Tapster

Bar · South Lake Union

Tapster

Bar · South Lake Union

3

1011 Valley St, Seattle, WA 98109

Photos

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Highlights

Self-pour bar with 40+ taps, cider, wine, and N/A options  

1011 Valley St, Seattle, WA 98109 Get directions

tapstertastingroom.com
@tapsterseattle

$20–30 · Menu

Information

Static Map

1011 Valley St, Seattle, WA 98109 Get directions

+1 206 257 1857
tapstertastingroom.com
@tapsterseattle
𝕏
@TapsterTasting

$20–30 · Menu

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reservations
wifi
Tap to pay

Last updated

Oct 26, 2025

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@infatuation

Tapster - Review - South Lake Union - Seattle - The Infatuation

"Tapster is a self-serve beer bar with roughly four dozen taps located directly next to Google’s SLU building. It also doubles as a swirling vortex of rowdy noise and software interns. There’s trivia on Monday nights, chair swings that dangle from the ceiling, and written affirmations on the walls like “Today is the day!” and “It’s OK to be self serving.” On a weeknight after 5pm, it’s absolute chaos in here, which will probably feel miserable if you were hoping for a lowkey, after-work beer. There’s nothing lowkey about this place, so use it if you’re in the mood to party—or try it out on a weekend during the day." - Aimee Rizzo

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/reviews/tapster
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@eater

Seattle’s New Self-Pour Wine and Beer Bar Rapport Is Now Open on Capitol Hill - Eater Seattle

"A Chicago-based self-pour bar called Tapster has been in the works for South Lake Union — yet it’s rare." - Gabe Guarente

https://seattle.eater.com/2020/8/10/21362581/self-pour-wine-and-beer-bar-rapport-is-now-open-capitol-hill
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@eater

Successor to Iconic Queen City in Belltown Will Be Called Seahorse Bar - Eater Seattle

"The Chicago-based company Tapster is planning to open a bar with self-pour taps at Google’s new mixed-use development, Lakefront Blocks, in South Lake Union. Basically, all drinks are priced by the ounce and set up for people to serve themselves through a computerized system that accepts cards. Though Tapster claims this will be “Seattle’s first self-pour taproom,” that may not quite be the case, as Capitol Hill also has a beer bar with self-pour taps in the works for the spring, and Buckley’s in Queen Anne experimented with table-top taps years ago through a third party company before dropping the concept. Regardless, Tapster will feature mostly local beers as well as non-alcoholic options like mocktails and kombucha, while the interior will include bocce courts and a private conference room." - Gabe Guarente

https://seattle.eater.com/2020/2/24/21151465/queen-city-belltown-new-seahorse-bar
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Trypp Adams

Google
I love these concepts, and appreciate being able to try several craft beers, wine, soda and kombucha in one spot. The interior has some trendy seating/swings and art. There was a painting class going on when I visited which kind of dominated the space. I struggle with the requested tip amount of 18-25% when there is no service, it's all self service.

Jeremy Lang

Google
It's fine but I would have liked more variety, maybe some Belgian beers. Still, great place for a quick beer or three

Tonico Traplases (The Review Mimic)

Google
If you're looking for some variety and maybe a little bit of over-indulgence, this is not the place. The prices are a bit high, especially for being a self-service taproom. Don't get me wrong, I love the whole concept, but $.80-1.00/oz feels a bit deterring. After essentially having 1 regular-sized (12-16oz) beer, I'm almost paying $20 and ready to leave. The staff is nice for the two minutes you're actually talking to them and getting your tap card, but after that...what are they doing that justifies giving an 18%-25% tip on top of what you're already paying for the drink/s?

MAXIM PAK

Google
A cool pour-yourself bar with plenty of beer, cider and wine options! You can mix and match and pay per ounce in the end. Lots of games and activities and space for big companies.

Sunil Agarwal

Google
I had guava cider which was something I had never even heard of earlier. It was good and had very little alcohol content which suited me. More like a cool refreshing drink which was fine by me. The atmosphere and the ambience was great and the surrounding area beautiful. The crowd was great too. There was a much bigger crowd earlier but we spent some time at the lake and by the time we returned the place wasn't as crowded. However, the reason I gave only 4 ⭐ is because the pretzels were bad. Soft and undercooked. 4 of us and we were unable to finish because no one wanted to have more than one bite. We were in a hurry so we didn't stay back to complain but if it happens again maybe we will. Our friends live nearby so they visit frequently although we are from out of town so we might not be visiting again.

Alessio Giuiusa

Google
Very peculiar place with a large variety of beers (45 different immediately available). Great idea and very good beer. I tried small sips of 3 varieties before picking up the one I wanted. So good for tasting new and then deciding. Recommended!

Paola Vallejo (Pao)

Google
Loved the ambient and decorations of this place. Makes you feel trendy. You can choose any beer you want, you need to pre-pay a card at the counter first. I really like the concept that you serve your own beer, it gives you the freedom to try a lot and see which one you like more 🍻 they beer selection is great, specially if you like IPA like me. They also have ciders, seasonal beer, coffee and kambucha. 🚻 they have bathrooms 🅿️ no parking, you will need to street park

priyush j

Google
Wine and beer on tap. Self pour process, which gives a great opportunity to taste different options and choose the one which suits your taste. This is right below the google office. A good hangout place for some drinks. We can get our own food/snacks, they do have few chips/nuts available as munchies.
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Anand W.

Yelp
I recently attended an event at Tapster SLU and had a decent experience. The venue offers a good amount of indoor and outdoor space, making it perfect for gatherings. The highlight is definitely the stunning view overlooking Lake Union--it's a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery with friends. When it comes to drinks, the variety is pretty limited and the prices are on the higher side for what you get. They operate on a self-serve model for beer, cider, and wine, which means no need to worry about tipping, but it also means there's no personalized service. Unfortunately, there were no food options available during my visit, which was a bit disappointing. Overall, Tapster SLU is an okay spot if you're looking to enjoy some good views and a chill vibe. It's not the best place for drink selections or affordability, but if the scenery is what you're after, it's worth checking out.
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Carlene W.

Yelp
I've been to a few self serve places like this, but never one with the ambiance and the selection that Tapster has to offer. It's a bright space that feels friendly and welcoming from the minute you walk in, plus who can't help but smile at people sitting in swings with full drinks. Tapster makes it easy, you get a card attached to your credit card, grab your preferred drinking glass, and go to town. They had several cider options, including a really unique key lime pie cider that was perfect for the 80° day. Add in friends, good music, and for us, a view of the activities on the lakeside? Perfect way to kick off the afternoon.
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Jennie K.

Yelp
Located in the busy area of SLU (South Lake Union) parking can always be a bit of a challenge. There's a few street parking and parking at a paid lot at The Center for Wooden Boats, if you're lucky. A few friends and I came here on a Saturday early afternoon. Once we got there, we noticed there was a Paint n Sip event going on. Walking in, we noticed there was still a few seatings and tables off to the side near the swings. If you don't already know, Tapster is a bar where you pour your own drinks! You walk in, put your card on hold and staff will give you a linked card to charge your credit card with the price per ounce that you pour. Thought this was a cool and fun idea. You pour as much and as little as you'd like. Ambiance was a bit loud because of the Paint n Sip event. So chatting with friends was a bit difficult, because we had to compete with the 20 some people and mc painting instructor. I did like the decor of Tapster. The swing sets to wooden blocks and sports team flag. Loved it all! It was nice that they had games you can play with while there like jenga and ring toss. As for the drinks, I did find a favorite in the Nitro Peanut Butter Milk Stout. Tried to be adventurous and try other taps, but I found some seemed a bit flat in taste. Upon leaving, to close out your card, you drop off your Tapster card in one of the three tip boxes (18/20/22%). Although we didn't know this at the time, but you could close it at the register as well and opt to tip a different amount. Overall, the experience was good. Hoping next time the taps won't be flat like they were.
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Winnie W.

Yelp
I visited Tapster on a Friday afternoon with colleagues, drawn in by its chic and youthful vibe. Drinks: With over 20 taps offering wine, beer, Kombucha, and hard seltzer, Tapster's self-serve concept allows you pour based on preference. Opening a tab at the bar grants access to a pink card for scanning, allowing for exploration of various tasters before committing. Pricing: Drinks are priced by the ounce, averaging around $+/-0.50 per ounce (wine options are pricier), translating to at least $10 for a pint--steeper than your typical brewery or bar. Customer Service: The staff were friendly and patiently explained the process. Overall, Tapster offers a fun experience, but its pricing might deter regular visits.
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Katrina C.

Yelp
This bar is a very creative concept. I've never seen a self serve bar before. This is definitely clever. The vibes are good, as is the customer service. The decor is bright & upbeat. The swings are a cute touch. Super fun! I'm not a huge beer drinker, so I had a couple of glasses of Rosé when I came here. I wish they would've had more wine options. I'd come back if I was in town.
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Manushi Manish S.

Yelp
The location and ambiance of this spot are amazing, situated just in front of SLU. The staff is friendly, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Tapster offers a unique experience with over 30 drink options that you can pour directly from the tap. Their setup includes a cute spot with swings and game options, making it a perfect place to chill out with friends and have a good time. I had an amazing experience here and can't wait to go back for more fun and great drinks!
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Aishwarya V.

Yelp
Tapster's self-pour wine and brewery was the perfect spot for a sip and paint experience! The atmosphere was charming, and the ambience was spot-on. I had a blast trying out their selection of wines, which were top-notch. While I didn't sample the food, I can confidently say this place is a winner for a fun night out!
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Alice Z.

Yelp
Drinks: 5/5 | Service: 4/5 | Experience: 4.5/5 This bar is a great way to socialize with friends or for a happy hour as there are many tables and many that were longer as well. Your credit card gets swiped at the beginning and then you are handed another card that will you need to use to fill up / self-serve drinks. There's a wide variety of ciders / beers / kombucha, even and different-sized cups. You pay by the ounce, which I think is very worth it.
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Pooja S.

Yelp
My coworkers and I came to Tapster for their Monday night trivia, and we had a great time at this bar we all were trying for the first time! They have a really cool concept where you get to pour your own drinks. You go up to the cashier, give them your card and ID, and they hand back to you your card and ID, along with a specific card to keep track of your drinks. You then choose your drinking vessel, and help yourself! You can see the prices of everything while you're pouring, and you also have a chance to try a variety of things! I'm not a huge beer drinker, but they had a variety of ciders, seltzers, and kombuchas. I tried two types of cider and both were great. They even had a seasonal chaider which was my favorite. I didn't try any of the food but definitely may in the future. The trivia was also great! They use a Sporcle system, so someone on the team needs to have their phone out at all times. The questions were harder than expected, but it was still a fun time! They have two games every night, but my group left after game 1, at 8 PM as we had a long day at work. But I'll definitely be back, just to visit the bar!
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Wendi K.

Yelp
Such a fun spot! Love the self-serve concept. Tap your card and pour your own drinks of any quantity. Beers, ciders, sours, wines to choose from. You can sit on swings, blocks, tables, or patio and there are also fun games.
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Marcus S.

Yelp
This isn't the first time I've tried a place like this where it is a "pay as you pour" model. Not a bad idea, but seems more of a novelty to me, a different way to try several different drinks or mix and match at your leisure. How it works is fairly simple, your payment is synced with a card they give you. You place it in the slot over the tap levels and pour as much of a drink you want and be charged by the ounce. The value by ounce ranges from so you may or may not be getting a good deal. I got full pour IPA and sampled a couple others by a couple ounces or so which came to about $12 after closing the tab which was about right. Again, I think it's more novelty and selection here as I' could just as easily go to a brewery and sample selections without paying and when I'm ready get the pint(s) I want. I think the aim is for a younger crowd here given the aesthetic as well as the crowd in here.
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Colette T.

Yelp
BOOOOOOOOOO! BOOOOOOO BOOOOOOOO BOOOOO! The staff is mean, the drinks are overpriced and they won't want you there if you aren't a Seattle Style Hipster. Lame and ridiculous scam. If I'm paying top dollar for a beer at least pour it for me... you pour, bus, and seat yourself for a 20% tip. Very stupid, very lame. Don't bother.
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Sidéwon Andre N.

Yelp
A Coworker recommended this bar and I'm glad we made the trip. It's located in Google Valley across the street from Art Marble. Tapster is unique in the sense that you check-in and a pay for a card similar to that of a hotel. That grants you access to all the dispensers of wine and beer. Depending on how much you pour is what you will pay when you end your tab. Very unique. Setup of inside the bar is pretty office "break out room", with flares of fun! It's a nice feel based on where it's located so I get the style. Staff is friendly and this is the 1st place in Seattle since visiting for work that played a Hip Hop song. Appreciative of being in new areas but I will say after visiting Seattle I always wonder where to go to hear some Hip Hop. I'd visit again for sure for the music and the unique way of drinking.
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Angela S.

Yelp
This was the nightcap spot after a day of celebrating my birthday. Fun times, great staff and exceptional atmosphere. I didn't see any food, only SEVERAL taps! This is a fun way to try new beers & cider.
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Nikita S.

Yelp
Liked the concept, pay per ounce. You can try a lot of different options and see what you like. However, in my opinion none of them were good or amazing. The lager which I somewhat liked was just average. I wished they had some good and refreshing beer. Might not go again. Note: On an average, it will cost $10 per glass (during Happy Hour)
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Soumya A.

Yelp
This is an amazing concept, and perfect for indecisive people like me! You get a card that will let you get whatever drink you want on tap - they have beer, cider, kombucha, coffee, and much more. There's lots of flexibility with how much you want to take each time, as they charge you by the ounce. The indoor vibes are really nice as well, with some very cool swings and some tables. I do think there could be more seating indoors, but there's plenty outdoors as well. They have lots of board games and a Photobooth (additional money) as well, so it's a great place to go with a group of friends. I'd recommend everyone to check it out, you'll get some great photos as well :-)
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M D.

Yelp
Bright and breezy bar, with a cool concept of serve yourself - simply take a glass, swipe a pre-loaded card and select the beer (or some other selections) of your choosing. Ends up being expensive if drinking a full one, much better set up as a tasting space. Not sure how it will feel as summer turns to fall and the outside space becomes less appealing..
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Dawn G.

Yelp
I've been to Tapster on a few occasions so far and I have enjoyed tasting different beers and ciders. There are various seating areas inside where a group can gather. Inside there are swing seats and a swing table, long communal tables in the middle, smaller tables on the sides, and a large wooden set of stadium benches. Outside there are a few adirondack chairs and high bar stools. For beverage offerings there are many beers, a few ciders, a few wines, and a couple of kombucha options. Upon arrival you go to the register and hand over your credit card in exchange for a 'tap card' that is used to keep track of your tap pours. On the side wall there are pint classes and smaller tasting glasses (maybe 3 or 4 ounces?). However they don't have any flight carriers so that makes it a bit more challenging to try multiple options at the same time. The taps on the wall describe each beverage and the cost per ounce. The liquid pours out quickly and the beers tend to pour foamy after a bit so it can take awhile to get a glass full. It's also really easy to forget your card in the tap slots and many people do so. The tap card is attached to your credit card so be very careful to avoid accidental misuse by another patron. It can get quite busy on some days with people from nearby offices stopping by after work. Tapster isn't set up for true beer connoisseurs to talk to bartenders and learn about the selections. It's more of a serve yourself and chat with friends location, and that works for most. This location doesn't have a kitchen but there is a popcorn machine and some bagged chips for purchase. Patrons are allowed to bring in outside food too.
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Jay C.

Yelp
Such a great spot for beer lovers! Bring your dog and whatever food you like (they don't serve food there) and enjoy sampling a constantly rotating tap list. The only downside of this place is the pressure to leave a pretty huge tip (considering that you serve yourself, 25% is kind of unreasonable), but you can close out at the register and do your own math.

G G.

Yelp
I'd been wanting to try this place for a while as its a novel idea in serving beer. As a self proclaimed beer fan (and also not a SLU tech worker) I was pretty disappointed and will not be back. Pros: - Nice, clean facility with good walkability and public transportation. - I like the glass selection and ability to self select your glassware Cons: - Beer selection was uninteresting and very routine. I expected at least some unique or harder to find beer in this 40+ tap format, but only found 2 that I was evenly remotely interested in. - The price is insane. This place is clearly priced for corporate or team sponsored events. This is not a place to go have a drink with friends. I paid 17 dollars for less than 3/4 of a 16oz glass of sampling 2 IPA. Thats when I left. - They request between 18-22% tip and all they do is ring you up. You pour the beer. You bus your table. There should be no tips as part of the checkout process.
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Steven Z.

Yelp
Really great spot to try all the beers/ciders you want! I'm not a huge beer guy so this works out great for me. The integrated tech to track how many ounces you pour for yourself is pretty cool. The interior is bright, clean, and basic. There's a corner with nice rope swing chairs that I'd like to try someday. Would definitely come back.
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Marina G.

Yelp
Enjoyed stopping by here after a long walk to Lake Union! For someone who is completely indecisive, it was amazing to have to many choices and not be committed to any full pours. Good selection of beers, ciders, wines, and N/A options. "Bartenders" were helpful with explaining the process and they were super friendly. Cool spots to take pictures throughout the establishment and nice seating outside. Board games are available as well!
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Erica P.

Yelp
Husband and I stopped by here on a Sunday afternoon and were easily able to get a spot on the patio with our dog. Lots of photo-friendly props & signage. Staff explained how the self-serve wall works. Several non-alcoholic options on tap too (coffee, kombucha, sodas). Soundtrack was fantastic. Very chill and fun atmosphere. They had blankets on the patio as well for chillier nights which I thought was a nice addition. Would gladly come back when we're in the area!
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Treena C.

Yelp
This is a fun bright place underneath the Microsoft sign near South Lake Union. Very lively atmosphere with swing seats and outdoor seating and a wall full of pour your own wall taps. And if beer is not your fancy, they have ciders and kombucha. I like the concept because I never know what kind of beer I want so being able to try so many, in small portions if you choose, is fun. They do include notes about the beer and you can see the cost as well. The downside might be that every beer drinker I have met loves to talk to bartenders about the beer, and they usually can do a little taste for free at a bar. But this is a new idea that works for me, because I am okay discovering beers on my own. I did find that when I used the small glass, the beer was difficult to pour and foamed quite a bit, so try the larger glasses. You return your pour card in a box depending on what tip you wanted to give the attendants. Great atmosphere, views, and a nice chance to try a lot of beverages without getting plastered.
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Prag R.

Yelp
A self serving wine and beer place in the heart of SLU, literally below Google office! There are more than 50 taps where one can choose what they like- non alcoholic drinks like Kombucha and ciders are available as well. It's BYOB- so you can go wild! You get to Tapster, they check your ID and take a card for the tab. Once you get the Tapster card activated, all you have to do is go to the tap which you like, tap with the 'Tapster card' and get your drink. It gets calculated in Oz and let's you know the price. Lots of seating and cute swings as well. Definitely a place with friends as it gets loud with talking and music.
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Kyle W.

Yelp
This place features over 50 different types of drinks on the tap - wine, IPA, sours, ciders, imported beers, seltzers, other beers, kombucha, soda, and more! You get to pour as much or as little as you want and try a variety of different drinks. The smallest reasonable pour is 0.6oz, based on my experience with just trying out almost everything in this place. You get started with a card, $10 minimum spend, and you grab a cup. Then, you place your card in the indicated slot and pour the amount you want. You can wash your cup at the drain area before you try other drinks. The prices per ounce vary from $0.15 for soda to $1.50+ for some wine / Delirium Red, mostly in the range of $0.50-$0.80 per ounce for IPAs, etc. There are tables with swings which were pretty neat, though you cannot do actual swinging as there is not enough space; this applies for the swings with the wall backdrop "today is the day!" which is pretty Instagrammable. It is neat that they stop you from pouring too much at certain spend intervals - this can ensure you do not accidentally over pour, and also doubles up as a way to make sure they do not over-serve you. However, I can see that it can get annoying for people as you have to go to the cashier to unlock it. In the end, you checkout with the cashier to pay your desired tip, or you can express checkout to pay 18%, 20%, or 25% and they will tack on that amount as tip at the end. Overall, I really love this place, as I always embrace variety. The bonus is that this place is also pretty and there are many good selections of drinks on the tap here. It can get a bit pricey if you are not careful, but you are also paying the premium to try a variety of drinks. I probably have expensive tastes but I really really love the Delirium Red - a little tangy but also fruity for beer. So while I tried most of the drinks here, I got a lot of the Delirium Red. The tab ended up to be around $77 before tax and tip (but fortunately it was on company dime as I went for company happy hour)
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Declan H.

Yelp
A fun spot. Pouring your own beer is a cool novelty and there is a good variety to choose from. Honestly though, I dislike the ambiance indoors, I try to only visit on nice days where I can sit outside. It's below a Google office and mostly filled with techies, but I guess that is most of Seattle. There's also fun events from time to time like Drag Bingo, Trivia, and Paint and sip.
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Kirstie F.

Yelp
Tapster was the perfect place to watch the basketball game. They have several TV's on different channels so there's something for everyone. It's $10 per person minimum and you're allowed to bring outside food in. They have jenga that you can play with friends and lots of variety in terms of their drinks. I love that they even had kombucha and root beer for those who want to join in but don't/can't really drink
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Skyy S.

Yelp
This was such a cool concept. We walked in and the host told us how everything works. You link your card to their card and pour all the beer yourself. They also had options of wine and also frozen drinks. This was perfect for a night activity and it was cozy in there despite the cold outside. I wish this was in Texas because I loved it! 10/10 experience
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Generous Y.

Yelp
Love the entire idea of Tapster - just wasn't too fond of the selection. There's definitely a variety of drinks available, just couldn't find the one that clicked with me. Alongside the main alcoholic drinks, there are 4 categories of non-alcoholic beverages with three options each. For example, cold-brew may be one category and there would be three types to choose from. When I first came when Tapster first opened, I believe you paid for a card with funds to use. Now, it's revamped for the better. You get a card and then it tracks the volume you pour out. At the end, you close your tab to pay. If you forget, you'll be charged for your drinks alongside a $10 fee for loss of the card. What I love most is that Tapster cuts off service for your card at a certain point and requires you to check in with the register. It's really cool as it helps regulate somewhat, although it's not perfect because we all have different tolerances. I just think the idea and awareness was excellent and while it seems like something obvious to incorporate, most places wouldn't think about it (as it feels less important than other design decisions).
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Chelsea B.

Yelp
What a fun place! Conveniently located in the South Lake Union area. You are charged a $20 holding fee I believe, to obtain your card to start "tapping." You then go to a wall and select what glass you want and then the tapping and pouring begins! They have several options to ensure that everyone has something for them: beer, wine, ginger beer, seltzer, root beer, CBD seltzer, kombucha, and cold brew coffee. They charge you by the ounce, so take a look around to see your price. Make sure you keep the card in the tap slot even while you pour before removing your card. Pro tip: don't lose your card to avoid getting charged an additional $10. They have TVs and amble amounts of seating indoor and outdoors. They have swings that are a fun spot to click a few pictures during your experience. I think this is a fun spot to visit as a tourist or even for a local. As a local, I'd come here to grab a few drinks before heading out for the evening because this allows everyone in a large group to find something good for themselves. I believe they don't serve any food, but I did see snacks like popcorn and maybe candy bars or something. Keep this in mind to make plans for food before or after visiting.

Kristen E.

Yelp
The service is easy to navigate! You get a card and pay per ounce you pour yourself. Plenty of seating and flexible seating. Very modern and "young" energy. The customers ranged in age but the environment was new age. Price was reasonable! Lots of beer/cider options!
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Karla A.

Yelp
Great place to try beers, wines, ciders and sodas. Dog friendly too. A definite visit. Good vibes and in a great location.
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JT T.

Yelp
I love the concept - there was a self pour bar in the city that I used to live in so it is great to have one here now. They have probably 30+ beer taps, a third or so of which are IPAs, but they have a nice selection of other options too. I particularly enjoy their rotating sours, which are sometimes difficult to find on tap in Seattle unless you go to a sour-specific brewery. They also have some wine taps and nonalc taps. They have a medium size indoor space, and a decent size patio with heaters and a roof. It gets crowded starting around 6 on weekdays. Overall I think this is a great addition to the neighborhood. Only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that they have started adding a mysterious 5% before-tax service charge which the don't show you until you get your receipt. We should absolutely pay restaurant/bar workers a fair wage (if that is in fact who the fee goes to - it's not clear what it's for), but be honest about it. Either tell people very clearly when they first get a swipe card that there will be a 5% fee, or just raise the prices on everything 5%. Given that you pay per ounce, most people probably would be fine with an increase from, for example, 80¢/oz to 84¢/oz anyways. To me, the extra couple bucks isn't a big deal, but being sneaky isn't cool.
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Shivam D.

Yelp
I've been to tapster on multiple occasions with friends and enjoyed it every time. The atmosphere is chill and the inside is decorated really well, including large swings. Seating has never been an issue for me. They also have a collection of board games and cards that you can borrow. I especially like the pour-your-own-drink concept since you can sample a variety of drinks before deciding what you want. They have a decent drink selection, from beers to ciders to kombucha and cold brew coffee, so there's something for everyone. My only complaint is that they don't have any truly unique drinks that would intrigue you. Overall, great place to grab drinks with friends. Give it a try!
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Tiffany A.

Yelp
Super chill, fun spot to come to! There's an outside patio and the inside vibe is trendy, fun, and relaxed. How?--- You grab your tapster card at the front register and put a card on file. You pick any drink that your heart desires and if you're like me.. you're going to like not having to drink an entire beer and try it first. -- Pour any amount you like while leaving your card in the slot (I accidentally was tapping the card and didn't notice the slot so you don't have to be silly like me and multitask pouring a drink and tapping at the same time.) Return your card to the register or return buck or else you will be charged a fee. There are 3 return buckets at the back that are labeled "18, 20, 25%" gratuity, but if you would like to just choose your own gratuity-- just return it at the front :) I loved that there were swings inside with good music while the outside patio had a beautiful view of the lake. Selection is worthy of beer lovers, some wine, kombucha, even soda and coffee. I will definitely be back when I'm in town thanks to my brother!
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Zaid D.

Yelp
Tapster definitely has something good going on! Their idea of self pouring is great. Came in on a Saturday night and it was a busy night. There was plenty of seating inside and outside. You provide them with a credit card/debit card to put on file, and they provide you with a card to use for your pours. You first start with selecting your style of glass. Then move on to inserting your card, and pouring your choice of drink. I was able to get some different tastings varying from Hard Kombucha to several seasonal IPA's. Great selection of music and throwbacks hit the cherry on top! Wish I had a local Tapster down here in SoCal!
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Rebecca R.

Yelp
I love the concept..being your own bartender & pouring your own alcohol! :) For someone who really doesn't like the taste of beer & strong alcohol in general, I really liked that I had the option to pour myself just a small amount of alcohol to taste, instead of having to buy a full size drink that I may not like. So this is how Tapster works: ~1st go to the front counter to give the cashier your cc & you will then be given a Tapster card to use that is linked to your cc. You will not be charged at this time. It's basically like opening a bar tab. ~You then will grab a clean glass from the wall that has a variety of different sizes & shapes to choose from. Next , put your Tapster card in the slot of the alcohol you want to try out & you then just pull down the lever to pour your drink. Each of the drink options do show the price of that particular drink & just depending on how much you pour yourself, is how much is then added to your Tapster drink card. So sorry if I'm not explaining this w/ the best clarity but let me blame it on my "drinking & Yelping" at the same time! ;)) So back to my kinda confusing review ;)).. there were some drinks that I would pour myself that were only $1-$3 at most because I just wanted to taste it & didn't want a full glass, in case I didn't like it. Other times, I would pour myself a full glass of a beverage that cost about $4-$5. There are many drink options to choose from (white & red wines, sour, IPAs, beer, ect) & for my husband, who loves trying out different types of beers/alcoholic drinks, he really enjoyed himself at Tapster & we did go a few times to hang out while we were in Seattle on vacation. The decor is super cute & perfect for taking those IG pics, complete w/ swings hanging from the ceiling, pink neon signs, & plenty of natural wood seating BUT I do have to gives a heads up to all my grown folk that the demographic of the Tapster regulars is made up of 20-somethings so basically my hubby & I, were about 20 years toooo old!! We have twins who are 21 yrs old, so needless to say we didn't hang out very long at Tapster both times that we went because it felt like we were drinking w/ our kids & their young friends! (Insert laughing out loud & rolling on the floor emoji ;)) Lastly, to close out your tab/checkout you had 2 options: 1) Express Checkout by putting your Tapster drink card in one of the 3 locked boxes marked either 18% gratuity, 20% gratuity, or 25% gratuity & depending on which box you dropped it in that additional percentage would be charged to your card plus your total drinking amount. These locked boxes are located by the door as you exit. OR 2) You could go to the cashier & close out. Doing it this way, you get to choose the tip amount you want to give, if any. Hope this info helps! ~Rebecca out
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Brooke A.

Yelp
I love the "pour your own drink" concept of Tapster! It's a little harder to pour a beer than perhaps a wine or cider, so I stuck to non-beer drinks. They usually have popcorn but their machine was unfortunately broken. Our group easily got a table on a Saturday night, and though it was busy, it wasn't too loud or cramped. There are games and swings that make this place a bit more unique than your typical brewery!
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Jenny Z.

Yelp
Wow this place was so fun! Love the self pour concept which is relatively new in Seattle. The employees were friendly and helpful, glasses were constantly being stocked, and they had some really awesome drink options including seltzers, ciders, hard kombucha, beer, wine. Space is really cute and trendy with the swings and wall art. Lots of casual seating and standing areas both inside and out. Was great to see so many people out and about in Seattle finally. Really enjoyed the citrus kombucha and blackberry hard seltzer. When you insert your card to pour, there is a running tab that shows up on screen so you know exactly what your tab is. Prices were also very reasonable! To cash out, you can just drop your card to one of the buckets which makes the whole experience seamless and relatively contactless. Would definitely come back! Great Friday night.
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Mike P.

Yelp
Cool spot! Self-serve beer system that allows you to pay for the ounce. But what's awesome is the drag bingo every 5-7 pm on Sunday. The person that does it keeps it entertaining and funny. Add that with the Instagramable swings, you can keep a variety of people entertained! You're not going to be able to fit a huge group but it's a nice cozy spot for a group of 4 friends or less. Also easy ice breaker spot for a date. Prices are roughly $0.50-1.00 per oz which is a pretty good deal to try as many beers as you want. $10 minimum per person btw. Most of the beers are from the PNW and they have ciders too. Definitely recommend! Parking can be a bit tough but there is parking on the street if you're lucky. Also my gf got the final bingo and got 50% off her tab! Yasssss
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Jacklyn L.

Yelp
The concept of this self pour bar is cool & this place is very trendy & Instagram worthy. They have tons of different kind of beer here to try! What you do is you link your debit/credit card to a card they give you. Once you get a glass, you go up to the drink you want and tap your card then pour! I believe it is a $10 minimum so you can definitely get a few ounces in and try many of the different selections they have. Once you're done, you can put your card into one of the tip jars they have and at closing they'll add it themselves. If not you can also go to the counter and close your tab there. As for the beers, they have a ton of selections. It was hard to choose from honestly. They even had CBD infused ones which was pretty good as well. Definitely try this place out!
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Joey W.

Yelp
I always appreciate places where you can sample different beers, ciders, and kombucha. It's great because you get to try different things and don't have to commit to a whole drink. I wanted to come here for the swings but they're not as comfortable as I would've thought. They have a $10 minimum which was pretty easy to spend. Every time you pour, it tells you your total spend which is nice.
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Emma D.

Yelp
Love this concept for bars! They take your card on file then give you a card that you tap above whichever tap you want a drink from! They have plenty of options, cider, kombucha & all types of beers. They even had a nitro coffee tap. They also serve shots at the bar & they have some snacks available as well fresh popped popcorn. The place itself is super cool, they have plenty of seating options, the coolest being the swings you can sit on! It's also dog friendly! Overall a really cool place.
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Sarah M.

Yelp
This is a nice open space with seating both inside and out. It just happened that the day we visited had drag bingo and I ended up getting a 15% off my check from winning. I enjoyed sitting on the far end where the swings are, but there are plenty of regular tables as well. The card system is easy to use, but you can build up a hefty total pretty quickly. Even with the discount from getting bingo, our total for the two of us was almost $80 including two bags of chips they sell at the counter. All the small tastings add up with a lot of them being almost a dollar for an ounce. It was fun to try out some new drafts (they also have wine, kombucha, and sours) and play some unexpected bingo.
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Sophia Y.

Yelp
Date night/afternoon magic! Do bring your date to sample all things beverages - wine, beer, coffee to even cbd sodas! They have the cutest set up with swings indoors and ample outdoor seating if being indoors isn't your thing right now with covid. I love this concept of paying for the amount you drink and depending on the type of beverage and %abv, it could have a wide range of price per ounce. It tells you exactly how much you're pouring so be mindful and go into it with the mindset of being able to try different things that you normally wouldn't get to. Check out is super easy and you pay for what you've loaded in your card - can't wait to go back soon and try other drinks!
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Dayna L.

Yelp
Tapster has a roomy and open floor plan, cute theme,fun swings, and let's you taste a bunch of different drinks! Tried this place last night and it was such a vibe! They have so many options which includes alcoholic kombucha, cider, beer, seltzer and then their non alcoholic beverages which are hidden around the corner and more limited but include kombucha, nitro coffee, and spritz Super easy to get whatever y'a want and mix and match flavors all you have to do is place your card above beverage of choice and it unlocks it! We will definitely be back!
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Linh N.

Yelp
What a cute place to hang with your dogs on Sunday Funday! My sister, my cousin and I decided to check this place out since we were all free. Really like the self pour idea. We clearly did not leave our little section next to the swing the entire time. All the beers I tried were really good. I like the self pour as I was able to slightly fill up my glasss to 1-2oz and taste all the different offerings. Not a huge cider person but my sister raved about some of the ones she tried. She mention it rotates so we'll def come back another time to see what's new. I would also like to mention we went earlier in the day to avoid being there when it got busy. I think we planned it out perfectly because around 3pm it started to pick up and people were coming in.
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Jill B.

Yelp
We came on a Saturday night. It was pretty busy but we were able to find a spot for the 4 of us. It's a very casual space to hang out at and it is very loud (god I feel old saying that). Everything inside is wood or plastic so sound just travels so it's hard to hear people even in your group. It's a great idea-pay by ounce to try different things. You walk in and get the tapster card that you use to pour. As you pour you can watch how much you're pouring and the price on the screen. Each card has to spend $10. My group didn't get why the person checking in cards and checking out people was on a tip system. Fun for curating a fun social media post or a one time visit but it's definitely not my scene.