Screwdriver Bar

Easily one of the best dive bars in Seattle, especially if you’re a fan of punk/postpunk. There’s so much to look at, you’re constantly finding new things on the walls. Unfortunately, I’ve only been here when it’s been super busy so I can never see everything. I love that they decorate for Halloween!

Dude. Words alone cannot express how I feel about this bar. From the decor, to the vibe, to the staff... This was the cherry on top of my unbelievable trip to Seattle. Cocktails that are different from anything you have had, in a great way. They have a non alcoholic drink list that is bigger than some folks' entire menu. The best music deep cuts. Friendly folks. What else can I say other than standing outside and throwing people in the door?

Reminds me a lot of true, Midwest dive bars. It's in a basement? Check. Had some questionable liquor and beer choices? Check. Music good and chill bartenders? Check. Reminded us of a little sliver of home and definitely did not disappoint. Try a Campari pickled egg and see if you can get lucky to catch a show in the backroom. Overall a great experience and so happy we found this gem!

What a cool place to chill. Excellent cocktails and great beer selection for everyone. Had one of DJ's cocktails while he was here and we had a great conversation. Definitely check this place out!

On a recent trip we learned about this spot as a recommendation from a server at a nearby establishment in Seattle - otherwise we probably would have missed it completely as it is kind of hard to find even if you know it's there. After going down a flight of stairs from street level this (somewhat) hidden bar has a lot to look at. Plenty of music posters/45s/album covers/photos etc cover every inch of the walls and ceilings, and the vibe is comfortably casual. RECOMMENDED!

What grab my attention at this local dive bar is the decor in the place. Old rock vinyls on the ceiling, bartop, and the wall, along with varies pictures. Having to go down some stairs to get to bar adds to it appeal. They have a dj, good drinks, and great happy hour specials. I partake in the $5 mystery shot. Bartender had some interesting stories plus some good local recommendations. If you into rock music, dive bars, and good company this is the spot for you

Great little bar tucked away down a staircase in a vibing area of the city. Good Happy Hour specials and atmosphere.

In love with this bar - it has my name written all over it. Great ambiance, it has so much character. The bartender was a delight and so were the drinks they served. I got the Tiki La Rue and loved it. No beer on tap but lots of cans/bottles to choose from instead.

Obsessed with this bar. So much character and great ambiance which created a trendy and inviting atmosphere. The drinks were enjoyable, with a solid selection of well-crafted flavors, no beer on tap though. The décor was immaculate: None of the furniture matched. Vinyl everywhere. Iconic pictures- ROCK & ROLL and just cool vibes all over. Loud and awesome music: The DJ was great. He played some "groovy" tunes, from the 60-80's. Mind you I love this type of music and listen all the time, but I probably knew like 15% of the songs which made me feel like HE knew so much HE was just showing off! Every single track was good, so good!!! We were lucky to sit by the bar as the place was incredibly packed. On a side note, people here dressed so cool! Maybe because the DJ had 60-80's music and people who knew in advance decided to dress up? Or this is the vibe some guys and gals just went for- truly liked it!

I really wanted to like this spot and was pretty excited by the decor. It was really a cool concept with classic rock and retro decor. But the bathrooms and tables were pretty dirty and messy, with the booths being ripped to shreds. I get it's a dive bar but that was a bit off putting. I also didn't feel the drinks were worth the price tag - $16 isn't unreasonable for the area but the quality was not on par with most other bars in the area. The cocktails sounded like they should have been tasty and I liked everything in what I ordered but sadly it tasted pretty underwhelming and unbalanced. I had the Mr. Pharmacist and my partner tried the Big Jesus and neither of us liked our drinks. My partner also tried the mint espresso martini slushie and he liked that a bit better, but 1/3 drinks being ok is a disappointment. I think they were probably rushing or understaffed because the line was pretty long to order each time (15 min or so), so maybe it was an off night. Honestly we realized that we were the only ones in the whole bar not having beer or shots, and that we were the only ones who had stayed for more than one drink, so I don't think we were the only ones who felt that way. Not our vibe I guess. I don't plan to return unfortunately. Probably a good spot for a quick drink if you're just looking for the ambiance or having a beer before a show, but I'd steer clear of the cocktails.

Hidden gem with some amazing cocktails! And every other Tuesday...Bingo! If you're looking for a vintagey music dive bar, this is your joint. If you're into amaro and other interesting liqueurs, also a great spot. The bartender let us play around and taste a few different things to create a couple fun cocktails. We'll be back!

Came up to Seattle for The stones concert and than played tourist. We were told to check this place out and I'm glad we did. It was still pretty early in the day so it was not all that busy. I imagine later in the evening this place gets pretty rocking. Reasonable price for drinks and cool bar tender. This made our experience in Seattle just that much better. If you can go check it out you should.

100% dive bar with the best rock n' roll decor. There is so much to see at this bar with the decor all over the walls and ceilings too. Every part is covered! Screwdriver Bar is located in a basement in Belltown in Seattle. Chris and Dave provide the best service and will share rock n' roll history with you while you enjoy a drink and the atmosphere. This is a gem of a spot and I highly recommend visiting when in Seattle!

Recommend "Mix n Match" cocktail It's a good place if you wanna go to a pub with less crowd where you can actually talk to each other. The painting and graffiti on the walls was very artistic and a nice touch! In my opinion, very underrated pub

A dive bar with a twist, definitely a fun place to check out! I came by on Friday night with a friend to grab a drink at the bar. I love that they had NA options - both wines and realistic mocktails! I decided to go for the NA sparkling rosé that came in a can. Every inch of the place was decorated to reflect the grunge musical style - from the pictures of artists on the walls, to the endless CDs on the ceiling. Even some of the tables had little figures of instruments inside. It absolutely feels like you've entered a hidden music venue, even though it's a bar. The only thing I would recommend is to come by later in the night as the music gets LOUD. It was a bit challenging to have a conversation, especially after our group grew a bit. It would be better to start elsewhere, and come by when you're simply bar hopping and not chatting quite as much. Overall, I had a great time and will absolutely be back!

Fun vibe, fun decor, fun drinks. Only food that exist is potstickers served in a black Chinese to go container which is hip and cool. Service is great for drink and music in the back room is awesome. Heard some great Christmas song.

Such an underrated dive bar! The vibes, music, decor, and drinks were all superb! Right when I walked in, I loved the environment. There was a DJ playing vinyl records. It was very lively, and there was so much to look at. I tried a few different drinks, and these were my top two: La Piñata: The most amazing cocktail I have ever tasted. Everything about this was just perfect! I'd order this several times, if I could. Welcome to the Jungle: A very refreshing drink with great flavor.

I've been to many, many dive bars. I wouldn't exactly call myself a dive bar aficionado but I do love them. Sitting high above the pile is this GEM of a dive located in the heart of Belltown. The vibe is amazing. You can literally pick a spot to sit, have a few drinks and stare at the ceiling looking at all the crap haphazardly but brilliantly laid out. Visually, this bar is an eve full. Every inch is covered with the most random, amazing crap. Albums, pictures, dolls and whatever the hell else you can think of are all here on full display. The only downside is that when I'm there I tend to ignore who I'm with because visually it's just so interesting. Music and drinks are also top notch and I was surprised by how inexpensive everything was. If you're headed to Belltown, you really have to give them a try. One of my top 5 bars ever. Kudos.

Terrible service, terrible bar. The bartender was rude and condensending. For no reason at all, he kicked me out of the bar and aggressively yelled at me. He didnt't offer me water or food (like a responsible bartender would) and instead treated me like a feral alley cat. He was an angry yiking. When waiting for a drink it took ten plus minutes and you are spending ten dollars on a beer to be ignored service and treated like a degenerate inconvenience. Don't go to the screwdriver or you will get screwed. Unless you enjoy feeling horrible and getting ZERO service or human decency.

Oh my god - why haven't I been here sooner? What an awesome dive bar with the best interior decoration!!! Came here on a Monday night and it was pretty busy - there was a dude DJing and really feeling the music. DJ def was quite loud to have a conversation without shouting but I think that's what the vibes are here. Do not skip on the slushies. I am personally not a fan of mint choc but oh boy their grasshopper slushy almost made me wish I got that one instead of the fruit punch flavor. I'll be back to jive in an excellent dive bar!

Great Seattle dive bar with a quiet ambiance. Features a unique cocktail menu with affordable prices by seattle standard, and a wide selection of beers. There's something to be desired with the quality and complexity of the cocktail's, but nothing that prevents you from enjoying a good time at this seattle classic. Amazing memorabilia lining the walls and the ceiling!

I have passed this place hundreds of times, noting the crowds outside on the sidewalk. The bar didn't seem special and the crowd appeared very young. Last Friday night while strolling my hood, I decided to check out the inside, never realizing the bar was located in a basement. Holy crapola, who knew a bar named The Screwdriver is a shrine to the Rock Music scene off the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. MoPop Be Damned! I was mesmerized by the posters, photos, art work, album covers etc,. It was fantastical and a pilgrimage for a person my age. Issac, a young man doing the bartending, was patient with all my reminiscing, as I grabbed my cocktail walking around the mostly empty space. How did I miss this bar for 16 months? Well, it was closed for most of the pandemic except for their outside seating. Yes, it was a bit warm, but who cared when I'm having a cocktail in a museum depicting the golden age of rock music. I am still wowed by my experience and sent my photos around the world to everyone I know. The Screwdriver Bar may need a different name, but it is a "must" for locals and tourists alike.

Fun dive bar with cool decor. Bartender was the most unpleasant human I've dealt with in a while. She would not say hi. Did not smile. Basically acted like we ruined her day by popping in for a drink. Will be back. Hopefully someone nice is working that day.

Punk rock/rock bar vibe for sure. Definitely humid due to being in basement, even for a cool PNW night it was like cuba up in that bihh. Nice selection of drinks & decent pricing. Staff is hit or miss. Wouldn't return on my own but was definitely a great close out to having a friend in from out of town who wanted to do the whole viretta park/cobain places scene.

Sick place! Love their record day, $75 for a crate of vinyl. Stiff drinks, super friendly staff, and the coolest vibe. This is a must for anyone who is a fan of vinyl!

Don't even try to come here - they'll send you away if you have an out of state ID . I thought this was a tourist town? So disappointed . They lost service from me and I will never recommend this bar to anyone for sure.

Super cool basement bar, amazing memorabilia, really cool bar staff. Quiet early in the day

We had an absolute blast here! It was dead empty on a Sunday night so we got to walk around and look at all the cool punk and rock memorabilia. The beers are awesome, and we stayed for awhile because we were having great conversation with the bartender and later some locals. I would come here on the regular if I lived nearby. Great vibes and ambiance! LOVED IT!!!

Asshole bartender gave me shit for a mistake they made... asked for my ID and sweared at me on a busy night for no reason. Completely ruined my night. Never coming back

Very cool rock and roll decor, pictures and memorabilia, plus excellent music and friendly service. Oh yeah, and great beer selection and full bar, including slushies. Still checking vax cards in Nov 2022, which is weird, but oh well.

A relaxed cool vibe, really felt like a home away from home. Friendly atmosphere great music. Fabulous decor. Would be a regular if I lived here

Really cool little spot, kinda dirty and a little grimy but in the best way. Would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking for a cool divey bar in seattle.

Fantastic hidden gem in Belltown! Great staff, awesome environment and vibe going on with all the classic Seattle paraphernalia on the walls. They sling great drinks too. Would recommend for sure!

Really nice staff, awesome interior, great music, and not all that busy! Plus some of the best cocktails you'll get in Seattle at not-crazy prices! Highly recommend.

This place sucks. Place is in a stuffy basement with bad circulation. If boozing in the equivalent of a middle school locker room is your idea of fun you'll love this place. Also, they're still checking vaccination cards? I was vaccinated so long ago the antibodies are beyond dead. Grow up and return to reality with the rest of us.

Well I am amazed I have not wrote a review yet for Screwdriver since but, maybe I was keeping it secret pre pandemic cause they always had hockey on and cheap beers. Post pandemic they have done an amazing pivot with initially cocktails to go and now a street patio! Really good stiff slushies always but the Watermelon drink I hope it sticks around !

We visited Seattle and this bar was recommended to us as a great place for local beers and good vibes. We sat at the bar and Isaac was so personable from the start and gave us other great recommendations in the area. He was super helpful and took the time to give us suggestions and chat with us. Beer was really good and the inside of the bar is super cool! We loved it so much we returned for a second night!

This place is definitely a punk-type bar, which is not really my scene. I like most bars, but I just didn't like this place. Because the bar is underground, I'm not sure if that's the reason it was so hot, but I was sweating when I went here. I ordered a Screwdriver when I went here and it was just meh. I don't foresee myself coming back here.

A fun, eclectic, underground bar just off First and Bell east of the Belltown Pub. Once you pass the GateKeeper, a charming human being by the name of Sam you walk down some treacherous steps into a completely different world. To say this place is unique is an understatement. It's dark but welcoming and services a very hip crowd. It's a visual experience in the best sense of the term. As you look around you can see many unusual whatnots you wouldn't find in a typical establishment as rock music blasts through the stereo. It's a lot to take in at first but as you look around you start to notice the fine details. It's a very visually stimulating, funky place. As the bartender said, "If you look around you can find something new every time you come here." The staff is friendly and courteous. The happy hours from 4-6:30 and 12-1 are slamming with an assortment of canned bears, cider and cocktails. It can get crowded at times but on other occasions it's a great place to plop on the couch or grab a booth to just relax and have a conversation. I have to admit if it wasn't for the doorman coaxing my friend and I in here one night after I moved into the neighborhood we probably wouldn't have stopped to check it out. It's unassuming on the exterior and easy to miss but I'm glad he did. I like it and the people who run it. I hope to see you there soon.

Very cool new punk bar in Belltown. Located in a cozy basement, the atmosphere is warm, colorful, and unpretentiously stylish. Cool vintage decor, and a fantastic bar setup that makes the place feel a lot larger than it is (capacity is only about 40 people). They also have an old school juke box with a good selection of tunes. As far as drinks go, Screwdriver has a great selection of reasonably priced beers and unique infused liquors, plus fun cocktails and even frozen blended drinks. I had one called the Iggy Popsicle that was just as flavorful as it was boozy. Delicious fresh frozen fruit blended with alcohol-you cannot go wrong with one of these. An additional nice touch were the gender neutral bathrooms labeled "Human". I will definitely come back here the next time I am in the area.

Perfectly quaint and decorated bar with the most kind staff. From bouncer to bartender, I was left with a very pleasant experience as well as a good and fairly priced drink. Highly recommend!

We came in and had a few drinks. HIGHLY recommend this bar. The atmosphere is AMAZING. The decor is so vintage and awesome. It's like going into a time machine. I would recommend getting a Mango #5.

Went here during Covid for happy hour. They have a small outdoor seating area with several Happy hour drinks. I was most excited about the homemade pickles which was a fun surprise (bottom of the menu)! It looks like a cool slightly Punk/Rock place to drink at in non-Covid days.

The legendary place where some of the best bands recorded and practice is one of the spots you should try. It keeps the ambience although it has to be darker because it's a bat :) it has video games and fun stuff. I think they keep a window from the recording studio. They launched a few months ago with the exbartender from the Crocodile. So cocktails are good but you can imagine the price. The sad part was that they only had canned Rainier beer. So my party didn't get to drink what they wanted. You still can have a great time!! I gave them 4 stars becaise of the place, ambience, games, bartener but hope they can get more beer or regular stuff :)

What can I say about this bar? It's as funky Seattle as it can get, and I enjoyed my time here. The end!

Awesome dive bar. Never too crowded, happy hour prices are great and it's really chill. Music is really good too, no top crap, decors a bit cliche but overall a favorite spot

I came here on a Friday night and had the pleasure of meeting Leah. She makes a mean margarita and I loved the ambiance of this bar. It has all my favorite things! Jukebox, pinball, and strong drinks! I will be back for sure.

Wow, when you find it you will be thankful. Clean, great bartender and fantastic jukebox! Loves

What a cool, mystical, place! Walk downstairs to the basement, which is this great dive-ish bar with great bartenders, and tasty drinks! There are games to play (including pinball), great music (older grunge & rock seemed to be the theme while we were there), and just a cool atmosphere that you have to visit to understand. It's not "hipster/tippy/trendy," but a "come as you are and we'll love ya for it" kind of place. There were quite a few decent sized groups playing games or just standing around tables, everyone seeming to have a really good time. Oh - and of course the screwdrivers are delish!

Cool vibe! Artsy and nostalgic and funky! Craft cocktails are a must. The bar has a cool underground feel to it (you are in the basement). Cool space, cool staff. Come here if you want something off the beaten path!

I had a really good time here. My dancing got a little out of hand at one point and I accidentally smacked a poor lady's beer out of her grasp. The bottle shattered all over the dance floor. My friend ran to the maintenance area to grab a broom and dust pan.. I helped him clean up the mess. Rock and Roll

I had a wonderful experience with the space and the staff at Screwdriver. I attended an event there in April and loved the intimate feel (and appreciated the cleanliness of the bathrooms!). The frozen slushi adult beverages were fantastic - I tried both that were on tap at the time and they weren't just your average fruity tropical drinks, but something closer to a complex cocktail frozen delight. However, the best part of my experience started out as the worst part: I accidentally left an important personal item at the bar, realized it immediately the next morning, and frantically started writing emails and Facebook messages to the staff to see if someone had found it. Before 10 am I'd already received a reply telling me that yes, indeed it had been located in the lost and found, and that I could pick it up at noon when staff would be in the building. Crisis averted thanks to the responsive and friendly staff!

Wonderful staff , gracious owners, always awesome live events with good music 2 separate bars , great prices for cocktails and good beer selections

The Screwdriver is a cool place. It looks like you're just going into someone's apartment building, but go down the stairs and you will encounter the most tricked out basement unit in Seattle. The Moscow Mules come in a fancy goblet, there's a Big Buck Hunter in the corner, and they have a hipster jukebox with songs you've never heard of. Probably.

Favorite bar in Seattle. Great service, bartenders, and selection of bourbon.

Screwdriver is a great place for a beer and a few games of pin ball and/or Ms Pac Man. I've been including this place in my usual haunts for a while now and I always recommend it to friends. But, as I discovered last night, 9/27/17, not all of their bartenders are vetted for bullshit equally. I had never met this bartender before and if I ever see him behind a bar again I will probably be turning around and moving on to the next place. Not because of his attitude, he's a pretty nice enough guy, but because of how much of my night this man wasted. Don't get me wrong here, I have a low bar for good service. I don't expect much. But I do expect you to tell your friends "sorry, I have customers, talk to you in a minute" instead of make us wait just to close out (not to mention the wait for every single drink even when he had no real line). I can't make an honest time quote here because I'd been drinking but my entire party was fed up with him, and we are all service industry folks. So. I felt like that says a lot. Anyway. Truly fantastic bar. Huge thanks to literally every other bartender there for being prompt and chill.

this place is THE Tits. Very moxious 'tenders. Superb music playing at all of the times. Comfyfortable atmospheric items. Sexy televisions. Tasty drinkable concoctions. The WORKs.

If you love 70s rock, then definitely check out the place. Order a Stormin Norman, play some rock classics on the jukebox and your evening is sorted!