Kirkland, Washington is a vibrant city with a bustling nightlife scene. From trendy cocktail bars to cozy pubs, there is no shortage of places to grab a drink in this charming lakeside town. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, exploring the best bars in Kirkland is a must-do activity.

One of the top spots to check out is The Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant. This lively establishment offers a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of beers on tap. They also have a delicious food menu featuring classic Irish dishes like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. The Wilde Rover is a great place to catch up with friends or watch a game on one of their many TVs.

Top Rated Bars in Kirkland

Kirkland, Washington is a city that is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. With so many great bars to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some of the top-rated bars in Kirkland, organized by the type of experience they offer.

Waterfront Lounges

For those looking for a scenic view while they sip on their drinks, Kirkland has several waterfront lounges to choose from. One of the most popular is Beach Cafe, which offers stunning views of Lake Washington and a menu of classic cocktails and local beers. Another great option is Carillon Kitchen, which serves up craft cocktails and small plates in a sleek, modern setting.

Craft Beer Pubs

Craft beer lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Kirkland. One of the best options is Chainline Brewing Company, which has a rotating selection of beers on tap and a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. Another great choice is Flatstick Pub, which offers a variety of local and regional beers as well as mini-golf and other games.

Cocktail Hideaways

For those seeking a more sophisticated drinking experience, Kirkland has several cocktail hideaways to choose from. The speakeasy-style Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant offers a wide variety of classic and modern cocktails, as well as a menu of Irish and American pub fare. Another great option is The Bottle & Bull, which features a menu of creative cocktails and upscale small plates in a stylish, intimate setting.

Whether you’re looking for a waterfront lounge, craft beer pub, or cocktail hideaway, Kirkland has something to offer every type of bar-goer.

Happy Hour Hotspots

Looking for a place to unwind after work? Kirkland has plenty of options for happy hour, with great deals on food and drinks. Here are some of the best happy hour hotspots in town.

Budget-Friendly Bars

If you’re on a tight budget, check out these bars for happy hour specials that won’t break the bank:

• The Slip: This waterfront bar has a daily happy hour from 3-6 pm, with $1 off all drinks and a $5 food menu.
• Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant: Enjoy happy hour from 3-6 pm Monday-Friday, with $1 off all beer, wine, and well drinks, and discounted appetizers.
• The Lodge Sports Grille: With two locations in Kirkland, The Lodge offers a daily happy hour from 3-6 pm and 9 pm-close, with $1 off all drinks and half-price appetizers.

Late-Night Deals

Looking for a place to grab a drink after dinner? These bars offer late-night happy hour deals:

• Cactus: This Mexican restaurant has a late-night happy hour from 10 pm-close Sunday-Thursday, with $2 off all drinks and a discounted food menu.
• Flatstick Pub: Enjoy happy hour from 9 pm-close Sunday-Wednesday, with $1 off all beer and wine, and $2 off all cider and cocktails.
• The Beach Cafe: This waterfront restaurant offers a daily happy hour from 9 pm-close, with $2 off all drinks and a discounted food menu.

Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a late-night spot, these happy hour hotspots in Kirkland have something for everyone.

Live Music Venues

Kirkland, Washington is home to a vibrant music scene with plenty of live music venues to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, blues, rock, or indie music, there’s a spot for you in Kirkland.

Jazz and Blues Bars

For those who enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz and blues, Kirkland has a few great options. The Wilde Rover Irish Pub and Restaurant is a popular spot for live music, featuring jazz and blues performances on weekends. The pub also offers a great selection of beer and whiskey.

Another option for jazz and blues enthusiasts is the Kirkland Performance Center. This venue hosts a variety of events, including jazz and blues concerts featuring both local and national artists.

Rock and Indie Spots

If you’re more into rock or indie music, Kirkland has some great options for you as well. The Lime is a popular spot for live music, featuring local and regional rock and indie bands. The venue has a great atmosphere and a full bar.

Another great option for rock and indie music fans is the Kirkland Teen Union Building, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts featuring local and regional bands.

Overall, Kirkland has a great selection of live music venues for all types of music fans. Whether you prefer jazz and blues or rock and indie music, you’re sure to find a spot that suits your tastes.

Seasonal and Themed Bars

Kirkland offers a variety of bars with unique themes and seasonal vibes. Here are some of the best seasonal and themed bars to check out in the area.

Summer Beach Bars

During the summer months, Kirkland’s beach bars are the perfect spots to soak up the sun and enjoy a refreshing drink. Beach Cafe at Carillon Point and Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant are two popular options.

Beach Cafe at Carillon Point is a waterfront restaurant and bar with stunning views of Lake Washington. The bar offers a variety of refreshing drinks, including the famous Beach Cafe Margarita. The outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying the warm summer weather.

Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant is a lively spot with a beachy vibe during the summer months. The bar offers a variety of craft beers and cocktails, including the popular Irish Mule. The outdoor patio is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy live music.

Winter Cozy Spots

When the weather turns cold, Kirkland’s cozy bars offer a warm and inviting atmosphere to escape the chilly temperatures. The Slip and The Grape Choice Wine Bar & Shop are two popular spots for a cozy winter night out.

The Slip is a nautical-themed bar with a cozy fireplace and comfortable seating. The bar offers a variety of craft beers and cocktails, including the popular Hot Toddy. The cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to relax and warm up on a cold winter night.

The Grape Choice Wine Bar & Shop is a cozy spot with a rustic ambiance. The bar offers a variety of wines and small plates, including the popular Cheese and Charcuterie Board. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot to unwind after a long day.

Bars with Outdoor Seating

Kirkland, Washington has a plethora of bars with outdoor seating, perfect for those who want to enjoy a drink while soaking up some sunshine or fresh air. Here are two types of bars with outdoor seating that stand out in Kirkland:

Rooftop Terraces

For a unique drinking experience with a stunning view, Kirkland’s rooftop terrace bars are the place to be. These bars offer an elevated setting with panoramic views of the city and Lake Washington. One such bar is The BeachHouse Bar + Grill, located on the rooftop of the Heathman Hotel. The bar offers a wide selection of drinks and a menu of delicious food, all while enjoying the stunning views of the city.

Patio and Garden Bars

Kirkland’s patio and garden bars offer a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a casual drink with friends or a romantic date. One such bar is Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant, which has a cozy outdoor patio surrounded by a beautiful garden. The patio is heated and covered, making it a great spot to enjoy a drink even on chilly days.

Another great option is the Cactus South Lake Union, which has a spacious outdoor patio that is perfect for groups. The patio is decorated with colorful umbrellas and plants, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Overall, Kirkland’s bars with outdoor seating offer a great way to enjoy a drink while taking in the beautiful scenery of the city.

Gastropubs and Bar Bites

Kirkland offers a variety of gastropubs and bars that serve up delicious bites to accompany their craft beers and cocktails. Here are two great options to consider:

Locally Sourced Menus

For those who appreciate locally sourced ingredients, Deru Market is a must-visit. This gastropub offers a rotating menu of dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The menu features a range of options, from small plates to hearty entrees, all of which are thoughtfully crafted to showcase the flavors of the Pacific Northwest.

Some standout dishes include the roasted beet salad with goat cheese and hazelnuts, the grilled pork chop with apple chutney, and the wild salmon with fennel and orange. Deru Market also has an impressive selection of craft beers and wines to pair with your meal.

Gourmet Snacks

For those who prefer smaller bites, The Bungalow Kitchen is a great choice. This cozy bar offers a menu of gourmet snacks that are perfect for sharing with friends. The menu features a range of options, from classic pub fare like loaded tater tots and buffalo wings, to more elevated options like truffle fries and prosciutto-wrapped dates.

In addition to the food, The Bungalow Kitchen also has an impressive selection of craft cocktails and beers. Some standout options include the spicy margarita made with jalapeno-infused tequila and the hazy IPA from a local brewery.

Whether you’re looking for a full meal or just some tasty bites to accompany your drinks, these gastropubs are sure to satisfy.

Sports Bars and Grills

When it comes to watching sports in Kirkland, there are plenty of options for fans to choose from. Sports bars and grills are the perfect place to catch a game while enjoying a cold beer and some delicious food. Here are two great options in Kirkland.

Game Day Hangouts

George’s Place Sports Bar & Grill

George’s Place Sports Bar & Grill is a popular spot for sports fans in Kirkland. This spacious bar has plenty of TVs, so you won’t miss a single play. They have a wide selection of beer on tap, as well as a full menu of classic pub fare. Whether you’re a fan of football, basketball, baseball, or hockey, George’s Place is the perfect place to catch the game.

Fan-Friendly Atmospheres

Wing Central

Wing Central is a popular sports bar that serves up delicious wings and other pub fare. They have a great selection of beer on tap, as well as plenty of TVs to watch the game. This bar is known for its friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for fans to gather and cheer on their favorite teams. Whether you’re a fan of the Seahawks, Sounders, or Mariners, Wing Central is the place to be on game day.

Cultural and International Bars

Irish Pubs

Kirkland has a few Irish pubs that offer a taste of Ireland to their customers. These pubs are known for their warm and friendly atmosphere, live music, and of course, their selection of Irish beers and whiskeys.

One of the popular Irish pubs in Kirkland is Wilde Rover, which offers a cozy environment and a great selection of beers on tap. The pub also serves traditional Irish dishes such as shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage.

Another Irish pub worth mentioning is Finn MacCool’s, which is known for its live music and Irish dancing. The pub also serves a variety of Irish whiskeys and beers, and has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Latin Lounges

If you’re looking for a taste of Latin America, Kirkland has a few options for you. These lounges offer a variety of Latin-inspired cocktails, beers, and food, as well as live music and dancing.

One of the popular Latin lounges in Kirkland is Cactus, which offers a unique blend of Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. The lounge also serves a variety of tequilas and margaritas, and has a lively atmosphere.

Another Latin lounge worth mentioning is La Isla, which offers a taste of Puerto Rico with its menu of traditional dishes such as mofongo and empanadas. The lounge also serves a variety of rum-based cocktails and has a festive atmosphere.

Overall, Kirkland has a variety of cultural and international bars to choose from, offering a taste of different parts of the world to its customers.

Quiet and Intimate Bars

Kirkland, Washington, has a lot of bars to choose from, but sometimes you just want a quiet and intimate place to enjoy a drink. Here are some of the best options for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Wine Bars

For those who prefer wine over beer or cocktails, Kirkland has some great wine bars to choose from. One of the most popular is The Grape Choice, located in the heart of downtown Kirkland. The Grape Choice has an extensive wine list, with over 100 bottles to choose from, as well as a selection of local and imported cheeses. The cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it the perfect spot for a romantic evening out.

Another great option is Milagro Cantina, which offers a wide selection of wines from around the world, as well as delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine. The dimly lit interior and comfortable seating make it a great place to relax and unwind after a long day.

Speakeasy-Style Spots

If you’re looking for a truly intimate and unique experience, Kirkland has a few speakeasy-style bars that are worth checking out. One of the most popular is The Blind Pig, which is located in the basement of the historic Heathman Hotel. The bar features a rotating selection of craft cocktails, as well as a small menu of delicious bites. The dimly lit interior and cozy seating make it the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.

Another great option is The Volstead Act, which is located in downtown Kirkland. The bar features a wide selection of classic cocktails, as well as a few modern twists on old favorites. The interior is designed to look like a 1920s speakeasy, with dark wood paneling, vintage light fixtures, and comfortable seating. It’s the perfect spot for those looking for a little bit of history and a lot of atmosphere.