Pioneer Square Saloon

Guy next to me at the bar ordered a root beer. Seemed apropos to me, considering the chalk menu says root beer. Bartender responded loudly, "look down here, do not, do not pay attention to anything that's not down here." -Wizard of Oz fan maybe??- Rude. He served me just fine, but c'mon man. Great for a quick brew, that's available at eye level. Not great for hospitality.

Cool little beer bar. It was suuuuper quiet on Saturday evening around 8pm when we went, but we were digging the laid back vibe. They had a good selection of beers, but we went with a dark, sweet cider and liked it so much we stayed for two when we were doing a one and done pub crawl on our way to the Underground tour.

Terrible service. We walked in and nobody so much as looked at us. We sat down and after ten minutes I walked up to the bar order us drinks. The bartender hardly glanced at me and carried on a conversation with a fellow staff member for a good three minutes without so much as a nod that he'll be right with me. He served me a beer and a FLAT cider for my friend. I tried being friendly and chatted as I ordered, and he was not responsive, though he was merry-making with everyone else at the bar. Did I do something wrong? Way to make two visitors to Seattle feel like they've entered a clique and are NOT WELCOME. Terrible.

A well lit bar with a host of locals and over a dozen beer taps. Your choices are mostly limited to beer, red and white, bit the people are friendly and the vibe is chill. Overall a great place for a quiet evening drink.

I would not change a thing about this place. They have stout, and I drank it. They have art, I looked upon it with awe and wonder. The human behind the bar was efficient. I got the distinct impression that no fools would be suffered. I shall frequent this establishment when I next visit this timeline.

Right next door to the Best Western Pioneer Square this seems like a great little neighborhood bar. The bartenders were great and the clientele seemed pretty diverse and easy going. There are 2 foosball tables in the back area along with a piano and a few bookshelves full of books from coding to science fiction. I would definitely go back when the opportunity presents itself. Very casual.

Original, interesting place, it’ a bite rude, which gets hipster away so prices are honest. LOL It’s well located. I like the decoration, reminds me real European bistro/café and our wine was pretty good but , I would try beer next time.

Quirky lil Saloon (Beer only). But such a fun little spot to grab a cheap brew while waiting for the ferry. Bartender was friendly, but not too outgoing. But still a good time was had. I'll definitely visit here everytime I am in Seattle

Good place where you can have a great time with your friends with couple pints of beer. Every Tuesday and Friday here you can play with cool kicker players just for $5 start deposit. 2 good tornado kicker tables for $0.75 for the game.

The stink of old beer. The patina of decades. The lack of food (popcorn) and low end wine choices make this a curious survivor. A nice place to launch an evening or just watch a soccer match solo. Not much to it but I sure hope it survives.

"Pop!" That is the noise that greeted me upon making an entrance into the Pioneer Square Saloon. Anticipating a Western saloon experience, I mistook the "Pop!" for a cap gun. If I didn't need a beer already, I needed one now. Near the back of the bar, I spotted an unoccupied bar stool. The first thing the bar tender asks me is "Are you going to blow up baloons?" I felt more like a guest visiting the Adam's Family than a bar patron. "I'll have a PBR draft," I responded (the draft beer that I preferred here). When I looked around I saw balloons toward the end of the bar and covering a table. When I started to get comfortable here, I realized that the balloons caused the "Pop!" For whatever reason, a part of the Pioneer Saloon experience is blowing up a balloon and placing it on a tiny bulb. Frequently one will "Pop!" Wanting nothing to do with balloons, I relocated to the center of the bar when a bar stool became available. The Pioneer Square Saloon reminded me of a saloon in Haight Ashbury. The bar is dotted with humorous stickers. As I drank my first PBR I entertained myself reading this stuff. A few of the sayings were "Roll a fat one today." "Stoned chicks rule." "Cavemen are people too." "Get hazed." After the first PBR, I grew bored sitting inside. I'd drink the second PBR on the porch overlooking Yesler Way, a prime thoroughfare through Pioneer Square. It was the idea of hanging out at a bar in Pioneer Square that brought me here. I appreciate the historic architecture that constitutes the district. Pioneer Square Saloon is in a historic building where Pioneer Square joins the Seattle Waterfront. On the porch I'd people watch and spot the occasional Duck sightseeing vehicle pass by. Contrary to rumor, water balloons were not tossed at the Duck. After getting fresh air, I'd drink my third PBR in the two smaller rooms adjacent to the bar and porch. Historic buildings never fail to feature charming interiors. Regardless that the smaller rooms were sparsely furnished, they were quiet places to appreciate the charm of being in a historic building. What stood out was an antiquated hockey table. Where the rooms were charming the bar tender was alright. Before Happy Hour began, he charged me Happy Hour prices. And when I finished a PBR he'd have another one for me. After more than enough PBRs for one day, it was time to move on. Pioneer Square Saloon, is without doubt an unconventional establishment. If you are in downtown Seattle, I'd recommend stopping by for even one beer to experience this place for yourself. Chances are you will probably never forget it.

Situated on the outskirts of Pioneer Square, this feels like a great getaway on any given night from the more hubbub of central Pi Sq: The soft-hued ceiling lighting and contrast of light & dark. And stickers. Just searching for some grub and drink before bedtime, I meandered over here one night. Sadly, they didn't have food (I saw chips on a rack, but no "meal" stuff), but I decided to stay for a beer. Unsure of what I wanted, I asked if they had anything good dark or similar to an oatmeal stout. They declined the oatmeal but suggested something similar - which I can't believe I forgot - because it was nice! That brew was pleasantly smooth going down and I really enjoyed it. Perhaps one of the few beers I really like so far. The bartender was cool.

Really good dive bar with a good section of IPAs witch are my favorite. The location was amazing right by where the ferry dropped me off so it was very convenient.

It's a dive bar in the middle of Pioneer Square, and one of the last holdouts in what is rapidly becoming a gentrified and yuppy downtown Seattle. If you're looking for a foofoo, slick, uppity high class bar to impress your friends, don't go here. If you want a grubby bar with beer and cheap wine but no hard alcohol and no food, this is the spot. There's not much here, but there's no up and coming young executive wannabes on laptops either. There is no wifi. They have beer and a bartender. That is all.

I -loved- this place. This was, like, straight out of the punk scene of NYC. Long, narrow shot-gun bar, with plenty of beer taps present Lots of anti-establishment and band stickers plastered up everywhere. Bartender with an attitude, who still slung the beer the right way. Lots of clientele that seemed regular locals, who loved the place. The vibe was awesome and I would love to hang out here if I lived local.

Cool little pub in the heart of Pioneer Square. We met up with some friends here before a comedy show last Friday night. I was surprised how slow it was inside. I figured a Friday night in PS would be packed. Needless to say I'm glad it wasn't! Our friends were already there, sitting at the bar. The bartender came over to see what we wanted. They had around 12 beers on tap. AND they were only $4 during HH! (Between 3p-7p or 4p-7p?) What's not to like? There was a shift change and we got a man bartender at 7pm, and the over all consensus was he was much friendlier! He changed kegs while we were there so we got another beer option! We continued to drink and hang until about 7:40p and the nice bartender charged us HH prices for all the beers, even though we had a round after-the-fact. Awesome! Oh yeah they have free popcorn too! ;)

Anthony is adequate, beers cold, and good atmosphere. Local beer and Quasi fresh popcorn

One of favorites that has the gritty, bare-bones Seattle vibe that is quickly disappearing. Solid tap selection and a wine list that can't be beaten (white, red or a white-Rita). Don't look for anything polished here. The bathrooms are clean and the beer is cold, local and delicious.

I really wanted to stay longer and really try you out, Pioneer Square Saloon. You seemed simple, yet relaxing and laid back. The tunes on the speakers were all good picks as well. However, the way the bartender treated our friend was atrocious. She had a government issued green card, complete with photo and birth date, yet was still rejected. Based on that fact alone, I'd give the place 3-stars because maybe it is in fact their policy not to except ID's that are not a state ID's, despite the fact that they are government issued. Or maybe that particular bartender didn't understand that it's possible that people that visit Seattle may have been born in a different country? Regardless, the fact that he was extremely, and I mean EXTREMELY condescending about it was really fucking unnecessary. And he was impatient with her to boot when the bar WAS NOT EVEN BUSY! A simple "I'm really sorry, I can't accept it" would have been fine. But no, he had to be a jerk. Try getting some bartenders that aren't rude, condescending assholes and maybe I won't want to take a shit on your establishment.

Tha Saloon was our destination following an exhilarating abuse of public transportation and a perfect spot to deposit some already half-drunk yelpers in need of additional libation and gathering. It's all on this page - the kind of place where you may not think twice about spitting on the floor or spilling your beer. It's pretty big actually, there are a couple of rooms behind the bar, but we pretty much stayed near the alcohol. If you want to sit down and order a drink, drink it, drink another, and another, then maybe throw a dude out a winda and spank a saloon girl -- good luck finding a place in this century. If you can behave yourself and just want a drink in a dive with some working stiffs, stop on by.

Good beer, awesome bartenders, and best foosball tables in Seattle! They've got two tornado tables in the back room and host tournaments every Foosday night at 8. $5. Bring your A-game.

Cool old time saloon. High ceilings and ok beers. Seems like a good place for regulars and industry people. Bartender is attentive and seems pretty sincere. Beer lines were clean and for all the random stuff on the walls it was pretty dust free. Lots of foot traffic made for good people watching on the patio. I would return here.

I am giving this five stars based solely off the bartender. He was SO kind, SO happy, SO pleasant, and SO helpful. I have grown accustomed to bartenders who are a bit arrogant and/or think the world owes them everything and a 40% tip. He was just genuinely a good person. I had a few beers that I've never heard of, all were delicious. I was shocked at how inexpensive the beers were as well. The decor is pretty interesting. It's a little sparse. However, everything he does have on the walls would be considered statement pieces without a doubt. There is free popcorn if that tickles your fancy and some chips for sale behind the bar. No food though.

Couldn't ask for a friendlier bar. The draft beer selection is top-notch. They watch hockey. They have a piano. They don't have food, but oh well. The beer qualifies. Plus, they allegedly fire squirt guns at Ride the Ducks when they rumble by. I hope it's true!

This place is rad. I would love to give it 5 stars but I like hard alcohol too damn much. The lady bartender is one of my all time faves in the greater Seattle area. She always remembers my face and exactly the kind of beer I drink (That skull pilsner one that I can never remember the name of). Last time I came here they didn't have my usual beer in, so she steered me in the direction of another beer she thought I might like... And it was perfect. It's like she was peering in to my soul! The music at this spot has been good the times I've popped in... I think the Spits and Buzzcocks were probably on the playlist. Some Cramps thrown in there too. I really love how open the space is too. I absolutely can't stand when bars try to cram too many tables and shit in to one room. You can actually breath here, it's great! Who wants to meet me here to drink beer, breath, and eat popcorn?!

Not very friendly, seemed like we were the only paying patrons and he was basically waiting for us to leave before closing. Dog friendly at least.

I'm still sitting in this smoky saloon waiting for a non-existent bartender to be available so we can close out and peace out of this joint STAT. I thought smoking wasn't allowed in bars anymore? Is it the dingy, used furniture in here or is someone really smoking? Other than the homemade drawings taped to their refrigerator, this place has no decorations, no ambiance, just eeew. The one thing I'll give to them is a good foosball table. Too bad it's in the shittiest bar of all time.

Enjoyed having a libation in a historic Seattle setting. Next door to the historic Pioneer Square Hotel and near Seattle's Waterfront Piers

Must go if you're into Seattle and it's history! An old fashioned bar with a new twist to it. Great selection of hand-crafted brews on tap and amazing staff.

This place was exactly what our group was looking for after the hub bub of Pike Place Market before the Mariners game. I hesitate to even post, because this place is such a dive-bar-feel gem. The bartender was no nonsense, but really nice. The atmosphere is amazing, with artifacts like a "love ewe," multiple signs and stickers (like "No Boy Bands"), and a sparkling moose bust. They only serve beer and wine, but it was memorable.

"Welcome to the Pioneer Square Saloon...Try Not to Be An Asshole" The motto of the Saloon. The locals bar. No hype, no cover, no bullshit...low key, laid back vibe. Music jammin' and the outdoor seating give this place all someone needs to become a regular. Good beer, free popcorn, wine for those who choose to indulge... Pool, darts, a wall of chalkboard...my manic poet wants to run free all over...so why do only curse words get written? Hmmm... I enjoy bringing friends and family to this place. The perfect stop over to anywhere and a great place to land after being everywhere else. Can I get a witness?

Blake is the man! Pours a mean mac and Jack and gives great life advice haha great beer, great local crowd, fantastic atmosphere

A Seattle artist hang out. Beer and wine only. Classic NW people. Bathroom in the back. Typically a patio in the front. Just say hello.

Wandered into this place taking a side street, and found exactly what I was looking for. Friendly folks, and bargain beer. Great low-key spot.

The "Pioneer Square Saloon" is, and remains, uniquely origional to Seattle - the interior of the 'Saloon' dates to the origional building - 1914, the same year that our neighbor, the incredible "Smith Tower" opened, also completly origional inside. The Saloon, today, is the Pioneer Square District's "Neighborhood Tavern"; the only surviving neighborhood tavern within the entire 'Downtown Corridor'. As to location, the Saloon is off the beaten path, so to speak. Think of the letter "P"; as a map, the top would point 'east', the bottom of the stem is 'west'. The letter resembles The Pioneer Square District - the bulk of businesses are within the circle, the 'leg' of the letter P is Yesler Way, the bottom of the 'leg' is at the Elliot Bay waterfront. The Washington State Ferries Terminal 50 is one block from the Hotel & Saloon. We can sit outside, watch the ferry traffic load and unlode (frequently chaotic) and the rush of commutors hurrying to board one of the 'passenger ferries' or our two scenic 'car ferries'. During the summer, the Saloon is a popular 'stop' for commuters catching one of the boats (outside seating). The Olympic Mountains lie due west of us, every sunset lays over 'The Olympics" - our sunsets can be enchanting to watch due to our location. During the Summer, Fall and Winter seasons, the entire district becomes a "Sports Nut-House": two stadiums, three pro teams. The District will frequently aqccumulate 100,000+ fans during 'Game Day', a wonderous party atmosphere envelopes the entire area. The Saloon is a 'sports-bar' - just 'off' the main clog of humanity; we party, just not quite so hectic. The Saloon is known for its 'Foos-ball Tables' - Professional grade - a weekly tournament draws many of the local 'hot-shots'.

This place is either really busy or really dead. When it IS busy, it's HIPSTER CENTRAL. Lots of skinny jeans with Vans, lots of polyester dresses with cowboy boots, lots of greasy hair with jeff caps. If hipsters annoy you, don't do it. Also, the bartender is kind of a dick. Not worth it.

They only serve beer so no hard liquor. However they have a pretty good selection of good beers on tap. It's quiet and has lots of space and a couple TV's that are often playing sports. But I have been there on a Sunday night too when everyone in the bar was watching Family Guy with the sound up. Pretty cool. Lately I have been going there on Tuesday night. It's awesome because they have a foosball tournament every week at 8pm. It's $5 to enter and you could win a bit of money. I had been looking for foosball around the city and couldn't find anything real good, just some crappy tables and not a whole bunch of people playing on them. These are the nicest tables I have ever played on. I use to love the Cha but their table is so bad now. I wanted to include this review for people like me who love to play but had not found a great place to go. Tuesday night at the Saloon is awesome if you love some foosball and maybe a little competition. I have been there on other nights and played when a few people were there but Tuesday is my new favorite night.

Checked this out enroute to the Seattle Underground Tour. Decent food, good service, and relatively clean. Place was not very full. Wondering if maybe the place would do better in another part of town. But there you have it.

I liked it - I would have liked it better if they served more than just beer and wine. Watched the Seahawks hold the Rams at the goalline to win here, so all in all a pretty good night. This is only a stones throw from Owl & Thistle and Forge if you require a stiffer drink.

Dive bar with a great selection of craft beer. this is the sort of place you might see Kerouac come into. Same building as th Best Western hotel.

Ah, the Pioneer Square Saloon is really a breath of fresh air in an otherwise unbreathable atmosphere that is most of Pioneer Square. It's a plain-and-simple bar amidst a lot of lousy clubs and bars charging covers to cram in next to each other and try to move about mythodically to awful music. Now, this isn't to say that I won't go out dancing and hit up a club on occasion, but I'll usually not do it in Pioneer Square. Unfortunately, too much shooting and trouble happened at Tabella and it closed down, haha... Sorry, off-track, but this is a nice laid-back place to swing in. I like to come in here at random times with long intervals in between visits. I haven't been there for 6 months or so, so I'm probably due... Beer, drinks, a big space, and you're probably not underdressed.

Cheap beer specials. I wouldn't go here at night, but it's arguably the best place for afternoon beers in the area.

Loved this place. The bartender was curt and honest, and we had a great conversation about Soul Coughing and the relative merits of different beers. Wish they had whiskey, but that's basically my only complaint. Great place to kill time waiting for the ferry. They WILL see more of my money in the future.

Dropped by this place because it was near my hotel in Pioneer Square. It's a pretty chill joint, good toons and a generous selection on the playlist. But, I'm giving it two stars because the bartender violated what I consider a cardinal rule of bartending, she poured a fresh beer in my old glass. How lazy do you have to be to not get a cold glass and pour a fresh beer. BOO to you Pioneer Saloon. Boo to you.

great beer selection and the bartenders are always welcoming and friendly. It's a great place to go if you'd like a nice quiet night out. No craziness.

Friendly/homely atmosphere. Enjoyable beers on tap. Places like this are why I feel the need to move back to Seattle.

stopped in after a day of walking and touring seattle. sat down and had a fog city stout. hubby had a thomas kemper root beer. the bartender was terrific. he knew his taps and made great recommendations. even though there was a sign on the window of the patio, said 'seriously, please no smoking on the patio,' there was smoking taking place. which drifted into the saloon. if you cannot tolerate cigarette smoke, find another place for your favorite brew. if it doesn't bother you, this place is great.

There are nothing in the Saloon but good friends, great beer, free internet and free pool. Can you ask for anything else!? I've been working across the street from these guys for 11 years (seriously!) and I have never felt like anything but welcome! As far as Angela M: you shouldn't go into a place once, and leave a shitty note just cause you're on the rag- grow up. The Saloon is the BEST, and has the best bartenders around.

I love this place. The bartenders are honest and helpful, the beer selection is good (and modestly priced!) and the regulars are well mannered. The perfect place to have a drink and unwind without the posturing and drama that can go along with a night out.

Cheese curds are amazing, Music is awesome the customer service is the best thank you DIllon and Blake we will be back . Try the deep fried curds loved them

I love this establishment! It has become my home away from home. The atmosphere is relaxed, the bartenders are attentive yet do not hover. Regardless of your mood this is a place you can find great beer and plenty of room to either contemplate a book or chat with the various Pioneer Square characters who frequent the place. The bartenders are always playing interesting music that adds more than it detracts from your experience. And FREE POPCORN!

Please pardon me if this gets a little overwrought but, God!, how I love a good bar! I used to work in the neighborhood, running a restaurant that was only open for lunch. After we'd close, at 3, I'd always go down to the PSS and have a pint or three, read, people watch, or just enjoy the rain on the window. The first table on the right, in the front window, in the room where the bar is, that was mine and the bartenders held it for me without being asked. I write a lot and once wrote a play there (the best one I ever wrote), working every afternoon for two weeks, using many of the faces I saw coming in and out as inspiration. I've seen John Corbett, Rob Morrow, Darren Burroughs, Jay Buhner, Carrie Akre, Sara MacLachlen, and, one slow grey afternoon, Edgar Martinez there, having a quiet beer with a friend. Yeah, it's badly lit, a little loud, starkly decorated, a little generic...hell, I say all that like it bad stuff! That's what's so good about it. I could easily picture Hemingway sitting there, at a back table, plotting out a new novel; Sartre ruminating alone on the inequity of life; Sean Penn doing a character study. It's the exact opposite of a place To Be Seen. It's a great place to be invisible, to think, to dream, wool-gather, scheme, or Talk - remember talking? With friends? About everything, for hours, over beers? - about anything, everything, and everything else. One snowy December night, it was full of people who couldn't go anywhere else on the treacherous streets and the whole bar got to know each other, bought each other beers, immersed itself in a sort of Foxhole Freedom, in which strangers become brothers in adversity. It was beautiful that night and that night only, probably. It's really just a bar...but that's a really great thing to find.

We stopped here when we got tried of walking and thirsty and this is where we ended up. So we got our $3 beers (happy hour) and sat outside, did I mention the beers were $3 each! (And no it wasn't Bud or anything) It was a chill spot to people watch and just relax. Would definitely recommend.