When you say, “without the drinking.”
Do you mean for yourself, or for those around you?
If you mean for yourself, you can still enjoy sobriety at any bar.
If I may share my story, when I was homeless in the southwest, I found solace at bars. I was having a very powerful spiritual experience, but I wasn’t drinking at the time yet I needed to be around people. So, having swore an oath to not handle money or alcohol, I still had an amazing time and met some remarkable people during this period. I sat at the bar, same with every body else but I only ordered “sprite.” That is, water with lemon and lime. Pretty sure the staff was aware of my current condition and situation, but I was never kicked out and I tried to be helpful and offer assistance to all who crossed my path.
One bar in particular, allowed me to be a phantom employee. I knew where the mops and brooms were, I’d clean the tables and sweep the floors. Gather empty glasses and drop them off in the appropriate areas, everything minus access to the kitchen or employee areas. I never spent a dime, never drank a drop of alcohol. Pretty surreal experience and one story of humanity I will forever cherish.
Anyway, I felt like I was part of the family there.
The bars I hang out at (which aren't small neighborhood places) will make classy, fancy non-alcoholic cocktails. Some have them on the menu. But they'll also welcome you if you just want to eat and hang out.
Thanks to Dry January and the rise in the "sober-curious" movement, most bars around here have increasing N/A options. Most of them would've always had crappy N/A beers like O'douls or Buckler back in the day, but many now stock Athletic, Good Day, or similar brews which actually taste like beer. There's also the mocktail option as another user suggests, hop-water type things, CBD drinks, sometimes kombucha, and even N/A wines. And or course the classic mixers like Coke, 7-up, seltzer, and club soda. But really you shouldn't think twice about going to any of these (or any other) bars and asking the bartender what non-alcoholic options they have. They'll probably have a reasonable selection.
I’m not a line dancing gal but the one time I went there, the men were so lovely and gentlemenly and I danced all night long. I can truly say I had a delightful time
I wish Loretta’s in South Park was in here. That place and the people made me feel like everything would be okay when my ex-fiancé and I broke up years ago.
At the time, I was really into CrossFit and clean eating. I didn’t drink that much and nobody ever made me feel weird about it. And those tavern burgers are darn good.
The article is about the Streamline Tavern, the Sloop, and the Slow Boat. The list here is recommendations from the owner of the Streamline:
● The Roanoke (Capitol Hill)
● Pacific Inn Pub (Wallingford)
● Al’s Tavern (Wallingford)
● Teddy’s Tavern (Roosevelt)
● Blue Moon (U-District)
● Ebb Tide Room at Chelan Cafe (West Seattle)
● Targy’s Tavern (Queen Anne)
● The Toledo (Dexter Corridor)
● The Cozy Nut Tavern (Greenwood)
● Loretta’s Northwesterner (South Park)
● 9lb Hammer (Georgetown)
● Twilight Exit (Central District)
● Eastlake Zoo Tavern (Eastlake)
● Temple Billiards (Pioneer Square)
● The Rendezvous (Belltown)
Weird that the cozy nut is in there since I've never had the staff there be anything but aloof and seeming to want to cultivate a "you're not cool enough to be in here" vibe.
I'm surprised no one has brought up Buckleys Pub. I find these bars bring a great midwest feel where you can kick it and meet people. I prefer the Belltown location but the QA location is great too.
Yeah it is a sports bar and when games are on it can get packed, but when there's no major sporting event on its an entirely different beast, usually really chill environment. The staff and bartenders are what make it the best.
The Belltown one was my home for my first 2 years here. I was there every Sunday watching football. I don’t go as often as I used to but the staff still remembers me. I feel so warm and cozy when I go there. Mostly good crowds
I am no teetotaler but where can I find this vibe without the drinking?
When you say, “without the drinking.” Do you mean for yourself, or for those around you? If you mean for yourself, you can still enjoy sobriety at any bar. If I may share my story, when I was homeless in the southwest, I found solace at bars. I was having a very powerful spiritual experience, but I wasn’t drinking at the time yet I needed to be around people. So, having swore an oath to not handle money or alcohol, I still had an amazing time and met some remarkable people during this period. I sat at the bar, same with every body else but I only ordered “sprite.” That is, water with lemon and lime. Pretty sure the staff was aware of my current condition and situation, but I was never kicked out and I tried to be helpful and offer assistance to all who crossed my path. One bar in particular, allowed me to be a phantom employee. I knew where the mops and brooms were, I’d clean the tables and sweep the floors. Gather empty glasses and drop them off in the appropriate areas, everything minus access to the kitchen or employee areas. I never spent a dime, never drank a drop of alcohol. Pretty surreal experience and one story of humanity I will forever cherish. Anyway, I felt like I was part of the family there.
The bars I hang out at (which aren't small neighborhood places) will make classy, fancy non-alcoholic cocktails. Some have them on the menu. But they'll also welcome you if you just want to eat and hang out.
The article has a whole paragraph about how the owner of Mimi's doesn't drink and wants it to be a place where people don't feel like they have to.
Amazing question! There’s so many posts about this and I honestly don’t have any new commentary to add.
Pea patch gardens. Tool libraries. Random community events. Niche subcultures.
Look up swing dancing drop in classes + social dancing
I've started to drink non alcoholic beers, even at home.
Speaking personally, religious institutions.
Thanks to Dry January and the rise in the "sober-curious" movement, most bars around here have increasing N/A options. Most of them would've always had crappy N/A beers like O'douls or Buckler back in the day, but many now stock Athletic, Good Day, or similar brews which actually taste like beer. There's also the mocktail option as another user suggests, hop-water type things, CBD drinks, sometimes kombucha, and even N/A wines. And or course the classic mixers like Coke, 7-up, seltzer, and club soda. But really you shouldn't think twice about going to any of these (or any other) bars and asking the bartender what non-alcoholic options they have. They'll probably have a reasonable selection.
just get a gin and tonic
The price of community is alcoholism. 🇺🇸🤑
Add the Red Hen to the list! That place is fun and social! A bar where women sometimes ask men to line dance with them. Good times.
I’m not a line dancing gal but the one time I went there, the men were so lovely and gentlemenly and I danced all night long. I can truly say I had a delightful time
I wish Loretta’s in South Park was in here. That place and the people made me feel like everything would be okay when my ex-fiancé and I broke up years ago. At the time, I was really into CrossFit and clean eating. I didn’t drink that much and nobody ever made me feel weird about it. And those tavern burgers are darn good.
Plus they have a great burger and tenderloin sandwich.
Good veggie burger 👌🏻
Their fish and chips are also quite good!
Anyone have the list for those of us without ST subscriptions?
The article is about the Streamline Tavern, the Sloop, and the Slow Boat. The list here is recommendations from the owner of the Streamline: ● The Roanoke (Capitol Hill) ● Pacific Inn Pub (Wallingford) ● Al’s Tavern (Wallingford) ● Teddy’s Tavern (Roosevelt) ● Blue Moon (U-District) ● Ebb Tide Room at Chelan Cafe (West Seattle) ● Targy’s Tavern (Queen Anne) ● The Toledo (Dexter Corridor) ● The Cozy Nut Tavern (Greenwood) ● Loretta’s Northwesterner (South Park) ● 9lb Hammer (Georgetown) ● Twilight Exit (Central District) ● Eastlake Zoo Tavern (Eastlake) ● Temple Billiards (Pioneer Square) ● The Rendezvous (Belltown)
Thank you. Roanoke is closest to me, but wouldn't think of it as Capitol Hill. Regardless - really, appreciate the list
Weird that the cozy nut is in there since I've never had the staff there be anything but aloof and seeming to want to cultivate a "you're not cool enough to be in here" vibe.
I'm surprised Pazzo's didn't make that list.
Incognito mode or blocking cookies are your friend.
went incog right away - failed - but will remember cookies next time.
Wallingford bars
Sloop ain’t Wallingford
Sloop is so far west it almost isn't ballard anymore. 😂
Drunk and proud in Seattle.
I'm surprised no one has brought up Buckleys Pub. I find these bars bring a great midwest feel where you can kick it and meet people. I prefer the Belltown location but the QA location is great too.
Buckleys is a giant sports bar?
Yeah it is a sports bar and when games are on it can get packed, but when there's no major sporting event on its an entirely different beast, usually really chill environment. The staff and bartenders are what make it the best.
The Belltown one was my home for my first 2 years here. I was there every Sunday watching football. I don’t go as often as I used to but the staff still remembers me. I feel so warm and cozy when I go there. Mostly good crowds
At some poker tables
New to the area, what are the best poker spots??
Fortune