When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
The Cycle Saloon
Why The Cycle Saloon is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Cycle Saloon in Seattle is a uniquely engaging venue perfect for socializing with friends while exploring the city’s best brewery scenes. This pedal-powered vehicle comfortably accommodates up to 16 passengers plus a driver, making it ideal for group outings such as birthdays, bachelorette parties, or corporate team-building events. Situated at 4425 Shilshole Ave NW near the maritime academy, it offers an accessible and fun way to explore Ballard, Fremont, and surrounding neighborhoods. Riders can pedal to keep the party moving or rely on an electric motor for extra assistance, allowing everyone to join in regardless of fitness level. The Cycle Saloon features multiple seating options including dedicated pedaling seats, non-pedaling seats, and even a standing spot for a "dancer," catering to diverse group dynamics. Guests can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages and enjoy stops at some of Seattle’s best breweries with options for both public and private tours. The combination of active participation and scenic brewery tours creates a lively and memorable atmosphere for friends to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the vibrant local craft beer culture in a novel and social way.
Here's what people think of The Cycle Saloon
As of recent, The Cycle Saloon holds a 4.1-star rating based on 28 reviews.
User reviews of The Cycle Saloon present a generally positive picture with a notable 4.1-star rating from around 28 reviews. Many riders praised the fun and energetic experience of pedaling through Seattle's Ballard and Fremont neighborhoods while enjoying great company and well-organized brewery stops. Positive feedback often highlights the unique social atmosphere, the knowledgeable and professional drivers, and the ability to customize private tours for special occasions. Customers appreciate the flexibility to bring their own food and beverages and the festive vibe that makes each ride memorable. However, some negative reviews pointed to challenges such as the physical effort required to pedal, which can be tiring for some participants, and occasional logistical issues like timing or coordination during the tours. A few expressed concerns about seating comfort or the rules prohibiting drinking while actively pedaling, but most understood the legal necessity of such policies. Overall, the Cycle Saloon is seen as a creative and enjoyable way to experience Seattle’s brewery scene with friends, offering good value for groups seeking an active and social outing.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sheldon Kernodle
I have participated in the Cycle Saloon tour five times over the past five years. Each one, except for my most recent experience, was an absolute blast and I would have nothing but good things to say. That all changed last weekend on May 11, 2019 and it is unfortunate it has to end this way. In the early days of Cycle Saloon, the company would ask for you to obtain a Banquet Permit from the City of the Seattle in order to drink on the Cycle Saloon. Additionally they asked that you drink out of red solo cups to make it as discrete as possible. Even the Cycle Saloon I participated in last year (2018), drinking was allowed without a Banquet Permit. Essentially the drivers would "turn a blind eye" as long as the group was responsible. As for my most recent experience, it couldn't have gone worse. I flew my parents out to Seattle from Idaho as they have always wanted to participate in the Cycle Saloon based on multiple positives experiences I told them about. I reserved an entire bike and convinced friends of mine to join - some of which have done the Cycle Saloon before, some of which were excited to do it for the first time. When we arrived we were greeted by the driver who explained it this was his very first time "driving" the Cycle Saloon. Once we unloaded our coolers into the upper storage areas and handed out the red solo cups the energy of the driver completely changed. He was very upset that we had beer with us and even became somewhat confrontational explaining that drinking was absolutely not allowed on the Cycle Saloon. We were completely shocked and baffled by the situation based on multiple Cycle Saloon experiences in the past. It completely sucked the energy out of our group. We simply wanted to go to the nearest bar (Pono Ranch) to get off the Cycle Saloon as quick as possible. Everyone was stunned at the events at happened and the driver was fairly rude for the rest of the ride. We went to one more location and even decided to return the bike early so we didn't have to worry about it anymore. It was so joyless that we wanted it to end as soon as possible. After talking with other individuals who happened to be on two other bikes that day, the no drinking policy is absolutely in place. Even as I look at the marketing videos on the front page of their website, it is very clear that people are drinking alcoholic beverages while on the Cycle Saloon. I know the website says no alcoholic beverages are allowed on the Cycle Saloon, so at the end of the day that falls on me. But for those of you reading this, please let this review serve as a public service announcement: DRINKING IS NO LONGER ALLOWED ON THE CYCLE SALOON. Please don't set yourself for disappointment. With a two hour rental, what is the point of the Cycle Saloon if you are not allowed to drink? Unless you are looking for a novelty way to tour Ballard, this is likely not for you. I would rather bar crawl with friends and family at my own pace then pay $400 for a two hour rental, especially since most of the fun is occurring at your bar or brewery of choice.
Haley Houk
We booked spots on the Cycle Saloon for the 4th of July. At first, it was a little awkward since we didn't know any of the other folks who had booked spots too....but after the first bar that all changed! The guide was energetic, friendly, and fun! He was interactive, respectful, and informative! Definitely would book again if North was our guide!
Yatin Pradhan
I did one of these water cycle tours this week as part of team building. It was a lot of fun and the 90mins went by super quick. BYOB makes it even better, wish they had provided ice but no biggie. Water cycle is big enough for 10 ppl. The breeze down lake union makes it awesome and good times with your group. highly recommended.
Delaney Couvrette-Merrick
Awesome experience! We rode the cycle saloon small bike with our guide Henry last weekend and it was hilarious! We stopped at some awesome breweries and got some great local knowledge. All while laughing a ton and peddling around. Great experience!
Lauren Alexander
So much fun! We did the cycle saloon paddle boat for a work bonding event. So great to bring our own food and drink and have a leisure stroll around lake Union. We didn't do much cycling but had a great time!
How to reach The Cycle Saloon
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Why The Cycle Saloon may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Cycle Saloon with your friends? If you're seeking a lively and uniquely engaging way to spend time with your group, The Cycle Saloon offers an experience unlike other typical meetups. This venue blends the charm of a social bar crawl with the active fun of pedaling together on a large, multi-person cycle. It’s not just a place to drink—it’s an interactive outing that gets everyone moving and involved. Whether it's a celebration, a casual hangout, or just an adventurous way to explore your city’s local breweries, The Cycle Saloon brings your group closer through shared effort and entertainment. The novelty of pedaling collectively, coupled with visiting popular drink spots, ensures constant conversation and laughter, making it an excellent destination for friend reunions or family gatherings. Additionally, the environment encourages teamwork and camaraderie, turning an ordinary evening into a memorable event that strengthens bonds in a fun, informal setting.
What activities does The Cycle Saloon offer for group meetups? At its core, The Cycle Saloon revolves around a pedal-powered vehicle that accommodates your entire group, allowing you to tour several local breweries or bars as a moving party. Your group works together to pedal the cycle, which creates a sense of collective participation and enjoyment. Because it's powered by guests themselves, it fosters a unique shared experience that’s both active and social. The stops along the route often include popular neighborhood bars and breweries, where you get to relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the local atmosphere before hopping back on the cycle. This cyclical pattern of pedaling and pausing keeps the energy up without ever becoming monotonous. In addition, many tours can be customized to your group’s preferences, with options to choose or suggest stops that suit your tastes, ensuring everyone’s interests are represented.
Why is The Cycle Saloon perfect for group meetups? The design of The Cycle Saloon inherently supports group interaction and bonding. Unlike traditional bar hopping, where people might split off or drift apart, the cycle keeps your group physically connected throughout the event, promoting continuous conversation and group cohesion. The structure is ideal for medium to large groups, allowing everyone to be involved simultaneously. This makes it a wonderful choice for birthdays, corporate outings, family celebrations, or simply a night out with friends seeking something more active and engaging than a typical bar experience. Additionally, The Cycle Saloon offers a unique photo opportunity—capturing candid moments of your group pedaling through the city streets together, which makes for great social media memories. The social atmosphere is often enhanced by having a friendly driver or guide who oversees the cycle, adds local knowledge, and ensures the tour runs smoothly and safely.
How does the social experience at The Cycle Saloon elevate a meetup? Beyond just sightseeing and sampling drinks, the communal pedaling requires teamwork and coordination, which naturally breaks the ice and sparks conversation among group members. Even for those who may not know each other well, the shared effort creates an immediate sense of connection. The chance to laugh and encourage each other while pedaling adds a lighthearted challenge to the evening. Also, the stops provide relaxed environments to catch up, share stories, and enjoy high-quality local beverages. The blend of physical activity, fresh air, and socializing results in a more vibrant and memorable meetup compared to sitting inside a bar all night. Additionally, many guests report that the music and lively atmosphere on board contribute to a party vibe that gets everyone in a festive mood.
What should you know about the logistics and details of The Cycle Saloon experience? Typically, tours span around two hours, providing ample time to visit several breweries or bars in your area without feeling rushed. While it's important to note that consuming alcohol is not allowed on the cycle itself, the scheduled stops ensure everyone's safety while still enjoying drinks responsibly. The cycle usually fits up to a dozen guests comfortably, which allows for a private and personalized experience. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for larger groups or special occasions, to ensure your preferred time and route availability. Pricing varies depending on location and group size; some guests have found the experience well worth it, though it may be on the higher side compared to typical bar visits. However, many agree that the novelty, exercise, and unique memories justify the cost.
How do others describe their visit to The Cycle Saloon? Visitors often highlight the fun and novelty of pedaling through their city’s neighborhoods while stopping at local breweries, appreciating the fitness element mixed with social drinking. Positive experiences are frequently linked to good group chemistry and engaging DJs or drivers who enhance the atmosphere. Some have noted that the energy and enjoyment can depend largely on the group and the driver’s enthusiasm. On the other hand, a few guests mention that the pace can occasionally feel slow and the price somewhat steep, meaning that the tour’s appeal may vary depending on expectations. Those who love active, social outings where everyone participates tend to rate the experience highly, while those looking for a faster or less effort-intensive option might find it less appealing. Overall, though, the concept of combining cycling and brewery tours is recognized as a creative and memorable way to spend time with friends or family.
What makes The Cycle Saloon a unique venue for celebrations and events? Hosting your next celebration at The Cycle Saloon adds an interactive twist that standard venues simply cannot match. Instead of sitting in one place, your guests become part of a moving party, exploring multiple locations in one outing. This can be especially appealing for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or team-building events, providing an experience that keeps energy levels high and people engaged. The design naturally encourages mingling and laughter, making it ideal for groups that want to avoid stiff or formal atmospheres. Plus, the ability to customize stops gives flexibility to incorporate favorite bars or breweries, tailoring each event to your group’s tastes and preferences. The combination of fresh air, gentle exercise, and shared adventure transforms an ordinary gathering into a vibrant and lasting memory.
How accessible and welcoming is The Cycle Saloon? The Cycle Saloon team typically ensures that the experience is safe and enjoyable for a wide range of participants. The cycle is designed with safety features and guided by professional drivers who assist with navigation and oversee the group’s well-being. Many reviewers have praised friendly staff and helpful communication before and during the tour. This setup allows even those who are not regular cyclists to comfortably join in, as the pedaling effort is usually shared among the group. Furthermore, the welcoming and lively atmosphere makes it easy for people of various ages and fitness levels to participate. For those with special needs or requests, it’s advisable to contact the organizers ahead of time to discuss accommodations, but overall, the venue aims to be inclusive and fun for everyone involved.
What should you consider before booking The Cycle Saloon for your group? While The Cycle Saloon offers a memorable and enjoyable experience, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Since alcohol consumption is only permitted at the bar stops, pacing and timing are essential to ensure your group can fully enjoy each brewery visit. Also, costs can add up more quickly than traditional bar hopping, so budgeting in advance is recommended. Groups should prepare for some physical activity; although the pedaling is a shared effort, it still requires a moderate level of fitness and coordination. Additionally, weather can be a factor since the ride is outdoors, so checking the forecast and dressing appropriately will enhance comfort. Lastly, booking early is highly suggested to secure your preferred date and time, as The Cycle Saloon can be popular for group celebrations and special events. By planning ahead with these tips in mind, your meetup is more likely to be seamless and fun.
What kind of memories does The Cycle Saloon create for groups? Guests often leave The Cycle Saloon with fond memories of a unique blend of exercise, socializing, and local exploration. Unlike standard nights out, the shared pedaling creates a dynamic environment filled with laughter, teamwork, and spontaneous fun. Many groups report feeling closer afterward, thanks to the collaborative nature of the activity. The stops at various breweries or bars provide a relaxed setting to enjoy each other’s company while sampling local flavors and soaking up the atmosphere. Photos and stories from The Cycle Saloon often highlight the novelty and joy of the experience, making it a favorite among those seeking alternative social outings. It’s not just a place to drink or chat—it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure that turns any gathering into a celebration of friendship and community.