Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Shingletown Saloon – Seattle
Shingletown Saloon - Seattle
Photo from Shingletown Saloon
Shingletown Saloon at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 11 of the guests
#582 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#63 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
163
Reviews
67.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lively atmosphere
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Safety issues
- Pricey drinks
The bar & pub Shingletown Saloon in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood offers you a truly engaging experience. You can immerse yourself in an atmosphere that’s both casual and trendy, perfect for catching live music or cheering on your favorite team.
With a great beer selection and various bar games, it’s a prime spot for entertainment and good times. You’ll find a welcoming space whether you’re looking for a lively night out or a relaxed evening with friends.
Overview: Introducting Shingletown Saloon
Shingletown Saloon offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, often praised for its lively karaoke nights and diverse music selection, creating a space with generally good vibes. Many appreciate the friendly staff who contribute to a consistently enjoyable experience.
However, some patrons have raised concerns regarding women’s safety and interactions with bouncers, which can unfortunately detract from the overall positive impression. It seems the experience can be quite varied depending on the night.
Good
7
out of 10
163
Reviews
67.5%
Satisfaction
33
negative
20
neutral
110
positive
Shingletown Saloon earns a respectable overall score of 7, indicating a good experience for many, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.5%. This suggests that while the establishment generally delivers, there are areas where experiences can differ.
This assessment is drawn from 163 customer observations, with 110 positive remarks and 33 negative ones. Looking closer, Food (7.5) stands out as a strong point, particularly for its drinks and a noted quesadilla.
Both the Ambience (7) and Service (7) also receive good marks, with many appreciating the engaging vibe and attentive staff. However, Value (5.5) is an area where some find the pricing, especially for certain drinks, to be a point of contention.
What people like
- Lively karaoke nights
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Delicious bar food
What people don't like
- Safety concerns
- High drink prices
- Plastic cup use
Shingletown Saloon presents itself as a lively, high-energy destination, particularly suited for those seeking a fun night out with music and a bustling crowd. With a recommendation score of 7, it’s a solid option if you prioritize a vibrant atmosphere and quick service.
However, potential visitors should be aware of the mixed feedback on drink pricing and some reported issues concerning safety and bouncer interactions. If you’re looking for a casual, energetic bar experience and can overlook these points, it could be a good fit.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Bar & Pub
9.2
out of 10
out of 10
230
98.3%
- $$
- Wallingford
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
106
96.2%
- $$
- Washington Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
157
98.1%
- $$
- Van Asselt
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
164
98.2%
- $$
- Fremont
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
141
95.7%
- $$
- Central Business District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
183
95.6%
- $$
- Ballard
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Shingletown Saloon
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks, things are looking pretty good! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 72%, it seems many folks are happy. Out of 25 comments, 18 rave about the best food, great drinks, and even free peanuts, making it a fun spot for a cold beer or stiff drinks.
However, its not all perfect. A couple of comments (2 out of 25) did raise concerns about plastic drinks and a questionable way your drink was handled. While these are minor points compared to the overall positive feedback, theyre worth noting for a complete picture.
Food
25
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
2
negative
5
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Fantastic drink selection
- Free peanuts available
What people don't like
- Drinks served plastic
- Questionable drink handling
Often praised
- drinkson point with the drinks
- Callie's famous quesadillaCallie's famous quesadilla and it was hands done the best food
- bar foodThe bar food is good
- beerGreat place to grab a beer
- best drinksIt's a fun bar that draws a friendly crowd. Don't let the straw on the floor scare you away, as Pete makes the best drinks!
- best foodDespite how busy it was, the service was really fast. I had Callie's famous quesadilla, and it was hands down the best food I've had in Ballard. I will definitely be back for karaoke again!
- boot of beerboast a boot of beer, which is about 60 oz or something of beer, it's huge
- chickenthe food, especially the chicken, is the perfect addition
- cold beerAlthough I'm not typically a fan of country music, the staff and patrons at this establishment created a genuinely fun place to enjoy a cold beer. The atmosphere was welcoming, making the experience enjoyable even with the music genre not being my personal preference.
- drinkingplan on drinking only there
Frequently criticized
- plastic drinksserve all drinks in plastic
- questionable way your drink was handledIt's a caring, connected community of people who work hard, look out for each other, and respect the safety of women. The staff at Kings would never allow three grown men to touch you and try to physically remove you from the establishment for asking questions about the questionable way your drink was handled.
Overall, if you're looking for a place with good food and fantastic drinks, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some drinks might come in plastic, but the general vibe is overwhelmingly positive for a fun night out.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7 and customer satisfaction at a solid 70.7%, its clear many guests have had positive interactions. Out of 41 total comments, 29 were positive, frequently praising the excellent "service" from the "owner and staff, " especially the friendly "bartenders" who keep things running smoothly.
However, its not always perfect, as 12 negative comments highlight some areas for improvement. Some guests reported issues with certain staff members, particularly security and bouncers, with a few even mentioning perceived laziness or rudeness. It seems there can be some inconsistency in the overall service experience.
Service
41
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Owner is great
- Quick drink service
What people don't like
- Rude staff/security
- Bouncers are aggressive
- Staff inaction
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this beautiful bar has been consistently excellent for the past 5 years. I visit every week for fun and have always received excellent service from the great staff. The owner of the bar is particularly best and friendly, making it a truly enjoyable place to be.
- staffMy experience at this beautiful bar has been consistently excellent for the past 5 years. I visit every week for fun and have always received excellent service from the great staff. The owner of the bar is particularly best and friendly, making it a truly enjoyable place to be.
- Owner DanOwner Dan were so awesome
- bartender joshThe bartender josh was on point with the drinks and service
- bartendersbartenders, bouncers, etc. We were here on a Friday
- bouncersbouncers, etc. We were here on a Friday
- drinksThe bar is known for its unique indoor theme, complete with hay on the floor, country music, and a younger crowd. The staff were great, super friendly, and quick with drinks. They also offer karaoke on some nights.
- ownerThe owner has gotten to know the regulars by name
- owner and staffmet the owner and staff while I was there and had a great time
- owner of the barowner of the bar is best and friendly
Frequently criticized
- bartendersThree bartenders were standing right there and had seen and heard the entire thing and did not act
- bouncerthe bouncer was physically touching me
- bouncersThe bouncers are bullies
- business practicesowner uses exploitative business practices to hurt his staff
- female bartenderstwo female bartenders who whispered to each other
- lazinessas lazy as they can get
- managerclearly intoxicated “manager.”
- paying patronswhatever they want to paying patrons
- securityespecially security. They let their friends do/say whatever they want
- serviceMy experience at this bar was marred by a negative interaction with the bouncer. While I found the bar itself to be solid, the service aspect was severely lacking. The bouncer physically pushed me after I took a water cup outside, falsely accusing me of sneaking alcohol.
Overall, the service here is often a highlight, with many finding the staff and owner to be genuinely friendly and attentive. While most experiences are positive, be mindful that some guests have encountered less-than-stellar interactions with security or bouncers. If youre looking for a place with generally good vibes and quick service, its worth checking out, but be aware of potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
The ambience here scores a 7, which is pretty good, and with 60 positive opinions out of 89 total, it seems many folks enjoy the vibe! You can expect a lively spot with vibrant and energetic people, fun music, and a distinct country-themed atmosphere that creates good vibes for a great time. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.4%, indicating some areas for improvement.
Concerns include drinks served in plastic cups, issues around safety for women, limited seating, and a perceived lack of crowd control, which can detract from the overall experience for some.
Ambience
89
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
16
negative
13
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant, energetic crowd
- Fun music, dancing
- Country-themed vibe
What people don't like
- Plastic cups used
- Safety concerns
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe bouncer physically pushed me after I took a water cup outside, falsely accusing me of sneaking alcohol. This physical contact and unwarranted accusation made for a very unpleasant experience, despite the otherwise decent atmosphere.
- karaokeI come for karaoke on Sundays/Wednesdays and the vibe is great.
- musiceveryone sings songs from every genre. Even the DJ’s on the weekends are mixing it up.
- barMy experience at this beautiful bar has been consistently excellent for the past 5 years. I visit every week for fun and have always received excellent service from the great staff.
- good vibesI felt extremely safe even when visiting alone. The atmosphere is always filled with a fun crowd, fun music, great drinks, and good vibes. The staff, bouncers, and owner are all absolutely amazing people.
- vibethe vibe is great.
- Broadway St, Nashville barsclosest thing to Broadway St, Nashville bars outside of Nashville
- DJthe DJ was playing great dancing music
- Sunday KaraokeSunday Karaoke starts 9pm and no matter your skill the bar will cheer for you
- authenticvery authentic
Frequently criticized
- women's safetylack of regard for women’s safety
- Seattle Police OfficerSeattle Police Officer drinking in the bar but refused to say what Department he worked for, who was also wasted
- authenticityIf the lack of authenticity is going to annoy you all night
- bathroombelligerently drunk and very large man forced his way into the bathroom
- crowdhanging out with people in their 20s
- crowd controlthere’s NO CROWD CONTROL whatsoever
- culture and atmosphereit trickles down to the culture and atmosphere
- environmental decisionThey serve all drinks in plastic. I found this to be a terrible decision for the environment and felt it was as lazy as they can get. Enough said.
- musicmusic is a little off
- plastic cupsdrinking beer out of plastic cups
If youre looking for a lively, country-themed bar with plenty of energy, music, and dancing, this spot could be a blast. However, if you prioritize comfort, safety, and eco-friendly practices, you might find some aspects disappointing. Its a place for those who can go with the flow and embrace the party atmosphere.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests have found some real gems, especially with amazing prices for all of their drinks and the joy of half off drinks making for a great time. Based on 3 positive remarks, it seems there are definite upsides to their pricing, particularly for beverages. However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5 indicating an average experience, and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 37.5%.
There are concerns about insane price for a rainier tall boy and general price issues, alongside serious allegations regarding payment and wages for staff, mentioned in 3 negative opinions.
Value
8
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Half-off drinks
- Good drink prices
What people don't like
- High specific prices
- Poor staff wages
Often praised
- half off drinksgreat time with half off drinks!
- pricesI recommend Kings, which is nearby. Kings is woman and local owned, offers better prices, and is a true representation of Old Ballard. It's a caring, connected community of people who work hard, look out for each other, and respect the safety of women.
- prices for all drinksamazing prices for all of their drinks
Frequently criticized
- payment and wagesexploitative business practices to hurt his staff (payment and wages)
- priceThat’s an insane price
- rainier tall boyinsane price for a rainier tall boy
If you're looking for specific drink deals, especially during happy hour, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared for potentially high prices on other items and consider the serious concerns raised about staff treatment before you decide to visit.
How are the prices at Shingletown Saloon?
On average, you’ll spend around 24 per person – from 11 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most guests spend in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 range, showing prices cluster nicely around this average. However, a few reviews indicate options for those looking to spend a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 11 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this Bar & Pub against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in Seattle. It offers a good balance for a casual outing.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Shingletown Saloon
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
A place that brings energy to my weekends
This place brings energy to my weekends, and makes me glad to be here every time. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was also rated 5/5. The price per person was between $10–20.
- energy9
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Awesome Staff and Great Music!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Everyone on staff, from the bartenders to the bouncers, was awesome. We visited on a Friday, and the DJ was playing great dancing music.
It started to get quite busy around midnight.
- staff10
- bartenders10
- bouncers10
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Rude Staff and Security
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative due to the extremely rude staff, particularly the security. They allowed their friends to behave inappropriately towards paying customers. I will never come back here.
- staff1
- security1
- paying patrons1
1
Dangerous place, avoid!
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I found the place to be dangerous, particularly for females. The bouncers acted like bullies.
I strongly advise everyone to stay away from this establishment.
- bouncers1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fun Karaoke and Welcoming Atmosphere!
My experience at this place was incredibly fun! I specifically come for karaoke on Sundays and Wednesdays, and the vibe is consistently great. Although it's a country bar, the music spans every genre, and even the DJs on the weekends are mixing it up.
It's really cool that the owner has gotten to know the regulars by name, which creates a more welcoming atmosphere. I also appreciate that they address anyone making others uncomfortable, making it a safe bar to frequent. I love coming around and highly recommend it!
- karaoke10
- vibe10
- music9
What Shingletown Saloon offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at Shingletown Saloon in Seattle?
At Shingletown Saloon, you’ll discover a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for a fun night out. You can enjoy live music and performances, catch sports on screen, or challenge friends to bar games. They also boast a great beer selection, ensuring there’s always something to keep you entertained.
Does Shingletown Saloon offer outdoor seating and accommodate pets?
Yes, Shingletown Saloon provides outdoor seating options for you to enjoy the Seattle weather. Additionally, if you’re planning to bring your furry friend along, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are allowed, making it a pet-friendly spot for your outings.
What is the overall customer experience like at Shingletown Saloon?
Shingletown Saloon generally offers a good experience, reflected in its overall score of 7 out of 10. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.5), Ambience (7), and Service (7), though Value (5.5) receives a more moderate assessment.
Are the drinks and food at Shingletown Saloon considered good value?
While the bar food and drinks are often praised for quality, the Value score of 5.5 suggests mixed opinions on pricing. Some customers find the prices, especially for certain drinks, to be on the higher side.
What is the atmosphere like, and are there any safety concerns at Shingletown Saloon?
The Ambience (7) is generally described as lively with good music and karaoke. However, some negative opinions mention concerns regarding women’s safety and specific interactions with bouncers, which can impact the overall experience for some patrons.