Highlights
- Live music
- Live performances
oChef » Cafe Racer – Seattle
Cafe Racer - Seattle
Photo from Cafe Racer
Cafe Racer at a glance
Seattle First Hill
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 16 of the guests
#256 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#33 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
288
Reviews
86.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Live music
- Affordable drinks
- Welcoming staff
- Good food
Frequently criticized
- Rude staff
- Overcrowding
- Long waits
- Band policy
The restaurant Cafe Racer is a vibrant Bar & Pub located in Seattle’s lively First Hill neighborhood. If you’re looking for a spot where the energy is always high, you’ve found it.
This isn’t just any bar; it’s a hub for live music and captivating performances, promising an unforgettable night out. You can immerse yourself in the local scene, enjoy great drinks, and experience the unique atmosphere that makes this place a true Seattle gem.
Overview: Introducting Cafe Racer
Cafe Racer offers a distinct experience, often celebrated for its lively atmosphere and entertainment. Many patrons appreciate the opportunity to enjoy live music and cheap drinks , contributing to a generally positive vibe that feels both fun and unpretentious.
However, not every visit is without its hitches. Some guests have encountered issues such as rude staff or an overcrowded environment, particularly during popular events, which can detract from the overall experience.
Good
8
out of 10
288
Reviews
86.1%
Satisfaction
33
negative
7
neutral
248
positive
Cafe Racer earns a solid 8 out of 10, with a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 86.1%. This indicates that the majority of visitors leave with a positive impression, reflecting a generally good experience across the board.
These insights are drawn from 288 customer observations, with 248 positive remarks against 33 negative ones. Looking closer, Ambience (8.2) and Food (8.2) stand out as particular strengths, often praised for their unique character and surprisingly good offerings.
While Service (7.7) also performs well, some reports mention occasional inefficiencies. Value (6.6) is considered average, with affordable drinks being a highlight, though certain policies, like those for bands, have drawn criticism.
What people like
- Vibrant live music
- Affordable drinks
- Welcoming staff
- Good brunch food
What people don't like
- Occasional rude staff
- Overcrowded venue
- Long bar lines
- Band policy concerns
Cafe Racer appears to be a vibrant spot, particularly if you’re seeking entertainment and a distinct atmosphere. It’s a place where the energy and affordability often outweigh minor inconveniences, making it a memorable destination for many.
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.2, it’s certainly worth considering for its unique vibe and entertainment. However, be prepared for a potentially bustling environment, especially on event nights, and manage expectations regarding service speed.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe Racer
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines! With a good score of 8.2 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.5%, it's clear most diners are thrilled. Out of 46 remarks, a whopping 43 rave about the delicious food, highlighting amazing burgers, creative brunch options like biscuits and vegetarian gravy, and even fantastic iced coffee.
However, there are a couple of minor points to consider. Only 2 comments out of 46 touched on areas for improvement, specifically noting a limited selection of hard alcohol and a desire for more vegan options. While these are minor, they suggest a small opportunity for growth in beverage variety and dietary choices.
Food
46
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Amazing burgers
- Creative brunch
What people don't like
- Limited hard alcohol
- Few vegan options
Often praised
- foodI went for brunch and had a surprisingly awesome food experience at this divey bar. The full bar was great, and the wait staff were nice.
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was marked by its great aesthetic and good drinks. The amazing acoustics were a standout feature, perfect for enjoying various levels of noise.
- Dink'sDink’s are always good
- FriesFries to perfection!
- amazing Americanomade me an amazing Americano
- avocado toastI had the avacado toast
- bacon apple brie sandwichhad the bacon apple brie sandwich
- barfully stocked bar
- beer on tapYou won't find a high-end $15 Mezcal Negroni or a handcrafted top-shelf martini with blue cheese olives here. However, you can get a good cup of coffee, espresso drink, herbal tea, a shot of decent liquor, good beer on tap, and old-style canned brews for a very reasonable price. If you're looking for a simple cocktail, they are very accommodating.
- biscuits and vegetarian gravybiscuits and vegetarian gravy. ... it was amazing.
Frequently criticized
- hard alcoholHard alcohol had limited/poor selection
- vegan optionsWhile there are long lines at the bar, it's worth it for the conversation and camaraderie. My only further requests are to bring back the tots and have more vegan options. Much love for my favorite place in Seattle.
If youre looking for a place with consistently delicious food, especially for brunch or a great burger, youre in for a treat. Just be aware that if you're seeking a wide range of hard liquor or extensive vegan dishes, you might find the options a bit limited.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at 75.9%, it's clear that most folks have a good experience. Many comments praise the welcoming to all atmosphere, the staff, owners, and especially the bartender for their friendly and attentive approach, making for 41 positive opinions.
However, not every visit is perfect. Out of 54 total comments, 10 pointed out some bumps in the road. Some guests faced a long wait for a drink, while others encountered rude staff or unprofessional security.
There were even mentions of a lost credit card, suggesting some areas could use a bit more polish.
Service
54
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming staff
- Friendly owners
- Excellent bartenders
What people don't like
- Long drink waits
- Rude staff
- Unprofessional security
Often praised
- staffMy experience at this venue was incredibly positive. The owners, Cindy and Jeff, along with their amazing staff, have cultivated a fun and funky environment. It's a space that is also super supportive of musical artists in the region.
- bartenderThe sound guy, bartender, and owner were just about the nicest people
- serviceI can’t complain about the service, because they were kind
- ownersThe damn Palmers (owners) are some of the coolest people around!!
- CalebCaleb bestows a kind of ministerial elucidation upon the role
- DJThe owners, staff and DJ are super friendly
- JuanJuan was such a great knowledge and friendly bartender
- ServiceService:5
- artistsThe artists are amazing and so welcoming
- barGreat bar and staff too
Frequently criticized
- Google Maps locationThe Google maps location is wrong
- addressGoogle is having a hard time figuring out the address
- bartenderbartender was dismissive
- credit cardthey lost my credit card at the bar
- full concertdid not get the full concert
- lines at the barLong lines at the bar
- rude staffextremely negative due to the rude staff
- securityvery unprofessional security
- staff beating up peoplestaff beating up people and there was blood everywhere
- wait for a drink30-minute to wait for a drink
Overall, you can expect a warm welcome and good service here, making it a solid choice for a pleasant outing. Just be prepared that on a busy night, you might encounter a wait for your drink or a less-than-stellar interaction, but these seem to be the exception rather than the rule.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and leaving 89.5% of customers satisfied. With 154 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the vibrant live music, unique art, and overall cool vibe. The excellent acoustics and aesthetic also contribute to a memorable atmosphere, making it a fantastic spot for local talent and a great night out.
However, not every experience is perfect, with 16 negative comments highlighting a few areas for improvement. Some visitors found the venue could get overcrowded, and there were occasional complaints about an unpleasant smell. A few also noted issues with the DJ's crowd awareness and song choices, which could detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
172
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
154
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live music performances
- Unique art decor
- Great sound acoustics
What people don't like
- Can get overcrowded
- Unpleasant odors sometimes
- Poor DJ choices
Often praised
- live musicMy experience at this restaurant was that of a fun, artsy dive with live music on certain nights. The upstairs area features a game area.
- atmospherefantastic throwback to noir scenes on the West Coast
- musici will probably be back for the music
- acousticsMy experience at the restaurant was marked by its great aesthetic and good drinks. The amazing acoustics were a standout feature, perfect for enjoying various levels of noise. I'd recommend showing up for the rave nights; you won't be disappointed.
- baraccepting bar with a decent range of liquor
- locationgreat location for an EDM Event
- open mic nightdefinitely check out open mic night, it's super fun!
- placethe place is alive, ALIVE I tell you!
- stageTheir sound equipment, stage, and mezzanine are all something to behold
- vibeThe OBAMA (Official Bad Art Museum of Art) room has been preserved and is located on the second level with lots of seating areas, just like the old Racer. They've done an excellent job of maintaining the vibe of the old place while updating it with a newer space and look.
Frequently criticized
- Bollywood nightWe went for bollywood night
- DJThe DJ was horrible music shuts down after each song
- cozyI loved Cafe Racer before the pandemic and I still love it. Their new location is more convenient, though I wish it was a little more cozy. The live music is just as fun as before.
- crowd awarenessthe dj has 0 crowd awareness
- fight at the entranceI witnessed a fight at the entrance with staff beating up people
- guys teasing girlsguys were teasing girls and inappropriately touching other women
- link to musicMy friend's band was charged $150 to play, and there was a $10 cover charge. There was no space for a merch table, no posters for upcoming bands, and no link to their music online. It felt like paying the venue just to be mentioned on their calendar.
- overcrowdedIt was overcrowded, with no space to stand
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- place for coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by its very particular vibes. I actually confused it with a coffee place, which highlights that this is not a place for coffee. The atmosphere was distinct, but it didn't align with what I expected for a coffee spot.
If you're seeking a lively spot with great live music, unique art, and a strong community vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially crowded nights and keep an open mind about the DJ, as these aspects occasionally fall short.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed picture, landing an average score of 6.6 with customer satisfaction at 62.5%. On the bright side, many guests absolutely love the cheap drinks and reasonable prices, often finding them gentle on their wallet. The fact that its sometimes free to get in or has a very low cover charge is a huge draw, making it an appealing spot for an affordable outing, as noted in 10 positive remarks.
However, its not all smooth sailing. Some customers have been caught off guard by unexpected costs, like a cover charge or expensive tickets for events. There's also a peculiar band policy that seems to add extra fees, and a few felt compelled to leave unusually high tips.
These 5 negative observations suggest some areas where the value proposition could be clearer.
Value
16
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheap drinks
- Reasonable prices
- Free entry
What people don't like
- Band policy fees
- Unexpected cover
- Event tickets
Often praised
- $14.95coming back to have my money taken by this little lady
- barbar in the back has a good selection at reasonable prices
- cheap drinksgreat space for cheap drinks
- drink pricesDecent drink prices
- drinksThey consistently have good DJs who play good music. The drinks are always cheap, and half the time, it's free to get in.
- get inits free to get in
- price per personThe price per person was very affordable
- pricesI'm giving this place five stars because it truly delivers on its promise. It's a simple, unpretentious, and well-lit bar and cafe offering food at very reasonable prices. You won't find a high-end $15 Mezcal Negroni or a handcrafted top-shelf martini with blue cheese olives here.
- showit was only 5$
- walletsuper gentle on my wallet
Frequently criticized
- $150owe me $150 for that
- 50% tipleft a 50% tip
- band policyThe biggest issue, however, was the bizarre policy for bands playing there. My friend's band was charged $150 to play, and there was a $10 cover charge. There was no space for a merch table, no posters for upcoming bands, and no link to their music online.
- cover chargeThe biggest issue, however, was the bizarre policy for bands playing there. My friend's band was charged $150 to play, and there was a $10 cover charge. There was no space for a merch table, no posters for upcoming bands, and no link to their music online.
- ticketspaid 30$ for tickets
If you're looking for a place with genuinely cheap drinks and often free entry, this spot can be a fantastic find. Just be aware that specific events or band nights might come with unexpected cover charges or ticket costs that could impact your overall value.
How are the prices at Cafe Racer?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 16 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the bigger picture, most diners spend within this $11–$20 range, showing a clear sweet spot for pricing, though a few folks do venture into slightly higher or lower tabs.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 16 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub in Seattle. It hits that sweet spot where you get good value without feeling like you’re overspending.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe Racer
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Service and Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was primarily to see my boy Kuroneko play live. The Service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the Atmosphere was also fantastic, rated 5/5. I don't keep it loaded son, you'll have to find ammo as ya go.
- Service10
- Atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Avoid DJ Sats Bollywood Nights
My experience at the Bollywood night hosted by DJ Sats was extremely disappointing. I strongly advise avoiding this DJ at all costs. The DJ demonstrated a complete lack of crowd awareness, leaving the audience bored with his song selections.
The song choices were uninspired, and he would often play almost full songs or change them just before the main drop. You would need to be heavily intoxicated to enjoy the night. I've attended his Holi party last year and another Bollywood night two years ago, and he hasn't changed.
Save your money; a Bollywood remix on YouTube is more upbeat than what he plays.
- crowd awareness1
- song choices2
- Bollywood night2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Disappointing Bollywood Night Experience
My experience at the recent Bollywood night was incredibly disappointing. The venue was overcrowded, leaving no space to stand, and the heat was unbearable, with sweat droplets falling on us. The smell in the place was really bad.
Service was severely lacking, with only one bartender for a large crowd, leading to a 30-minute wait for a drink. The DJ's performance was horrible; the music would shut down after each song, except for the dhol. Disturbingly, I witnessed guys teasing and inappropriately touching women.
To top it off, there was a fight at the entrance where staff were beating people, and there was blood everywhere. This was the worst Bollywood night I've ever experienced in Seattle.
- overcrowded1
- smell1
- wait for a drink1
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Rude staff, lost jacket and money
My experience was extremely negative due to the rude staff. Despite purchasing tickets, we were denied entry. Furthermore, they prevented us from retrieving our belongings.
My jacket is still inside the club, and they owe me $150 for it.
- rude staff1
- $1501
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Cool Venue, Friendly Staff, Odd Layout
I visited Cafe Racer primarily to see DJ Sacha Robotti and did not consume any food or drinks. My experience was limited to the venue itself, its atmosphere, and my brief interactions with the staff. The staff members I encountered were very friendly.
The door person was particularly polite and patient as I sorted out my ticket. The rest of the staff seemed both chill and attentive. The space boasts cool decor and a nice ambiance.
My only critique is the stage's placement adjacent to the entrance, which creates an unusual feng shui, though I understand there's little that can be done about it. Overall, I had a very pleasant experience and would return for future DJ events I'm interested in.
- staff9
- door person9
- decor8
- stage placement4
What Cafe Racer offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Dancing
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
FAQs
What kind of entertainment and offerings can you expect at Cafe Racer?
At Cafe Racer, you can expect a dynamic experience with live music and live performances. Beyond the stage, you’ll find offerings like dancing, a full selection of hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. You can also enjoy happy hour drinks and a variety of food options available for you.
What amenities and accessibility features does Cafe Racer provide?
Cafe Racer ensures a comfortable visit with several convenient amenities. You’ll find a restroom available, along with free Wi-Fi to stay connected. The venue also features an onsite bar for all your drink needs. For accessibility, the entrance is wheelchair accessible, making it welcoming for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Cafe Racer?
Cafe Racer generally receives good feedback, with a Restaurant Score of 8 out of 10 and a Customer Satisfaction of 86.1%. Customers particularly appreciate the Ambience (8.2) and Food (8.2), while Service (7.7) is also well-regarded. Value (6.6) is seen as average.
What do customers enjoy most about Cafe Racer?
Customers frequently praise Cafe Racer for its vibrant live music, affordable drink prices, and the welcoming nature of its staff and owners. Many also find the brunch food options to be surprisingly good.
Are there any common complaints about Cafe Racer?
Some common complaints include occasional encounters with rude staff, the venue becoming overcrowded during events, and long lines at the bar. There have also been concerns raised regarding the band policy, specifically charges for bands to play.