The Best Gay Bars in Seattle

Step inside a local bar and forget why Seattle is called the Emerald City. It may be forever misting and cool outside, but the men inside can warm you up fast.

For decades, Seattle has been known as a live-and-let live city. Capitol Hill is certainly still the nexus of LGBTQ culture here. A constant influx of straight hipsters keeps the community grumbling. Rents are skyrocketing and the neighborhood is losing its queer identity, they say. But it’s still the beating heart of the gay community.

Here’s a quick overview of some of Seattle’s best-known watering holes.

CC Attle’s:

Renowned for its cheap drinks and theme nights, CC Attle’s is now doing steady business after moving a half mile away from its former home on Pike. One night you won’t want to miss: the first Saturday of every month is fetish night, and you’ll see gents in rubber, Daddies with their boys, pups with their masters, and ladies are welcome. It’s a welcoming space — for all but gawkers.
Address: 1701 Olive Way
Website: ccattles.net
Phone: 206-726-0565

Madison Pub

Call it Seattle’s gay Cheers bar. It’s where everyone knows your name. There’s often a line after 9 pm, and it’s because this place is super chill. Pool table. Check. Video games. Yup. Good drinks. Ditto. The music is often kept low enough that conversation is possible. That’s always a plus.
Address: 1315 E. Madison St.
Website: 206-325-6537
Phone: madisonpub.com

The Cuff Complex

It’s called a complex for a reason. You enter into a spacious no-frills enormous bar where no one waits for libation too long. Through the doors at the rear, you’re suddenly in a disco, where the beats are state-of-the-art. Out back, there’s a patio with yes, another bar. And the Sunday of Pride weekend, the Cuff takes over the entire block for a party, and it’s worth every cent, as vendors and revelers mix and mingle. The crowd looks a little rough, but they’re all just a shared moment away from being new friends.
Address: 1533 13th Ave.
Website: cuffcomplex.com
Phone: 206-323-1525

Pony

Like it retro with twink appeal? This bar is everything an under-30 gayboy thinks the ’70s was like. There’s a miniscule dance floor, Tom of Finland-era wall art and a hint of attitude. Dimly lit, there’s also a rooftop perfect for those short summer nights.
Address: 1221 E Madison St.
Website: ponyseattle.com
Phone: 206-324-2854

R Place

Here’s where the hip-hop don’t stop. It’s a decidedly funky and mixed crowd here. You’ll see more enthnic diversity than at some of the other clubs, and Seattleites love it. Dancing is the main activity, although there are karaoke nights, drag shows and special events as well.
Address: 619 E Pine St.
Website: rplaceseattle.com
Phone: 206-322-8828

Diesel

While the Cuff may be your introduction to Seattle’s bear, leather and daddy scene, Diesel provides graduate work in bear culture. The men are bearded, burly and many look like they’ve done time as lumberjacks. This is about as relaxed as the bar scene gets in Seattle, as there’s a noticeable lack of pretension in the air. Say hello to any of the bartenders and watch how quickly they smile back. The patrons follow suit.
Address: 1413 14th Ave.
Website: dieselseattle.com
Phone: 206-322-1080

The Seattle Eagle

This may be the best Eagle bar in America. Why? It has a dance floor that rocks it out every weekend night. You’ll find the usual bells and whistles of the best-known leather chain bar in the country. But when these guys hit the dance floor, things get serious. There’s an outdoor patio and troughs in the men’s room. It’s not for the shy. Cruisy? No. Intense.
Address: 314 Pike St.
Website: seattleeagle.com
Phone: 206-621-7591

Wild Rose

Yes, this is a ladies bar, and it is perhaps one of the oldest and best lesbian hangouts on the West Coast. It’s unpretentious, it’s inexpensive, and damned if the women here aren’t among Seattle’s friendliest folks. Unlike a lot of bars where, ahem… you should be elsewhere. This place never fails to lift your spirits, no matter your persuasion.
Address: 1021 E Pike St.
Website: thewildrosebar.com
Phone: 206-324-9210