Essential Music Guide

by Jena_Vuylsteke - 0 Reviews - 2 Lists

Updated: April 11, 2007

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:Live Music Venues, Open Mic Nights, Live Music Restaurants, Record Stores.

Live Music Venues

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Paramount Theatre
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    911 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101 (map)

    Stellar acoustics, opulent ambience, and top-notch acts draw in crowds at this classic venue.

  2. 2 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Neumos
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    925 E Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)

    This iconic Capitol Hill rock club offers an unbeatable live-music experience in an intimate setting.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Showbox Music Club
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    1426 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.

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average Chop Suey
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    1325 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)

    The stylish, crowd-friendly layout and eclectic lineup make this one of Capitol Hill's busiest spots.

Open Mic Nights

  1. 5 3.5 Star Rating: Average Mr Spots Chai House
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    5463 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.

  2. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Skylark Cafe
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    3803 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.

  3. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Trabant Coffee & Chai
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    1309 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.

  4. 8 3 Star Rating: Average Hopvine Pub
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    507 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.

Live Music Restaurants

  1. 9 4 Star Rating: Recommended Central
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    207 First Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 (map)

    Hamburgers, salads and live rock performances 365 days a year at Seattle's oldest saloon.

  2. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Martins Off Madison
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    1413 14th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)

    Capitol Hill bistro offers steak, seafood and an array of cocktails alongside nightly piano performances.

  3. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended Triple Door - Mainstage
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    216 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.

  4. 12 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Rendezvous
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    2322 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.

  5. 13 4 Star Rating: Recommended New Orleans Restaurant
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    114 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.

Record Stores

  1. 14 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Everyday Music
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    112 Broadway E Ste 102, Seattle, WA 98102 (map)

    Specializing in used collections this late night record store features artists from every era and genre.

  2. 15 4 Star Rating: Recommended Easy Street Records & Cafe
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    4559 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.

  3. 16 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Sonic Boom Records
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    3414 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.

  4. 17 4 Star Rating: Recommended Zion's Gate Records
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    1100 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)

    A staple for local DJs, this vinyl shop is a music-hipster must.

  5. 18 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Wall Of Sound
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    315 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)

    Small, eclectic shop specializes in avant garde, jazz, international, experimental and hard-to-find recordings.