Sloop Tavern

The Sloop lives up to its reputation as the quintessential Ballard neighborhood dive bar. It’s legendary because it’s been around for 70 years and caters to sailors and neighborhood sports aficionados who want to enjoy bar food, cold beer, and good company while they cheer for the hometown team. *If you’re not a Seahawk fan you’ll need a solid ego bc though you will be welcomed with Sloop hospitality, you will be out cheered 100 to 1. You have been warned. For the 70th anniversary this weekend they had a fantastic live band called Heels to the Hardwood — turns out bar owner Patrick plays the guitar something serious. They write their own music and their playing of their songs is impressive as hell. The anniversary special dish was perfectly fried chicken with plantains and a stunning beet slaw to go with a cold beer. One of the regulars, community artist Andrew was working on a mural outside while the music played. This place is an institution. It’s not because the decor is particularly pretty, but the vibe is hard-core dive bar with a large side of community love that makes you feel like you walked into Cheers. Recommended coming to watch a football game on a Sunday. You’ll see what I’m talking about.

You may be a sailor, you may not. Doesn't matter... If you drink here long enough, you will be. Look for the special. Whatever you get, make it "slooper sized." Friendly and talkative is "old school Seattle"... If you're an antti-social recluse you should probably look somewhere else. Ballard is a quiet little drinking village with a fishing problem. You go to The Sloop to find it.

Did I say this place is the best? It's the best. Don't expect anything too fancy here, but do expect to have a good time. The Sloop is the closest bar to Shilshole Marina, so it's basically a sailor bar (hence the name). There is even a Sloop yacht club! Don't worry, it's lowbrow. Come in, have a drink or five, pay with cash for a free sticker, and don't forget to SLOOPERSIZE IT!