Best Bars in Bellevue Washington: A Local’s Guide

assorted bottles on wooden rack

November 19, 2023

Bellevue, Washington, is a city known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse bar scene. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a craft cocktail or a lively bar to dance the night away, Bellevue has something to offer. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best bars in Bellevue, Washington, to help you make the most of your night out.

One popular spot in Bellevue is Rouge Cocktail Lounge. This upscale bar offers an extensive cocktail menu, with options ranging from classic drinks to unique creations. The lounge has a cozy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night or a night out with friends. Additionally, Rouge Cocktail Lounge offers outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy their drinks while taking in the fresh air.

Another great option is Forum Social House, which offers a unique experience combining mini-golf and a restaurant and bar. This spot is perfect for groups, with plenty of space to enjoy a round of mini-golf and then grab a bite to eat or a drink. Forum Social House also offers a variety of events and entertainment, including live music and DJ nights. With so many options to choose from, Bellevue is a great destination for those looking for a night out on the town.

Historic Bars in Bellevue

Bellevue has a rich history that dates back to the 1860s, and there are several historic bars in the city that have been around for decades. These bars offer a glimpse into the past and are a great place to enjoy a drink and soak up the local culture.

1. The Pumphouse Bar & Grill

The Pumphouse Bar & Grill is a local mainstay that has been around for nearly 40 years. This historic bar is a go-to for casual drinks and eats, and it has won the title of Best Hole-in-the-Wall in the Best of 425 awards. The focus at The Pumphouse is beer, and guests will find pub staples like Guinness and Blue Moon served alongside local craft brews.

2. The Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed is another historic bar in Bellevue that has been around for over 30 years. This cozy bar has a laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to unwind after a long day. The Mustard Seed has a wide selection of beers on tap and a menu of classic pub fare.

3. The Parlor Billiards & Spirits

The Parlor Billiards & Spirits is a historic bar in Bellevue that has been around since 1908. This bar has a rich history and was once a popular spot for locals to gather and socialize. Today, The Parlor Billiards & Spirits is a modern bar that offers pool tables, a full bar, and a menu of classic pub food.

Overall, Bellevue has several historic bars that offer a unique glimpse into the city’s past. These bars are a great place to enjoy a drink and soak up the local culture.

Rooftop Bars in Bellevue

Bellevue is home to some of the best rooftop bars in Washington. These bars offer stunning views of the city skyline, delicious drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere. Here are some of the best rooftop bars in Bellevue:

1. ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

ALTITUDE Sky Lounge is located in South Lake Union and is known for its stunning rooftop views of the city. This rooftop bar offers a variety of drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine. The bar also serves tapas-style food, which is perfect for sharing with friends. ALTITUDE Sky Lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy the view while sipping on a refreshing drink.

2. The Nest

The Nest is located in downtown Bellevue and is known for its chic and modern atmosphere. This rooftop bar offers a variety of drinks, including craft cocktails, beer, and wine. The bar also serves small plates, which are perfect for sharing. The Nest has a large outdoor seating area, which is perfect for enjoying the view on a warm summer evening.

3. Living Room Bar

Living Room Bar is located in the W Bellevue hotel and is known for its cozy and chic atmosphere. This rooftop bar offers a variety of drinks, including craft cocktails, beer, and wine. The bar also serves a variety of small plates, which are perfect for sharing. The Living Room Bar has a large outdoor seating area, which is perfect for enjoying the view on a warm summer evening.

Overall, these rooftop bars offer stunning views of the city, delicious drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax with friends or enjoy a romantic evening with a loved one, these rooftop bars are the perfect destination.

Speakeasy Bars in Bellevue

Bellevue, Washington offers a variety of bars with unique themes and atmospheres. For those who enjoy a more intimate and exclusive experience, speakeasy bars are a great option. Here are some of the best speakeasy bars in Bellevue:

Rouge Cocktail Lounge

Located on Main Street, Rouge Cocktail Lounge offers an intimate and cozy atmosphere that makes it feel like a true speakeasy. The bar features a wide selection of craft cocktails and small bites inspired by French and New Orleans cuisine. The lounge is perfect for a romantic date or a night out with friends.

Civility & Unrest

Civility & Unrest is a lively and intimate speakeasy bar located below the Lakehouse restaurant. The bar is known for its world-renowned vintage spirits, local craft distillers, and champagne. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot for a night out with friends or a special occasion.

Black Bottle

Black Bottle is a popular speakeasy bar in Bellevue, offering a unique and eclectic atmosphere. The bar features a wide selection of craft cocktails and small plates, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it a great spot for a romantic date or a night out with friends.

Overall, speakeasy bars in Bellevue offer a unique and exclusive experience for those looking for a more intimate and cozy atmosphere. With a variety of options to choose from, there is something for everyone.

Bars with Live Music in Bellevue

Bellevue is home to some of the best bars with live music in Washington. These venues offer a great atmosphere to enjoy a drink with friends while listening to live music performances. Here are some of the top bars with live music in Bellevue:

Rouge Cocktail Lounge

Rouge Cocktail Lounge is a popular spot for live music in Bellevue. This bar offers a wide selection of drinks and a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for a night out with friends. The live music performances are usually jazz or blues, and they take place on weekends. The lounge also has outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying the warm summer nights.

Bake’s Place Bar & Bistro

Bake’s Place Bar & Bistro is another great bar in Bellevue that features live music. This venue is known for its excellent food, drinks, and live music performances. The bar has a cozy atmosphere, and the performances are usually jazz or blues. The bar also has outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying the warm summer nights.

Stone Lounge Bellevue

Stone Lounge Bellevue is a popular spot for live music in Bellevue. This bar offers a wide selection of drinks and a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for a night out with friends. The live music performances are usually rock or pop, and they take place on weekends. The lounge also has outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying the warm summer nights.

Bellevue has many other bars with live music, but these are some of the best. Whether you’re looking for jazz, blues, rock, or pop music, these bars have something for everyone. So, grab your friends, head out to one of these bars, and enjoy a night of live music and drinks.

Budget-Friendly Bars in Bellevue

Bellevue is known for its upscale dining and drinking establishments, but there are also plenty of budget-friendly options for those looking to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best budget-friendly bars in Bellevue:

1. The Pumphouse Bar & Grill

Located in the heart of Downtown Bellevue, The Pumphouse Bar & Grill is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. With a casual atmosphere and affordable prices, this bar is a great place to grab a drink and some pub-style food. They have a happy hour from 3-6 PM with discounted drinks and food items.

2. Mustard Seed Grill & Pub

Mustard Seed Grill & Pub is another great option for those on a budget. They offer a variety of beers on tap, as well as cocktails and wine. Their menu includes classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and wings. They also have daily specials, such as Taco Tuesdays and Wing Wednesdays, which offer great deals on food and drinks.

3. The Goose Pub & Eatery

The Goose Pub & Eatery is a cozy neighborhood bar that offers a laid-back atmosphere and affordable prices. They have a great selection of beers on tap, as well as cocktails and wine. Their menu includes classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. They also have daily specials, such as Fish & Chips Fridays, which offer great deals on food and drinks.

Overall, there are plenty of budget-friendly bars in Bellevue that offer a great atmosphere and affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to grab a drink after work or a place to hang out with friends, these bars are sure to please.

Luxury Bars in Bellevue

Bellevue is known for its luxurious lifestyle and high-end establishments, and its bars are no exception. Here are some of the best luxury bars in Bellevue, where you can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere and top-notch drinks.

Civility & Unrest

Located in the W Bellevue hotel, Civility & Unrest is a swanky bar that offers a stylish ambiance and craft cocktails. The bar has a modern and elegant design, with plush seating and dim lighting that create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The menu features a variety of creative cocktails, such as the “Smoke & Mirrors” with mezcal, pineapple, and lime, and the “Civility Sour” with bourbon, lemon, and honey. Civility & Unrest also has a small bites menu with delicious options like truffle fries and crab cakes.

Forum Social House

Forum Social House is a multi-level entertainment venue that includes a luxury bar on its top floor. The bar has a chic and modern design, with sleek furniture and a stunning view of Bellevue’s skyline. The menu offers a wide selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, including some unique options like the “Basil Smash” with gin, basil, and lemon, and the “Mango Tango” with vodka, mango, and jalapeno. Forum Social House also has a food menu with upscale options like lobster mac and cheese and wagyu beef sliders.

Stone Lounge Bellevue

Stone Lounge Bellevue is a high-end bar and lounge that offers a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere. The bar has a sleek and modern design, with marble countertops, leather seating, and a fireplace that creates a cozy ambiance. The menu features a variety of classic and creative cocktails, such as the “Stone Manhattan” with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, and the “Garden of Eden” with gin, elderflower, and cucumber. Stone Lounge Bellevue also has a food menu with upscale options like steak tartare and lobster risotto.

These luxury bars in Bellevue offer a refined and upscale experience that is perfect for a special occasion or a night out with friends. With their stylish ambiance, creative cocktails, and upscale food options, they are sure to impress even the most discerning patrons.

Bars with Unique Cocktails in Bellevue

Bellevue is home to some of the most unique cocktail bars in Washington, offering a wide range of creative and innovative cocktails that are sure to impress even the most discerning of drinkers. Here are some of the top bars in Bellevue that offer unique and delicious cocktails:

Civility & Unrest

Civility & Unrest is a popular cocktail bar located in the heart of Bellevue. The bar offers an extensive menu of unique and creative cocktails, including the popular “Smoke & Mirrors” cocktail, which is made with mezcal, lime, pineapple, and activated charcoal. The bar also offers a variety of classic cocktails with a modern twist, such as the “Old Fashioned 2.0” made with bourbon, orange bitters, and a house-made cherry-vanilla syrup.

520 Bar & Grill

520 Bar & Grill is a cozy bar located in downtown Bellevue. The bar offers a variety of unique and creative cocktails, including the popular “Blackberry Smash” made with blackberries, bourbon, mint, and lemon. The bar also offers a variety of classic cocktails with a modern twist, such as the “Maple Old Fashioned” made with bourbon, maple syrup, and orange bitters.

The Pumphouse Bar & Grill

The Pumphouse Bar & Grill is a popular sports bar located in Bellevue. The bar offers a variety of unique and creative cocktails, including the popular “Pumpkin Spice Martini” made with vodka, pumpkin spice liqueur, and cream. The bar also offers a variety of classic cocktails with a modern twist, such as the “Cucumber Gimlet” made with gin, cucumber, and lime.

These are just a few of the top bars in Bellevue that offer unique and delicious cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail with a modern twist or something completely new and innovative, Bellevue has something for everyone.

Bars with Great Food in Bellevue

Bellevue is known for its vibrant nightlife, and the city has plenty of bars to choose from. However, not all bars in Bellevue offer great food. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the best bars in Bellevue that also serve delicious food.

Tavern Hall

Tavern Hall is a popular bar in Bellevue that serves great food. The bar offers a wide range of dishes, including burgers, pizzas, and salads. The food is made from high-quality ingredients and is always fresh. The bar also has a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.

The Pumphouse Bar & Grill

The Pumphouse Bar & Grill is another great bar in Bellevue that serves delicious food. The bar offers a range of dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas. The food is made from fresh ingredients and is always cooked to perfection. The bar also has a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.

520 Bar & Grill

520 Bar & Grill is a classic spot tucked away in the heart of Bellevue that serves great food. The bar offers a range of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The food is made from high-quality ingredients and is always fresh. The bar also has a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Overall, if you’re looking for a great bar in Bellevue that also serves delicious food, Tavern Hall, The Pumphouse Bar & Grill, and 520 Bar & Grill are all great options.

Conclusion

Bellevue, Washington offers a variety of bars that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a craft cocktail, locally brewed beer, or a glass of fine wine, there’s a bar in Bellevue that will suit your needs.

Some of the best bars in Bellevue include Rouge Cocktail Lounge, Forum Social House, and The Pumphouse Bar & Grill. Rouge Cocktail Lounge offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic date or a night out with friends. Forum Social House, on the other hand, offers a fun and lively atmosphere, complete with mini-golf and delicious food. The Pumphouse Bar & Grill is a great place to catch a game and enjoy some classic American pub fare.

Other notable bars in Bellevue include The Lakehouse, Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi, and Civility & Unrest. The Lakehouse offers a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere, perfect for a special occasion or a fancy night out. Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi offers stunning views of the city, along with delicious food and drinks. Civility & Unrest is a speakeasy-style bar that offers a unique and immersive experience.

Overall, Bellevue’s bar scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a casual night out or a fancy evening of fine dining and drinks, you’re sure to find a bar in Bellevue that will suit your needs.

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