Cyclops

"Since 1990, this historic grunge bar/cafe has been luring customers in with its wise, winking neon eye gazing out upon First Avenue. Half diner and half dive, Cyclops is where the industry folks and old-guard Sub Poppers would hang out after shows at the nearby Croc or practice at Black Dog Forge around the corner — and where some still do. The food’s solid, the Rainier’s cold, the lamps are lava, the paintings are velvet, the dress code is hoodies and flannels. Get the crispy polenta fries." - Meg van Huygen, Mark DeJoy, Eater Staff

"Located right near the Ace Hotel on First Avenue in Belltown, this longtime Seattle staple features velvet artwork on the walls, a good list of seasonal drafts, and surprisingly solid bar food." - Megan Hill