The Central Saloon
207 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98127
The Central Saloon Menu
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Address :
207 1st Ave S
Seattle, WA, 98127 - Phone (206) 622-0209
- Website https://centralsaloon.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Loud
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Mon, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Garrett R.
Great late night music, live band, no cover. Great atmosphere where you can rent the lone pool table in the back for only $6 an hour. Win win!!!
(5)Evan A.
Reviewing the food! It was one of the best burgers I have had! The perfect amount of cheese and mayo, but not too messy. I went during late dinner hours, but I was one of two people in the whole place eating. Everybody else was at the bar. Burger was awesome, service was good, fries were heaping and tasty. Price was really great too. Add a patty and cheese for not too much, and you'll find it's an awesome deal.
(5)Mark M.
yeah - i do like this place - the people behind the bar are a kick and i love that old old feel of the place. the back is nice and dark for a bit of intimacy - i walk in and they remember me! is it because i am loud and obnoxious? could be... anyway, its a very nice touch! Cheers!
(4)Dustin C.
Awesome food! Home made tots were the bomb. Killer atmosphere of Seattle music, and old Seattle decor. Wait staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Will definitely come back on next trip and hopefully play here in the future!
(4)Jonny B.
My neighborhood bar. I love it here. Good drinks. Rad staff. :) Come check it out for yourself:)
(5)Shayna R.
This place has the best bbq I've ever had, hands down. I'm from the Midwest and we take meat and bbq seriously, so I've experienced a fair share across this fine country. For $12 I got a half smoked bbq chicken and 2 sides. They smoke in house, and the sides--tater tots (unreal!!!) and fried pickles (best I've ever had) are, honestly of the heavenly oh my god variety. They also have a beer tasting--4 microbrews for 8 bucks and you can choose any on draft. Pretty damn awesome. They have a great selection of Washington/Oregon/California beers on draft. Loved this place, will make it a regular must stop at every time I'm here.
(5)Lolee J.
Great place!! Been here a couple of times now. Food is bar food, but done well. The staff is great and drinks are smooth!
(4)Michael G.
First place Nirvana played a show and now has a full and diverse calendar again! Super awesome burgers and sandwiches. Really cheap cocktails too!
(5)Mel L.
This is a cool bar with good bar food. I grabbed dinner here and discovered my new favorite lager, Kolsch. If you like beer, try one or two if your there. The bartender was very nice and attentive.
(5)Cory B.
Note this in the annals of history... Actually the worst beef brisket I have ever had. It was tough like it was a cut of flank steak. The spicy sauce was the only thing that kept me eating it. I gave a piece to my buddy and he spit it out and asked "how could you even eat that?" Tater tots were pretty good. They tasted like they were home made. My tummy is turning though after that brisket. I need to purge and go get some good food after that.
(2)Jim P.
Stopped at this dive bar with 30 some minutes to kill before an event in the area. The sign out front touted this to be the oldest bar in Seattle! A friendly lady with some cool body art was working the entire length of this dark medieval looking wooden bar. The entire Saloon was really quiet compared to what occurs in the local area on game day with its proximity to Century Link & Safeco fields. Just last week was a historic football game between the Seahawks and Forty-Niners that depleted almost everything that was cold, wet or on tap and none of it has been replenished! While we each enjoyed a glass of wine we noted a pungent smell of something old permeating the air (some history here) however, we did enjoy looking at a life size Popeye type sailor mounted up high on the wall with a stare that gazed back at you. There was also a nice collection of Fat Tuesday posters from years past lining the walls plus other interesting decor. Strange that I had a sense of Deja Vu while sitting at the bar. Then we were off to our event! Yes it serves its purpose and someday I will return.
(3)James M.
Drinks are cheap, food is acceptable.
(4)Grace A.
I was in Pioneer Square and consulted Yelp for where to eat. Since this place is the oldest saloon I thought I would try it out. I guess I'm too much of a beer snob. If you like Ranier it's ok. It was an experience and I would not deter tourists from checking it out, but if I lived in Seattle I would not hang out here regularly.
(3)Philip T.
Just another rainy Monday night in Seattle and thought the oldest bar in the city would be a cool place to check out. We were on a red ale kick so we went with the "Mens Room Red" and had 3 of those while the football game was on. Bartenders were nice and I dug the vibe along with the odes to the Seattle music scene. No live music that night but the stereo was a steady dose of all things 90's...Pearl Jam, Tool, Alice in Chains...maybe I should've come in flannel. Happy hour menu looked decent.
(4)Seth J.
Cool bar...really old and cool history. I like the drinks and BBQ food. However, there is a bartender who works there named Sarah who has multiple times been way over the top rude to me for no reason. She is a bartender who gets flustered and bitchy under ANY sort of pressure. Loses her head and carries around her baggage and is 99% of the time in a terrrrrrrible mood. I don't go here strictly because of this god-awful server. I even take it farther. I work at a company with over 200 employees a few blocks away. I make active efforts and go out of my way to detour anyone and everyone from going there. Even if the topic of where to go isn't even brought up. That is the level of rudeness it have received from her and I take it personally
(1)Polly A.
I've lived in Seattle for 5 years & love live shows! I have only been to the Central Saloon twice & for good reason. NONE of my friends who have played there have a good story. I'm a 40 y/o woman & was taking the bus this night but cutting people off seems like a fun power trip for the door guy. Thanks for sending the "drunk" girl out into Pioneer Square with a hour to wait for the bus. Good looking out! Locals beware! P.S. The cocktail waitress was awesome!
(1)Brenna The Muscle P.
Band sub pat, bartender is a jerk. Would never visit here again. Got a drink and the bartender in the pic acted like we were a burden. It was too much effort to pour us a beer . Guilt trip and a bad band.
(1)Josh R.
It doesn't even deserve 1 star. The waiter honestly is the most awful human being I ever met. I can't believe I had to pay to be there. Hands down worst bar I have ever been too. The bartender served us a shot with 1.2 oz. not even a full shot and ignored us for a prolonged period of time and There are tons of much better bars near by, recommend skipping this one.
(1)Brett N.
Why 3 stars? Because of the meh beer selection. --- --- -- Awesome looking bar. Great, central location. Cool bartenders. Just one thing missing... the beer selection! Let's beef it up, y'all! I know... I have 10,000 snobby taste buds in my mouth. I just had to Google how many taste buds we have... I expected it to be about 50-100. That's pretty shocking actually. All 10,000 of mine hate goat cheese. I don't even think there are 3 that enjoy it. But I digress... If you're a tourist doing a lot of walking about Seattle, you could do worse than using Central Saloon to grab a seat for a minute, and enjoy a mass-produced beverage.
(3)Chris M.
This is my favorite place to meet up with friends in the Pioneer Square neighborhood right now. I like it because everybody knows where it is or can find it easily, they have cheap food if you want to get a snack, and they have a lot of beers on tap. By far, though, the best reason to come here is the dive-bar saloon atmosphere. The bartenders are attentive but not falling over themselves to serve anybody, and when you need them they are helpful and friendly. The place is dive-bar dirty, but seemingly due to age instead of neglect. There is an indescribable air to this really old saloon which matches the old stuff on the walls and the old wood and the old creaky barstools and the old dudes sitting at one end of the bar. I like it!
(4)Elle J.
It's a dive bar, in downtown Seattle, with a mediocre band. The bartenders were efficient, but didn't have great personality. However, they did have this amazing Pendleton Bourbon, and we had fun there while trying to drink away our terrible experience at volume. I'd drop in for a happy hour, or a drink if I was in the area again, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way to get there.
(3)Megan N.
Good food, however the staff is very unfriendlly, and the manager is extremely rude!!
(1)Lauren J.
First time for everything! Never have I written a poor review, and never have I had to walk out of an establishment before even looking at a menu. Allow me to elaborate!! I typically follow the rule of "if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all", however, this is an exception. I am a server, and I will always give the benefit of the doubt at what might be a snotty attitude, allowing them to change my mind. But this lady was an absolute nightmare! I have never taken a day trip to Seattle, and this was a special occasion for my boyfriend and I. We walked in and the bartender stopped us before we had seats for our ID's, I politely asked if there were a few open seats at the end of the bar where we could sit (reasonable question, in my opinion) and she rudely said "I don't know, you'll have to look." As we found our seats at the furthest seat at the bar and reached for ID's, my boyfriend asked if there were any specials. She replied with "there's a specials board outside". He went outside and found one special, really lady? You couldn't just tell him? There was a free buffet apparently and as he walked back inside to check it out, she yells in a condescending manner "you might want a plate!" (As if my boyfriend was going to start diving in without paying or any further questions?). I was pretty pissed off, but my boyfriend was hungry, so he went to order a drink (free buffet with drink purchase), and asked about their tall boys. "There's a menu at the end of the bar." And walked away. I had enough. I will never ever not leave a tip, so I decided to walk out. This woman did not deserve a DIME of gratuity, so we left without even ordering. Never in my life have I felt like such a huge inconvenience before. She did not serve us in any way. She just brusquely pointed out how to help ourselves. I will never give this establishment my business. She was a grey cloud on our sunny day in Seattle. We tried a couple more bars in the same block (E.S Mercantile and J&M) and both were AWESOME! We were greeted with a smile and happily served throughout our entire visit at both of the other bars we tried!
(1)J M.
I witnessed the "security guard" at this establishment pick fights with multiple prospective patrons. Not only was he picking fights by calling people derogatory names unprovoked but he continued to egg the people on while they were walking away from the establishment. This "security guard" is a liability to the owner of the establishment and to any person walking in there if you ask me. He should be fired immediately!
(1)Robert T.
The Ron Jeremy wannabe door man is a DICK. Notice a ton of the same review...
(1)Raymond H.
The Central Saloon is the second longest active drinking hole in town. The building contributes greatly to the experience, as a lush like me can bask in its antiquity rich with history. PARKING: Metered street parking and parking lots. I strongly recommend checking the sporting event schedule; parking gets competitive and prices spike upwards during pro and college games. BUILDING:/VENUE: The bar resides in a building constructed in 1889, making it one of the oldest buildings in the Pioneer Square/Skid Road Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This place had been known in the past as the "Skagit Hotel" and "The Central Card Room". DECOR: There are lots of old signs and pictures of way back in the day. There are some very interesting things to look at, two of which are a 5-6 foot high Sailor Jerry hula girl and a shrine dedicated to famed local dead boys Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix. AMBIENCE: Given the age of the building and the decor, it's easy to forget about the outside world and slip into a jolly old time. The people here are pretty here to drink or see a show. It can get loud, but seems to bring in some friendly folk. FOOD: They have a full menu which includes appetizers, salads, burgers, entrees, et al. I haven't had any of it, so I can't vouch for it. BEER/BOOZE: It's a full bar with a not-so-impressive selection of beer on tap. If you're looking for microbrews, go check out the other 'oldest bar' in town. Otherwise, if you have time for a tour through Pioneer Square, this is definitely worth a stop. SERVICE: The staff is friendly. I haven't been here enough times to determine the consistency of service, but I have been treated right when I have been here. If you're visiting from out of town and you're in a mood to booze it up, I suggest doing a little homework and plan to make a few stops through this neighborhood, instead of picking one bar.
(4)Wendy S.
If you enjoy paying for watered down shots, this is the place for you. The doorman were the best thing about this bar.
(2)Alyssa H.
After a failed trip to 5 Point Café, we head over to The Central Saloon for some Seattle rock 'n' roll history. Open since 1892, it is the oldest saloon in Seattle. Mother Love Bone played their last show here before Andrew Wood died of a fatal heroin overdose. I stand in the doorway and feel chills roll up my spine: it's that good. No, it's not as dirty and dingy as its website makes you think, but it has a very classic, wood-and-leather look that I find equally as fun. Anna orders a shot of Jack and I order my usual screwdriver. Make it a double for a dollar more? Yes please.
(5)Adam R.
We were here for a private event recently. The staff were friendly and attentive! The food that was served, kind of buffet style was really good. It had good flavor, good selection and would certainly make me want to go back! The drinks were reasonable and certainly selection abound. I have not been here on a normal night but I could see that this place would be fun to catch a show in or just have dinner and drinks!
(4)Corey M.
This place is cool! It's very old and divey inside, but the bartenders are friendly, the drinks are reasonable, and the crowd isn't creepy. Went in on a Friday night after a baseball game and was pleasantly surprised to find a pioneer square bar playing music that wasn't dubstep or death metal. They have a big bar with lots of seats and a super cool old tile floor.
(4)Barry W.
*** I am a real sucker for live music. *** The sounds of the band lured me in from the sidewalk ... it was "Jam Session Tues". Band was mostly retro but pretty impressive. Wow, electric guitarist was actually amazing. Drinks were relatively cheap, there was a good mixed group, and there's history too. *** Established 1892 and still rockin'! ***
(4)Clarisse R.
Happy hour food til 7. Ribs and fries and tater tots. The smoky ribs were deliciously smoky, moist, tender and even more flavorful with their homemade bbq sauce. The tater tots are not your ordinary common frozen commercial bagged rounds they are big unique nuggets crisp on the outside shredded soft warm yummy hashbrownish on the inside with a side of ranch. Im glad i didn't ignorantly pass it up. Sliders came in 2s on a nice soft breadish and not typical bun. Hot wings were HOT and came with carrots, celery, and thankfully blue cheese, anything to douse the heat. All that food $20.61 total. Tip: skip the hot wings, get more ribs and tots!
(3)Gillian W.
Stopped in here before the Mariners game on Sunday.. it was just opening up at 11:00am so there wasn't a whole lot of noise yet. We stayed and had lunch, I ordered the veggie wrap and DH ordered the burger wrap, both only ate half and I was bound and determined to make it in and out of Safeco field with those wraps. I did after what seemd like quite the effort, but later ended up throwing them away, they got too gross and wouldn't keep. I wish I'd had room for it all. Food selection was fantastic! This is I think the cheapest place to get drinks before the game. Once inside the stadium, you could easily go broke. The bartender was very friendly and interesting. She had quite the collection of tattoos, great for a conversation starter. It's fun to get to know strangers and know what kind of things that inspire them. We easily burned up a couple of hours here and got to the game just in time. I would definitely stop here again, great crowd, great service!!
(4)Sheila T.
A bar that played a lot of Pixies and had a decent local beer selection...if I lived in Seattle I would be a regular.
(4)Jacob M.
I love coming in here at night, Nick and Aaron are great. But this time was different. I got served by this drunk bitch named Sara who was yelling almost the entire time I was there for my lunch, which was very tasty. she was so rude to me that the other sweet bartender came over and apologized to me (don't know her name). I hope she gets fired because I love the food and drinks but you couldn't pay me to be in the same bar as her.
(2)Arthur K.
This is a great place to end your night. It's usually full lots of locals who just got off work at the other restaurants and bars. The service is blunt but in a great way. It maybe hard to notice, but behind their hard attitude, they do have very good service here and very generous pours. Don't end here if you got to drive home right after.
(4)Sarah L.
Noted as Seattle's first saloon, The Central still has that Wild Wild West Charm. The place is kind of grubby, but that's to be expected...this is where the cowboys used to come to get a drink. Today all kinds of different folk wander in, the regular lost-soul type men who will probably try and hit on you or the tourists who want to partake in drinking at Seattle's oldest saloon. The waitresses are tough....real tough and they're sweet girls. I was charmed pretty fast and couldn't stop staring at their tattoos. I got a few Stella's and a couple Bud Lights. One thing to keep in mind is that The Central is ALWAYS packed, its a popular place. The floor is the same floor as when the place was built and the photos on the wall capture the memories of when the bar was first founded, and everything that's went down since then. The place houses a lot of history and a lot of character. The tunes of classic rock music filter through the air and the place is chatty and busy. There is a stage in the back of the restaurant where many great bands have played. I order some cheese y garlic fries off of the menu filled with classic comfort foods that temp the appetite. I am pleasantly surprised when I am presented with a gigantic plate of cheese covered garlic seasoned french fries. There are way more than I could possibly eat and I ask for a box before I devour them all unwillingly. I have fallen for this place in the hour in a half I have been here.... All in all, The Central is definitely worth a visit, it harbors the heart of Old Seattle.
(5)Lucky B.
Friendly service. Burger was just ok... The oldest saloon in Seattle with great deco. Worth checking out.
(4)Jen P.
Total dive, total Pioneer Square. It's great. We go there for happy hour and get friendly but "real" service, the servers are feisty and fun! On Fridays they also have an interesting free buffet for customers, the food can range from random meat on a stick to potstickers to pizza to deviled eggs. Really chill. And, they have bands at night, good ones.
(5)Mallory D.
If you're not a regular, stay away. Bartender was rude, other customers were unwelcoming, place was dirty...food was good but I was afraid to eat it.
(1)John R.
Just to say I've been there. Beers are cheap, and I'm a bit drunk, bit I have met 3 people that love this bar because it's one of those bars that "all the great Seattle bands" played at. It's a sweet bar, i wish it was in my own city. Hot tattooed women, funny little guys from eastern Washington, clean washrooms, what else could you want?
(5)Belle B.
I have passed by The Central dozens of times and I have no clue why I never stopped in. Perhaps bc I had a bad experience at the J&M years ago and they are locate a shop apart. Anywho, my friends and I stopped in before the Weezer show last week it was such a convenient location to stop and hang out before the show without having to run into a bunch of underage kiddo's who are only a fan bc of radio hits. I loved that they had outdoor seating as well especially on a beautiful summer Friday night! ALL of the servers/bartenders are AWESOME, I mean honestly talk about good service and being on top of their A game! They had great options on their menu like Feta Balls, Cuban Sandwich, cheese fries, and tons of other stuff that you don't find at a standard bar. They were setting up a show as we were about to leave for the concert and I wish we could've stayed. I will definitely back with such great service, yummy drinks, great location, and GREAT people watching. Oh! One last thing about the outside seating something about having outdoor seating such as theirs reminds you of being out in Europe like the outdoor cafes, except obviously different scenery. LOVED THIS PLACE!
(5)Rachel S.
Bartenders are okay. Locals hang here, non locals hang here, a couple of rats (yes, rats) hang here. They're aware. They don't care. The rats have names.
(2)Kyle K.
Randomly went here with the sister to celebrate her having an interview/me landing a new apt. I was shocked with how cheap their drinks are during happy hour; 5 bucks for a double? DANGEROUS! The bartender was super nice and one of the guys that worked there gave me a history lesson about the building while waiting to go on shift which was both appreciated and totally not his job. If I'm ever in the area again I'd definitely go back!
(4)Thai D.
I've always liked this place. The bartenders are quick and efficient (and sexy!), they have fun stage to play on, and there's a ton of charm to this place, the oldest bar in Seattle. I've even eaten here before, and their food isn't too bad, but when the kitchen's closed, it's right next door to Med Mix and their hot dog stand, and the bouncers are cool with you bringing it in. I wish more good bands would play here, but when they do, it's a good time.
(4)Nolan H.
The bartenders here really take this place over the top. They are hilarious, sociable, and very customer friendly( as long as you're not a jerk). I would spend way more time here if I didn't have to shell out so much money on parking! Word to the wise, don't drink here if you are humor-less. You will not enjoy the experience.
(4)Corby G.
I stop at the Central every time I am in Seattle. It doesn't have the greatest food or the best beer selection (though both are perfectly acceptable), but the service is always great, and the ambiance is fantastic. This place does not look like it has changed a bit in 80 years. When you walk through the door, it definitely feels like you are stepping back in time, in a good way. If you like historic type bars, definitely check it out.
(3)April P.
How much fun can you have in a venue where Nirvana and Pearl Jam used to play? This place boasts "Seattle's oldest saloon". The drinks were good, the service awesome, and the food looked homemade. I asked the bartender about it, of course he said its awesome, but he also remarked that everything was made from scratch. I watched the cook cutting the potatoes for french fries, but I question that everything is made from scratch. I would guess that they don't make their own ketchup and that most of their dressings aren't house specialties, but who knows!? They might be! We were only here for a short time, but it was cool to have some live music, friendly and attentive service and best of all- welcome! The staff truly made an effort to make us feel at home there!
(4)Lisa W.
Had a BLAST here the other night. Not to mention I got WASTED, huge shots!!! Live music was highly entertaining and quite good. It was loud and busy, definitely a happening place to have a good time.
(4)ABBEY S.
Cheap, strong drinks. Amazingly divey atmosphere, just like my favorite bars back in Detroit. One of my favorite bars in Seattle. Two qualities of the Central Saloon that make this place stand out are the amazingly lovely bar staff. They are beautiful and attentive, I love my Central ladies! Secondly, they have surprisingly great food! Don't ever leave the Central without trying their homemade tater tots! They are almost as beautiful as the bartenders here! If you dig a dive, you'll love the Central Saloon! And what's not to love abouta place that has Metal Mondays!?
(5)Julian H.
Dirty loud dark and busy. You decide if you love it or hate it.
(5)Alex G.
While stumbling around looking for a bar on a Sunday night, I somehow discovered the oldest bar in Seattle. Inside is nothing special, just a long bar, some tables, a few TVs and lots of alcohol. There is a nice little patio area out front, and our bartender actually came outside to see if she could get us anything else. I give them props for that, but nonetheless it remains nothing more than a pretty standard dive-y bar.
(3)Jacob D.
Great Live Music Venue. We've played here. Awesome!
(5)Rick G.
Funky place with lots of old junk for the decor. Good selection of beer and cocktails (didn't look at the wine). Fun place for a group or after work.
(3)Thomas V.
This is your best best get wasted have a blast bar in Seattle. Even the cook gets plastered and chain smokes cigarettes. Someone needs to help him out:) I come to the Central about 2 to 7 times a week (sometimes multiple times in a day:) Its got the history and they have seen it all. Nick makes this place friendly whether your first or 100th time in. I love that security always seems to kick out the most wasted guy...in the meantime he/she is welcome to get bombed till they fall. The Central is Seattle's Pioneer Square staple.
(5)Stanley K.
Hot Rockin bartenders! $2 Miller high life. Great bar food. Killer heavy rock music. Best of all, Good company and Bad ass bikers gangs. Don't stare at them, they will kick your ASS. enough said??? Just added ( 3/23/08 ) FYI, be sure to get the $10 stamp, it pays for all 6 bars around the area. Best deal Evarrrrrr! So, I was partying up in Pioneer Square last night and it was effening fun!!!! I met some really semi-normal Seattle locals named Jesse and Adam. Both ex military veterans, so you know what their problems are already, I hope. Both were married and had a combination of 12 kids. Jesse had one daugther and five sons from three different women, lived in Seattle in a van, came out here from Wisconsin trying to get veterans military benefits and Adam divorced with 7 kids from Maui. Adam seem to be cra cra crazzzzy. Two missing tooth in front and is 46 years old. Both became really good friends and met here in Seattle. They share a van together and are paying child support up the ASS. So, I had to say, by talking with some-what locals, these guys obviously know "HOW TO PARTY?" They mention all the crazy places I should go. One of course is NOT THE POWER EXCHANGE, but it's similar. Very underground sex club. You must sign a release form, and anything goes. You can even take sex lessons. Yeah RIGHT! me....sex lessons, I get lessons by watching porn ( oops, sorry, thinking out loud, LOL) Anyhow, if anyone come across these two guys, please tell them to take care and tell them this. "I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say goodbye, but after hanging out, you wanted to sell me drugs, I'm sorry but I don't do drugs, just drinks."
(5)Erin B.
I stopped in here for quick happy hour bite before the art walk , and wished I had stopped elsewhere. Granted, the bar notes that it's food is not it's high point, but it was pretty disappointing. The street food next door looked way more appetizing than my $4 dollar sliders or my boyfriend's $5 half rack of ribs. The sliders were spicy, which was a nice surprise, but no lettuce tomato or side made them pretty lackluster. The ribs were (unsurprisingly) stringy with very little meat and very few fries accompanied the burger. Good beers, although many were out, were on tap. Deschutes Porter & IPA were $3.50. I think a well drink was $4. Waitstaff was very attentive, despite the sign saying otherwise & food was delivered quickly. The bar itself is an excellent example of Pioneer Square run-down / lived-in / full of character. All in all, we went here for location and ease, but the plethora of surrounding eateries makes me think we won't be back without a good reason.
(2)Jonny D.
There are literally RATS all over the place! Don't believe me? Look on the stage....yep, those are rat turds around the edges. The drinks are overpriced and weak....the music is loud and usually really bad...The food is terrible bar fair and the owner is a jerk. Don't even bother with this place! There are plenty of great places in pioneer square that won't get you SICK.
(1)Dawn S.
Great atmosphere. Monica is the best.
(4)Robert S.
Well from all the reviews we need to go back on a more busy night We finally left Trinity and walked over here to check it out, I was happy to hear blues playing from outside I was like ok live music and my type of music but kinda bummer I missed out on the smell vomit and all that fun stuff instead we just enjoyed out drinks and some good music, I am ready to go back and listen to more music maybe we will get more of the normal ambiance next time and if you came here for food you are a loser, go next door and get a Gyro, Shawarma, Falafel or just a Hot Dog from the cart they are all cheap and oh so good
(4)Sean F.
Great Happy Hour spot. Dive Bar in Pioneer Square.
(4)Larry C.
They have live bands on Thursday nights. Stopped by after a Mariners game on Thursday night and they had a good crowd.
(4)Kate J.
Left after one round of drinks because our extremely unfriendly waitress never came back to our table. She bitched at my friend because he tried to help her move the chairs to our table and then proceeded to argue with another patron at the table next to us. Wish I knew her name. Will not go back.
(1)Kevin O.
This place was a solid bar option that a friend and I found during one night of bar hopping back in early December. We had previously walked by it after a Seahawks game and decided to come back the next night. I'm not really a crazy beer connoisseur so I can't tell you about their selection. I just liked old bar vibe. It's definitely worth a look.
(4)Thomas P.
Good beer, BUT.......... I should have figured something was wrong about this joint when I saw the Motorcycle Gang Member (Bandido) wearing his colors just hanging outside drinking a beer. Hmmmmm......do i need to say anything else?
(2)Matt B.
Don't bother trading in your fries for rings or tater toots. It is 2$ more and they gave me 5 1/2 rings my girlfriend got the tots and there were 5 of them and the inside was raw. Very disappointed in the food but the service was good.
(1)Kian S.
I went to this bar yesterday with several of my friends to watch the Seahawks game and everything was going well until one of my friends asked to order a burger from one of the employees. The burger never came and so we asked another employee if she could order the same thing. After waiting a significant period of time the burger finally made its way to the table. Once the game was over and my friend was presented with her tab she asked to speak with the manager regarding the mix up and address the fact that she waiting a very long time. The manager came over and began to argue with my friend, speaking down to her and trying to make it seem as though she was in the wrong. I was standing there appalled at this behavior. As a manager of a restaurant it is their job to make things right when a customer believes that they have been wronged in their service. Instead of making things right he escalated the situation and was trying to degrade my female friend in a way that a man never should.
(1)Lizzie K.
I love The Central. Not sure how to describe as anything than a loud dive bar with great staff and good live shows. The bathrooms are always dirty, but it's a dive bar, what do you expect..just don't sit on the seats. The door staff can be friendly or assholes, it's just in how you treat them. IE treat people like you want to be treated and you'll get the same in return. The patio is a great area to sit and watch the ever changing faces of Pioneer Square. If you like a good strong drink, loud music and great people, I say head on down to The Central. You won't be disappointed..and if you are then you're probably no fun anyway.
(4)Mel O.
oddly enough, i have only been here during the off hours of the day(between 4-6). it's always pretty random since i am usually going to seattle for some specific reason. since the central saloon isn't but a block or two from the ferry terminal, it makes it the perfect place to meet up with people before or after i catch the ferry. one time i waited there to meet up with a cab driver who's cab i had left my celly telly in when i was obliterated beyond all reason @ santarchy...ahhh....the good times. they have decently priced drinks...they are pretty strong, but their well is on a gun....which is lame, i trust the one bar tender that i have been served by. i just don't trust the gun thing. i know bottles and pour counts...not soda guns. the vibe/ambiance/decor are good, the beer selection is thumbs up, the one bar tender that has served me is two thumbs up.
(3)Woody B.
If you love Rock N' Roll this is the place! Killer staff. Tons of booze and great food. Plan on staying to closing once you get here!
(5)Tessie B.
This is supposedly the oldest bar in Seattle - at least it looks like it. Either way, the night The Fiance and I went it was Blues Band night. Nice place to enjoy a few drinks and listen to some live music. It wasn't too crazy on this night, but I'm sure it could get very packed. Bathrooms weren't too clean :/
(4)Paul S.
I went here on a Tuesday evening. There was hardly a soul stirring. They had a decent selection of beers, and it looked like it could get wild in there. But on a Tuesday evening, it was basically dead. I'll have to review under better circumstances.
(3)Joseph M.
As I recall from a couple of drunken afternoon bouts with my brother, this place sometimes sells $1 beers. Whatever the case, it's cheap. Worth it once in a while, but only in the daytime before the typical P-Square savages come out.
(4)Mona M.
I love this place. It's not for a business lunch or a romantic date. Loud music, mouthy waitresses, strong drinks and great bar food. Their well doubles are like $4 or $5....that's amazing!!
(4)Justin K.
Good bartender, good fish and chips, good beer, good price. Always enjoy a quick stop in when I'm in the area.
(4)Roxanne P.
Been there 3 times and love their hamburgers! Old rustic bar with personality!!!
(4)Diana M.
If Kuma's had a slightly overweight, acne scarred brother, this would be the place. Heavy metal and rock were on the speakers, beers were flowing, band stickers adorn the bathroom doors, murals adorn the bathroom walls, the bartenders have tattoos, etc. you get the idea. However, unlike Kuma's excellent burgers, the food here was just sorta okay. We had breakfast burritos, mine had bacon, eggs, cheese. Pretty basic, no hash browns or anything, but just what I needed at that moment. The boyfriend wanted cheese, eggs NO bacon on his burrito. Weirdly, half of his burrito showed up with bacon in it. It's as if they'd made a bunch of breakfast burritos, cut them in half and then plated them haphazardly. He was not pleased, but picked the bacon off and ate it anyway. Cheap, in Pioneer Square and good music. I'd probably get schwarma next door next time, but I'd stay for a drink or 3.
(3)Brien H.
Nice venue for Seattle bands. We played here and saw a big, brown rat fly across the stage mid-set! Awesome!! -1 star Fun setup, and the sound guy was kickASS. Not a lot of warm welcome from the staff, but once we proved our worth they were respectful.
(3)Joel G.
Great place to grab a pitcher of Manny's and hang out after work.
(5)Melissa J.
Amazing BBQ sauce, sincerely pleasant waitstaff, no BS bartender (I have no idea what the "cheater pint" review is about--we always get full beers). The sound people are amazing. It's an old building, with crap for acoustics, and shows always sound good. Pioneer Square is not as cool to me & my ilk as it was 15 years ago. I'm mostly over it, and willing to give a few places a chance not to suck. Central Saloon, J&M, the New Orleans are all on the short list.
(4)Travis W.
I saw some bands here yesterday, and the venue sounds pretty good. The bar staff was really attentive, the happy hour was good and so was the food. This is a good choice.
(4)Ashley T.
Cool and very chill spot. We just stopped by on a Sunday afternoon to grab a beer. They have a decent selection and great happy hour for food & drinks. I really just loved the decor and historic feeling of the place.
(4)Eric M.
Cheater pints. 'Nuff said...have fun drinking 14.5 ounce beers for the price of a pint all you gullible BARK (Burien Auburn Renton Kent) people, before you head to Cowgirls and then a late dinner at Amber before you drive your jacked up F-150 back to the meth lab!
(1)Jordana E.
Yelp got it right by leading us here. We were sold when we saw a previous review stating that we'd find friendly tatted folks, good tunes, and stiff drinks, and we were not led astray. The two bands we saw were both amazing, and the crowd, though slim for a Friday night, was definitely the cool, laid back vibe we'd been looking for. A tip: stay away from the cute little girl bartender. She's vacant, unwilling to converse, and, most importantly, her drinks are weak and lacking in detail. Stick with Joe for better drinks and conversation.
(5)Trevor L.
Cool atmosphere. The manager/bartender was fun to talk with. The Greek salad and hummus platter were delish.
(4)Matt T.
I agree with Brad B. I went to the Central around 1pm and it was empty. I had a couple of beers and left. But if I was a local I would definitely go back. **how can you not like a bar that has a heavy metal mondays** edit: I totally forgot the fact that the movie Drumline was playing on the one tv on mute and the death metal playing synced soo well that it was freaky
(4)Jonar A.
If you're just getting out of a Seahawks or Mariners game and looking for a place to keep the spirits going, come here. Stiff drinks, nice bartenders, and a cool kitchen staff. The back wall behind the bar is pretty rad looking too. Check it out!
(4)Veronica F.
Stiff drinks, and hot bartenders! What more could a gal want?!
(5)Brad B.
3 words - Ultimate Dive Bar This place is like walking into a dive bar scene from an early 90's movie. Everything here you can associate with a typical dive bar. This was a saloon back in the day when every bar was a dive bar so they can't help it. I have been here more frequently than Turf since I moved out of C- hill to the B-hill (so much cheaper). Anyway, I've eaten here 2-3 times and was satisfied each time. This is strange because you wouldn't put this down as a place you go out of your way to eat at, but it's pretty good. now, I've never been here late night it's always been mid to late day so I can't speak for that crowd. But as far as when I've been there everyone's been cool. I had to tell a bum to go outside to clip his fingernails once, that was pretty funny, I think the bartender was about to kick his ass. Anyway, if you like dive bars this is the best in town. The comet has nothing on this place.
(5)Angie E.
I came here for lunch with a big group for a coworkers bday. I understand that we were a big group of people, but I feel like the place was a little short staffed at lunch time. We all happily order our food, and 2 of my coworkers ordered the Mediterranean chicken salad and they were out of the specific chicken that went with the salad, then they mentioned to us that there were out of the tzatziki that was the salad dressing for their salad, and that went with another coworker's vegetarian pita sandwich, and then they told ME that they're out of shredded beef and chicken that goes with the philly cheesesteak that I ordered.. Hmmm.... Not too happy. So we changed our order, ate our food pretty fast since it took awhile to get all of our food, and then we find out that my friend was charged extra from her chicken and was charged extra for her side of italian salad dressing that she had to substitute due to them being out of the specific greek dressing. So all and all--not an awesome experience. My coworker did get a couple bucks knocked off her order due to her being charged incorrectly, but why weren't we told upfront that they were out of alot of different things? Especially during lunch rush hour...? Probably won't be going back here..
(2)Josephine M.
This ain't no hipster bar, son. This is a true drinking establishment for the "work hard, play hard" type. Great bartenders, who already recognize me though I've been there twice. They were just as happy and helpful getting me my Coors Light, as they were looking up how to make my sidecar and muddling those lemons, looking beautiful all the while. I haven't tried the food yet, and I left before the music started, but I think I've established solidly that this is a great spot for your post-workday adult beverage.
(4)Shane H.
Great people tend to congregate in great places. The oldest bar in Seattle has live music seven days a week and it varies from one day to the next what kind of music that will be!! The food is decent but not as good as neighboring Med-Mix or the J and M. But decent, more like bar food less like gourmet. The drinks are priced well and the staff is incredible. Talk to Tina and/or Kelly during the day and you won't be disappointed. Talk to Sarah and/or Bethany at night and you will leave drunk, happy and content!! This is a great place to hang out and have a great time but don't bother coming here if your are a stuffy person looking for a martini, this is a working class bar with a high percentage of bikers, construction workers and local service industry folk.
(4)Ashley P.
Friendly staff. Cheap pitchers. Happy hour for beer & food until 9pm which is pretty amazing. The ladies pisser is huge which is handy to all the ladies out there who hate to wait. Nice patio. I had the Cajun burrito & fries to eat. It was pretty tasty. I can't give the place 5 stars because there was a fuzz ball in my food. But, I happily picked it out & ate it anyway. I really liked this place. I'll be back.
(4)Samantha S.
Love this place! Happy hour rocks and lasts till 9pm M-F, not game days though. There is a $5 drink special and food special EVERYDAY! Had the cheeseburger and fries, yum.....
(5)Sam H.
Dr. Hellno and the Yesmen played here the other night and they were awesome. Since the saloon hired my friends, they get an extra star. I'm not a bar fly, so I have little basis for comparison, but this pretty much seems like a normal bar to me. There's a couple bouncers at the door who don't check your Id if you're on the list (or I look old). They were unusually good guys actually. There's some old beat down tables and a stage with enough room for dancing. The bathroom is FILTHY. The bartender is moderately helpful and gets your beer quickly. The bar itself is adorned with a few packs of girls in their 20's (there were probably some guys too, but I didn't really notice) who are pathetically trying to look hot. If they'd just stop trying, they'd be a lot more attractive. The rest of the place is pretty much filled with 30-50 year old folks who appreciate some good rock and look like they've seen the rougher side of life. I like it fine, but I'll probably not be back until someone I know plays there again.
(4)sarah k.
i really like this bar. everyone, staff and customers were covered in tatts cheap bar food inversion on tap live music... just one thing whats with the three inches of foam on every effing beer we ordered? did they not like us vactioneers? or is that standard?
(4)Jonathan C.
Great historic place. Go there on a weekend afternoon and spend time with Tina, the bartender. Not only is she a good historian of the Pioneer district, she is open to suggesting fun activities within Seattle. And plus, I guarantee she will make you laugh. Although a typical bar menu, the food is better than it ought to be. They are known to have live music every night of the year, but the experience is best during the day. It's a truly a working class neighborhood bar.
(4)Kraig S.
The Central Saloon is definitely a staple of my weekly lunch plans. Several coworkers and I routinely enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, great menu, and cold beer (as well as the RC Cola ON TAP!) that The Central has to offer. I have not found a thing on the menu I haven't liked, but I do find it very hard to stray too far from "The Best Grilled Cheese" that is just that...the BEST grilled cheese! The crooked and patched cement floor, the restrooms which are somehow nearly impossible for a new comer to figure out (male? female? which is which??), and the gorilla standing proud overlooking the bar all contribute to the quirkiness of this historic saloon. Without question, The Central Saloon has the best food, wait staff, and atmosphere in Pioneer Square.
(5)Sunshine G.
I love this bar. The bouncers and bartenders are always super fun and they provide excellent service. The music is always great if you like the heavy metal scene. Join me sometime.. this place rocks.
(5)Jim M.
we went up for bumbershoot and unfortunately, i didnt bring any vodka with me so we had to make due with pit-stops along the way. the central saloon was one of these pitstops. the bartender,angie was awesome. i wanted a double jack but she told me if i ordered a "double whiskey" i could get the happy hour discount.when i tasted the whiskey that came out of a spigot,i knew why it was discounted. i ordered a double jack as a chaser to finish the first drink and by the time i was done, a happy warm rosy glow enveloped the bar,me and the city of Seattle. the girl sitting next to me who literally took 2 hours to finish her salad,and when i was leaving she still hadnt quite gotten to tthe finish line, was a hot tranny mess. i think she was flirting with her gay companion and the straight lady bartender at the same time.i guess she wanted to cover her bases and maybe not ever have to pay for a drink. once she started a show and tell of her tattoos, that was the hint i needed to exit stage left and spend a shitload of money at elliot bay books. ps the bathrooms had their own artisanal cheese selection.................(insert gag reflex here)
(3)Ian A.
I love this place, and like any place you love, I'm a little blind to it's faults. The floor is slanty, so all the tables wobble. There's a hole in the back wall. Not a small hole either. Most of the furniture is older than me. But when you love a place, stuff like that isn't a negative, it's charming. The food is excellent, the staff are great, and the music is always changing. Pioneer Square has some of the best food in Seattle, and I still find myself at The Central at least once a week.
(5)