Essential Music Guide
Updated: March 12, 2009
It's been more than ten years since the birth of grunge rock made Seattle as famous as the musicians who played it, yet the city will always be known for some of the best record stores, live music venues, open mic nights and live-music restaurants in the Pacific Northwest.
On this page:Record Stores, Open Mic Nights, Live Music Restaurants, Live Music Venues.
Record Stores
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Wall Of Sound
Read Reviews315 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)
Small, eclectic shop specializes in avant garde, jazz, international, experimental and hard-to-find recordings.
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Everyday Music
Write a review112 Broadway E Ste 102, Seattle, WA 98102 (map)
Specializing in used collections this late night record store features artists from every era and genre.
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Zion's Gate Records
Read Reviews1100 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)
A staple for local DJs, this vinyl shop is a music-hipster must.
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Easy Street Records & Cafe
Read Reviews4559 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 (map)
A west side favorite for music fans of all strips with vast selections and hard-to-find accoutrements.
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Sonic Boom Records
Read Reviews3414 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 (map)
A commitment to local music and flavor featuring small-label releases and in-store performances keeps this Fremont store spinning.
Open Mic Nights
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Mr Spots Chai House
Read Reviews5463 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 (map)
Eager performers call this cozy shop home with open mic sign-ups beginning at 7:30pm every Thursday night.
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Hopvine Pub
Read Reviews507 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112 (map)
From first time to seasoned performers, all are welcome to take the stage every Wednesday night at 8pm.
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Trabant Coffee & Chai
Read Reviews1309 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)
Performers of all genres share their talent at this university district hang-out Mondays from 8pm to 11pm.
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Skylark Cafe
Read Reviews3803 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 (map)
Alternative rockers may find themselves with a gig after debuting at this club's Wednesday open mic sessions from 9pm to 2am.
Live Music Restaurants
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Triple Door
Read Reviews216 Union Street, Seattle, WA 98101 (map)
Featuring cuisine from Wild Ginger, this former vaudeville theater is beautifully reborn as a classy music venue and cocktail bar.
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Martin's Off Madison
Read Reviews1413 14th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)
Capitol Hill bistro offers steak, seafood and an array of cocktails alongside nightly piano performances.
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Rendezvous
Read Reviews2322 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 (map)
This 1920's styled restaurant draws in crowds every night of the week with live music, comedy and theatrical performances.
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New Orleans Restaurant
Read Reviews114 First Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 (map)
Jazz and blues from the heart of South seven nights at week at this historic Pioneer Square restaurant.
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Central
Write a review207 First Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 (map)
Hamburgers, salads and live rock performances 365 days a year at Seattle's oldest saloon.
Live Music Venues
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Neumos
Read Reviews925 E Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)
This iconic Capitol Hill rock club offers an unbeatable live-music experience in an intimate setting.
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Paramount Theatre
Read Reviews911 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101 (map)
Stellar acoustics, opulent ambience, and top-notch acts draw in crowds at this classic venue.
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Showbox Music Club
Read Reviews1426 First Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 (map)
This 1,000-seat venue attracts notable touring bands, drawing state-wide fans of alternative, hip-hop and rock.
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Chop Suey
Read Reviews1325 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)
The stylish, crowd-friendly layout and eclectic lineup make this one of Capitol Hill's busiest spots.
