Rude staff for no reason. We went on a Sunday at 3pm and nobody was there. We figured since it served food that they wouldn't be a completely 21+ bar. We were wrong. One of us just wanted a soda but the rude bartender was making a huge deal that she needed to see all of our IDs and our faces and that we were taking too long. No big deal but there's like 4 other people here. What's the hurry? Also why do you need to be so unpleasant? Also if it's such a concern that everybody needs to be ID'd why isn't it more clear that the whole place is 21+? Other bars in the area were super cool but stay away from Shorty's. The level of poor service is unreal. read more

Super fun and interesting bar! A ton of fun new and old pinball games!! Perfect date night for pinball connoisseurs! read more

Shorty's - Super fun pinball bar!! Had a great date night - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Horrible service. Witnessed them turning down customer with a valid OR ID for ordering a glizzy. Took 20+ min to get in a glizzy order, dirty interior, rude staff, no manager on duty. Couldn't even serve us water, told us to go to the faucet around the corner. read more

Bar hopping and stumbled on this place. Came in and fell in love with the decor. Lacy was tending the bar. Got a hoody and a hot dog. Will be back read more

Shorty's - Pinball table - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Quite possible the least attentive, coldest welcoming, no talent bar staff in all of Seattle. Would love to just come in and play some pinball on a day off with a pint or two. However, last two times in the past month was a 5+ minute wait to get even a "hello, welcome in" or "be with you in a minute" Didn't know glassware took priority over a customer with cash literally in their hand with an order ready to go. read more

Love the theme of the bar and really enjoyed the pinball machines! I wish I could rate the actual bar/food itself but my group was kicked out for having a vertical ID... that was valid and very real btw (:! I know you may be asking yourself, "what kind of bar turns away a group of 6 over a valid vertical ID?", and to that I say: a goofy one. We have never been denied for a vertical ID, and when asking them why they said, "we just don't". Hmm. Strange. We spoke to the manager outside and asked them, they said that they DO in fact accept vertical IDs, she even checked our ID and confirmed its validity. She was kind enough to offer us a table at their second bar in the back but at this point we felt unwelcome and uncomfortable. She said she would talk to him but after reading reviews, it seems that his behavior has been affecting patrons for a LONG time, and that he doesn't plan on changing it anytime soon. read more

Extremely rude bartenders! My friends and I entered tonight and there wasn't anyone checking IDs at the door, so we paused when we entered - wondering if someone would approach and ask for ID. Again, nobody did. So we walked further along the bar for an open space to order drinks (again, still prepared and assuming to we would be asked to show 21+ ID upon ordering). Instead, the bartender VERY aggressively and very rudely barked at us to "not take another step." Turned off by this behavior, I told my friends I would rather go to a different bar. The rude bartender interjected our conversation to argue with me, claiming "I asked for ID and you ignored me!" I explained we hadn't heard him and he told me to leave the bar over this! (Although I was already leaving anyway) Maybe he did ask for IDs, but he didn't speak loud enough for any of the five of us to hear him - plus he was a good distance away from the entry and loud music was playing. He also could have simply asked for our IDs when we approached the bar, as is the case at many bars in Belltown. If they wish to enforce ID checks so strongly it's probably a better idea to hire a bouncer at the door. Ultimately we expected to produce 21+ IDs from the moment we entered! Not hearing the bartender was an honest mistake and didn't warrant his extremely rude response! We came in tonight to show our friends from out of town but will never be back again! read more

Whoa. Great ambiance, awesome selection of pinball machines, and with a punk leaning. Can't go wrong with that combination. But the bartender was a complete asshole to everyone in our group. One of the most unpleasant bar experiences ever and I'm a self confessed barfly. Short, gruff, sighing, throw stuff at you, while slinging vulgarities, kind of guy. Being a pinball enthusiast there are plenty of other places to play. read more

Atmosphere was great, old school and some new games. Hot dogs are always a must too ;)

Fun little bar with some pinball machines at a cool upstairs area with a bowling version of ski ball. Would definitely come back to hang out with some friends. Last call is at 1:00 and it closes at 2:00 read more

Tequila/Strawberry Daiquiri Slushy! Sweet bartender Richy served us. They have a few bar food options/the Chicago Hot Dog was our favorite! They have many cocktails and local draft beers to pick from! The arcade vibe is super cool! Must check this place out when in Seattle!!!!! read more

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Fast, cheap, good service in Belltown! I really like the hotdogs and the ambiance of the bar. It's a great place for a Saturday night! read more

Shorty's - Spicy Pepperand Cheese Hot Dog Shorty Dog - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Came in on a quiet afternoon I couldn't find the cash machine asked bartender instead of pointing me to it (which would have taken a second) he told me to get in the bar line up(?) and not in a nice way. Asking nicely where the bank machine is is not interrupting if dome prudently. Later I asked what was on one of the hot dogs they had advertised at the bar. He pointed up to the menu bar where there were completely different items. All he had to do was tell me what was on the hot dog. I got the message from this bartender; and left wo playing one pinball game. This is early September afternoon visit. I only wish I remembered the date and complained to management earlier. read more

that bartender lucas was so cool and he knew all the drinks we asked for. He was great at handling the backed up bar. I felt attended to.

Wow do I love this place! Great prices on food and drinks and games. Little bit of a cold welcome but I get it - they're very friendly to regulars but not as much to tourists. Regardless it's still worth it, tourist or not. Great games at a reasonable price and the drinks are poured well. Makes me wish I was a local. read more

Came in this afternoon for a couple Cadillac Margaritas and the bartender was outstanding. Coming back Tomorrow

Grunge bar keeping up the urban Seattle Vibes of the 90s. Had a nice alcoholic slushee, full bar has always been good also on other trips. Food here is hotdogs, always tasty. Pinball looked fun. 21plus read more

Perfect place to grab a drink with friends and play some pinball! Wasn't to loud like some barcades in this area so that was really nice considering I had my Dog with me! They have a good IPA selection and their strawberry daiquiri is so bomb very friendly staff too. Pinball machines are quarter based and there is a change machine in the back :) read more

Great drinks, great games, great people, great service. Don't come here if you're easily offended or looking for an "experience". Pro tip: Know what you're ordering by the time you approach the well. read more

This is dive dive dive all the way be prepared to dive right in and play some pinball over there the fThis is dive dive dive all the way...in a good way! There are funky bartenders, with colored hair (er um), some dreadlocks, some faux hawks, and a lot of ink. Sure, they could stand to be a little bit friendlier (I think it's part of the allure), but they pour a wicked mean strong drink on the cheap for downtown Seattle so no complaints from me. Shorty's is definitely pinball-centric! All of the décor, down to the re-purposed machines made into booth tables in the area across from the very long bar in the main room, to the blacK light glowing room in the far back that's filled will classic and new pinball tables...beckoning you in to play. Pinball wizards welcome! The ladies room is just clean enough. I wouldn't eat lunch in there are anything, but they suffice and boy do they like their graffiti; every inch of walls covered from floor to ceiling. One thing I noticed about Seattle is there seems to be some connection, or infatuation, with pinball and people love to scribble on just about anything they can get their hands out - seems like a very welcomed part of "art" - some is actually very interesting - don't think truck stop banter here. So, be sure to keep a Sharpie on hand, so you can leave your mark behind as well. When in...ya' know! ;) Anthony Bourdain said "[Shorty's is] a legendary spot that draws all types of personalities, from professional cooks to hipster douchebags." During his visit, he left after a random guy asked him, "Is there any way you would hold, like, a knife to my throat?" Funny and classic...it is what it is! Very unique and a great place to make a few memories. Don't be leery of checking out Shorty's. I can't personally ensure your safety, but I never felt uncomfortable in any way. Maybe these, all of the variety of them, are just my kind of peeps. Hell, I probably would've asked TonyB a similar question. Talk about a great photo opp! Cheers to weird! read more

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Meanwhile our Hero Foodie And DJ legend Cowboy finds himself in Seattle again On A Mission And Happen to trip into a Dive Bar Called Shortys In Belltown Kewl People Kewl Kewl Music Kewl Bartender and Might I Suggest A Number 3 With the Sausage but the hot dog seems pretty popular as well this Place Getz Yup Yup read more

Shorty's - The number 3 with sausage replacing the hot dog - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Hello Vienna Beef! So pleased to know there's a place in Seattle that harkens pretty hardcore to Chicago. As my friend describes it prior to my being there, "it's sort of a weird demented pinball circus theme" to which I replied "I like it already." The hotdogs are on a 7-Eleven like rotisserie, and most of the toppings or sides or whatever are mostly pre-prepared. Fake plastic cheese as far as the eye can see. Fills you up real nice and exits just as quickly. Chicago style dogs FTW. Though there were lots of arcade machines, few seemed to be in use. I did go for happy hour, so it wasn't extremely crowded. There seemed to be a collection of misanthropic punk kids convening outside with some brews and smokes. Great little gem in Belltown. read more

Shorty's - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Fun carnie themed dive bar. Plenty of pinball and arcade game options to make for a competitive date. Plus a jukebox to set the soundtrack for your romantic gaming time. Take your date here. If she doesn't like it, she sucks and it's not meant to be. Game on! read more

Shorty's - Husband's favorite pinball game. #numberofthebeast - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

100 million stars for this MONA LISA of a Marg. Shout out Nick. You the bomb.com. Need I say more? read more

Shorty's - Nick the bartender is great! Look at this Mona Lisa of a marg! 10 million stars - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

One of my favorite spots downtown. Grab a slice of pizza at Rocco's and a drink at Shorty's. Play some games it's an excellent spot.

Love this bar. Excellent pours! Mostly cool people. I would have given 5 stars but there was this really annoying girl named Jenifer yelling at the bartender. She kinda ruined the vibe. Try the Clown Chowder read more

Awesome selection of games to play. Great chili dog. People working were very lid back and attentive. Loved it here. read more

The attitude on the bartenders is unreal, normally i dont care cuz i drink but naw this aint it

Many Halloweens ago I met my husband here! This is where the magic happens! How can one not fall in love when the place is dripping with kitschy, creepy clowns, has a collection ofpPinball, cheap pbr, strong frozen drinks, good tunes, chicago style veggie dogs and all your friends!!! One of my favorite places in Seattle. It was a constant hang out when we lived there. And whenever summer hits, the front patio is the place to be in Belltown! Shorty's is a definite Seattle must drink bar! WARNING: There is a definite weekend warriors problem. I used to avoid Friday and Saturday evenings. Way too many people to enjoy your experience. Bottoms up! read more

Myself and a group of friends went to Shortys this past Wednesday night for a birthday celebration. The bar itself is pretty neat, lots of pinball machines and other game options. The drinks were strong, but the service was absolutely terrible. The bartender was clearly pissed to be there, and wanted nothing to do with anyone; other people around us were ordering hot dogs and she aggressively threw them on the bar? It took 15 minutes to get our first round, almost 20 minutes for our second round, and then another 20 minutes to close out the tab. We're a patient bunch, but the hateful demeanor combined with the enormous wait times made it really frustrating. We won't be going back -- we left and went to Ohana and had a BLAST. read more

The most punk bar in bell town, which isn't saying much, if anything. Still, the customer service doesn't exist no one acknowledges you, even if you wait 20 min to order a drink. Consistently time after time. "Punk" is their brand, but it's just another normie Seattleite bar with a facade. read more

Every time I'm in Seattle (usually in the summer for the PAX gaming show), I always make a point of stopping at Shorty's with friends. They have a decent selection of pinball games, all maintained in good condition. When I came this year, the selection of craft draft beers was good. A Shorty's chilidog is probably the worst for you, but it's delicious... even if it makes a huge mess. The tables in the main bar area are all old pinball tables that have been turned into dining tables. It sets the atmosphere and makes Shorty's a great destination if you're in the area. read more

Shorty's - This is the life - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This lovely lady here has made my first encounter with this establishment quite unpleasant. Very short, very curt with myself and the two friends I was with. Oh not to mention it is my birthday. Smh she definitely made us feel very uncomfortable and unwelcome. It also was interesting how she asked us to pay immediately when I saw multiple patrons come in and not be badgered about their bill upon ordering. All I can say is DO BETTER. read more

Shorty's - Our server - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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On vacation.from San Diego. Was looking for a place to go day drinking. Stumbled upon this place. Saw they served hot dogs and thought "perfect...hot dogs and alcohol...awesome!"Dark dive bar, arcade theme. Lots of clown pics. Nobody else in there. Bartender didn't greet us as ee took a seat but told us we need to show ID at the bar. We go to the bar to order food and drinks. The bartender (only employee there from what I could tell) took our orders eith the enthusiasm of a colonoscopy patient. My husband ordered a Heineken and he rudely said "we don't have that here. " He then gave me a weird look and asked me what I wanted. Thought it was just me. But then someone else walked in and received a warm welcome. Must've been a local/ regular, based on the conversation I overheard. So then walks in another customer. He seems new not a regular. But he received red carpet treatment. So my black a$& is sitting there think8ing "hmmm..." I don't like to play the race card but here I am. Who knows? Whatever. The hot pepper cheese dog was good. Too bad the service wasn't. Sorry not sorry. But if I go somewhere to give you business I expect to feel welcome. We initially said to leave an open tab but after we sat down I told my husband to close it out as I was looking for somewhere else to go. Disappointing experience... read more

Shorty's is one of the last bastions of dive/punk bars in this city and I LOVE IT!!! The bartenders are not there to kiss your butt..so if you can't read a sign...like many who have reviewed. As in.. .MUST BE 21 TO ENTER. Which means NO KIDS. You have no right to complain if the tender kicks you out. That's on you. I've never had a problem here cause I know how to read, order a drink, move on. Also, I LOVE the Frito Pie with veggie chili! YUM! PS. If you choose to squat on their patio without buying anything!?? You deserve what you get, white privilege. read more

Idk if it's because I was already pretty buzzed when I showed up here but their nachos and hot dogs were so good. I love the bar area upstairs, it's more quiet and intimate. read more

I recently went to Shortys for one night..a few tips I picked up on really quick... 1) go to the designated spots at the bar if you want to be served unless you're actually sitting at the bar..good chance you won't get a drink for awhile and you will receive a far from warm welcome! 2) I really get the feeling they HATE having to serve food..busy as hell and they have to put together 4-5 hot dogs for customers while they are 10 deep waiting for drinks 3) Never yell out a drink order if you're standing towards the end of the bar..you will NOT get waited on 4) never assume anything..within 10 minutes of being there a woman standing next to us at the end of the bar tapped the bar when the bartender was close and said,"I need to order some dogs" The bartender waved her off and went and waited on other customers..when she inquired again he said," you pound on the bar demanding hot dogs and expect me to jump?" It ended up in a heated argument and the bartender telling her to get the f**k out..he admitted he hated making hot dogs..he actually ended up being a really cool guy 5) overall..had a good time..bartenders come off kind of standoffish but seem to be pretty cool after they know you're just there to have a few drinks..but make sure you go to the Coors drink pads or the Rainier drink pads when ordering unless you're sitting at the bar..and know what you want!!! read more

The female bar tender when I was there (10 pm on Thursday 4/4) was EXTREMELY RUDE. I paid to play music in the juke box and all of a sudden she came over and asked what I played saying it "better not be stupid." Once I selected the song (Cardi B), she refused to play the song and turned the volume down saying she "would not play the song in her bar." Why have a juke box in your bar that you won't allow PAYING patrons to contribute/listen to? Shorty's NEEDS to address this with said bartender working during that time. read more

People from Mexico that is visiting get your PASSPORT to this place as INE is not allowed. Funny the bartender said he is Mexican and should know that INE is a valid ID. Also we have been bar hoping and it's allowed everywhere else but here. Also the place looks sketchy read more

Rude staff but okay drinks, price is normal. Venue is pretty good. But one star for the staff being super rude. I've been to many bars here but this one has outdoor sitting that's why I went but staff was rude staring with the door person read more