Sunset Tavern

09/02/04

Live music, creative event nights and a friendly, distinct setting have made this a neighborhood bar with widespread appeal.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
In decor and clientele, the Sunset perfectly reflects its changing Ballard neighborhood. Within a space both faux Asian sexy and working-class casual, young hipsters shoot pool and sip pints with older blue-collar regulars and downtown escapees. New ownership rejuvenated this former Chinese restaurant and dive bar in 2000, but its throwback poster ads, hissing dragon fixtures, lanterns, red-velvet wall coverings and weathered interior pay homage to the bar's past.

The Draw
The Sunset keeps it simple with reliably strong, rock-heavy show bookings and popular weekly events, such as Movie Mondays and Rockaraoke. With an intimate, laid-back setting that looks and feels like a Shanghai bordello for longshoremen, it's a casual, cool alternative to the usual Seattle club scenes.

10/29/02

PUNK ROCK?

by blakej at Citysearch

What can I say after living in Ballard for over 20 years. I never thought a place like this would open here. Good live music and you can do your best

rock star moment with a live band behind you.

But be very very careful when ordering as the

bartenders can be very vindictive.

• Pros: MUSIC, ROCKEROKE, CHICKS
• Cons: BAD ATTITUDES, SLOW SERVICE, TOO MUCH RED

09/26/02

Great ambiance, music, fun!

by bobbert at Citysearch

Great music scene, this bar is fast on the heels of the Tractor and attracts really great shows. Crowds can be sardine-can like or suprisingly sparce. I once had an awesome Crack Sabbath experience here on a Sunday evening with almost now crowd. (Good for me, bad for them!) The stage view totally dissapears if you're not up front. Asian decor is awesome, I think Chop Suey copied them. Many of my female friends have commented about negative vibes from the girls who work there, as mentioned by others.

• Pros: Great decor, Great music
• Cons: No Food, Smokey, Sometimes Rude