Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Old Pequliar – Seattle
The Old Pequliar - Seattle
Photo from The Old Pequliar
The Old Pequliar at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 31 of the guests
#484 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#53 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
203
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Great value
- Pub atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Sanitation concerns
- Owner attitude
The bar & pub in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood invites you to discover a truly unique experience. At The Old Pequliar, you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
Known for its great beer selection, this spot offers a welcoming retreat where you can enjoy delicious food, bar games, and late-night bites. Whether you’re catching a game or just looking for a quick drink, this is your go-to destination.
Overview: Introducting The Old Pequliar
The Old Pequliar offers a compelling experience, particularly with its well-regarded food, including notable items like the lamb sliders, and excellent value, especially during happy hour. The atmosphere often feels welcoming, with a cozy fireplace adding to its charm.
However, some visits to The Old Pequliar reveal inconsistencies, particularly with service, which has faced criticism regarding handling of service animals and occasional staff demeanor. There are also concerns about the surrounding environment, with mentions of a stench of trash and even pickpocket attempts.
Good
7.3
out of 10
203
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
29
negative
19
neutral
155
positive
Overall, The Old Pequliar earns a solid 7.3, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 76.4%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 203 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 155 positive observations outweighing 29 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.9) is a clear highlight, often praised for its quality.
Value (8.5) also stands out as a strong point, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious diners. The Ambience (7.2) generally contributes positively, though it has some mixed feedback.
Service (6.5), while not poor, sits in the average range, suggesting room for improvement.
What people like
- Quality food selection
- Excellent overall value
- Engaging pub atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service interactions
- Concerns about sanitation
- Owner's attitude issues
With a recommendation score of 7.4, The Old Pequliar generally offers a worthwhile visit, especially if you prioritize good food and value in a casual setting. It’s a place that often hits the mark for a relaxed outing.
If you’re seeking a laid-back pub with solid offerings and fair prices, it’s worth considering. However, be mindful that service can be a mixed bag, and some environmental concerns have been noted, so manage your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Old Pequliar
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid 7.9 score and a fantastic 82.5% customer satisfaction. Many rave about the delicious burgers, tasty lamb sliders, and impressive wings. Folks also appreciate the great bar food, excellent beer selection, and stiff drinks, with 52 positive comments highlighting these delights.
However, a few diners noted some areas for improvement. There were concerns about cooks potentially overcooking dishes and a shy drink pour. A couple of experiences also mentioned staff not checking back after food delivery, leaving some feeling stuck, though these were only 3 out of 63 total comments.
Food
63
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
3
negative
8
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious bar food
- Great drink variety
- Tasty lamb sliders
What people don't like
- Inconsistent cooking
- Poor service check-backs
- Shy drink pours
Often praised
- foodThe restaurant was not crowded and the noise level was low, which we appreciated. We found a very good variety of beers, good food, and good service. Specifically, the lamb sliders were delicious.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a great community hang out with good people. The service is solid and the drinks are reasonable. While the food was rated a 3, the overall atmosphere and service made for a pleasant visit.
- beerneeded a beer and some food, delivered
- Corned Beef sandoa Corned Beef sando they were running special
- GuinnessI totally enjoyed the place. I was only in for a stress relief Guinness n Jamesons 😉.
- Irish nachostaste of my crews Irish nachos
- Jamesonsstress relief Jamesons
- Lamb Slidersthe Lamb Sliders were a lovely surprise!
- Old PequliarI love the Old Pequliar
- appetiser choicesWay good appetiser choices
Frequently criticized
- drink pourThe pour was a little shy
- foodThis is quite frustrating. After the food is served, the staff doesn't check back, leaving you stuck with what you get. If you're hungry, you'll likely eat what you can and then need to find another place to fulfill your hunger.
- overcook everythingcooks wouldn't consistently over cook everything
If you're craving tasty bar food, great drinks, and a good vibe, this place is a solid bet. While there are minor concerns about consistency and service check-backs, the positives far outweigh the negatives for a satisfying experience.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
Overall, service here lands in the average range with a score of 6.5, and customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 64.7%. Many guests, based on 33 positive remarks out of 51 total, frequently praise the friendly staff and great bartenders who are quick to manage crowds, making everyone feel welcome and well-cared for, often extending a regular feeling even to newcomers. However, there are some significant concerns, with 15 negative comments highlighting issues like denial of service for service animals, a rude owners attitude, and staff consideration.
Some also noted a bartenders abruptness and frustrating waiting times, suggesting a need for more consistent and legally compliant service practices.
Service
51
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great bartenders
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Service animal denial
- Rude owner/staff
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceThe restaurant was not crowded and the noise level was low, which we appreciated. We found a very good variety of beers, good food, and good service. Specifically, the lamb sliders were delicious.
- staffThere was a small staff but they worked hard
- bartenderI miss Mike, but Justin is a great bartender, and I'm looking forward to getting to know him better. The food here truly slaps; it's a total sleeper hit!
- bartendersbartenders extending that warmer "you are a regular" feeling
- ServiceService is solid
- customer servicethe person with great customer service
- JessicaJessica is a gem. She took great care of us.
- bar staffBar staff is great
- drinksI came in for a beer on Saint Paddy's Day and this place was hopping. The bartenders had things well under control and no one waited long for drinks. I'll have to come back when it's a bit slower to see how the food is, but as a watering hole, this worked on a Saturday afternoon.
- managing crowdsThe atmosphere is also a plus, with a pool table, 3 dart boards, and plenty of seating both indoor and out. It can get pretty busy at night, but the bartenders are great at managing crowds and being as quick as possible.
Frequently criticized
- servicerudely tell me to leave because of my service animal
- ADA lawsNo, it isn’t. In fact, it absolutely is! Check your ADA laws!
- bartenderBartender returns, grunting "Boys?". We shrugged our shoulders, undecided he snorted, abruptly turned around, and walked away from us.
- customersIf you don’t want customers close earlier
- lawNot willing to actually learn the law
- ownerThe owner was very rude
- owner's attitudewill laugh in your face if you call him out
- service animaldenied service illegally because of my ADA-protected service animal
- service dogsMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The owner was very rude and committed what I believe to be a felony by refusing to serve people with ADA service dogs. This is unacceptable and a serious violation of rights.
- staffThis is quite frustrating. After the food is served, the staff doesn't check back, leaving you stuck with what you get. If you're hungry, you'll likely eat what you can and then need to find another place to fulfill your hunger.
If youre looking for a lively spot with generally quick bar service and friendly staff, youll likely have a good time. However, be aware of potential inconsistencies, especially regarding customer service policies and staff demeanor, which could lead to a less-than-ideal experience for some.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The ambience here scores a solid 7.2, with a respectable 75% customer satisfaction, indicating a generally positive experience. Based on 76 observations, with 57 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the authentic Irish pub feel, the welcoming neighborhood bar vibe, and the fun additions like pool table and dart boards. Many also appreciate the live music and the cozy fireplace, contributing to a charming old-school Seattle vibe.
However, with 11 negative comments, there are some areas for improvement. Concerns include limited outdoor space and challenges with wheelchair accessibility. More significantly, there were mentions of pickpocket incidents and considerable sanitation issues related to the exterior, including a stench of trash and associated problems, which can detract from the overall atmosphere.
Ambience
76
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
11
negative
8
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Classic Irish pub vibe
- Games: pool, darts
- Cozy fireplace
What people don't like
- Exterior sanitation issues
- Pickpocketing concerns
- Poor accessibility
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this chill Irish pub/restaurant was fantastic. We visited during happy hour on a Friday and it wasn't crowded or rushed, offering a great atmosphere. The bar food and main dish menu were impressive.
- dart boardsI loved this place from the second we first tried it, thanks to the great bartenders, the cheap prices, and the solid good-valued food. The atmosphere is also a plus, with a pool table, 3 dart boards, and plenty of seating both indoor and out. It can get pretty busy at night, but the bartenders are great at managing crowds and being as quick as possible.
- placeMy experience at this pub was great. I totally enjoyed the place. I was only in for a stress relief Guinness n Jamesons 😉.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- fireplacefireplace in the front bar area keeps the place warm and comfortable
- pool tableAwesome Irish pub with a pool table
- Irish PubSolid Irish Pub in the heart of Ballard
- Irish pubAwesome Irish pub with a pool table
- Old PequliarLove the Old Pequliar
- TVsMultiple tvs are tuned to whatever football games are playing
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe service was also top-notch, as indicated by the perfect score. However, the atmosphere was a significant letdown, receiving a low score. A major concern was the repeated attempts by individuals, particularly young females, to pickpocket me.
- health and sanitationI observed a pile of trash and homeless people, which understandably leads to issues with rats, germs, and overall sanitation. The fact that the business does nothing to address this situation speaks volumes about the health and sanitation inside their kitchen. I can't help but wonder what else might be hidden from view.
- jukebox songsowner thinks it’s ok to skip songs people pay for on his juke box
- limited outdoor spaceLimited outdoor space
- outdoor seatingThe pour of my drink was a little shy. I chose to sit outside for some sun, but everyone outside was smoking cigarettes, so that's either your scene or not. The atmosphere was dark, which is pretty perfect for a dive bar.
- pickpocketrepeated attempts by individuals to pickpocket me
- pile of trashpile of trash and homeless people behind there
- rats, germsleads to rats, germs, and other sanitation issues
- sanitation issuesother sanitation issues
- stench of trashstench of trash and germs behind it is strong
If you're looking for a lively, classic Irish pub atmosphere with games and a strong community feel, this spot is definitely worth a visit. However, be aware of reported exterior sanitation issues and potential safety concerns, especially if outdoor seating or accessibility are important to you.
Value (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.5, indicating a good to excellent performance, and an outstanding 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are thrilled. Based on 13 positive comments, many rave about the happy hour deals, priced drinks, and overall price being incredibly fair and affordable'.
Interestingly, there are absolutely no negative comments regarding value among the 13 opinions. This suggests that patrons consistently find the pricing to be a major plus, with no one feeling shortchanged or disappointed by what they pay for their experience here.
Value
13
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Fair drink prices
- Excellent overall value
What people don't like
Often praised
- happy hourMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag; it's good when it's good, and bad when it's bad. The weekdays are super chill, and I highly recommend checking out the Monday all-day happy hour. 🤙
- pricesTheir prices have always been very fair
- pricethe price is very great
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- PricesPrices are spot on
- drinksDrinks were affordable
- priced drinksIt's equipped with big screens perfect for catching sports. They offer happy hour everyday with great priced drinks. The bartender was incredibly busy but remained very nice and friendly.
- tip moneyWhen you get off the boat with a pocket full of tip money, you go to the OP. It's a place to spend your earnings.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes far, especially during happy hour, this restaurant is a solid bet. Patrons consistently praise the fair prices and affordable drinks, making it a great choice for those seeking excellent value.
How are the prices at The Old Pequliar?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 31 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 23$, our data shows a good mix! Many guests find great value in the 11-20$ range, and there are even some budget-friendly bites below 10$. So, you’ve got options!
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 31 most recent reviews.
See how this Bar & Pub stacks up against similar spots in Seattle when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in Seattle. You can definitely find something to fit your budget, whether you’re looking for a quick drink and a snack or a more substantial meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Old Pequliar
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Discriminated Against with Tribal ID
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to discriminatory practices. If you have a tribal ID, do not come here. They are unwilling to learn the law and recognize that tribal IDs recognized by Washington are valid identification.
My boyfriend and I were outright rejected when trying to enter tonight, despite my attempts to explain and have them look up the validity of the ID. If you don't want customers, close earlier and state that you are closed. Do not discriminate.
- tribal ID1
- law1
- valid id1
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Terrible service ruined dinner date
It wasn't busy during our visit. My partner and I sat at the bar and asked for menus. After looking at them for about two minutes, the bartender returned and grunted, "Boys?
". We shrugged, still undecided. He then snorted, abruptly turned around, and walked away from us.
We were hoping for a nice dinner date at a pub, but the service was unacceptable. We decided to take our appetite elsewhere.
- service1
- bartender1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Food, But Watch Your Pockets!
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was excellent, and I really enjoyed it. The service was also top-notch, as indicated by the perfect score.
However, the atmosphere was a significant letdown, receiving a low score. A major concern was the repeated attempts by individuals, particularly young females, to pickpocket me. This was quite unsettling and made me question if this is a common issue in Seattle.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere1
- pickpocket2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
A Sleeper Hit with Delicious Surprises
I miss Mike, but Justin is a great bartender, and I'm looking forward to getting to know him better. The food here truly slaps; it's a total sleeper hit! I was hesitant about the salad for months due to freshness concerns, but upon trying it, it was so good it blew my socks off.
The quesadilla with ground lamb is also absolutely delicious, enhanced by a secret sauce with herbs that makes everything taste amazing. I also love the Old Pequliar.
- bartender8
- food10
- salad10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Great Staff, Food, and Beer!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were great, the food was delicious, and the beer selection was awesome. It's an all-around great place to hang with friends, shoot pool, and play darts.
- staff10
- food10
- beer10
What The Old Pequliar offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is The Old Pequliar accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, you’ll find The Old Pequliar is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, there’s a free parking lot available, and you’ll usually find plenty of parking spots.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at The Old Pequliar?
You can look forward to a cozy and casual atmosphere at The Old Pequliar. They offer a great beer selection, hard liquor, wine, and cocktails, along with food at the bar, late-night food, and happy hour specials.
Does The Old Pequliar offer good value for money?
Yes, customers frequently highlight the excellent value, noting fair prices and appealing options like the happy hour specials.
Are there any common concerns about the service at The Old Pequliar?
Some customers have reported inconsistent service, including issues with staff attentiveness and specific instances involving handling of service animals.