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. read more

The Central Saloon - Sailor Jerry wood carving. - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Love their sweet pineapple cider and cheese curds. The outdoor tables could be lovely in summer. Pretty average dive bar overall, service could be better though. read more

The Central Saloon - Chili cheese fries - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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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. read more

Walked in at 12:30am to an 80s depeche mode type artist on stage and a killer light show guiding me to a long bar with heavy pours and sad stories. Seattle dogs next door for $8 with a warm seat inside and humming a tune i dont recall the name to as I walked back to the hotel. I could do this again read more

Meh, nothing more than your average dive. Also, the tater tots are basically whole potatoes. Cheap, smells and randos talking about space theory. Classic. read more

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! read more

The Central Saloon - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I love this bar, and I am for sure a regular here. Most of the staff know my name, which is awesome! Their music is killer, and I am not just talking about the weekends! More than once I have had a bit of a rough day and end up here on a weekday after work for HH and was pleasantly surprised to encounter amazing, LIVE MUSIC! Also, I love that they have a small seating area outside, which is pivotal when making my decision of where to go for a cold beer when it is nice outside. They have a great selection of booze of course, but their food is much better than you would expect to come from a bar. There isn't anything I wouldn't recommend, it's all good. My favorite thing to order is the "Like Whoa Chicken Burger". We are talking about a large breast of chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon, avocado, jalapeño and of course your lettuce, tomato, and red onion. I'm in love! It is so much food I usually eat half and save the rest for later. I almost forgot to mention once when I was not super hungry, I ordered the mushroom soup, and it was just perfect. I have also seen someone order a large, beautiful salad, so they have something for everyone. Nachos are highly recommended as well. Love you guys Central!! read more

The Central Saloon - Tecate with lime and salt, and the wonderful Like Whoa burger. So good! - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

They don't the history of the place their working at. Very disappointing but I bought a shirt anyway. It would of been I little bit more fun if they knew more about the place but I guess their job is to just pour whiskey. read more

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! read more

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. read more

We stopped by to check out this place today. Michael took great care of us and gave us an awesome tour of the bar and even let my kids (and husband) play rockstar for a bit. Definitely stop by for a great experience. read more

I LOVED it here! Visting seattle for a second time and went here for lunch. Delicious food with a lot of cool history (Oldest saloon in seattle, and Nirvana, Pearljam and Soundgarden performed here before they got extremely popular.) And they have pictures on the walls of the performances. Also, our server (I think his name was Zach)- Excellent! Super friendly, laid back and welcoming. Keep it up! read more

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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. read more

The Central Saloon - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is definitely a bar scene! We ate here because it was close to Comedy Underground...we all ordered burgers & fries...the food was good. The sweet potato fries were ok- waffle fries. The people were nice! I would come back here again! read more

The Central Saloon - Niger & Fries - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We came here after leaving the Mariners game and the food was SO good!!!! I didn't eat cause I wasn't hungry but my husband and our friends did and I tried a fry or two they were probably the best fries I've ever had! Soooo good. And they all loved their burgers. I hope to return someday! read more

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! read more

I love this place. I've been here twice on my two trips to Seattle and plan to go back again this year. Yet again this is one of those places I happen to walk into that was the "Oldest". 1892 this place opened the doors. That's awesome. The place is pretty large inside, but I always sit at the bar or outside. They only have space for about 3 small 2 person tables out front, but I've been lucky enough to grab one on gorgeous September nights both times. Wife loved the Veggie burger ($10) and I got a gigantic Pulled Pork Sandwich ($9). Both came with fries and plenty of them. I feel this is important to mention. I am so sick of buying Sandwich's/Burgers and not getting a thing on the side. It's becoming ridiculous with the $12-$15 Burgers and no fries on the side. Don't give me any potato chips either. I want Fries. I try to only eat Seafood in Seattle, but since I came here on my last day of vacation I'd already seafood aplenty. I switched it up to the pork on the bartenders recommendation, and I'm glad I did. Other then the food drinks are very reasonably priced. Especially for being the last bar before the Stadiums I couldn't believe how cheap it was. Pioneer Square is a cool area so make the most of the outside seating area if you can. If you've had a couple of drinks and are enticed by a guy selling "Seattle Style" hot dogs from a cart there's something you should know. This is a grilled hot dog with cream cheese and sauteed onions...I was very glad I asked before I ordered. I Will Return. read more

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. read more

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. read more

The Central Saloon - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

If you find yourself in Pioneer Square at night, this is one of two places I would consider going to. The rest of Pioneer Square is cool if you're 21 and you like top 40 music, and that's not my style. I've always been drawn to places with some soul and character, and this place is full of characters.The bartenders make good drinks, the door man has been working at various Seattle clubs for something like 20 years. He worked at El Corazon when it was The Offramp. Back to the place. It has live rock 'n' roll seven nights a week and many good bands have started out there, many bad bands too. On one hand they will let almost any band play there, so there is a lot of variety and an occasional gem. On the other hand they will let most any band play there. It's still cool though. It's worth it just to hear Steve (the doorman) talk to people and tell stories. Plus the originator of the cream cheese hot dog will be cooking next door in front of Med Mix. I could review Med Mix, but I've only eaten the cream cheese hot dog. It's exactly what it sounds like, but it's the best hot dog you'll ever eat. I digress. The Central Saloon, something you just have to check out for yourself. read more

Amazing service. Great drinks. Good prices. Location location location!!!!! Carly is a great bartender the people we met here were nice. Will be back! read more

THE BARTENDER MAKES THE JOINT, NOT THE BAR- and this place is lacking where it counts. Sure, i get that this may be a pioneer square locals spot or whatever the fuck, but the bartender woman (glasses, curly hair) served me a whisky with a bug inside the glass. When i called it to her attention she disputed it before realizing there was a bug in it - poured me a new one and never even apologized. She charged me for both whiskeys. This place might be a fixture in pioneer square - looks cool from the outside/inside but that doesnt account for shitty service/attitude and unwashed glassware. The one star i have goes to the bouncer- he was cool. If you come here, ask the bartender for other places to go -but dont actually stay and order a drink. Bottomline - don't go here. read more

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 read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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 read more

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. read more

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!? read more

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. read more

If I could give negative stars I would. The bartender (with dreds) was the most unprofessional bartender I've encountered. I tried to ask a question about a new beer on tap and was met with the most condescending response. (Expletive), I know the difference between a Hefe and an Amber, I was asking about a new tap... Also, do not pay $2 for tots. My husband and I both ordered tots, and our meals came with 5 each. Literally 5 tots. We saw other orders come out with 3x as many. Seriously, what a joke. read more

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. read more

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? read more

Apricot Cider was excellent, sandwich was solid, server was super laid back and really friendly.

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 read more

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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more