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Tractor Tavern

5213 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 789-3599
Tractor Tavern
Cross Street:
Twentieth Avenue NW
Hours:
Daily 8pm-2am, Box office open one hour before shows

Message from Tractor Tavern

Tractor Tavern

Hear all kinds of live music

  • Live music
  • Beverages and TV dinners
  • Singer Songwriter, Alt-country

The Tractor sees a wide variety of music nightly, from rock to rockabilly, Celtic to Cajun, indie-pop, folk, singer-songwriters--you name it. Previous guests include J. Mascis, Kristin Hersch, Lisa Germano, Steve Wynn, Jonathan Richman and Supersuckers.

We purvey a fine assortment of liquor, beer, wine and TV dinners. We feature a variety of local micro brews, imports and domestic, bottles and draft. We also carry a selection of non-alcoholic beverages including juices and sodas.

Paid advertisement by Tractor Tavern.

Editorial Review for Tractor Tavern – by Citysearch Staff

The Scene
It's a roomy, no-nonsense joint in historic Ballard, far from the glitz of downtown. Local musicians favor the place for its emphasis on the music and appreciation for the past. Regulars love the rectangular room and bar off to the side. Venture off to a corner for a drink and conversation, or get close to the music and dance on the sizable dance floor.

The Draw
Most weeks feature five to seven shows, ranging from rock, rockabilly and beyond. However, the club is primarily known for giving the region's bubbling alternative-country scene a place to let loose. The club's informal, friendly relationship with No Depression magazine reflects in much of the booking, including occasional "secret" shows with scene luminaries such as Emmylou Harris or Ryan Adams.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

The Extras

Sign up for the Tractor's e-mail list and get advance notice of secret shows and chances to win free tickets.

Know Before You Go

There is an ATM located inside the building.

User Reviews for Tractor Tavern

Citysearch (6), InsiderPages (2 ), Judy's Book (4 ), All (12)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/02/2007 Posted by angelatini

A couple of things right off the bat...the Tractor Tavern is primarily a music venue. It has barely any seating because for most of the bands they showcase you want to be on your feet and close to the action! It is also a dive bar. If you can't get into the spirit of dive bars then don't come. We don't want you there anyway, elitist. It's not a pick up bar and you likely won't hear sleazy come-on's. ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE HUGE PRO'S. They have some of the best bands play there, with reasonable covers. There is room to dance if you make room. Most choose the very front if the crowd isn't big or the very back, by the soundbooth, if it is. It always depends on the show. The drinks are reasonably priced and if you are kind to the bar staff (read: tip on each drink), mighty strong. It's the best no-nonsense, MUSIC LOVER bar in town, with some of the best sound around. As a singer, it's also a great stage on which to sing...I would recommend it for bands to play, too.

Pros: Music is always great. Drinks are strong. Room to dance.

Cons: The yuppies and hippies that sometimes descend on it.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

02/28/2007 Posted by seajnt

Great music, dump of a place. Very few seats, and the one bench in the back tips over if you are not careful.

Schedule

08/16/2008 CASH'D OUT - JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE Find Tickets
  9:00 pm    
08/19/2008 Back Door Slam Find Tickets
  8:00 pm    
08/22/2008 WAGATAIL Presents: MIKE GORDON Find Tickets
  8:00 pm    

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Editor's Review

Rowdy roots rock and alt-country acts keep the house packed with a lively crowd.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

The Extras

Sign up for the Tractor's e-mail list and get advance notice of secret shows and chances to win free tickets.

More Insider Tips

Bar/Club Information

Atmospheres

  • Tavern
  • Live Music
  • Bars
  • Neighborhood

Parking

  • Street

Hours

  • Daily 8pm-2am
  • Box office open one hour before shows

Payment Types

  • ATM
  • Visa
  • MasterCard

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