love immediately. The bartender are titans of the sea. And I am their humble drunk servant. I bowed to them for allowing me to partake in their euphoric atmosphere and man heaven they have created.
(5)David B.
For a small bar, Pony packs a lot of heat. The owners seem to have an acute sense of fun, as evidenced by the nightly events, unusual decor (walls plastered with 1970's porn), the friendly bartenders and the powerfully addictive grooves laid down by the DJ. There's two restrooms at Pony, one marked Men's, and the other marked Boys'. The difference being that the Men's room doesn't have a latch on the door, and there is no lightbulb. The sun deck offers a nice view of both the CD and the part of Cap Hill that runs close to Seattle U. You can easily interact with folks on the sidewalk below, which is more fun than it sounds.
(5)Allen A.
Oh, Pony! You really gave me a good time. I lived in San Francisco, now I'm in NYC. I have never experienced a gay bar where people are so damn nice. Cheap drinks, and outdoor seating! You sure made my first trip to Seattle a good time. The vibes were smooth. No caty attitudes. I look forward to coming back to Pony. Again, thanks for the great time!! Allen. NY, NY
(5)Madisen T.
Fun atmosphere. Cheap drinks. Glory hole. These are all things you can expect to find at pony.
(4)Kitty B.
I love this place for the atmosphere but I wish there were room to dance on a busy night there is not even room to breath let alone dance which sucks because it has good music usually playing. The outside part is perfect in Summer and Winter because it has fire pits. The crowd is made up from all the regulars from The Capitol Hill area and always friendly. It would totally be 5 stars if only there were room to dance! But I guess that is what The Merc is for since this is technically a bar and not a dance club :P
(4)Toby D.
There are no effing words. This bar is perfect. It's a throwback to the days when people went to bars to get black out drunk. There's no pretense, no gimmicks, no teeny drinks. Just beer and porn EVERYWHERE. I LOVE THIS BAR.
(5)Bobby M.
Okay, I'm a current San Franciscan, a homo, and in my early 40's; who's about to become a Seattleite (hopefully, it's a painless process). Anyhoo, Pony is and has been one of my favorite bars in Seattle. I couldn't give two shits if the bar staff isn't greeting me like I walked into CB2 - I came to DRINK, and it's superlatively easy here. Just give 'em your money, stick to beer, and order two at a time - simple solutions. And sorry to our heteronormative friends who've come here and expected to be lifted to some sort of pedestal level. Chances are, they were annoyed with you, not because of your sexual orientation - but because you are an asshat. It's a condition that transcends sexuality. Shelve your princess-and-the-pea attitude and swing by for a beer and some fun people watching. Sheesh!
(5)Christina L.
Not only was I wholly appalled at the entire staff's strong dislike and rude manner towards straight people, but was faced with one of the overall worst bar experiences. At first the decor and 70s porn theme is cute but then once I got my drink it was disgusting and over poured. As a former bartender I was highly disappointed in the bartender's skill. To make it worse, I slipped on the way to the bathroom (on obviously dangerously wet floors) and skinned my knee and hands up pretty bad. I went to the bartender asking if I could please have a couple bandaids and he gave me two. I asked if I could please have just two more and the bartender told me no, even as I was continuing to bleed. This bar was rude to me, had absolutely, unbearably bad drinks, and refused to help me as I was bleeding due to their incapability to clean a spill. Stay away from this place they're not worth your money!!
(1)Jesus T.
Bar is cool. Old door guy is an asshole. I got there at 1:20AM to get a last drink and go home. I'm aware of washington liquor laws. It's not what you say, but how you say it. He told me "you better hurry up cause I'm pulling you out in 6 minutes." I'm ok if bars stop selling alcohol at 1:26. Just don't be an asshole about it and say you're pulling me out like I'm some kind of chump.
(1)Chris B.
Are you fucking kidding me? My friend Bryan who happen to be gay and we went out to celebrate Bryan's birthday with two other people. Apparently, Danielle want to buy Bryan a drink and asked me what is a good drink to try. I used to be bartender so I know what good drink is. I borrowed Danielle's phone and look up a good recipe she can take up to bartender to make the drink. Instead of making her order, bartender response with attitude and say "we don't make a drink off of a phone". There is nobody in line and there is probably like 5 other people that already have their drink. It was slow night on Sunday since everybody have to work in the morning. Bartender says "you can request any drink you want. Just call it out", "Well then make this one then", "No! Something like lemon drop, gin and tonic, or whatever!". Right, you're too busy to look at the drink and make it. Fuck you asshole. You know, we are paying you a money and we expect a good customer service. This bar deserve to be burn down. Fuck you, we are not coming back here again.
(1)Vega S.
From the perspective of a straight female, the Pony is awesome place to hang out for several reasons. It offers excellent people watching, has really affordable drinks and no pushy bar bros trying to get with you.
(4)Warren C.
This is one of my favorite gay bars here in town. It's as if it was plucked directly out of 1970's Mission Street Frisco and plopped down on chilly, ultra-modern, 21st century Seattle. Great djs. I love the fire pit on the patio! Also the go-go boys provide excellent live entertainment. KEEP IN MIND: - it's very small, so it gets crowded easy. - if you tip the bartender well on the first round, THEY WILL LOVE YOU. Rooms are expensive in C.hill. - the crowd is Seattle's finest gay hipsters and their lady pals, so good luck making friends. I'm ultimately square, so I like to go and soak up the fun, in spite of them mostly.
(5)Brad Y.
Pony is still my go to bar. It's my default choice when I'm heading to the Hill and want to grab a drink with a friend. I like it because it is not at all pretentious and it retains it's ethos as a gay bar. The art/graffiti on the walls and the overall vibe of the bar strike me as a throw back to a time before the internet when gay bars were places where gay men went to meet other gay men. Additionally, the DJs play a variety of music--I've heard everything from the Smiths to Donna Summer to Nirvana. In this respect Pony is not your typical gay bar--but that's what is so refreshing about it.
(5)Jane H.
The best bar in Seattle! It is impossible to not have a great time at Pony. Everyone who works here is amazing, the drinks are stiff & the patio is one of the greatest in the city! The ONLY GAY BAR worth going to in Seattle in my opinion!
(5)Lisa N.
Pony is fun, small, gets packed pretty quickly, has good drink prices, and has a photo booth. I like the fire pit outside.
(4)John G.
At Pony, you better be ready for the sexy dancers, wall to wall vintage porn, beards on every man in sight, pitchers of beer everywhere, neon lights and dark spaces. I would not say this place feels "clean & sanitary"... so if you have a problem with that stay away. The deck and fire pit is great. Cruising is everywhere, so be ready.
(5)Scott O.
By far the most rude, unprofessional bar staff I have ever encountered. This bar is mediocre at best anyway, but after this horrible experience I will never go back. Don't waste your time...there are plenty of other gay bars in the neighborhood with friendly employees.
(1)John L.
I love trashy gay dive bars. What makes this place so amazing is the 70's gay porn on the walls, the bathrooms (won't spoil the surprise) and tattooed go-go boys. The patio outside is actually really nice, although crowded sometimes, and it's a good place to sit outside and have a drink in the early evening before everything gets too crowded. Why only three stars? The bartender with the beard. Funny story. A few weeks ago, I stumbled home alone from the Cuff and attempted to buy Beyonce tickets which were, of course, long sold out. No success. Then I passed out. On my debit card. When I woke up, it was bent horribly. I didn't think it would work anymore, but for the next week I sheepishly handed it to the lady at the deli in the building where I work, the QFC clerk, the receptionist at my doctor's office, and the bartenders at all of my usual Capitol Hill go-to's. I got a laugh every time and maybe a slight look of judgement but still, to my amazement, the card worked every time. Fast forward to Pony and the bartender with the beard. I order a drink, he makes it, and I give him the card. "You got another card?" he says. "This one's not gonna work." "Oh, it does," I say. "I just used it at two other bars before this." (No shame here) "What bars?" he says. Really? Does it matter? I asked him to at least try it, and he half-way runs it through the reader. "Doesn't work," he says. I hand the drink back to him. He gives me a dirty look. So my friends and I left. We went to Madison Pub- card worked. Cuff- card worked. IHOP at 4 am- card worked. Chase ATM- ok, that didn't work. Card got stuck inside and crashed the system. RIP, debit card :( Moral of the story-- have a sense of humor, Mr. Bartender. And when your customer says his slightly deformed debit card works, trust him.
(3)Brooks M.
have always loved this place. set up as a temp bar as its predecessor it turned into a hill staple instead of another f*cking condo beige complex. good drinks. good music. good gogo boys. dirty simple and busy. just go.
(4)Shekinah S.
What an unabashedly Gay Little Pony. Try to go when it's nice out so you can chill on the patio. There is a photo booth. There is usually a scantily clad go go dancer on the bar. There is dancing but not really room for it so it's a bit of a cluster. If you don't have a penis, use the bathroom marked "Boys" as there is no urinal and you can lock the door (the other one is for "Men") . I like that Pony kind of looks like a fortress from the outside. A Gay Fortress.
(4)Jacob R.
The bar is small and fits a niche market. Timing is everything at this place. Could get yourself into trouble or just have a casual time.
(4)Marshall R.
As many others have stated, the bartenders are the rudest on the hill. Ordered my first drink of the night and the bartender misunderstood my order due to the loud music. Paid him before noticing and then very politely explained that there was a misunderstanding and I got the wrong drink. Rather than replace the drink, he insisted that I pay for a new one. I'm a regular there and have recommended the place to many friends and even defended the bar staff when others said they were rude. I guess they were right. Run away from this place and go to many of the other friendly gay bars on the hill. The patio is nice but not worth being treated like a nuisance.
(1)Bill P.
Bartender doesn't pay attention to you if your not pretty or young...total asshole. If you're older or not so pretty don't expect good service. Why don't owners train their employees better? Even us troglodytes need a beer once in a while.
(1)Joey D.
I find this place the most socially acceptable gay bar to be totally annihilated in.
(4)Clover A.
Keep on rockin' in the gay world, lover. Don't worry for a minute that you're not cool enough to come in here-of course you're not- but no one will call you out on it, so come and join the cool kids and have a drink or eight with us. We'll treat you reeeaaaalllll nice. The cocktails are strong, the music is fan-fucking-tastic, the decor is, well, let's say it's much to my liking, and the fun times are absolutely assured every damn time you set foot inside. Bartenders attend to your every need and the patrons are as interesting as the art on the walls. Don't be afraid, but do check your bullshit at the door, ain't no room for it in here, sugar.
(5)Daniel M.
Overall this bar is pretty rad and unique. I especially like the 'BONERTOWN' section of the patio, even if this bar is of minimal size, I mean it's smaller than a double wide trailer like in THE TRAILER PARK, and I'm pretty confident that your friend or boyfriend or Scruff date or creepy Casual Encounters Craigslist guy you now regret trying 'just one more time,' like that one song I can't think if the name of right now, sorry my friends. Don't worry about that last one though bud, I too have been there, I mean the Craigslist dates. But usually as the creepier one of the 2 or 3 if you wanna ménage a trois. I'm in! Anyway, it's likely folks could find you in there without this map idea, SO.... Pony Management, despite past requests I am almost 100% certain I do not need a detailed map that is to scale with the various towns, subdivisions, castes, classes, beard lengths, sexual position preferences, and so on. Thank you a bunch though for offering! BUT. AND THIS IS A BIG BUT BECAUSE IT MADE ME KNOCK TWO, YEP, TWO I SAY, OF THE 5 TOTAL STARS. OK, now that I have all of yours undivided attention and you have all taken a break from your ménage a troises (sp? Help French Folks!). And put down those video head cleaner bottles too, ya nasty lil freaks! Man, just take a damn break here THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!!! There is ONE bartender that works there that HATES MY BELOVED DOG. She is such a cute little thing all huffing and puffing from the hot(ish) Seattle weather and just needed a little water break. But this dastardly one, let me tell you...he said NO DOGS ALLOWED! What a bitch he was! Stay away from all dog haters is what my momma told me and I believe that, especially a rescue that was found in a hot (ahem, real 100 plus degree heat) Austin, TX parking lot all abandoned and sad. But I took her in and we are hashtagpals4life!!!! And this very delicate little bartender was all like, 'shut the door! It's hot out!' and then whined about the A/C on despite seeing my thirsty little pooch. So I was feeling a tad impish so I kept the door open for like at least a full minute. Yep a minute so my sweet as pie dog could catch some more A/C and me too of course. I'm not gonna lie to you guYS, C'MON! Well, just so you all know barkeep I am willing to reconcile and even make out with this bear like bartender and/or engage in a consensus ménage a trois....!!! So what da'ya say DOG HATER and WEATHER WEAKLING?! I know you had a beard, jeans that were way too tight for you, and a shirt and hat that said something like 'I wanna be your puppy' or 'The party is down here' with a downward arrow to your sweaty ball sac and penis region. Oh, you were sweating a whole lot and you weren't very happy with my mischievous behavior. And I did take a sticker off the wall that something like 'THIS IS QUEER SPACE.' With a PERIOD at the end though. Why no EXCLAMATION POINT or 3 to really get the point across? Much like a ménage a trois, ya know my friend? Oh well, epic fail by the sticker maker but I'll add the !!!'s myself and practice saying it all fierce and tough like a MAN for next time I make it to BONERTOWN...I'll just leave my dog out in the parking lot. She loves hot asphalt parking lots, makes her feel all alone and abandoned in this cruel cruel world but MANAGEMENT I DEMAND THEY MUST provide her with a map,CUZ OF YOUR DOG HATER AND TOTES SUMMER BUMMER! So, let's converse and argue and make funny faces at each other through the door that separates the inside PONY section from the outside WORLD. HAVE YOU ever been at THE WORLD? It's kinda crazy believe you me! I'll check Yelp for reviews of THE WORLD OR BETTER YET I WILL WRITE A REVIEW ON THE WORLD! It will be PRETTY EPIC because that is what Yelp tells me. I hope you learn to love dogs and learn to love the summer and not be such a Little Debbie Downer all the time. And be sure to drink lots of water because you are a profuse sweater, it's serious man, maybe you should check in with a doctor and not the guy that hangs out in BONERTOWN who calls himself DOCTOR FEELGOOD. I'm willing to add more stars and maybe (MAYBE) more exclamation points when you meet my dog and promise not to kick her or yell at her or pull her tail or truthfully anything absolutely outrageous like that. SIGNING OFF FOR NOW FROM 'THE WORLD'....Let me practice real quick lightning math flashcard speedy and not with any of those 'TREATS' DOCTOR FEELGOOD GIVES ME FOR FREE AND I SWALLOW DOWN WITH MY SUMMER HUMMER (that's vodka and lemonade, preferably pink lemonade, for those not in the know, ya know?) AND I FEEL SLEEPY AND TIRED AND SLOW AND FORGET WHAT HAPPENS IN BONERTOWN ... anyways I'm told it's always a HOOT and only an asshat wouldn't trust DOCTOR FEELGOOD! So here we go....'THIS IS A QUEER SPACE!!!!!!!' I AM GOING TO ADD THIS PART: BUT THE PATIO IS NOT DOG FRIENDLY WHICH IS SUPER STOOPID AND A SUPER DOOPER POOPER SCOOPER SUMMER BUMMER!!!!!!!! Now who of all of you readers will ménage a trois with me???!!!
(3)Michael U.
Since when does "Dive Bar" mean that the staff need showers and can get away with being inattentive, though surly when they are attending? I've been there four times total, and each time this place seemed pretty consistent with my opening statement. Not my worst experience at a Public House but far from my best and I doubt I'll be going back unless someone I truly care for or admire insists. Not likely.
(2)Leo C.
I'm from New York and I can honestly say that this is the most fun I've had at a bar in a very long time.
(5)Ryan D.
What can I say about Pony? As an out of towner, it's a great place to visit. It does get crowded on certain nights (been here several different occasions on several different visits). When I say crowded, I mean VERY crowded.. To the point where you can't move inside and you have to figure out which line is for the bar, or bathroom. Overall though, it's a great place to visit. Nice crowd, and very funny and entertaining writings and pictures on the wall.
(4)RJ H.
Penis walls! Hilarious, especially when you've inadvertently dragged several straight buddies in here for a last round. Talk about an education... Ben: "I mean, who wants to look at that?!" RJ: "You mean like strip bars?" Ben: "Totally different, RJ." RJ: "Explain." Ben: ((stubborn pause)) "I can't. And I shouldn't have to." Old school bar, new school prices (ridiculous). Seems almost entirely gimmick-driven. But so what? Something tells me I haven't had my last ride on a Pony...
(4)C W.
"The Karaoke Kaiser" The Pony is my favorite bar in Seattle, but the Tuesday Karaoke night needs help. Like, psychological help. The person who runs karaoke, "the Karaoke Kaiser" (who I think is from some outside company pony hires) is a control freak with very strict rules that makes karaoke night play out more like a grade school bathroom line overseen by a dorky, watchful hall-monitor than the easygoing, fun time with friends it usually is. One of the rule is, if you sing a duet or back someone up, or you know, if your friend gets nervous and has you get on stage and sing with them, then you can't sing again. That's right, if you have put in your song, and it's coming up in a few people, and you've been waiting, and your friend sings and asks you to jump on stage and back them up and you do, your song gets bumped from the list. I found this out the hard way. About ten minutes after I put my song in, some guy got onstage with a duet and started asking if anyone knew the song, cause he didn't want to sing alone. I jumped up and sang with him. It was great. People really liked it. It was a silly musical duet, whatever. When I got off, my duet partner thanked me and I was told that he'd needed backup because his duet partner had been KICKED OFF THE STAGE by the Karaoke Kaiser because she had already sung recently (like five people earlier). I didn't really understand at that point. I was there another hour waiting for my song to come up. I bought myself and my friends some drinks. After seeing people go up and sing who'd signed up after me, I went and asked the little Karaoke Kaiser where I was on the list. He said, "What do you mean. You sang a duet. That was your choice. You took your turn. Your solo was bumped." This, of course, pissed me off. I told him I'd been waiting two hours to sing. He responded with a sniveling, "that's what YOU say." It was bizarre. Right after this, my friend got up and sang and then my girlfriend got up and was surprising me with a very, very romantic song from Hedwig. She took the mic and said that the song was for me, but she didn't want to sing it alone. She held out her hand, and I got on stage with her and the Karaoke Kaiser actually turned off the music and said, "What is going on here? You can't sing again." Apparently, me signing that impromptu duet an HOUR before not only bumped my solo off the list but also meant I was not allowed to sing back up with anyone else that night. He actually cut the music while we were on stage, which is apparently what he'd done to the woman whose place I'd taken in the duet I did at the beginning of the night which caused this mess. We just got down and left. Now, I've been to a lot of karaoke nights and never seen anything like this. The Karaoke Kaiser needs mental help and Pony needs to get a new Karaoke company, one that's actually fun.
(3)Ivan T.
HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. BARTENDERS ARE RUDE. I was there with a group of friends including one who owns a very successful restaurant in the market. Bartender got rude because we asked about the beers! After we called him out in it he says "if you don't like it you can get the fuck out". So we did. Have told everyone about the experience as well.
(1)Alfredo D.
Aside from having a nice patio their most distinct feature is providing the WORST customer service. I've been to many bars around the world for many years and have never been treated so poorly and with such contempt by a bartender. Me and a group of friends went there to celebrate a friends birthday, one of my friends approached Jack, the bartender and turned around to us to confirm the drinks we wanted and ordered multiple drinks for all of us , Jack told him "next time make sure you know what all your friends want before you order" there was no line behind us and no reason for him to get upset, after that another friend joined us and we asked for one more drink, Jack again told my friend in a very condescending way to know what he wants before he orders, he said this using derogatory gestures, my friend asked him why he was being so rude and he responded saying he was going to charge his card and then have him kick out of the bar. Another of my friends told him he has been a bar tender for many years and would never treat a customer the way he treated us, Jack told him to go somewhere else and grabbed him by the arm and kicked him out. We were all in a state of shock, we have never experienced such bad customer service, Jack was horrible to us and made us feel like dirt, he spoke over me friend, made rude remarks and acted like a bully to us when my friend called him out on his behavior, he made a gesture telling my friend to "zip it" we were only on our first drink and ready to spend more money there. I contacted Mark, the owner, he responded with a cop-out apology and told us not to go back to his bar. We don't have a problem not going back, I would never spend any more money there. We went out to have a nice time and not expecting to be bullied by the bartender. WORST EXPERIENCE EVER.. DON'T GO TO THIS BAR! I only gave this bar a one star because apparently Zero star is not an option.
(1)Cam O.
It's a Saturday. I walk up to the bar with a friend. Order two Gin and Tonics. My friend asked for half ice in his glass so he could take his time on a drink (he was driving). The bartender makes eye contact on his request, and continues to pour over a full cup of ice. He sets the drinks on the bar (not even a lime in either drink). We stand silent for a split second wondering if he had heard the order (he did). He then reach in our glasses with both HANDS, and scoops out a handful of ice, said "is that good enough?". Nope, definitely not good enough. We walked out. Never stepping foot in that bar again.
(1)Stephanie K.
This is my favorite bar in Seattle. Cheap drinks, dicks galore, and no official women's bathroom. The go go dancer was mesmerizing. The bartender was really friendly. What else can one ask for?
(5)Len R.
I knew it would be a good time when we walked into this bar and immediately saw a hot Go Go boy dancing on the bar to Old School music, 70s looking porn on the walls, and best of all on this, particular night a patron dressed as a "Chicken Lady"! The bar staff was friendly enough, but really it's the totally random mix of everything that makes this place unique.
(4)Jeff G.
I hate this bar. Extremely pretentious. I have been told from a friend who knows the owner that a few of them hate straight people coming into their establishment. I am gay but find that screwed up. My debit card was messed up and works on some machines and didn't work on the one there, the reason it doesn't work was cause of something messed up that happened to me. The bartender called me an asshole and went on and on about how fucked up it was that he couldn't slide his card through. So I wrote eff you on the receipt. Next thing I know I was being violently pushed out of the bar. Then he stole my card. I know his name but I am not posting it. It took this guy more energy to push me out of the bar instead of punching my numbers in. I recommend not coming here. He could have asked me nicely instead of hurting me to leave. I liked this bar before this. I didn't do anything to provoke being called an asshole. Actually his name was Ben. =) oh yeah can I mention I have witnesses and a bruise?
(1)Breylan D.
What a fun place! Was here with friends during Seattle Pride and thought it was hilariously kitschy - vintage nudes all over, cute bar tenders, awesome patio... Music is a little too loud, but all in all it was a great time.
(5)Darcy D.
The dj was rude and slightly classist and seemed spaced and referred to himself as an anti-jukebox which was confounding and unattractive so no to this place, and this place smells like old mcdonalds fries. FYI man has manky beard #verypoor #toohipster #toopainful #bullyingbyexclusion #isthisevenagaybar #toosoontoforgetthepast
(1)Glenn P.
Like any bar, it has its good-vibe crowds, and then the DJ runs you off with TERRIBLE music.
(3)Jonathan L.
This is a bar that's a bit outside of Capitol Hill, but still worth the trek. You can't miss it; just look for the glowing sign that has a stallion on it. Good luck finding parking. After getting my ID checked and walking through the doors, I was assaulted by San Francisco. There was vintage porn plastered on the walls, with penises ensconced in full bushes as their owners languidly posed in full leather gear. The scent of ball sweat permeated the air, and I could've sworn I was back in one of the bars in the Castro. Bring cash just in case. The minimum charge for credit card was $10. The dance floor is limited, but this is a place to socialize and get to know people. There is one metal pole attached to the bar, and it seems like gogoing is up to the patrons. Down some liquid courage and work it like an inebriated gymnast. The evening was nice and the patio was open, with a nice fire pit and bunches of men getting friendly with each other. I came by myself just a to get a sense of the gay bar / dance scene in Seattle, and sat in a corner and people watched with my diet coke. What I can't judge is the strength of the drinks because I am Asian and my glow gets really bad, but the people were friendly and it looked like a gay ole time. The crowd was mixed and of every age. I would come here to start the night off.
(4)Tom T.
Pony is a great place to grab some drinks, whether for a few minutes or a couple of hours. When it's not raining, the patio can't be beat. Never had a bad time there. Their credit card policy is incredibly inconsistent, though. Some nights a singleton charge is no problem, others they insist that it's $10 minimum. Play it safe and bring some cash with you.
(4)Alden C.
I love the Pony! When I go out to the bars I often grade them on how good the people watching is. I have not been to the Pony enough I am sure but the people watching gets about a 'C'. They more than make up for it though in atmosphere and the wacky movie screen they got set up, playing all kinds of oddball movies. The atmosphere is set up what could best be described as what the gay bars in Greenwich Village probably looked like in the 1970's. Capitol Hill is notorious for having mixed crowds in any bar. Straight men can indeed be out of their element and may feel a bit uncomfortable because the bar is unabashedly gay and any closet it came out of got burned down a long time ago. The decor is mainly comprised of men in the buff and nothing is left to the imagination with Day of the Dead pinata skulls slowly spinning from the ceiling. Lazers are abound in the bar and if you are too cool for school coming in here you might get burned if you sit too long when a beam is getting a bead on you. The films they play here are wide and varied. Of course you can't actually get into the movie because the sound is off and there is the thrum of music going on or a DJ spinning. It is fun to test my movie knowledge. One night they played the 1980's campfest version of Flash Gordon. Another night my jaw dropped and a big grin surfaced on me. They were playing Kenneth Anger movies! I noticed it because I was trying to figure out what was on and thought it was Anger's "Lucifer Rising" which it was after another one of his shorts came on that I recognized. Now you tell me, how cool is that??!! The bathrooms are an experience that everyone should go into once. There is the 'Boys' bathroom and the 'Men's' bathroom. The Boys is nothing too crazy but the Men's is lit with blacklights and there is glowing writing everywhere as well as a bonafide glory hole between the toilet and the urinal. If you don't know what one is, look it up. I am sure it has been used more than once there. I used the Men's once and two straight buddies were confused as to which one to go into. One went to the Boys and the other went to the Men's. The bathroom was big enough for another person but he was not having it, he waited till I left. A fish out of water maybe? Lol! I know a gave away too much but I had to emphasize just how great the set up is here. They have a good amount of beer on tap and even more bottled. Truly a fun place to go to!
(5)Candace F.
I was insulted beyond imagination by the way I was treated at Pony. I stood at the edge of the outdoor patio with a new friend. A bouncer came to us and accused us of being on drugs. (I had one drink and no other substances.) We apologized for unknowingly doing anything wrong. The bouncer physically threatened us, although we had not harmed anyone and there was no sign telling us not to go to that part of the patio. It was the most insane experience I have ever had at a bar in the United States - unnecessarily confrontational in every way. I am never letting anyone I like come to Pony. An establishment that allows its staff to treat patrons this way does not deserve my business.
(1)Josh T.
Just being here is a conversation starter. "hey did you see that penis on the wall?" "did you see THAT penis on the wall?!" so on and so forth. there's lot of vintage porn plastered on the wall. While uncomfortable to some may be the greatest thing about this place, it's really, REALLY unabashedly, unashamedly GAY. This place has a very mixed crowd and is fairly small forcing a bit more mixing. The patio is nice, but basically a closed in box. Emphasizing some hipster/ghetto-ness, they have Colt 45 in a paperbag, and more of PBR type of place.
(3)Anna B.
Three things that I really like: To drink drinks. To meet new people. To dance crazily. Over many, many years of Seattle visits, those three things have never been realized at the same time, ever. Until Pony. First time EVER in Seattle that I got people to strike up a conversation with me, instead of hurriedly running away like I had SARS the second I said, "hello". First time EVER, anywhere, that I got to see a go-go dancer dressed as a cat, who not only purred at me, but encouraged me to scam drinks off of the only two straight guys with seats at the bar. No, thanks, I said, I got this one on lock, gay/straight/unsure/whatever. I was too happy to be in the presence of a man dressed like a cat to care about what my tab was going to be at the end of the night. In fact, I was so enthralled that I actually made a friend and got someone in Seattle to talk to me (gasp!) that I bought a round for about eight or nine people. We had a blast out on the back patio looking out at the city scape and getting all warm and fuzzy on Maker's Mark in plastic cups. Music was fun, bartenders were sassy and friendly, it was just sweaty and packed enough to feel like home, and we had a great time. I drank about enough bourbon to kill a small pony, but somehow made it back to the hotel ok, only to wake up a few short hours later and want to go back immediately. Our Pony night was without a doubt the most fun I've ever had at a bar in the Emerald City. I think the everyone-is-welcome factor is what did it, and I really appreciate that. Lastly, and I only say this to get this off my chest, because it is SO good, I'm both sorry and tickled that I yelled, "this ain't my first time at the rodeo" to an elderly man trying to explain to me what to do with my dollar bills in regard to tipping the go-go dancer.
(4)Jessica S.
I LOVE PONY!!!!! Thanks for always making me feel welcome, play great music, have a photo booth, pour me great drinks, give me a place to dance, and be all around fun! Even my square straight brother loves this place! See you at the stable.....
(5)Ali S.
This place is awesome. Dicks on the wall, bearded stripper in tennis shoes, and Richard Simmons on the tube. What are you missing? If you said outdoor fire pit on the patio, well say no more, Pony has you covered.
(4)Steven D.
"Hey! It's the guy who thinks he is better than everyone else and is holding up the line." thank you pony for making me feel like crap for moving here 3 days ago and not having a perm address so that when my magnetic strip on my card went out I couldn't get a perm card sent to me so had to have a temp card with no name on if given ( not that I left card at another bar as the extremely rude bartender excused me of). Thank you for for yelling at the crowd behind me that I was the a**hole that thinks that I am better than everyone else when I am just trying to find my way in Seattle and make friends. GREAT STASRT PONY! YOU SUCK !
(1)J S.
Pony. Where else can you break a glass, rip off your T-shirt, spill a drink over yourself and half the people around you, drop your glasses behind the banquette seating numerous times, fall onto the DJ table, snap photos of the clown head gloryhole, watch bored rhythmically challenged gogo dancers, flirt crazily with guys you're not attracted to and dance frantically to the Soft Pink Truth's "Make-Up" without anyone batting an eye? 'Nuff said.
(5)Wendell B.
Pros: Very fun decor, friendly bartenders, sometimes really good music Cons: sometimes really BAD music, diet coke from the gun tastes very, very BAD.
(3)Suzy S.
I was one of two females in the entire crowded bar. 'Nuff said. Oh and... Penises.
(4)James F.
How can you NOT love pony? Big patio, great DJ, and naked pictures of men everywhere. THis place is hilarious and amazing. Plus, if you're there for happy hour on wednesday, well drinksa re $3!!! The crowd is super friendly, as are the bartenders.
(5)Alaina W.
PENIS. yeah, that pretty much sums it up. no? ok. ...great bartenders. nice deck. strong drinks. cozy. air hockey. old porn. and penises.
(4)Brian H.
O Pony. Where would I be without your trashy goodness? Where would I turn to for assistance in my war against my liver? Bored to tears and damned if I know. From the vintage porn to the friendly bartenders with the knowing smile who hand me my credit card the next day, I love you so much. I can't really comment on the music. I don't pay attention to it, frankly. I stopped following contemporary music back in nineties. As for dancing, I don't go in for it much these days as I find it interferes with the liberal internal application of gin. Besides, there are other places better suited for flailing about like a gaffed salmon than Pony. Still, if you must, you can. Just watch your elbows, you slut. You nearly knocked my gin over. Tea dance is a fave because the patio is perfect for getting totally loaded and running into friends. Or getting totally loaded and people watching if you're a wallflower like me. What is Pony to me? The perfect neighborhood bar.
(5)Andrew M.
Love the dirty Pony. I've spent many a drunken night here and have a blast every time. The patio is great in the warmer months and even if it's cold, the firepit does a pretty good job of keeping it warm. The space is tiny, dark and has just the right amount of seediness to make it interesting. Take a little dirty East Village a little old school Castro and leave out the Seattle attitude and you've got Pony. One of my favorite places to get drunk.
(5)Madonna M.
Fantastic music. Strong drinks. Excellent crowd. Photo booth. Go-go dancers. Penis wall. What a wonderful place.
(5)Frankie O.
This bar is not for the faint of heart. Pony provides it's bar-goers nothing less than a provocative experience. They provide pints, pitchers, and strong pours. There are penises plastered all over the walls. The potties are nothing pleasant, try to save it for home. That being said, I always meet a ton of interesting and friendly people. It doesn't take long to start conversations, and I always have a good time. If you are female, you might be the only one there. So just don't go if you're not comfortable.
(4)Ellie B.
Came here last night with a friend, and we had a pretty good time. I love the fireplace in the outside patio. Inside on the walls were many pictures of penises. My straight friend enjoyed em', and me it's not my cup of tea .. after all it's a gay bar! The crowd is also friendly and drinks were strong.
(5)Doug S.
What comprises the perfect gay bar? Vintage porn depicting hairy penises on the wall: check. Vintage porn playing on the Super 8 movie reel in the back of the bar: check. Uber-sexy bartenders who actually work out and lift weights: check Uber-sexy go-go dancers who can actually dance: check Rockin' DJ: check Stiff drinks: check Cool patio with fire pit: check Dimly-lit bathrooms with glory holes: check. What else do you need, yo?
(5)Corinna K.
Wherein Corinna walks into the Pony and immediately thinks, "Sup, weiners." And then, "There is no place to siiiiiiiiiit why are you doing this to me." And THEN: "Yaaaaay patio!" Welcome to my thought process, everyone. It's super fascinating. Good music. Good bartenders. Good drinks. Love the patio area, especially the front portion that reminds me of the bow of a ship. Wish the chairs in the bow swivelled so I could turn around and holler at people walking in 360 degrees, but not everything can be perfect. It was a pretty low key evening, but I definitely want to come back for one of the debaucherous dancey nights.
(4)Jessica L.
i'm pretty sure i was meant to be a gay man. i have a glitter-sprinkled boner for this place. dicks on the walls. dicks on the tables. dicks on the bar. water water everywhere and not a drop to drink. i wish the place was slightly bigger but it's ok, i'm not a size queen. cheap beer. naked men plastered on the walls. colt 45 in paper bags. cute boys dancing on the bar in tighty whities. nice patio. bartenders dressed in sexy costumes. the most hilarious vintage porn. epileptic seizures in the bathroom caused by strobe lights. free condoms. floral shop fridges. raunchy. naughty. leather. and what's this? twitter tells me you now have an old skool photo booth? gazillion glittery stars, pony! or 5 red yelp ones. *HH everyday until 8pm and all night wednesdays - $3 tall well drinks - $1.50 busch drafts/$5 pitchers - $2.50 bud lite drafts - $3.50 microbrew drafts
(5)Tika B.
who doesn't like a pony ride from time-to-time? some crunt from yelp (someone that doesn't even KNOW me. sheesh!) noted that i never leave any "positive" reviews, so here's one. take THAT, you effin wh*re.
(4)Carmen G.
It's all about the green polka dot strobe light. And the $2 Busch drinks. My only wish is that I can smoke out in the patio. And also, the man voguing. and gay boys with glasses.
(4)Scott S.
Don't know how i didn't find this place before. Great on the inside and a huge patio with a fire. They had old 80's punk and rock going. Only complaint is the crazy price of the booze.
(4)Jimi L.
Great bar,Hot bartender, gloryhole in bathroom, gogo boys on Friday nights. Met several nice men in this bar. The drinks were a little weak for the price, but the atmosphere made up for it. If you are looking for a fun bar, this is it!
(5)Mario L.
to me, Pony is like a friend u have that u love n who loves u back but have doubts about how they feel about u a lot, even tho their feelings haven't changed. Pony is a snake charming cool customer/underwater volcano whom u haven't had that liminal discussion together about rlly rlly deep/intellectual stuff with yet (ex. "not trying to force a diversity agenda bcuz yer setup is rlly hot but sometimes i feel like im supposed to prove something in this space with the lack of prominent POC bodies on the wall. i just wanna b honest with u since we r friends Pony.") in the time continuum so u r kinda sweatin' on that dark misty dance floor having intense feelings, attuned to the sexual energies everyone/the walls r giving off, sometimes wanting to have an excuse to go to the bathroom or smoke outside (if u smoke) with everyone who smokes bcuz you're overwhelmed by how u wish u could love everyone there who is alone the way they need to b loved. this is mixed with contradictory experiences of lusting over strangers, feelin like an outsider, glazed over eyes of people u make assumptions about, "IT'S MAH BURFDAY, THE QUEEN HAS ARRIVED" diva nights, medicating your issues with drank on happy hour night, SEXY DANCY TIMES EVERYONE, "y am i here!?" existential moments, being classy, being a hot mess, wanting to go home n watch something on Netflix, etc. u invite Pony to certain social gatherings bcuz u don't know what kind of expectations they have n have small anxieties about them, vice-versa. eventually, the two of u will start being able to read each others' minds but for now u r both doing u together with the occasional struggle, werkin those evenings with friends old n new, kissin n huggin, havin some real talk, bein with people outside when it is closed, belonging, unbelonging, n belonging all over again.
(5)Lisa O.
my fave queer bar on the west coast. thank you for existing!
(5)Ed G.
Cool place but one of the bartenders (Curtis (?) is a total a-hole, telling patrons to "shut the f up" for no reason and literally shoving another patron's elbow off the bar. Get a life dude. Just because you wear cow spandex and have piercings doesn't make you cool.
(2)Bo S.
You like sleazy dark atmospheres, vintage porn, queers, and strong drinks? Have a good sense of humor? Pony. I am here most Monday nights for their Dirty Deeds (tribute to old school metal). The place is pretty small for a bar, but it works. Even when it's packed, there is always room outside on the enclosed patio. Photobooth? check. Gotta make sure your night is memorialized forever. And yep - you really did that. David is my favorite bartender, but have never had bad service. My favorite place to hit if I'm doing a c-hill crawl or to spend the last portion of my evening out. As Jason P said, the staff and patrons are the least judgy folks you'll find in this area of town. Feel free to be yourself and have a great time.
(5)Alisa B.
The gay dive bar to MAKE all other gay dive bars! I walked into this misty little room and felt dirty. But i think that whats their going for so good job! Its dark and kind of damp with loud thumping 80's style music emitting from a very small elevated DJ studio complete with flashing lights, strobes and discoballs. The walls are covered in life size photos of naked guys and yes lots of penises so be ready for that cause I so wasn't lol. The air hockey table is off in a corner, its covered in unknown scuff's and substances which actually makes it pretty useless.... The restrooms are labled Mens and Boys and being neither of these figured boys was a pretty good bet, no body corrected me so I figured WTH. The drinks are ok at best so I stuck to cheap champagne for most of the time i was there. The bartender was super sweet to me (being the only chick and so obviously out of place there) and I really appreciated that. The other guys didn't really seem to mind a woman's presence (token fruit fly of hte night i suppose). I was a little disapointed that when they realized I was a chick they switched the tv from gay porn to some Dinah Washington like video... meh whatever I really don't mind either way. I wouldn't run back here or anything but I had a good time so if you are the nights fruit fly, show the boys how butch you are and take em to Pony : )
(3)Raul V.
This is a fine bar. A fine bar with a fine atmosphere. It's kitschy, and always packed with exactly the kind of folks you would expect. The bartenders are friendly, the doorfolk are nice and the patio is great when it's not 20 degrees out. But there are of course negatives: Rumor has it the layout was designed to emulate the male anatomy. Whether or not this is true, or if the layout is more likely a function of the building's termination at that weird intersection, navigating around this space is a pain in the skinny-jeaned @ss. When this place is packed, it's an absolute nightmare. Two weekends ago I was there and my entire time was spent exchanging sighs and frustrated looks with one patron after another as they tried to birth themselves through the crowd. Likewise, I am surprised to see that "Good for Dancing" has a "yes" next to it, because while there is decent music the dance floor is really a combination of people in line for the bar, a thoroughfare for people trying to get from the bar to the bathrooms etc, and the 4 or 5 people who have managed to secure 2 square feet for themselves to shake it. You get points for trying Pony...but I highly doubt a raging dance party enjoyed by all is ever going to be possible given the space allowed. Maybe you and the Cuff (or any other bar in Seattle really) could swap buildings?
(3)Jason P.
This is my favorite bar in Seattle. Apart from the awesome atmosphere, cheap drinks, and always great music... My favorite thing about Pony is how friendly and non-judgemental the staff and patrons are. I as a strait dude get and un-welcoming vibe from many a gay bar, but never here. This is a great place to bring and make friends. Come as you are, Have fun. I do however miss the hell out of the air hockey table.
(5)Brian M.
When I first came to Seattle and started to Yelp. I keep hearing about this Dive Bar called Pony. Something seemed very "unique?" about the original pony's, A Creepy Cool with 70's back page ads and in the center of attention air hockey table.When people enter your greeted with a cheers style "Gay Derogatory term"being shouted at entering patrons. Unfortunately It closed when I first heard about it as it was bulldozed over to make condo's..(i think) But it magically it re-open looking like a entrance to Camelot...A Gay(er) Camelot with air hockey and a guy dressed up in Mexican fiesta fare. The entrance sign telling incoming patrons that this Gay Bar is a very Gay Bar, No homophobes..and when I entered I did not hear anyone saying the Official Pony style greeting but oh well. I got my Diet Coke and walk around..Filled with young gays, lesbians, Boi's and ambiguous Hipsters. A nice girl started making convo and everyone seemed to be very nice. Awesome music and dance lights decorated the mini dance floor. It seems to be more polished and even upscale(?) to my readings of the original pony's of just being a dive bar with air hockey. Being a prude of anything pornographic i felt fine here...There was 1950's video's playing and they were more humorous than pornographic..like a Gay three stooges or a silent movie humor video's of gay scenario's. The times of people not talking to me I have this social thing where I look at the decor at bars...but the only thing to look at is pics of nude men and the video's...I am not really thinking about it but something to place my eyes and to think to myself as a social shield but then i realized my eyes have been on a picture of a nude dude for 6mins..and I don't think it's a straight or gay thing but when does that not get socially unacceptable at starting at walls of nude people and not looking like a creep...So I spectated Airhocky and seemed like it was not as a big thing to do at the new pony's but it's there as people dance and drink PBR from paper bags. but overall It's a cool place and a friendly vibe. note:should bring cash..Credit is a $10.00 minimum
(4)Meghan L.
Penises everywhere!
(5)Jason S.
The Pony is an intentionally gay dive. I went with friends last weekend and was happy to see that it was much like the former Pony on Pine. The decor, pictures plastered on the walls and vintage porn mags at each table help make this unique to any other bar I've been to. The drinks were good, priced right, and the service attentive. This place is small so I imagine it could get packed on the weekends. Yay for Pony!
(4)James E.
Any gay bar that plays "Assimilate" by Skinny Puppy as background music automatically has my loyalty. The second coming of Pony learned some lessons from its former incarnation on Pine Street: I can sit comfortably along a wall-length bench (or outside where the patio is covered); the bar offers more libations than Seattle-cliché PBR; and the interior personifies what it meant to be young, gay, and curious about the back pages of many a gay rag. A beer and a top-shelf cocktail didn't break the bank, either. Not that I'm naming names (as I look in the direction of a catty neighbor), but it's nice to have a cocktail that doesn't cost $9. You boys at Pony keep playing the classics and I'll keep comin' back for more. If you take requests, any chance of hearing hiLt or Coil?
(4)Jerome C.
Pony is awesome. It was my favorite gay bar when I visited Seattle-- the cheap, stiff drinks, vintage porn on the walls, tasteful gay music (I went on a Morrissey night-- what more could a pretentious, gay boy like me ask for?) the back patio, and the distinction between the "men's" and "boys'" bathrooms all gave this place the charm and appeal of the grungy gay Seattle scene. The crowd here is relaxed, easy going, and pretty friendly for the most part. It may be in the outskirts of Capitol Hill, but you have to be sure to check this place out.
(5)Dale W.
UPDATE: Ok ok I do not usually go back on my word but I am changing my review on this place. Last year (almost to the day) I had a 30th birthday party held for me at Pony. Despite my last review on this place I went anyways since it was being thrown by co-workers. Service turned out to be very good and the current bartender was super accommodating. They allowed us to have a stripper on the patio, plug in a boombox, and take up most of the deck for the party. I am also impressed that the owner wrote me to inform me that the the "bitchy bartender" I experience before was no longer employed there. That was a good business move and I am thankful the owner was concerned enough to update me. Time has gone by since my last review and I have to say I am now impressed. Good Luck Pony - ------------ Old News. I agree with the last comment about it not being the same as the old Pony especially the new bitchy bartender. Nothing says "welcome to our new business" like yelling "WHAT DO YOU WANT?" agressively at a customer when ordering (and no, it was not loud at the time) The bar itself was interesting and definitely worth a look around. Patio was the best place to stand due to the insides layout. Maybe as time goes on my thoughts will change about this place but until then I'll keep it at not impressed.
(4)Erik B.
Hooray, Pony!! Go-go boys, Vidoes of B-52's/Forbidden Zone/Skinflick, and Nina Hagen on the playlist. I'm all for it!! And to answer the question of girls taking time in the bathroom. There's a strobe light!! Have you ever seen someone pee in a strobe light?!? It's the 8th wonder... But bring back the clown-10"-gloryhole. That was awesome!!
(5)Alex G.
In all honesty, its my favorite bar on the hill. I love Wednesdays, its happy hour all night
(5)West S.
Dive bar about says it, and not in a good way. Horrible seating, bad bartender, attitude, not much room or anything else going for it. Many better options such as CC Attles, Madison Pub, Cuff, and Lobby within 3 blocks. Don't waste your time here.
(1)kieran j.
Good decor, when we went it was pretty boring scene though it was earlish. The major sticking point was the fact that we ordered Patron and got some call shit uncleverly disguised by being put into a Patron bottle. Bad, bad Pony.
(2)Rix G.
Checked out the Littlest Tea Dance in the World.... Pony is a very interesting bar with lots of Porn and Pictures to read on the wall. Also, they have magazines on the counters if you feel like flipping through them. Had a straight friend join us and she had a great time. The music was good but the retro seventies vibe got old after awhile. I was wishing they would play some 80s or more.. Everyone else seemed to love it!
(4)Peter A.
Pony is like a gay "Cha Cha" -- a bar designed from day one to be a dive (although one of our party repeatedly insisted it was not a dive but rather a "shanty"). As nouveau dives go, it's a fairly good one, with its odd angles giving it character and its ship-like patio giving it an odd sense of command of Capitol Hill.
(3)Andy G.
Great patio, but once winter rolls in - we'll see. The crowd was diverse and it was a good vibe for the most part. The downfall will be whatever the "girls" are doing in the bathroom that's taking so long. Unisex bathroom - 30 minute line? F that.
(3)Matthew H.
so THIS is the new Pony. I'm kind of pissed off that annoying 21 year olds gloated for weeks about the "new" Pony opening even thought they had no fucking idea about the old one. Seattle people are fucking ridiculous, especially the young ones. Whatever, one of the reasons why the old Pony was amazing was because it was temporary, and everyone knew to savor the time we had while it lasted. Beyond that annoying kids and the weird ass shaped building, it's a good place to be. They even played Stevie Nicks the first time I went in there. This place fills the "void" between those who don't perfectly fit into the Cuff crowd, but can't quite fit into the Elite crowd either. However, I'm not so happy about not being stamped a faggot at this new one. Bring the stamp back damnit!
(4)Hilary L.
I love ponies. I love dive bars. I love gay men (I think I should have been born a gay man and I speak fluent gay). Need I say more? Pony on Madison is an amalgam of many of my top interests. If only they had food and t.v., my gluttony would be satiated!
(5)kat s.
I cannot wait for you to open. 500 block of Pine's favorite seedy gay bar is back, and hopefully as sleazy as ever.
(5)Katy B.
I didn't get it. Then, someone explained it to me. But that shouldn't have been necessary.
(4)Ryan P.
Awesome place first time here. Good specials. Glad i stopped by
(4)Justin K.
Great to FINALLY see another gay bar in town. This new Pony is small, but has a great atmosphere, great decor and great music. The drinks were reasonable and the crowd was decent. My partner and I hope to frequent this new incarnation often.
(4)Jesse R.
Air hockey. Sunday night seems to be straight night.
(5)Denis A.
I'm not a "bar person". But this bar is FUN. Kooky, kool ambiance, atmosphere ... good music, drinks. If being a "dive bar" is a good thing, then this is THE dive bar of Seattle. To me, it's just intentionally different and genuine. If the weather is nice then the patio is a great hangout I prefer the inside where I feel like I'm in some pleasantly perverse, psychedelic porno wet dream.
(5)Josh B.
i've only been here once, but i loved it! came on a thursday with a bunch of work friends. sat right below the blurry video of oiled-up men wrestling in some creepy dude's basement. great service from friendly and handsome bartenders. bathrooms were clean. it was weird and creepy in the best way. i will definitely be back!
(5)Justyn T.
This bar is the shit! Cheap booze, hot guys, and the patio is amazing!! Come in on Sunday afternoons for the David and Justyn show. ;-)
(5)Esteban T.
Was in town for the weekend from Los Angeles and read about this bar on yelp. AWESOME bar, Awesome bartender, and Awesome decor. Had a great time in the photo booth and the music was great. The only down side to the experience was the anorexic excuse for a bouncer. Talk about little d*ck syndrome. Nevertheless I will be back and I may even bring the anorexic a valium and a sandwich, 2 things he is in dire need of ;)
(5)Bill F.
Clearly, Pony now understands that a cover was a terrible idea. I have been fascinated with this divey treasure this summer, and I continue to not be disappointed. It's so simple and uncomplicated, and I'm sure that's why it's successful. Clearly, this is what Seattle Eagle wants to be when its not overcome by the new gaybros. The music is heads above everywhere simply for being different. I have noticed that this place can be too busy, and there are really annoying odors in the back toward the bathrooms, obviously. However, it reeks like a very public bathroom if you smell it too long. There is tremendous potential for greatness here.
(4)Allen A.
Oh, Pony! You really gave me a good time. I lived in San Francisco, now I'm in NYC. I have never experienced a gay bar where people are so damn nice. Cheap drinks, and outdoor seating! You sure made my first trip to Seattle a good time. The vibes were smooth. No caty attitudes. I look forward to coming back to Pony. Again, thanks for the great time!! Allen. NY, NY
(5)Kitty B.
I love this place for the atmosphere but I wish there were room to dance on a busy night there is not even room to breath let alone dance which sucks because it has good music usually playing. The outside part is perfect in Summer and Winter because it has fire pits. The crowd is made up from all the regulars from The Capitol Hill area and always friendly. It would totally be 5 stars if only there were room to dance! But I guess that is what The Merc is for since this is technically a bar and not a dance club :P
(4)Sarah M.
I have never felt so discriminated against in my life... It's apparently justified and within their rights as a business to forcefully push you out of the bar if you are straight. My first time at Pony was with my roommate and our gay friend. We were in the bar for less than 5 minutes. My roommate wanted to take a picture of me and I happened to be standing In front of the DJ booth. Before she had a chance I felt hands on my back (very aggressively) push me away from the booth. I turned around thinking maybe the DJ was falling but found him in my face screaming and calling me a bitch. He accused us of trying to "film" him. Then a larger female bouncer showed up and continued to call me and my roommate "basics" "sorority girls" and "bitches" I told them that derogatory terms were not called for and we were just trying to take a photo and enjoy our time with our friend. This female bouncer then started pushing me and my roommate toward the front door where the confused looking doorman stood and just told us we should probably leave. The DJ then went out of his way to walk out of the bar and get in my face again. He said I had no right filming him and then proceeded to tell me to "go fucking kill yourself, you stupid bitches" he flipped us off and walked away. Worst experience of my life. I'm an understanding person and can actually feel empathetic toward them because I know that DJ faces more discrimination everyday than I do, but you can't treat people like that. Hate only breeds hate.
(1)Matt E.
cheap drinks, great DJs and an attractive alterna-gay crowd. All that AND a patio? I'm sold. With a brief 18 hours in Seattle, I didn't get much of a chance to check out the Capitol Hill gay scene, but Pony came highly recommended and we opted to make this our first stop. It wasn't long after stepping into this tiny little bar that I concluded we had made a wise decision. Though it may skew a few years younger than my typical dating pool, the crowd at Pony was just my type. Full of fellas who seem to appreciate the gym as much as fashion and music, there was plenty to keep my eyes entertained. I can't really speak to their cocktails,though somebody insisted they make a great margarita. The beer selection is pretty basic, but seeing as I was drinking PBR all night, I can hardly dock them points for not having the fanciest of microbrews. Either way, the bar staff was super friendly. Nice guys here, I tell ya. One last note: If you have any particularly prudish friends, this might not be the best place to invite them. Not that I saw any lewd behavior (it doesn't strike me as that kind of place), but the walls are covered in pictures and drawings of wieners. But seriously... if your friends can't handle that, they're probably kind of lame and you should reconsider your nightlife buddies.
(4)Cory H.
I'm always down to grab a drink and a dance at Pony! Very open environment and great bartenders! It's very small, so be prepared to swim through the crowd a bit. There's almost always a go-go dancer and great rotating DJs. When I have friends or family come into town, this is one of my favorite late night places to show them. It's a great representation of the culture of Capitol Hill!
(5)Rykiel E.
I've been here a couple times for drinks and to hang out with my two friends. One of them actually suggested this place for the night because unicorn was WAY TOO PACKED (and I had to buy my other friend her bday shot). We agreed we should visit pony again cus we had such a great time last time we were here. The bartenders were nice and super chill. The first time I was here I asked for something "peachy" and he made it really tasty... And really strong. The drinks are worth how strong they are! Tonight, I bought a blowjob shot for my friend but he ran out of kahlua? Weird. So I asked if he could make something similar. It wasn't in a skinny shot glass and there wasn't whipped cream.. Aw no fun. But my friend said it tasted like kahlua so I guess he did something right. Left bathroom has a glory hole. Anyway. The patio is our favorite place to chill here. My friend always has a good time checking out the guys (BUT he never actually talks to them smh), and it's a nice place to people-watch with fresh air. I like this place cus it doesn't get too insanely packed! excessive people around me gives me anxiety lmao but that doesn't happen much here no one really wants to touch girls here LOL. The drinks are strong, the service is good, my friend likes the guys there *smirk emoji*, and I can enjoy myself in seattle without worrying about creeps trying to talk to me. Give pony a try if you don't mind the excessive male genitalia everywhere.
(5)Jason J.
How to use a small hole in the wall throw back to the early 80's gay bar with a seedy feel but with updated pricing. different nights of the week hosts different parties sometimes karaoke other times still have dance music. it's a very popular spot during the summer on Sundays as the Sun neck is one of the most popular places that people tend to gather for a Sunday night as the Sun sets on Seattle. Does the fun picture boo you can take photos on but just keep in mind that they keep copies of all the pictures were taken any of the booth so snap away with caution. you never know what you might find inside Pony, so it's always worth it just to stop in and check it out.
(3)David B.
For a small bar, Pony packs a lot of heat. The owners seem to have an acute sense of fun, as evidenced by the nightly events, unusual decor (walls plastered with 1970's porn), the friendly bartenders and the powerfully addictive grooves laid down by the DJ. There's two restrooms at Pony, one marked Men's, and the other marked Boys'. The difference being that the Men's room doesn't have a latch on the door, and there is no lightbulb. The sun deck offers a nice view of both the CD and the part of Cap Hill that runs close to Seattle U. You can easily interact with folks on the sidewalk below, which is more fun than it sounds.
(5)Sarah M.
Remember the feeling you had the first time you saw Titanic. The passion that filled the screen and your soul with the highs and lows as Leo took you on in a roller coaster of emotion. This is the best way I can explain on my visit to pony. I cried, I laughed. I blacked out. I feel in love immediately. The bartender are titans of the sea. And I am their humble drunk servant. I bowed to them for allowing me to partake in their euphoric atmosphere and man heaven they have created.
(5)Madisen T.
Fun atmosphere. Cheap drinks. Glory hole. These are all things you can expect to find at pony.
(4)Toby D.
There are no effing words. This bar is perfect. It's a throwback to the days when people went to bars to get black out drunk. There's no pretense, no gimmicks, no teeny drinks. Just beer and porn EVERYWHERE. I LOVE THIS BAR.
(5)Bobby M.
Okay, I'm a current San Franciscan, a homo, and in my early 40's; who's about to become a Seattleite (hopefully, it's a painless process). Anyhoo, Pony is and has been one of my favorite bars in Seattle. I couldn't give two shits if the bar staff isn't greeting me like I walked into CB2 - I came to DRINK, and it's superlatively easy here. Just give 'em your money, stick to beer, and order two at a time - simple solutions. And sorry to our heteronormative friends who've come here and expected to be lifted to some sort of pedestal level. Chances are, they were annoyed with you, not because of your sexual orientation - but because you are an asshat. It's a condition that transcends sexuality. Shelve your princess-and-the-pea attitude and swing by for a beer and some fun people watching. Sheesh!
(5)Christina L.
Not only was I wholly appalled at the entire staff's strong dislike and rude manner towards straight people, but was faced with one of the overall worst bar experiences. At first the decor and 70s porn theme is cute but then once I got my drink it was disgusting and over poured. As a former bartender I was highly disappointed in the bartender's skill. To make it worse, I slipped on the way to the bathroom (on obviously dangerously wet floors) and skinned my knee and hands up pretty bad. I went to the bartender asking if I could please have a couple bandaids and he gave me two. I asked if I could please have just two more and the bartender told me no, even as I was continuing to bleed. This bar was rude to me, had absolutely, unbearably bad drinks, and refused to help me as I was bleeding due to their incapability to clean a spill. Stay away from this place they're not worth your money!!
(1)Jesus T.
Bar is cool. Old door guy is an asshole. I got there at 1:20AM to get a last drink and go home. I'm aware of washington liquor laws. It's not what you say, but how you say it. He told me "you better hurry up cause I'm pulling you out in 6 minutes." I'm ok if bars stop selling alcohol at 1:26. Just don't be an asshole about it and say you're pulling me out like I'm some kind of chump.
(1)Scott O.
By far the most rude, unprofessional bar staff I have ever encountered. This bar is mediocre at best anyway, but after this horrible experience I will never go back. Don't waste your time...there are plenty of other gay bars in the neighborhood with friendly employees.
(1)Chris B.
Are you fucking kidding me? My friend Bryan who happen to be gay and we went out to celebrate Bryan's birthday with two other people. Apparently, Danielle want to buy Bryan a drink and asked me what is a good drink to try. I used to be bartender so I know what good drink is. I borrowed Danielle's phone and look up a good recipe she can take up to bartender to make the drink. Instead of making her order, bartender response with attitude and say "we don't make a drink off of a phone". There is nobody in line and there is probably like 5 other people that already have their drink. It was slow night on Sunday since everybody have to work in the morning. Bartender says "you can request any drink you want. Just call it out", "Well then make this one then", "No! Something like lemon drop, gin and tonic, or whatever!". Right, you're too busy to look at the drink and make it. Fuck you asshole. You know, we are paying you a money and we expect a good customer service. This bar deserve to be burn down. Fuck you, we are not coming back here again.
(1)Vega S.
From the perspective of a straight female, the Pony is awesome place to hang out for several reasons. It offers excellent people watching, has really affordable drinks and no pushy bar bros trying to get with you.
(4)Warren C.
This is one of my favorite gay bars here in town. It's as if it was plucked directly out of 1970's Mission Street Frisco and plopped down on chilly, ultra-modern, 21st century Seattle. Great djs. I love the fire pit on the patio! Also the go-go boys provide excellent live entertainment. KEEP IN MIND: - it's very small, so it gets crowded easy. - if you tip the bartender well on the first round, THEY WILL LOVE YOU. Rooms are expensive in C.hill. - the crowd is Seattle's finest gay hipsters and their lady pals, so good luck making friends. I'm ultimately square, so I like to go and soak up the fun, in spite of them mostly.
(5)Brad Y.
Pony is still my go to bar. It's my default choice when I'm heading to the Hill and want to grab a drink with a friend. I like it because it is not at all pretentious and it retains it's ethos as a gay bar. The art/graffiti on the walls and the overall vibe of the bar strike me as a throw back to a time before the internet when gay bars were places where gay men went to meet other gay men. Additionally, the DJs play a variety of music--I've heard everything from the Smiths to Donna Summer to Nirvana. In this respect Pony is not your typical gay bar--but that's what is so refreshing about it.
(5)Jane H.
The best bar in Seattle! It is impossible to not have a great time at Pony. Everyone who works here is amazing, the drinks are stiff & the patio is one of the greatest in the city! The ONLY GAY BAR worth going to in Seattle in my opinion!
(5)Lisa N.
Pony is fun, small, gets packed pretty quickly, has good drink prices, and has a photo booth. I like the fire pit outside.
(4)John G.
At Pony, you better be ready for the sexy dancers, wall to wall vintage porn, beards on every man in sight, pitchers of beer everywhere, neon lights and dark spaces. I would not say this place feels "clean & sanitary"... so if you have a problem with that stay away. The deck and fire pit is great. Cruising is everywhere, so be ready.
(5)John L.
I love trashy gay dive bars. What makes this place so amazing is the 70's gay porn on the walls, the bathrooms (won't spoil the surprise) and tattooed go-go boys. The patio outside is actually really nice, although crowded sometimes, and it's a good place to sit outside and have a drink in the early evening before everything gets too crowded. Why only three stars? The bartender with the beard. Funny story. A few weeks ago, I stumbled home alone from the Cuff and attempted to buy Beyonce tickets which were, of course, long sold out. No success. Then I passed out. On my debit card. When I woke up, it was bent horribly. I didn't think it would work anymore, but for the next week I sheepishly handed it to the lady at the deli in the building where I work, the QFC clerk, the receptionist at my doctor's office, and the bartenders at all of my usual Capitol Hill go-to's. I got a laugh every time and maybe a slight look of judgement but still, to my amazement, the card worked every time. Fast forward to Pony and the bartender with the beard. I order a drink, he makes it, and I give him the card. "You got another card?" he says. "This one's not gonna work." "Oh, it does," I say. "I just used it at two other bars before this." (No shame here) "What bars?" he says. Really? Does it matter? I asked him to at least try it, and he half-way runs it through the reader. "Doesn't work," he says. I hand the drink back to him. He gives me a dirty look. So my friends and I left. We went to Madison Pub- card worked. Cuff- card worked. IHOP at 4 am- card worked. Chase ATM- ok, that didn't work. Card got stuck inside and crashed the system. RIP, debit card :( Moral of the story-- have a sense of humor, Mr. Bartender. And when your customer says his slightly deformed debit card works, trust him.
(3)Brooks M.
have always loved this place. set up as a temp bar as its predecessor it turned into a hill staple instead of another f*cking condo beige complex. good drinks. good music. good gogo boys. dirty simple and busy. just go.
(4)Shekinah S.
What an unabashedly Gay Little Pony. Try to go when it's nice out so you can chill on the patio. There is a photo booth. There is usually a scantily clad go go dancer on the bar. There is dancing but not really room for it so it's a bit of a cluster. If you don't have a penis, use the bathroom marked "Boys" as there is no urinal and you can lock the door (the other one is for "Men") . I like that Pony kind of looks like a fortress from the outside. A Gay Fortress.
(4)Jacob R.
The bar is small and fits a niche market. Timing is everything at this place. Could get yourself into trouble or just have a casual time.
(4)Marshall R.
As many others have stated, the bartenders are the rudest on the hill. Ordered my first drink of the night and the bartender misunderstood my order due to the loud music. Paid him before noticing and then very politely explained that there was a misunderstanding and I got the wrong drink. Rather than replace the drink, he insisted that I pay for a new one. I'm a regular there and have recommended the place to many friends and even defended the bar staff when others said they were rude. I guess they were right. Run away from this place and go to many of the other friendly gay bars on the hill. The patio is nice but not worth being treated like a nuisance.
(1)Bill P.
Bartender doesn't pay attention to you if your not pretty or young...total asshole. If you're older or not so pretty don't expect good service. Why don't owners train their employees better? Even us troglodytes need a beer once in a while.
(1)Joey D.
I find this place the most socially acceptable gay bar to be totally annihilated in.
(4)Clover A.
Keep on rockin' in the gay world, lover. Don't worry for a minute that you're not cool enough to come in here-of course you're not- but no one will call you out on it, so come and join the cool kids and have a drink or eight with us. We'll treat you reeeaaaalllll nice. The cocktails are strong, the music is fan-fucking-tastic, the decor is, well, let's say it's much to my liking, and the fun times are absolutely assured every damn time you set foot inside. Bartenders attend to your every need and the patrons are as interesting as the art on the walls. Don't be afraid, but do check your bullshit at the door, ain't no room for it in here, sugar.
(5)Daniel M.
Overall this bar is pretty rad and unique. I especially like the 'BONERTOWN' section of the patio, even if this bar is of minimal size, I mean it's smaller than a double wide trailer like in THE TRAILER PARK, and I'm pretty confident that your friend or boyfriend or Scruff date or creepy Casual Encounters Craigslist guy you now regret trying 'just one more time,' like that one song I can't think if the name of right now, sorry my friends. Don't worry about that last one though bud, I too have been there, I mean the Craigslist dates. But usually as the creepier one of the 2 or 3 if you wanna ménage a trois. I'm in! Anyway, it's likely folks could find you in there without this map idea, SO.... Pony Management, despite past requests I am almost 100% certain I do not need a detailed map that is to scale with the various towns, subdivisions, castes, classes, beard lengths, sexual position preferences, and so on. Thank you a bunch though for offering! BUT. AND THIS IS A BIG BUT BECAUSE IT MADE ME KNOCK TWO, YEP, TWO I SAY, OF THE 5 TOTAL STARS. OK, now that I have all of yours undivided attention and you have all taken a break from your ménage a troises (sp? Help French Folks!). And put down those video head cleaner bottles too, ya nasty lil freaks! Man, just take a damn break here THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!!! There is ONE bartender that works there that HATES MY BELOVED DOG. She is such a cute little thing all huffing and puffing from the hot(ish) Seattle weather and just needed a little water break. But this dastardly one, let me tell you...he said NO DOGS ALLOWED! What a bitch he was! Stay away from all dog haters is what my momma told me and I believe that, especially a rescue that was found in a hot (ahem, real 100 plus degree heat) Austin, TX parking lot all abandoned and sad. But I took her in and we are hashtagpals4life!!!! And this very delicate little bartender was all like, 'shut the door! It's hot out!' and then whined about the A/C on despite seeing my thirsty little pooch. So I was feeling a tad impish so I kept the door open for like at least a full minute. Yep a minute so my sweet as pie dog could catch some more A/C and me too of course. I'm not gonna lie to you guYS, C'MON! Well, just so you all know barkeep I am willing to reconcile and even make out with this bear like bartender and/or engage in a consensus ménage a trois....!!! So what da'ya say DOG HATER and WEATHER WEAKLING?! I know you had a beard, jeans that were way too tight for you, and a shirt and hat that said something like 'I wanna be your puppy' or 'The party is down here' with a downward arrow to your sweaty ball sac and penis region. Oh, you were sweating a whole lot and you weren't very happy with my mischievous behavior. And I did take a sticker off the wall that something like 'THIS IS QUEER SPACE.' With a PERIOD at the end though. Why no EXCLAMATION POINT or 3 to really get the point across? Much like a ménage a trois, ya know my friend? Oh well, epic fail by the sticker maker but I'll add the !!!'s myself and practice saying it all fierce and tough like a MAN for next time I make it to BONERTOWN...I'll just leave my dog out in the parking lot. She loves hot asphalt parking lots, makes her feel all alone and abandoned in this cruel cruel world but MANAGEMENT I DEMAND THEY MUST provide her with a map,CUZ OF YOUR DOG HATER AND TOTES SUMMER BUMMER! So, let's converse and argue and make funny faces at each other through the door that separates the inside PONY section from the outside WORLD. HAVE YOU ever been at THE WORLD? It's kinda crazy believe you me! I'll check Yelp for reviews of THE WORLD OR BETTER YET I WILL WRITE A REVIEW ON THE WORLD! It will be PRETTY EPIC because that is what Yelp tells me. I hope you learn to love dogs and learn to love the summer and not be such a Little Debbie Downer all the time. And be sure to drink lots of water because you are a profuse sweater, it's serious man, maybe you should check in with a doctor and not the guy that hangs out in BONERTOWN who calls himself DOCTOR FEELGOOD. I'm willing to add more stars and maybe (MAYBE) more exclamation points when you meet my dog and promise not to kick her or yell at her or pull her tail or truthfully anything absolutely outrageous like that. SIGNING OFF FOR NOW FROM 'THE WORLD'....Let me practice real quick lightning math flashcard speedy and not with any of those 'TREATS' DOCTOR FEELGOOD GIVES ME FOR FREE AND I SWALLOW DOWN WITH MY SUMMER HUMMER (that's vodka and lemonade, preferably pink lemonade, for those not in the know, ya know?) AND I FEEL SLEEPY AND TIRED AND SLOW AND FORGET WHAT HAPPENS IN BONERTOWN ... anyways I'm told it's always a HOOT and only an asshat wouldn't trust DOCTOR FEELGOOD! So here we go....'THIS IS A QUEER SPACE!!!!!!!' I AM GOING TO ADD THIS PART: BUT THE PATIO IS NOT DOG FRIENDLY WHICH IS SUPER STOOPID AND A SUPER DOOPER POOPER SCOOPER SUMMER BUMMER!!!!!!!! Now who of all of you readers will ménage a trois with me???!!!
(3)Michael U.
Since when does "Dive Bar" mean that the staff need showers and can get away with being inattentive, though surly when they are attending? I've been there four times total, and each time this place seemed pretty consistent with my opening statement. Not my worst experience at a Public House but far from my best and I doubt I'll be going back unless someone I truly care for or admire insists. Not likely.
(2)Leo C.
I'm from New York and I can honestly say that this is the most fun I've had at a bar in a very long time.
(5)RJ H.
Penis walls! Hilarious, especially when you've inadvertently dragged several straight buddies in here for a last round. Talk about an education... Ben: "I mean, who wants to look at that?!" RJ: "You mean like strip bars?" Ben: "Totally different, RJ." RJ: "Explain." Ben: ((stubborn pause)) "I can't. And I shouldn't have to." Old school bar, new school prices (ridiculous). Seems almost entirely gimmick-driven. But so what? Something tells me I haven't had my last ride on a Pony...
(4)Ryan D.
What can I say about Pony? As an out of towner, it's a great place to visit. It does get crowded on certain nights (been here several different occasions on several different visits). When I say crowded, I mean VERY crowded.. To the point where you can't move inside and you have to figure out which line is for the bar, or bathroom. Overall though, it's a great place to visit. Nice crowd, and very funny and entertaining writings and pictures on the wall.
(4)Matt V.
COCK!
(5)David M.
Have had some fun nights here, but I won't be returning after what happened last Saturday. Everything was fine until the bartender ripped my friend's dollar tip in half (it was a damaged bill but still legal tender) and flung it in our face. Pony's definitely at the very bottom of my list now.
(1)C W.
"The Karaoke Kaiser" The Pony is my favorite bar in Seattle, but the Tuesday Karaoke night needs help. Like, psychological help. The person who runs karaoke, "the Karaoke Kaiser" (who I think is from some outside company pony hires) is a control freak with very strict rules that makes karaoke night play out more like a grade school bathroom line overseen by a dorky, watchful hall-monitor than the easygoing, fun time with friends it usually is. One of the rule is, if you sing a duet or back someone up, or you know, if your friend gets nervous and has you get on stage and sing with them, then you can't sing again. That's right, if you have put in your song, and it's coming up in a few people, and you've been waiting, and your friend sings and asks you to jump on stage and back them up and you do, your song gets bumped from the list. I found this out the hard way. About ten minutes after I put my song in, some guy got onstage with a duet and started asking if anyone knew the song, cause he didn't want to sing alone. I jumped up and sang with him. It was great. People really liked it. It was a silly musical duet, whatever. When I got off, my duet partner thanked me and I was told that he'd needed backup because his duet partner had been KICKED OFF THE STAGE by the Karaoke Kaiser because she had already sung recently (like five people earlier). I didn't really understand at that point. I was there another hour waiting for my song to come up. I bought myself and my friends some drinks. After seeing people go up and sing who'd signed up after me, I went and asked the little Karaoke Kaiser where I was on the list. He said, "What do you mean. You sang a duet. That was your choice. You took your turn. Your solo was bumped." This, of course, pissed me off. I told him I'd been waiting two hours to sing. He responded with a sniveling, "that's what YOU say." It was bizarre. Right after this, my friend got up and sang and then my girlfriend got up and was surprising me with a very, very romantic song from Hedwig. She took the mic and said that the song was for me, but she didn't want to sing it alone. She held out her hand, and I got on stage with her and the Karaoke Kaiser actually turned off the music and said, "What is going on here? You can't sing again." Apparently, me signing that impromptu duet an HOUR before not only bumped my solo off the list but also meant I was not allowed to sing back up with anyone else that night. He actually cut the music while we were on stage, which is apparently what he'd done to the woman whose place I'd taken in the duet I did at the beginning of the night which caused this mess. We just got down and left. Now, I've been to a lot of karaoke nights and never seen anything like this. The Karaoke Kaiser needs mental help and Pony needs to get a new Karaoke company, one that's actually fun.
(3)Ivan T.
HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. BARTENDERS ARE RUDE. I was there with a group of friends including one who owns a very successful restaurant in the market. Bartender got rude because we asked about the beers! After we called him out in it he says "if you don't like it you can get the fuck out". So we did. Have told everyone about the experience as well.
(1)Alfredo D.
Aside from having a nice patio their most distinct feature is providing the WORST customer service. I've been to many bars around the world for many years and have never been treated so poorly and with such contempt by a bartender. Me and a group of friends went there to celebrate a friends birthday, one of my friends approached Jack, the bartender and turned around to us to confirm the drinks we wanted and ordered multiple drinks for all of us , Jack told him "next time make sure you know what all your friends want before you order" there was no line behind us and no reason for him to get upset, after that another friend joined us and we asked for one more drink, Jack again told my friend in a very condescending way to know what he wants before he orders, he said this using derogatory gestures, my friend asked him why he was being so rude and he responded saying he was going to charge his card and then have him kick out of the bar. Another of my friends told him he has been a bar tender for many years and would never treat a customer the way he treated us, Jack told him to go somewhere else and grabbed him by the arm and kicked him out. We were all in a state of shock, we have never experienced such bad customer service, Jack was horrible to us and made us feel like dirt, he spoke over me friend, made rude remarks and acted like a bully to us when my friend called him out on his behavior, he made a gesture telling my friend to "zip it" we were only on our first drink and ready to spend more money there. I contacted Mark, the owner, he responded with a cop-out apology and told us not to go back to his bar. We don't have a problem not going back, I would never spend any more money there. We went out to have a nice time and not expecting to be bullied by the bartender. WORST EXPERIENCE EVER.. DON'T GO TO THIS BAR! I only gave this bar a one star because apparently Zero star is not an option.
(1)Cam O.
It's a Saturday. I walk up to the bar with a friend. Order two Gin and Tonics. My friend asked for half ice in his glass so he could take his time on a drink (he was driving). The bartender makes eye contact on his request, and continues to pour over a full cup of ice. He sets the drinks on the bar (not even a lime in either drink). We stand silent for a split second wondering if he had heard the order (he did). He then reach in our glasses with both HANDS, and scoops out a handful of ice, said "is that good enough?". Nope, definitely not good enough. We walked out. Never stepping foot in that bar again.
(1)Stephanie K.
This is my favorite bar in Seattle. Cheap drinks, dicks galore, and no official women's bathroom. The go go dancer was mesmerizing. The bartender was really friendly. What else can one ask for?
(5)Len R.
I knew it would be a good time when we walked into this bar and immediately saw a hot Go Go boy dancing on the bar to Old School music, 70s looking porn on the walls, and best of all on this, particular night a patron dressed as a "Chicken Lady"! The bar staff was friendly enough, but really it's the totally random mix of everything that makes this place unique.
(4)Jeff G.
I hate this bar. Extremely pretentious. I have been told from a friend who knows the owner that a few of them hate straight people coming into their establishment. I am gay but find that screwed up. My debit card was messed up and works on some machines and didn't work on the one there, the reason it doesn't work was cause of something messed up that happened to me. The bartender called me an asshole and went on and on about how fucked up it was that he couldn't slide his card through. So I wrote eff you on the receipt. Next thing I know I was being violently pushed out of the bar. Then he stole my card. I know his name but I am not posting it. It took this guy more energy to push me out of the bar instead of punching my numbers in. I recommend not coming here. He could have asked me nicely instead of hurting me to leave. I liked this bar before this. I didn't do anything to provoke being called an asshole. Actually his name was Ben. =) oh yeah can I mention I have witnesses and a bruise?
(1)Breylan D.
What a fun place! Was here with friends during Seattle Pride and thought it was hilariously kitschy - vintage nudes all over, cute bar tenders, awesome patio... Music is a little too loud, but all in all it was a great time.
(5)Darcy D.
The dj was rude and slightly classist and seemed spaced and referred to himself as an anti-jukebox which was confounding and unattractive so no to this place, and this place smells like old mcdonalds fries. FYI man has manky beard #verypoor #toohipster #toopainful #bullyingbyexclusion #isthisevenagaybar #toosoontoforgetthepast
(1)Glenn P.
Like any bar, it has its good-vibe crowds, and then the DJ runs you off with TERRIBLE music.
(3)Jonathan L.
This is a bar that's a bit outside of Capitol Hill, but still worth the trek. You can't miss it; just look for the glowing sign that has a stallion on it. Good luck finding parking. After getting my ID checked and walking through the doors, I was assaulted by San Francisco. There was vintage porn plastered on the walls, with penises ensconced in full bushes as their owners languidly posed in full leather gear. The scent of ball sweat permeated the air, and I could've sworn I was back in one of the bars in the Castro. Bring cash just in case. The minimum charge for credit card was $10. The dance floor is limited, but this is a place to socialize and get to know people. There is one metal pole attached to the bar, and it seems like gogoing is up to the patrons. Down some liquid courage and work it like an inebriated gymnast. The evening was nice and the patio was open, with a nice fire pit and bunches of men getting friendly with each other. I came by myself just a to get a sense of the gay bar / dance scene in Seattle, and sat in a corner and people watched with my diet coke. What I can't judge is the strength of the drinks because I am Asian and my glow gets really bad, but the people were friendly and it looked like a gay ole time. The crowd was mixed and of every age. I would come here to start the night off.
(4)Tom T.
Pony is a great place to grab some drinks, whether for a few minutes or a couple of hours. When it's not raining, the patio can't be beat. Never had a bad time there. Their credit card policy is incredibly inconsistent, though. Some nights a singleton charge is no problem, others they insist that it's $10 minimum. Play it safe and bring some cash with you.
(4)Alden C.
I love the Pony! When I go out to the bars I often grade them on how good the people watching is. I have not been to the Pony enough I am sure but the people watching gets about a 'C'. They more than make up for it though in atmosphere and the wacky movie screen they got set up, playing all kinds of oddball movies. The atmosphere is set up what could best be described as what the gay bars in Greenwich Village probably looked like in the 1970's. Capitol Hill is notorious for having mixed crowds in any bar. Straight men can indeed be out of their element and may feel a bit uncomfortable because the bar is unabashedly gay and any closet it came out of got burned down a long time ago. The decor is mainly comprised of men in the buff and nothing is left to the imagination with Day of the Dead pinata skulls slowly spinning from the ceiling. Lazers are abound in the bar and if you are too cool for school coming in here you might get burned if you sit too long when a beam is getting a bead on you. The films they play here are wide and varied. Of course you can't actually get into the movie because the sound is off and there is the thrum of music going on or a DJ spinning. It is fun to test my movie knowledge. One night they played the 1980's campfest version of Flash Gordon. Another night my jaw dropped and a big grin surfaced on me. They were playing Kenneth Anger movies! I noticed it because I was trying to figure out what was on and thought it was Anger's "Lucifer Rising" which it was after another one of his shorts came on that I recognized. Now you tell me, how cool is that??!! The bathrooms are an experience that everyone should go into once. There is the 'Boys' bathroom and the 'Men's' bathroom. The Boys is nothing too crazy but the Men's is lit with blacklights and there is glowing writing everywhere as well as a bonafide glory hole between the toilet and the urinal. If you don't know what one is, look it up. I am sure it has been used more than once there. I used the Men's once and two straight buddies were confused as to which one to go into. One went to the Boys and the other went to the Men's. The bathroom was big enough for another person but he was not having it, he waited till I left. A fish out of water maybe? Lol! I know a gave away too much but I had to emphasize just how great the set up is here. They have a good amount of beer on tap and even more bottled. Truly a fun place to go to!
(5)Candace F.
I was insulted beyond imagination by the way I was treated at Pony. I stood at the edge of the outdoor patio with a new friend. A bouncer came to us and accused us of being on drugs. (I had one drink and no other substances.) We apologized for unknowingly doing anything wrong. The bouncer physically threatened us, although we had not harmed anyone and there was no sign telling us not to go to that part of the patio. It was the most insane experience I have ever had at a bar in the United States - unnecessarily confrontational in every way. I am never letting anyone I like come to Pony. An establishment that allows its staff to treat patrons this way does not deserve my business.
(1)Josh T.
Just being here is a conversation starter. "hey did you see that penis on the wall?" "did you see THAT penis on the wall?!" so on and so forth. there's lot of vintage porn plastered on the wall. While uncomfortable to some may be the greatest thing about this place, it's really, REALLY unabashedly, unashamedly GAY. This place has a very mixed crowd and is fairly small forcing a bit more mixing. The patio is nice, but basically a closed in box. Emphasizing some hipster/ghetto-ness, they have Colt 45 in a paperbag, and more of PBR type of place.
(3)Anna B.
Three things that I really like: To drink drinks. To meet new people. To dance crazily. Over many, many years of Seattle visits, those three things have never been realized at the same time, ever. Until Pony. First time EVER in Seattle that I got people to strike up a conversation with me, instead of hurriedly running away like I had SARS the second I said, "hello". First time EVER, anywhere, that I got to see a go-go dancer dressed as a cat, who not only purred at me, but encouraged me to scam drinks off of the only two straight guys with seats at the bar. No, thanks, I said, I got this one on lock, gay/straight/unsure/whatever. I was too happy to be in the presence of a man dressed like a cat to care about what my tab was going to be at the end of the night. In fact, I was so enthralled that I actually made a friend and got someone in Seattle to talk to me (gasp!) that I bought a round for about eight or nine people. We had a blast out on the back patio looking out at the city scape and getting all warm and fuzzy on Maker's Mark in plastic cups. Music was fun, bartenders were sassy and friendly, it was just sweaty and packed enough to feel like home, and we had a great time. I drank about enough bourbon to kill a small pony, but somehow made it back to the hotel ok, only to wake up a few short hours later and want to go back immediately. Our Pony night was without a doubt the most fun I've ever had at a bar in the Emerald City. I think the everyone-is-welcome factor is what did it, and I really appreciate that. Lastly, and I only say this to get this off my chest, because it is SO good, I'm both sorry and tickled that I yelled, "this ain't my first time at the rodeo" to an elderly man trying to explain to me what to do with my dollar bills in regard to tipping the go-go dancer.
(4)Jessica S.
I LOVE PONY!!!!! Thanks for always making me feel welcome, play great music, have a photo booth, pour me great drinks, give me a place to dance, and be all around fun! Even my square straight brother loves this place! See you at the stable.....
(5)Ali S.
This place is awesome. Dicks on the wall, bearded stripper in tennis shoes, and Richard Simmons on the tube. What are you missing? If you said outdoor fire pit on the patio, well say no more, Pony has you covered.
(4)Steven D.
"Hey! It's the guy who thinks he is better than everyone else and is holding up the line." thank you pony for making me feel like crap for moving here 3 days ago and not having a perm address so that when my magnetic strip on my card went out I couldn't get a perm card sent to me so had to have a temp card with no name on if given ( not that I left card at another bar as the extremely rude bartender excused me of). Thank you for for yelling at the crowd behind me that I was the a**hole that thinks that I am better than everyone else when I am just trying to find my way in Seattle and make friends. GREAT STASRT PONY! YOU SUCK !
(1)J S.
Pony. Where else can you break a glass, rip off your T-shirt, spill a drink over yourself and half the people around you, drop your glasses behind the banquette seating numerous times, fall onto the DJ table, snap photos of the clown head gloryhole, watch bored rhythmically challenged gogo dancers, flirt crazily with guys you're not attracted to and dance frantically to the Soft Pink Truth's "Make-Up" without anyone batting an eye? 'Nuff said.
(5)Wendell B.
Pros: Very fun decor, friendly bartenders, sometimes really good music Cons: sometimes really BAD music, diet coke from the gun tastes very, very BAD.
(3)Suzy S.
I was one of two females in the entire crowded bar. 'Nuff said. Oh and... Penises.
(4)James F.
How can you NOT love pony? Big patio, great DJ, and naked pictures of men everywhere. THis place is hilarious and amazing. Plus, if you're there for happy hour on wednesday, well drinksa re $3!!! The crowd is super friendly, as are the bartenders.
(5)Alaina W.
PENIS. yeah, that pretty much sums it up. no? ok. ...great bartenders. nice deck. strong drinks. cozy. air hockey. old porn. and penises.
(4)Brian H.
O Pony. Where would I be without your trashy goodness? Where would I turn to for assistance in my war against my liver? Bored to tears and damned if I know. From the vintage porn to the friendly bartenders with the knowing smile who hand me my credit card the next day, I love you so much. I can't really comment on the music. I don't pay attention to it, frankly. I stopped following contemporary music back in nineties. As for dancing, I don't go in for it much these days as I find it interferes with the liberal internal application of gin. Besides, there are other places better suited for flailing about like a gaffed salmon than Pony. Still, if you must, you can. Just watch your elbows, you slut. You nearly knocked my gin over. Tea dance is a fave because the patio is perfect for getting totally loaded and running into friends. Or getting totally loaded and people watching if you're a wallflower like me. What is Pony to me? The perfect neighborhood bar.
(5)Andrew M.
Love the dirty Pony. I've spent many a drunken night here and have a blast every time. The patio is great in the warmer months and even if it's cold, the firepit does a pretty good job of keeping it warm. The space is tiny, dark and has just the right amount of seediness to make it interesting. Take a little dirty East Village a little old school Castro and leave out the Seattle attitude and you've got Pony. One of my favorite places to get drunk.
(5)Madonna M.
Fantastic music. Strong drinks. Excellent crowd. Photo booth. Go-go dancers. Penis wall. What a wonderful place.
(5)Frankie O.
This bar is not for the faint of heart. Pony provides it's bar-goers nothing less than a provocative experience. They provide pints, pitchers, and strong pours. There are penises plastered all over the walls. The potties are nothing pleasant, try to save it for home. That being said, I always meet a ton of interesting and friendly people. It doesn't take long to start conversations, and I always have a good time. If you are female, you might be the only one there. So just don't go if you're not comfortable.
(4)Ellie B.
Came here last night with a friend, and we had a pretty good time. I love the fireplace in the outside patio. Inside on the walls were many pictures of penises. My straight friend enjoyed em', and me it's not my cup of tea .. after all it's a gay bar! The crowd is also friendly and drinks were strong.
(5)Doug S.
What comprises the perfect gay bar? Vintage porn depicting hairy penises on the wall: check. Vintage porn playing on the Super 8 movie reel in the back of the bar: check. Uber-sexy bartenders who actually work out and lift weights: check Uber-sexy go-go dancers who can actually dance: check Rockin' DJ: check Stiff drinks: check Cool patio with fire pit: check Dimly-lit bathrooms with glory holes: check. What else do you need, yo?
(5)Corinna K.
Wherein Corinna walks into the Pony and immediately thinks, "Sup, weiners." And then, "There is no place to siiiiiiiiiit why are you doing this to me." And THEN: "Yaaaaay patio!" Welcome to my thought process, everyone. It's super fascinating. Good music. Good bartenders. Good drinks. Love the patio area, especially the front portion that reminds me of the bow of a ship. Wish the chairs in the bow swivelled so I could turn around and holler at people walking in 360 degrees, but not everything can be perfect. It was a pretty low key evening, but I definitely want to come back for one of the debaucherous dancey nights.
(4)Jessica L.
i'm pretty sure i was meant to be a gay man. i have a glitter-sprinkled boner for this place. dicks on the walls. dicks on the tables. dicks on the bar. water water everywhere and not a drop to drink. i wish the place was slightly bigger but it's ok, i'm not a size queen. cheap beer. naked men plastered on the walls. colt 45 in paper bags. cute boys dancing on the bar in tighty whities. nice patio. bartenders dressed in sexy costumes. the most hilarious vintage porn. epileptic seizures in the bathroom caused by strobe lights. free condoms. floral shop fridges. raunchy. naughty. leather. and what's this? twitter tells me you now have an old skool photo booth? gazillion glittery stars, pony! or 5 red yelp ones. *HH everyday until 8pm and all night wednesdays - $3 tall well drinks - $1.50 busch drafts/$5 pitchers - $2.50 bud lite drafts - $3.50 microbrew drafts
(5)Tika B.
who doesn't like a pony ride from time-to-time? some crunt from yelp (someone that doesn't even KNOW me. sheesh!) noted that i never leave any "positive" reviews, so here's one. take THAT, you effin wh*re.
(4)Carmen G.
It's all about the green polka dot strobe light. And the $2 Busch drinks. My only wish is that I can smoke out in the patio. And also, the man voguing. and gay boys with glasses.
(4)Scott S.
Don't know how i didn't find this place before. Great on the inside and a huge patio with a fire. They had old 80's punk and rock going. Only complaint is the crazy price of the booze.
(4)Jimi L.
Great bar,Hot bartender, gloryhole in bathroom, gogo boys on Friday nights. Met several nice men in this bar. The drinks were a little weak for the price, but the atmosphere made up for it. If you are looking for a fun bar, this is it!
(5)Mario L.
to me, Pony is like a friend u have that u love n who loves u back but have doubts about how they feel about u a lot, even tho their feelings haven't changed. Pony is a snake charming cool customer/underwater volcano whom u haven't had that liminal discussion together about rlly rlly deep/intellectual stuff with yet (ex. "not trying to force a diversity agenda bcuz yer setup is rlly hot but sometimes i feel like im supposed to prove something in this space with the lack of prominent POC bodies on the wall. i just wanna b honest with u since we r friends Pony.") in the time continuum so u r kinda sweatin' on that dark misty dance floor having intense feelings, attuned to the sexual energies everyone/the walls r giving off, sometimes wanting to have an excuse to go to the bathroom or smoke outside (if u smoke) with everyone who smokes bcuz you're overwhelmed by how u wish u could love everyone there who is alone the way they need to b loved. this is mixed with contradictory experiences of lusting over strangers, feelin like an outsider, glazed over eyes of people u make assumptions about, "IT'S MAH BURFDAY, THE QUEEN HAS ARRIVED" diva nights, medicating your issues with drank on happy hour night, SEXY DANCY TIMES EVERYONE, "y am i here!?" existential moments, being classy, being a hot mess, wanting to go home n watch something on Netflix, etc. u invite Pony to certain social gatherings bcuz u don't know what kind of expectations they have n have small anxieties about them, vice-versa. eventually, the two of u will start being able to read each others' minds but for now u r both doing u together with the occasional struggle, werkin those evenings with friends old n new, kissin n huggin, havin some real talk, bein with people outside when it is closed, belonging, unbelonging, n belonging all over again.
(5)Lisa O.
my fave queer bar on the west coast. thank you for existing!
(5)Ed G.
Cool place but one of the bartenders (Curtis (?) is a total a-hole, telling patrons to "shut the f up" for no reason and literally shoving another patron's elbow off the bar. Get a life dude. Just because you wear cow spandex and have piercings doesn't make you cool.
(2)Bo S.
You like sleazy dark atmospheres, vintage porn, queers, and strong drinks? Have a good sense of humor? Pony. I am here most Monday nights for their Dirty Deeds (tribute to old school metal). The place is pretty small for a bar, but it works. Even when it's packed, there is always room outside on the enclosed patio. Photobooth? check. Gotta make sure your night is memorialized forever. And yep - you really did that. David is my favorite bartender, but have never had bad service. My favorite place to hit if I'm doing a c-hill crawl or to spend the last portion of my evening out. As Jason P said, the staff and patrons are the least judgy folks you'll find in this area of town. Feel free to be yourself and have a great time.
(5)Alisa B.
The gay dive bar to MAKE all other gay dive bars! I walked into this misty little room and felt dirty. But i think that whats their going for so good job! Its dark and kind of damp with loud thumping 80's style music emitting from a very small elevated DJ studio complete with flashing lights, strobes and discoballs. The walls are covered in life size photos of naked guys and yes lots of penises so be ready for that cause I so wasn't lol. The air hockey table is off in a corner, its covered in unknown scuff's and substances which actually makes it pretty useless.... The restrooms are labled Mens and Boys and being neither of these figured boys was a pretty good bet, no body corrected me so I figured WTH. The drinks are ok at best so I stuck to cheap champagne for most of the time i was there. The bartender was super sweet to me (being the only chick and so obviously out of place there) and I really appreciated that. The other guys didn't really seem to mind a woman's presence (token fruit fly of hte night i suppose). I was a little disapointed that when they realized I was a chick they switched the tv from gay porn to some Dinah Washington like video... meh whatever I really don't mind either way. I wouldn't run back here or anything but I had a good time so if you are the nights fruit fly, show the boys how butch you are and take em to Pony : )
(3)Raul V.
This is a fine bar. A fine bar with a fine atmosphere. It's kitschy, and always packed with exactly the kind of folks you would expect. The bartenders are friendly, the doorfolk are nice and the patio is great when it's not 20 degrees out. But there are of course negatives: Rumor has it the layout was designed to emulate the male anatomy. Whether or not this is true, or if the layout is more likely a function of the building's termination at that weird intersection, navigating around this space is a pain in the skinny-jeaned @ss. When this place is packed, it's an absolute nightmare. Two weekends ago I was there and my entire time was spent exchanging sighs and frustrated looks with one patron after another as they tried to birth themselves through the crowd. Likewise, I am surprised to see that "Good for Dancing" has a "yes" next to it, because while there is decent music the dance floor is really a combination of people in line for the bar, a thoroughfare for people trying to get from the bar to the bathrooms etc, and the 4 or 5 people who have managed to secure 2 square feet for themselves to shake it. You get points for trying Pony...but I highly doubt a raging dance party enjoyed by all is ever going to be possible given the space allowed. Maybe you and the Cuff (or any other bar in Seattle really) could swap buildings?
(3)Jason P.
This is my favorite bar in Seattle. Apart from the awesome atmosphere, cheap drinks, and always great music... My favorite thing about Pony is how friendly and non-judgemental the staff and patrons are. I as a strait dude get and un-welcoming vibe from many a gay bar, but never here. This is a great place to bring and make friends. Come as you are, Have fun. I do however miss the hell out of the air hockey table.
(5)Brian M.
When I first came to Seattle and started to Yelp. I keep hearing about this Dive Bar called Pony. Something seemed very "unique?" about the original pony's, A Creepy Cool with 70's back page ads and in the center of attention air hockey table.When people enter your greeted with a cheers style "Gay Derogatory term"being shouted at entering patrons. Unfortunately It closed when I first heard about it as it was bulldozed over to make condo's..(i think) But it magically it re-open looking like a entrance to Camelot...A Gay(er) Camelot with air hockey and a guy dressed up in Mexican fiesta fare. The entrance sign telling incoming patrons that this Gay Bar is a very Gay Bar, No homophobes..and when I entered I did not hear anyone saying the Official Pony style greeting but oh well. I got my Diet Coke and walk around..Filled with young gays, lesbians, Boi's and ambiguous Hipsters. A nice girl started making convo and everyone seemed to be very nice. Awesome music and dance lights decorated the mini dance floor. It seems to be more polished and even upscale(?) to my readings of the original pony's of just being a dive bar with air hockey. Being a prude of anything pornographic i felt fine here...There was 1950's video's playing and they were more humorous than pornographic..like a Gay three stooges or a silent movie humor video's of gay scenario's. The times of people not talking to me I have this social thing where I look at the decor at bars...but the only thing to look at is pics of nude men and the video's...I am not really thinking about it but something to place my eyes and to think to myself as a social shield but then i realized my eyes have been on a picture of a nude dude for 6mins..and I don't think it's a straight or gay thing but when does that not get socially unacceptable at starting at walls of nude people and not looking like a creep...So I spectated Airhocky and seemed like it was not as a big thing to do at the new pony's but it's there as people dance and drink PBR from paper bags. but overall It's a cool place and a friendly vibe. note:should bring cash..Credit is a $10.00 minimum
(4)Meghan L.
Penises everywhere!
(5)Jason S.
The Pony is an intentionally gay dive. I went with friends last weekend and was happy to see that it was much like the former Pony on Pine. The decor, pictures plastered on the walls and vintage porn mags at each table help make this unique to any other bar I've been to. The drinks were good, priced right, and the service attentive. This place is small so I imagine it could get packed on the weekends. Yay for Pony!
(4)James E.
Any gay bar that plays "Assimilate" by Skinny Puppy as background music automatically has my loyalty. The second coming of Pony learned some lessons from its former incarnation on Pine Street: I can sit comfortably along a wall-length bench (or outside where the patio is covered); the bar offers more libations than Seattle-cliché PBR; and the interior personifies what it meant to be young, gay, and curious about the back pages of many a gay rag. A beer and a top-shelf cocktail didn't break the bank, either. Not that I'm naming names (as I look in the direction of a catty neighbor), but it's nice to have a cocktail that doesn't cost $9. You boys at Pony keep playing the classics and I'll keep comin' back for more. If you take requests, any chance of hearing hiLt or Coil?
(4)Jerome C.
Pony is awesome. It was my favorite gay bar when I visited Seattle-- the cheap, stiff drinks, vintage porn on the walls, tasteful gay music (I went on a Morrissey night-- what more could a pretentious, gay boy like me ask for?) the back patio, and the distinction between the "men's" and "boys'" bathrooms all gave this place the charm and appeal of the grungy gay Seattle scene. The crowd here is relaxed, easy going, and pretty friendly for the most part. It may be in the outskirts of Capitol Hill, but you have to be sure to check this place out.
(5)Dale W.
UPDATE: Ok ok I do not usually go back on my word but I am changing my review on this place. Last year (almost to the day) I had a 30th birthday party held for me at Pony. Despite my last review on this place I went anyways since it was being thrown by co-workers. Service turned out to be very good and the current bartender was super accommodating. They allowed us to have a stripper on the patio, plug in a boombox, and take up most of the deck for the party. I am also impressed that the owner wrote me to inform me that the the "bitchy bartender" I experience before was no longer employed there. That was a good business move and I am thankful the owner was concerned enough to update me. Time has gone by since my last review and I have to say I am now impressed. Good Luck Pony - ------------ Old News. I agree with the last comment about it not being the same as the old Pony especially the new bitchy bartender. Nothing says "welcome to our new business" like yelling "WHAT DO YOU WANT?" agressively at a customer when ordering (and no, it was not loud at the time) The bar itself was interesting and definitely worth a look around. Patio was the best place to stand due to the insides layout. Maybe as time goes on my thoughts will change about this place but until then I'll keep it at not impressed.
(4)Erik B.
Hooray, Pony!! Go-go boys, Vidoes of B-52's/Forbidden Zone/Skinflick, and Nina Hagen on the playlist. I'm all for it!! And to answer the question of girls taking time in the bathroom. There's a strobe light!! Have you ever seen someone pee in a strobe light?!? It's the 8th wonder... But bring back the clown-10"-gloryhole. That was awesome!!
(5)Alex G.
In all honesty, its my favorite bar on the hill. I love Wednesdays, its happy hour all night
(5)West S.
Dive bar about says it, and not in a good way. Horrible seating, bad bartender, attitude, not much room or anything else going for it. Many better options such as CC Attles, Madison Pub, Cuff, and Lobby within 3 blocks. Don't waste your time here.
(1)Rix G.
Checked out the Littlest Tea Dance in the World.... Pony is a very interesting bar with lots of Porn and Pictures to read on the wall. Also, they have magazines on the counters if you feel like flipping through them. Had a straight friend join us and she had a great time. The music was good but the retro seventies vibe got old after awhile. I was wishing they would play some 80s or more.. Everyone else seemed to love it!
(4)kieran j.
Good decor, when we went it was pretty boring scene though it was earlish. The major sticking point was the fact that we ordered Patron and got some call shit uncleverly disguised by being put into a Patron bottle. Bad, bad Pony.
(2)Peter A.
Pony is like a gay "Cha Cha" -- a bar designed from day one to be a dive (although one of our party repeatedly insisted it was not a dive but rather a "shanty"). As nouveau dives go, it's a fairly good one, with its odd angles giving it character and its ship-like patio giving it an odd sense of command of Capitol Hill.
(3)Andy G.
Great patio, but once winter rolls in - we'll see. The crowd was diverse and it was a good vibe for the most part. The downfall will be whatever the "girls" are doing in the bathroom that's taking so long. Unisex bathroom - 30 minute line? F that.
(3)Matthew H.
so THIS is the new Pony. I'm kind of pissed off that annoying 21 year olds gloated for weeks about the "new" Pony opening even thought they had no fucking idea about the old one. Seattle people are fucking ridiculous, especially the young ones. Whatever, one of the reasons why the old Pony was amazing was because it was temporary, and everyone knew to savor the time we had while it lasted. Beyond that annoying kids and the weird ass shaped building, it's a good place to be. They even played Stevie Nicks the first time I went in there. This place fills the "void" between those who don't perfectly fit into the Cuff crowd, but can't quite fit into the Elite crowd either. However, I'm not so happy about not being stamped a faggot at this new one. Bring the stamp back damnit!
(4)Hilary L.
I love ponies. I love dive bars. I love gay men (I think I should have been born a gay man and I speak fluent gay). Need I say more? Pony on Madison is an amalgam of many of my top interests. If only they had food and t.v., my gluttony would be satiated!
(5)kat s.
I cannot wait for you to open. 500 block of Pine's favorite seedy gay bar is back, and hopefully as sleazy as ever.
(5)Katy B.
I didn't get it. Then, someone explained it to me. But that shouldn't have been necessary.
(4)Ryan P.
Awesome place first time here. Good specials. Glad i stopped by
(4)Justin K.
Great to FINALLY see another gay bar in town. This new Pony is small, but has a great atmosphere, great decor and great music. The drinks were reasonable and the crowd was decent. My partner and I hope to frequent this new incarnation often.
(4)Jesse R.
Air hockey. Sunday night seems to be straight night.
(5)Denis A.
I'm not a "bar person". But this bar is FUN. Kooky, kool ambiance, atmosphere ... good music, drinks. If being a "dive bar" is a good thing, then this is THE dive bar of Seattle. To me, it's just intentionally different and genuine. If the weather is nice then the patio is a great hangout I prefer the inside where I feel like I'm in some pleasantly perverse, psychedelic porno wet dream.
(5)Josh B.
i've only been here once, but i loved it! came on a thursday with a bunch of work friends. sat right below the blurry video of oiled-up men wrestling in some creepy dude's basement. great service from friendly and handsome bartenders. bathrooms were clean. it was weird and creepy in the best way. i will definitely be back!
(5)Justyn T.
This bar is the shit! Cheap booze, hot guys, and the patio is amazing!! Come in on Sunday afternoons for the David and Justyn show. ;-)
(5)Esteban T.
Was in town for the weekend from Los Angeles and read about this bar on yelp. AWESOME bar, Awesome bartender, and Awesome decor. Had a great time in the photo booth and the music was great. The only down side to the experience was the anorexic excuse for a bouncer. Talk about little d*ck syndrome. Nevertheless I will be back and I may even bring the anorexic a valium and a sandwich, 2 things he is in dire need of ;)
(5)