Cuélgate como un local

Bares de copas, pubs y bares deportivos en la zona sur de Seattle

Last Updated: September 23, 2026

Sometimes, you just want an ice-cold beer somewhere welcoming and unpretentious.

When you pull over to that little pub on the side of the road or check out the dive bar with a karaoke night that's been going strong for twenty years, you might leave with some stories and new friends. Read on to find the best local haunts and dive bars near Seattle. Then pull up a stool and join us for a pint or two.

Pub y pizzería Ulises

Licor Lucky

El Sunnydale

Salón Lighthouse

Alma criolla

The Sandbar at Waterland Arcade

All Star Sports Bar

Two women playing cornhole on a patio at Ulysses Pub & Pizzeria in SeaTac, Washington

Pub y pizzería Ulises

For a family-friendly atmosphere, spacious patio, and house-made pizza

Ulysses Pub & Pizzeria is a locally loved sports bar conveniently located on the way to Sea-Tac Airport. This unassuming pub has been offering cold drinks and tasty eats for more than 40 years, and everyone who visits always talks about the friendly staff and stellar service.

Why we love it: Aside from the pizza, you can also find classic pub eats like burgers, fish & chips, and sandwiches. Watch all the biggest sports games on the TVs, play a round of pool, shoot darts, or head out to the spacious patio for cornhole.

What's nearby: Need a brisk walk after chowing down? Ulysses is a five-minute walk from Crestview Park, a small but well-maintained urban park with tall Evergreens, a playground, and a dog park.

The stage at Lucky Liquor, a dive bar in Seattle, Washington

Licor Lucky

For Weekly Live Music (All Ages!) & Classic Seattle Vibes

Lucky Liquor has a storied and colorful local history in the Seattle punk rock scene. This longtime venue, which proudly embraces a dive bar vibe, hosts live music every weekend on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (check the Facebook page for details). A wide variety of bands play here, leaning towards the edgier end of the rock spectrum. Add cold beer, cocktails, pinball, and pull tabs, and you've got yourself a recipe for a fantastic dive.

Why we love it: Lucky Liquor has the unique distinction of being all ages (until 11 p.m., which is when most of the shows end), so you can bring the fam and maybe introduce your teenager to their first local rock show. As far as food goes, there's classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and fish 'n chips, and a great brunch on weekends. And as if that weren't enough, there are two dog-friendly patios.

What's nearby: If you go to Lucky Liquor during the day, swing by The Museum of Flight across the street and check out hundreds of vintage planes and artifacts.

A woman shooting pool at The Sunnydale in SeaTac Washington

El Sunnydale

For an Old-Fashioned, No-Nonsense Saloon Experience

The Sunnydale is a quintessential local hangout where regulars (and their canine friends) are greeted by name. This storied bar has been a SeaTac staple since 1941, and its long history is reflected in the eclectic decor, a collection of gifts from regulars and items collected by previous owners.

Why we love it: Aside from the usual drinks and pull tabs, the menu has hearty pub fare, including burgers and sandwiches served in impressive portions with a delicious house-made potato salad. While there, play a round of pool, or join a themed night featuring karaoke or bingo (call ahead for dates and details). On a nice day, take your beer to the covered outdoor seating area and enjoy some planespotting. The bar's proximity to Sea-Tac Airport means you'll see plenty of planes overhead.

What's nearby: The Sunnydale is right next to North SeaTac Park, a large city park that includes walking paths, the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, and a BMX track where you can watch bikers zip around sharp turns.

The Lighthouse Lounge

For Salty Sea Vibes & Local Character

Des Moines, Washington, hugs the Puget Sound shoreline, giving the town a breezy beach town feel. It's only fitting that the city would be home to the Lighthouse Lounge, a dive bar housed in a building that's shaped like a lighthouse.

Why we love it: With darts, pool, and a steady rotation of sports on TV, it embodies the area's laid-back vibe. The menu boasts lots of comfort food like burgers, nachos, and tacos.

What's nearby: While in town, keep the maritime vibes going with a walk at Des Moines Beach Park, a beautiful waterfront park that's a short drive or walk from The Lighthouse Lounge.

Creole Soul Restaurant and Bar in Des Moines, Washington

Alma criolla

For a Taste of New Orleans

Stepping into Creole Soul feels like stumbling into Louisiana. The smell of fresh gumbo wafts from the kitchen, Mardi Gras decorations adorn the walls, and on select days, live musicians play inches from where you eat. Tucked away in Backstage Alley (behind Marine View Drive S), it's easy to miss if you don't know where to go, but that's partly what gives it its "local secret" charm. Learn more about Hampton in our Seattle Southside Stories series.

Why we love it: Owner Hampton Ipsom cooks up the soul food he grew up loving, including fried catfish, po' boy sandwiches, and Bloody Marys with fried gator (yes, gator) as a garnish.

What's nearby: Creole Soul is right by Des Moines Beach Park and the marina next door, so be sure to drive or walk down to the waterfront for a seaside stroll while you're in town. It's also next to The Des Moines Theater, which hosts a rotating lineup of events, night markets, and shows.

Retro arcade games at Waterland Arcade in Des Moines, Washington

The Sandbar at Waterland Arcade

For Sipping a Beer While Playing Nostalgic Arcade Games

Waterland Arcade in Des Moines not only offers unlimited play for a very reasonable price; it also has a wide selection of craft beer and cider at its onsite bar, The Sandbar. Crack open a cold one, pick a game, and let the hours fly by as you revisit nostalgic games like Pac-Man and Frogger.

Why we love it: The entire arcade has a retro vibe that will leave you feeling like a kid again. Want to get a group together or celebrate a birthday? You can reserve a table or rent out the whole space. While Waterland Arcade does not sell food, they're happy to let you bring in your own.

What's nearby: The Des Moines waterfront is a short drive away, as are many places to grab lunch or dinner, including The Crow's Nest and Alina's Cafe.

All Star Sports Bar

For a bar where you can show up solo...or bring a huge party

All-Star Sports Bar in Des Moines looks unassuming from the outside, but this local favorite is surprisingly spacious inside, with plenty of seating. You can easily fit a group of 10 or more by pulling some tables together. But it's also the type of place where you'd feel perfectly comfortable coming alone, posting up at the bar, and chatting with the friendly

Why we love it: With 22 TVs showing every big game, there is truly something for every fan (and if you don't see the game you want, just ask the bar and they'll most likely be able to show it)! In addition, there are tons of fun bar games, including darts, pool, boxing and golf games, pull tabs, and a ping pong table for beer pong. It's also well lit, with lots of windows and even a peek-a-boo view of Puget Sound on the west wall.

What's nearby: In addition to the Des Moines waterfront, there are several other sports bars along Marine View Drive, should you want to do a fun bar crawl.