When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
The Octopus Bar
Why The Octopus Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Octopus Bar in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood stands out as a prime spot to meet friends due to its unique maritime-themed atmosphere, creative cocktails, and welcoming vibe. Established by Liza Danger and Trevor Marsh in 2014 and expanded in 2021, the bar delights guests with an eclectic decor filled with oceanic curiosities celebrating Seattle’s rich sea history. It offers a variety of inviting spaces including outdoor patios, cozy booths perfect for intimate conversations, a lively dance floor, and a stage for events, making it ideal for diverse group sizes and social occasions. Their sister kitchen, The Salty Shack, adds to the appeal by serving fresh sandwiches, street-style hot dogs, and fried snacks like the popular chili fry chum bucket, complementing the beverage selection and enhancing the social dining experience. Weekly events such as Tuesday cribbage tournaments add to the bar’s community-oriented character, encouraging friendships and fun. Whether looking to unwind after work, celebrate special moments, or enjoy a night of music and dancing, The Octopus Bar provides an engaging and memorable environment for friends to gather.
Here's what people think of The Octopus Bar
As of recent, The Octopus Bar holds a 4.5-star rating based on 969 reviews.
Reviewers generally appreciate The Octopus Bar for its vibrant atmosphere, creative cocktail menu, and strong sense of community. Positive reviews highlight the bar’s welcoming staff, unique nautical decor, and the excellent food offerings from The Salty Shack. Many guests praise the variety of seating options, including outdoor patios and cozy booths, which accommodate both small groups and larger parties comfortably. Additionally, recurring events and the lively dance floor contribute to a dynamic and enjoyable nightlife experience. However, some negative feedback centers on occasional issues such as wait times during peak hours and inconsistencies in service quality. A few patrons mention that the space can become noisy, potentially detracting from more intimate conversations. Despite these criticisms, the majority of visitors view The Octopus Bar as a fun and reliable local hangout with a distinctive maritime charm and strong community spirit. Overall, reviews reflect that this bar is a beloved Seattle establishment where patrons consistently enjoy good food, drinks, and a friendly atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tim Kraska
Fun spot! The nautical theme is perfectly executed, and the quirky photo booths and vending machines add to the party atmosphere. The cocktail list is something worth exploring, and the beers on tap are mostly local and top notch. The bar tender was very friendly and made a great drink for us!
Qh S
It's a very lively and unique bar near Green Lake. We visited on a Friday night and there were a lot of people. However, the drinks we ordered were a bit disappointing. Both of them were too sweet and very diluted, and we left without finishing them. Maybe a good place for hanging out with friends, but it's definitely a good place if you want to enjoy good cocktails/drinks.
Charla Rosenberg
Reasonable drink prices and filling meals served at a late hour! My coworker and I come here after work once a week and I’m grateful to have it as a consistent staple. Also bartenders always nice and chill.
Lilly Peterman
Great place for a chill night out, lots of people the dance floor starts around 10:30, they have delicious slushy drinks!
Amberlynne Claussen
I went to the Octopus Bar for a friend’s birthday and the vibe and drinks were fabulous. Highly recommend! 🐙
How to reach The Octopus Bar
None
Website: None
Why The Octopus Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Octopus Bar with your friends? The Octopus Bar is more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s a vibrant social hub that combines a unique maritime-themed ambiance with an inviting, casual atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends or family. Located in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood, it offers a fun and memorable experience that makes celebrating any occasion feel special. Whether you’re catching up after work, celebrating a birthday, or just enjoying a weekend night out, the bar’s friendly vibe and creative cocktail menu create an ideal backdrop for socializing. Its décor, featuring nautical curiosities, hanging ropes, fishnets, and a cozy wooden bar, evokes a sense of adventure and nostalgia, sparking conversation and shared moments. The availability of three outdoor patios and numerous cozy booths ensures groups of any size can find their perfect nook for connection and celebration. Additionally, its late hours and dog-friendly policy make it a flexible venue, accommodating diverse plans and lifestyles. Overall, The Octopus Bar’s unique charm and welcoming environment invite you and your friends to make lasting memories together.
What activities can you enjoy at The Octopus Bar? The Octopus Bar offers a collection of engaging activities designed to entertain groups throughout their visit. Starting with their creative drinks menu, the bar crafts unique cocktails such as the “Octopus Bubbly” — a refreshing mix of vodka, blackberry liqueur, and champagne — perfect for social toasts or relaxing sips. Guests can enjoy their drinks on the spacious outdoor patios during warmer months or cozy up inside around large tables during colder weather. The bar also features a lively dance floor and a stage, often hosting live performances and DJ sets, which add an energetic vibe to your night out. The presence of a photo booth provides a fun way for friends to capture goofy and candid moments to remember their time together. For those who prefer a quieter setting, the numerous booths and window seating offer ideal spots for intimate conversations and group camaraderie. The Octopus Bar’s combination of lively entertainment and spacious, comfortable seating areas makes it perfect for everything from casual meetups to festive celebrations.
Why is The Octopus Bar ideal for group meetups? The Octopus Bar excels as a meetup spot for groups because it balances fun, comfort, and flexibility all in one location. Its ability to accommodate groups ranging from small parties to large gatherings makes planning with friends straightforward and stress-free. The bar encourages walk-ins but also welcomes advance emails for larger parties of 10 to 50 or more, ensuring enough space is reserved for your group’s needs, whether it’s a birthday party, a special event, or even a quirky divorce celebration. The eclectic and cozy interior design creates an engaging environment where groups can comfortably mingle without feeling cramped. With three outdoor patios plus indoor seating options, groups have versatile spaces to suit their mood — whether they want fresh air or a snug place to relax. The friendly and attentive staff contribute to a smooth, enjoyable experience, making sure drink orders and food are served promptly. This combination of spaciousness, atmosphere, and attentive service positions The Octopus Bar as a top choice for group gatherings.
What food and drink options enhance your experience at The Octopus Bar? The Octopus Bar offers a well-curated selection of food and drinks that complement its social atmosphere and appeal to diverse tastes. Behind the scenes, their sister kitchen, The Salty Shack, serves fresh sandwiches, street-style hot dogs, fried favorites, and other casual eats that satisfy hunger while keeping the vibe laid-back and fun. Guests can order their meals for dine-in or take-out via a convenient take-out window, an option that adds flexibility for groups who want quick bites between drinks. The bar’s cocktail menu is particularly notable for its clever, thoughtfully crafted drinks that range from classic favorites to inventive concoctions showcasing fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. Patrons repeatedly praise the quality and creativity of both the cocktails and the food, which helps elevate the overall meetup experience. The combination of tasty, accessible food and standout drinks ensures groups can enjoy extended social time without worries about bland or limited options.
What makes the ambiance and service at The Octopus Bar stand out? The ambiance at The Octopus Bar is a distinctive blend of Seattle maritime culture, quirky curiosities, and warm hospitality, making it a memorable destination for socializing. The nautical-themed décor featuring ropes, fishnets, and unique artifacts creates an immersive environment that transports guests into a spirited and playful setting. This special atmosphere sets the tone for lively conversations and shared enjoyment. The staff at The Octopus Bar has a reputation for delivering excellent hospitality, with bartenders who craft drinks skillfully and create a welcoming environment. While some reviews mention occasional customer service lapses, generally the bar’s friendly and approachable team contributes positively to the experience. The venue’s layout — including cozy booths for intimate chats and open spaces for lively groups — further complements the ambiance, offering guests a variety of settings depending on their preferences. This blend of atmosphere and service strengthens The Octopus Bar’s appeal as a versatile social hotspot.
How accessible and flexible is The Octopus Bar for your meetup plans? Accessibility and flexibility are key advantages of The Octopus Bar when planning gatherings with friends or family. It is open daily, with extended hours on weekends, accommodating both early evening meetups and late-night hangouts. This wide window of availability means groups can plan around their schedules without rushing. Walk-ins are welcome, allowing spontaneous visits, though larger groups are encouraged to email ahead to reserve space and ensure a seamless experience. The dog-friendly policy until 9pm adds an inclusive touch for pet owners wanting to bring their furry friends along. Its central location in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood makes it easy to reach by various transportation options, including public transit, rideshares, or driving. Overall, The Octopus Bar’s operational flexibility, welcoming environment, and convenient location make it an accessible, practical spot for diverse group events and casual meetups alike.