This place would have received four stars if it were not for the tattoo-faced, unnecessarily obnoxious door person. We were having a birthday party/bachelor party for 19 people inside when I decided to put my full cocktail on the bar, covered, and step outside to speak with a few friends. Because it started to rain a bit, I went back in for my bag which had a sweatshirt in it. All is fine. After a few minutes, I try walking back inside the bar and get stopped. The door woman has seen me come in and out at least three times already but this time, because I have my bag, I get stopped and she searches it. She finds an empty flask, which was being used earlier in the day on the golf course. I said this and was given two options: leave the bar or throw the flask away. I suggest option three: having her or the bartender hold the flask while I finish my drink sitting on the bar and then we leave. No. It turns into a scene, for no reason. Someone wanted to have a power trip instead of letting us go about our business, as paying customers. The crowd of 19 people, all of whom probably spent hundreds if not over a thousand dollars, and would have spent more, all left. A real shame. I asked to speak to the manager as well and was not allowed. I hope he or she reads this post and knows we loved the bar but thought we were treated pretty rudely and unfairly considering. read more

At the close of Mama's Big Night Out, Ms. Mel and I were drawn across the street from Moe Bar into the presence of The Comet, AKA The Vomit, AKA DLight's Living Room for the whole of the 90s. The seductive sounds of a Fugazi cover beckoning, we stood at the threshold. Me: Dare I enter? Mel: How can they possibly remember? Me: Oh, they remember....fuck it. Let's go. No one BEHIND the bar to remember me - but plenty sitting at the end. Mike, Chris, Don: THERE'S OUR GIRL!!! Where the fuck have you been? Me: Sober! Wow. 7 years later. Wow. read more

Beat. The. Clock. I don't know anywhere else that offers this form of inebriation - and if you do, please tell me, because that represents a fair amount of college drinking nostalgia. Since the change in ownership and remodel there's no more stage, but there are lots of booths, it won't give you Hep B, and the weekday happy hour offers the forementioned beat the clock. I spied three cute pups licking up the peanut shells on the floor while I was there; I'm not sure if it's officially dog friendly but I have a hunch they allow canine buddies during slow hours. I'd also hazard a guess that they don't love people throwing said shells on the floor, but I didn't see any recriminations, so maybe have at it? Bonus: free pool M-F 4-6 and PULL TABS. Add it up: pitchers of cheap shitty beer starting at $4 and escalating in $1 increments every hour till 8 + dogs + pull tabs + using the bathroom is no longer like looking into the filthy, filthy void = win! Meinert & Lajeunesse do it again. read more

You ever have a secret about a place that you can't tell people or the secret will go away? The comet has a secret thing about it and I can't tell you... ever... because I don't want to see it go away. I'm going to challenge you to figure out what that secret is, and then get back to me! The winner gets a date with Tad Hamilton! That said... the Comet is a great small band venue for bands that ROCK!. There's no soft jazz or Um-pa music at this place, but good old fashioned Seattle Rock and Roll! This place is slowly becoming an institution! I might even dare to say that it could fill the Crock hole if someone out there had more then a little ambition! It's certainly got a better location! Dirty in a good way. read more

This place had the type of party atmosphere that I long for at most bars when it comes to that time of night (after 1am). The place was crowded, but not uncomfortably so, and everyone was having a blast. There's also a freakin' skee ball machine in the back. Skee ball!!! The bartenders worked pretty efficiently, but there did not seem to be enough of them as I had to elbow my way in to grab some beers. I also got hip-checked out of the way by some Southern girl, who said it was alright because she was from "fill in the red state here," but probably Arkansas. She then proceeded to hip-check me again but this time to talk to my friend -_- What a time to be alive... read more

Okay, here's the deal.... I HATE change. I don't fear it, I just don't want it. I want to call everything what it was 20 years ago and ignore progress. I had avoided going in the Comet with the change in ownership/remodel and acting all sanctimonious about it and my old school standing there. Who knew it was a simple generously hosted bar crawl that would draw me in and show me that change is sometimes done incredibly well. It's not a different place, it's just not as gross. I loved gross, really, I did, but there's no lack of dive feeling, just that of fear of catching something from the carvings in the table that were the only things deeper and more filled with grime than my dislike of change. I liked my drinks, I liked the space and damn if it's not convenient and fun to get food in the newly connected Lost Lake next door. I also like that we still even HAVE the Comet thanks to the smart owner who knew what we loved about it and didn't change any of that. THERE. I put my stamp of approval on this so you can go back now. read more

This place is everything you shouldn't do at a bar. Bad customer service, watered down drinks and smells like urine. The two bartenders (male & female) were extremely rude. Seemed like they had nothing better to do but act like they were somewhat superior to all their PAYING CUSTOMERS! WTF?! A job, especially a bartender, means you should serve your patrons drinks and not just your friends. Especially, individuals who are being polite. DO YOUR JOB! That is why you are there. Kick a person out with reason, not because you're having a power trip! read more

Screw this place. I went in for all but 10 seconds and then realize my husband was not with me. He was outside with the doorman who wouldn't let him pass. Apparently this chum had a problem with the signature on his ID. Clearly they don't want new customers. read more

All of the decor, none of the soul. The new comet stripped out the stage, put in more seating, and upped their prices. No local should be thrilled about any of that. Granted, Capitol Hill isn't short on places to see a live band, but that was a defining characteristic of the Comet. Rather than try and improve upon it, now we simply have more expensive drinks, god-awful food from lost lake, and a bro-ier client base. I would have rather they just change the name of the bar, than pretend to be carrying on anything from the previous regime. read more

Oh Comet, you're not the same. Though there is still an awesome beer selection at a great price, the ambiance is just not the same. No stage and it's really clean compared to the old days. I was also shocked to see a line of fist pumping bros outside one weekend when I wanted to stop by for a cold brewski. But, putting my love for the old Comet aside, there is still a really good beer selection, phenomenal bar tends, and overall a good place to stop by for a beer with a friend on a week night. All their booths are still in tact so it's a good spot for a bigger group of people. read more

These bozos are the only ones who have EVER called my ID fake. I'm 27. I was the oldest in the bunch. What kind of bouncer can't recognize out of state IDs? It took this genius bouncer, and their security guard 5 minutes to both determine that my 2010 issued CA ID WITH holograms is fake. A hologram for poops sake. Good jobs guys. Thanks for booting me. read more

If your bar looks like a dive, is covered in spilled beer and your doorman can't look up from texting to check ID's, where do you get off charging $15.50 for a pitcher of Manny's? Dive bar with yuppie prices; the old time alcoholics are being replaced with a new generation of trust-afarians. It was cheap and charming 4 years ago before they started serving hard alcohol and taking credit cards. Now you get the same crap for twice the price. Unfortunately I can't hate on your booking agent and the hot lady bartender, but I loathe when I want to see bands preform here since it has the dive charm at way too high prices. Good sound engineering however. read more

For those aquainted with the previous ownership unfortunately its just not the same. Great prices on awesome drafts of beer and awesome happy hour are some pros. But its just not a real dive bar anymore; its an ode to what it once was. The food and service are also terrible. Like really terrible. These are things that are cool in a dive, but like I said, its not the same. Also, if you're not into that anti-social, elitist sense of self consciousness most Cap Hill bars vibe, stay clear. read more

Dude I was just served a tequila shot with glass in it. When I addressed the bar he called me out on my manners and I had to beg for an apology. He didn't even check the rest of the fresh glasses for broken glass. Listen you Wayne's World looking mother effer you really should give a crap about a potential lawsuit. Oh man what a shit show read more

Honestly one of my favorite after work spots. No frills, Just a cool spot to grab a drink. The location is great for people watching just about any time of day. I prefer a weekday evening, plenty of crazy going on, but enough quiet for people to leave you alone if it's been a long one! Or many long ones! It gets extremely crowded, and extra young on the weekends, so I try to steer clear then, but if that's your thing, go for it! I can't say much for the food because I only come for the drinks. Stiff cocktails and a pretty decent tap selection keeps me coming back. I also enjoy the music selection 90% of the time so thank you for that! Until next time(who am I kidding, probably tomorrow), Comet! read more

I want to like the Comet - and I do - but I will never make a habit of hanging out there. Yes, I'm a grump that used to frequent the old Comet and in an ingenious way it is a reincarnation that isn't getting enough credit from the old timers. Here's why: it's basically succeeded in becoming the social hub of young, budding barflys. You've got the pool, the pinball, the big tables to play dominoes or cards... It's been sterilized and Disneyfied and the dead giveaway are the prices required to sustain this new incarnation. Ordered a cider for 5.50, put down $7 and didn't get change. TAX ISN'T INCLUDED in the prices so I guess he figured it was too much trouble to give me .98 cents and I must have meant it for tip. Anyway, it's too bad. I will probably try the food when I can afford it and I hear they have some beers on happy hour that are "drinkable." read more

So if you are a looking for a true Seattle experience, surrounded by heterosexual people on an otherwise flamboyant neighborhood, this is where you should hang out. It's the epitome of a dive. There was lots of hill billies on stage singing when I went (I want to support a friend's boyfriend's roommate's band haha). It's dirty, loud, and small. But it was an interesting experience. Advice: not a place to bring people you just met. :) read more

A dive in the best sense of the word. Very cool place for a beer after dinner. Great vibe, great beer. And skee-ball!

Previously I would have given the Comet a good review. Please note the word "previously". Never again will i set foot in that piece of crap. I would urge you to check your bill after going there. I went there the other night, during happy hour. I later found that they charged me $30 for two pitchers of beer. F'in $30! I mean if it were some posh yuppy bar I could understand getting stiffed. It clearly isn't and I am not some tourist asshole so WTF!! Usually I love dive bars. I used to love the Comet. Not any more. NEVER AGAIN, buyer beware. read more

I'm okay w/ dive bars, but this is on a whole new level. Wandered in here to meet w/ some friends who had just returned to town. Decor wise...it's divey, very divey, not the cleanest ie. sticky tables. Had a few drinks, they were a bit watered down for my tastes. They have beer, liquor, and 2 types of mini bottled wine. On the upside, service was fine and the bathroom was not as bad as I had imagined. Would I come back? maybe....but probably not, just not my preferred scene. But, I'm sure there are plenty of regulars who come here. read more

This is what a "dive bar" is supposed to be? I'm not sure I like dive bars then. THE BAR IS GARBAGE. They have no drinks! It was extremely barren, I promise. How are you a bar with like 4 drinks dude? The bathroom was disgusting. I don't even think it had soap. Doors hanging off the hinges. Well actually, there was no main door. You can see people taking pisses from the hallway. It was just dirty. The stage performance area is relatively small. Not really much to say good about this place. Only reason I give it 2 stars is because I actually enjoyed myself. The reason I came here was for a friend's show. Would I come back? Uhhh, this is a last resort place. read more

Friends and I visited from out of town, and thought this place might be great to start a pub crawl. A bouncer checked my ID, and proceeded to stare me down immediately. Younger guy around 24 with a swallow tattoo on his neck. Took it in stride, and thought it may be due to out of state driver's licenses. The bar was hot. Ridiculously hot. Chill crowd with decent bartenders. Upon leaving, my sober driver buddy attempted to walk out of the bar with a red Bull he purchased in the establishment. The same tattooed bouncer became aggressive, and started yelling at my friend. He then got in my friends face, and threatened him. A second bouncer had to come defuse the situation. I will be visiting Seattle a lot in the next few months, and will make sure to not come back. read more

A drunk at the Comet told me one night while I was trying to pay for my drink at the bar that it became world famous for its selection of port. I don't like port. PS - Are they EVER going to fix the pool table in the back? (You know, the one that is so slanted that the worst pool player in the world can always sink a corner shot?) read more

I may have only gave it 3 stars but only because of the setup and is not a great place to be when its crowded. Yes, I would come back here, but not on a FRi/Sat night too many people and just not a comfy environment. The music here was also interesting, they literally played EVERY TYPE OF MUSIC, it would go from hip hop to alternative to Pop to dance, and back again. SO there is a good variety of music at this spot. They do have a cool little nook hidden upstairs that could hold about 20-25 people. Lots of seating downstairs. On a busy night you have to be aggressive to get yourself a drink, tons of waiting at the bar. THis place is interesting because as I was exploring the bar I realized that you can walk right through this bar and into the next bar, which I thought was pretty cool. read more

I used to think that strong drinks were what I wanted. Now that I'm a little older, a little wiser, and still a wuss when it comes to the taste of liquor, I appreciate mixers. Hell, if I didn't want any tonic, I would have just ordered a vodka and vodka. But, alas, I ordered a vodka tonic and got a shit ton of vodka and a weeee bit of tonic. Maybe 4 drops. I should preface by saying that this is during the Capitol Hill Block party. I'm sure most rules go out the window when you have masses of people coming in and out. Not to mention high pressured water guns being utilized in the bar. This place also seemed quite dirty. I'm not sure what it is like at night, but during the day, things can be seen in a much better light. It's not pretty. Thank god I didn't have to use the bathroom. Cool tattoos though, ladies. You inspire me. Or maybe I was just drunk. read more

Stopped by here when we were bar hopping one night. They were packed. There was no place to sit. I loved the vibe of this place. Great bartenders and friendly staff. Clean bathrooms, smallish dance floor but that's ok. read more

Stumbled on this place decided to go in and watch the Seattle game the bartender was great. Very friendly. Great atmosphere to hang out. read more

The Comet Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Came here a few weeks ago and did a photoshoot. The bartender was so nice and let us take photos in the bar. The drinks were strong and worth the money. Definitely would come back. Thanks again. read more

Through the thick and thin of Capitol Hill's ever changing face, The Comet remains constant. The archetype of what Capitol Hill used to represent, it's a place that's a little dingy but with the distinction of being purely about the music. It's a place for local bands and traveling bands alike to sound their up and coming creations to this music loving city. The Comet doesn't try to make itself seem better than it is or something that it's not. It's a dive bar that books a lot of really good music, and for that, you have my respect. read more

Great atmosphere and alright babe food.. I got the grilled cheese and tater tots. I love tots over fries so I was happy. I wish I could disagree with the shitty bartenders/workers but I too was let down by attitude from the girl who delivered my food. I asked for ketchup and mustard - after asking if it were her or another I should ask and she said she would get some. After waiting a bit I looked up only to see her visiting with a guy at the bar.. I went up to get it from the bartender - the only one that was paying any attention to customers. While waiting to get his attention I asked the girl about it - since she was the one who delivered my food AND said she would bring me some - she was very rude and seemed bothered that I asked her about it again. read more

Everyone has already said it, "dirty, crowded, loud." One of th einfamous "cool" places which one must have visited a few times in their years as a Seattle-ite. read more

This place is great. I love this place now and I've loved it forr years. Years ago - when this place was more like my living room than a bar - if you could scrounge up enough $$ for a schooner, you'd be set up all night. This place was quite happenin'. Especially on Tues. Lord, I have no idea why. Now, you can see bands play where they used to have a dartboard. I can safely say I never saw a single person ever play darts there. But that's great! read more

This place is stinky and dirty and grungey...how very appropriate! There was REALLY loud music playing (live band). My ears were bleeding! Haha, but the music was pretty good! The band was great - tight and together! We stayed long enough to have a couple drinks and gaze at the awesome (and sorta gross) ceiling that they have. After a while our ears really needed a break. It felt pretty good to walk out of there to be frank. Not a bad place if this is your kind of scene! :P read more

It's kinda dirty, they only take cash, and I guess that the pool table doesn't work (this would explain the dudes using it to read newspapers). That being said, where else can you enjoy a band from a couple feet away, standing face to face with the singer? That's awesome. Grab a pitcher and enjoy. read more

Flashback 20 plus years ago to my younger days of the punk mash pits and the alternative / goth way of life and you will have arrived at places similar to The Comet. With $3 tall cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon beers, painted red & brick walls and toilet paper "spit balls" covering the bathroom ceiling this is definitely not the place for you to go unless you like the dive bar scene and are not needing to place a napkin where you sit in fear of what you may sit in... Why go??? The music, plain and simple. $6 cover charge and bands that range anywhere from being reminiscent of vintage David Bowie, a Black Sabbath tribute band, Seattle Grunge to Classic Punk... It's a great venue to listen to some great music. read more

It started off as we walked into the bar, a customer walking out warned us not to go because the bartenders were rude. We waited 30 minutes to order shots and people that had just walked up were served. We politely let our bartender know but she said other people were here first. This wasn't true at all. I will never go back. It's not my first time here with terrible service. read more

As my new home base for benders, I am obligated to tell everyone how much I love the comet. The comet is like home. You vow never to go back, sometimes they kick you out, you love everyone there, you know everyone there, sometimes you get into fights, sometimes it's filthy, sometimes you eat a hot dog outside and spill it all over your christian louboutin shoes... no? That's just me? I love this bar. I always feel safe here. The male regulars are the best kinds. I love them. They're all amazing. The bartenders are wonderful. This place is home and they're all family. read more

I have only been to the Comet for two reasons: shows and capitol hill block party. Seems like all types and ages roll through here. 4 stars describes it well. read more

Four stars for the memories and for the sweet bartenders, but if I were granting stars based on recent experiences here I'd probably dole out a few less. As you probably know, the Comet recently came under new ownership, and consequently gained a credit card machine, some hard liquor and a new paint job on the walls - all of which I could really care less about. I guess my real question is this: If you can afford to put a fancy jukebox full of crappy NOW cds on the wall, why the fuck can't you get around to fixing the girls bathroom? For the last six months, there's only been one working stall at a time, which is infuriating every single time. Also, I really miss karaoke Wednesdays. But this is a great place to join a football pool. read more

This place has been called the Seattle CBGB's and it certainly is - though maybe a little cleaner. If you like your punk rawk hard and your bars raunchy, this is the place. There are no small plates, no microbrews (that I could find), no gastropub fare, no shoegazer tolerance, no air freshener in the bathrooms, etc etc - and I like it. It is what it is and makes no apologies. Most of the music that comes through here is darn good ... but use your discretion because "different strokes for different folks" and sometimes the Comet strokes until it bruises. Some like it rough. There is a really great grunge/garage revival thing going on here, and great psych/genre unnamed??!! bands come through here on tour. The smell of bleach outside this place can be kind of overwhelming. So can the hot dog stand perched on the corner right outside - you might get sucked in. You are guaranteed to make at least one bad lifestyle choice in a night out here. read more