Jim B.
Yelp
I haven't eaten here: This review is for the after-hours Live Entertainment!
Slims is the home of a great counter-culture country, punk, surf, hardcore, whatever scene: I've seen a few shows here (and 1 NYE) and have been very pleased in supporting the live music scene. (Background: I'm from NJ and the Asbury Park / New Brunswick DIY scene /College Radio fan and garage rock affectionado). Slims delivers great R&R with a reasonable cover charge ($7-10 typical) and excellent sound. At the edge of a manufacturing / job-shop district, lit parking is readily available in the closed-for-the-night nearby areas and also features its own small parking lot.
The audience is a great part of the place: A bunch of us older R&R diehards, greasers, more than a few gals. My lack of tattoos brought the per-person average down a bit (ha ha). Not too many college-aged kids on the shows I like to go to, yet if they came they'd be welcome: it's about the music firstly. I got into conversations with a few of the people present, even as new to Seattle and attending solo.
The place has a decent beer menu on tap and bottles, including the mandatory PBR. Cleanliness is better than most 'dive bars' (said lovingly). The kitchen appears well organized, and I have no experience with the food. There is a patio area that I haven't sampled: I was there a few times over the winter.
I'd love to give 5 stars, yet I've had a hard time with the tables between the bar and stage: I don't like standing in front of a seated person, and the remaining spots at the bar get tight. And, they'll often promote a show on FB or other social media with one cover charge, and get charged a different value at the door. The doorman explained this fee all goes to the bands anyway, which is great, yet maybe the cover charge affected my choice of show that night?