Eastlake Zoo Tavern

The Zoo Tavern may be the best dive bar in the United States. Definitely the best in Seattle. It’s got a snooker table! When have you ever seen a snooker table, two pool tables, skee ball, darts, and a ping pong table within the same bar? Cash only wish a sign of Johnny Cash on the wall. Absolutely classic spot. 11/10

What was known as a "bar" in Seattle in the 70s and 80s apparently is now called a "dive" in the new, shiny Seattle where no one here has been around more than a couple years and no one plans to stay. From the old days when there would be a line of Harleys outside until the grunge 90s the Zoo was a happening spot, always full, lots of fun, certainly very rough around the edges until the flannel wearing set rolled through in the 90s and the scariest elements seem to have found new watering holes, and never came back. Now I have never seen it with more than just a couple people around and wonder how it stays in business but it's probably the only piece of the real Eastlake that survives. Good thing too--hard to imagine Eastlake without the Eastlake Zoo...once upon a time that was the only reason people knew that part of town was called Eastlake.

**Cash only. ATM has a $2 surcharge*** Finally, a bar on this side of town that feels and smells like a bar and not a hastily converted soulless retail joint. Analog, neon, wood, chalk and if these walls could talk...Broken in is generous - seems stuck in time circa 1985. Blue Oyster Cult greets me at the door. I'm fine with this. Most everyone in here is smiling or playing billiards. The bathroom has a Mookie Wilson sticker in it. I like the Zoo. Seattle needs the Zoo.