We love football here in Seattle, and why wouldn’t we? What started as an expansion team in 1976 has blossomed into an NFL powerhouse, winning one of their two Super Bowl appearances in the past four years. Our team’s playoff runs in the past 5 of 6 years have also been impressive, and we can’t talk about the Seahawks without mentioning our own NFL greats, Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. But as much as we love Centurylink Field, we just can’t make it to every game, so sometimes we settle for catching the action in one of our favorite local hotspots. Luckily, Seattle watering holes do a fantastic job filling the void left by tailgating and the stadium atmosphere. To get you in on the Seahawks bar scene, we’ve compiled a list of our 4 favorite spots to catch a Seahawks game, home or away.
Hawks Nest
When the Hawks take on the Miami Dolphins for their season opener on September 11th at Centurylink Field, the Hawks Nest is the place to be. It’s located right next to the stadium and is always packed to the gills for home games. There’s no better place to go, if you’re looking for a wild time with fellow 12s. If you’re lucky, the place will clear out at kickoff, making it a little easier to get to the bar and find a spot in front of one of their 12 TVs. Sundays feature $3 wells and drafts, in addition to rotating drink specials. Brunch is also served before Seahawks day home games, served until 1pm.
This isn’t the bar for a relaxing time, but if you’re after excitement and camaraderie, you won’t find anything better.
Ballard Loft
Next up is one of our personal favorites. Opened in 2008, the Ballard Loft sits in the former home of the Kughler Co. and MK Metal Fabrication company. The bar has retained several unique aspects of the machine shop, including a crane formerly used to hoist heavy equipment and railings fabricated by the previous tenant. The rest of the bar is outfitted in natural cut wood, keeping with its working class roots along Salmon Bay.
Because it is off the beaten path, Ballard Loft makes for an excellent place to unwind with the Seahawks and a drink. It has the distinction of being one of the few bars that offers reservation seating for NFL games, with reservations of 8-20 people available with 24 hours’ notice. In addition, Ballard’s 16 flat screen TVs make it even more appealing to large groups of people.
The Ram
Our third bar is all about the beer. This past June, The Ram competed in and won three medals at the Washington Brewer’s Festival, placing third in the “Other Porter” category with their aptly named “Porter,” second in the Washington Pro-Am category with their “Roggen,” and third in “European Amber & Dark Lagers” with their “Vienna.” Despite being a franchise, The Ram employs separate brewmasters at each of their locations, brewing their flagship beers on site, while also allowing brewmasters to create their own local concoctions.
We recommend either Ram location in town, as they’re both likely to have unique brews and offer a late night happy hour if you stick around after the game. It’s worth noting that, although it is often packed with college students, the University Village location has 20+ TVs.
We’re rounding out our list with a local favorite in Tangletown. Some may not classify Lenny’s Place as a sports bar, but it’s a loveable neighborhood joint offering up all that you need to make the most of your game day outing. They feature 12 taps, with a selection ranging from PBR to Stone IPAs, and all the pub grub you can handle. Classic American bar-themed appetizers, hot wings, and hamburgers rule the day here, and these delicious eats are the perfect complement to what are known around town as “Lenny’s Larges”. When you get there, ask for one, and you’ll see what we mean. Of course, they have plenty of TVs that the regulars would be happy to share, as long as you’re watching the Hawks game.
Sports fans wait all year for the Hawks season kickoff, and on September 11th it will finally be here. We’re gearing up and getting ready to hit our favorite watering holes as we watch Seattle march on to another playoff run. Hopefully, our list has been helpful, and we hope to see you around this season!
As always, if you’re in need of a Realtor in the Seattle area, we’re here to help. Our love for football is matched only by our love for real estate. We can be reached through our contact page, or directly at 206-465-7215. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.