Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Chieftain – Seattle
Chieftain - Seattle
Photo from Chieftain
Chieftain at a glance
Seattle First Hill
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 16 of the guests
#670 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#71 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
223
Reviews
65.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget-friendly
- Tasty pub fare
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Cleanliness issues
The bar & pub, Chieftain, in Seattle’s vibrant First Hill neighborhood, invites you to experience a truly authentic Irish atmosphere. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for unwinding, whether you’re catching a game or enjoying a night out.
With its great beer selection, you are sure to find your new favorite pint. This welcoming establishment offers a genuine taste of pub culture right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Chieftain
Chieftain often earns praise for its excellent value and a selection of satisfying pub food. Many patrons enjoy the lively atmosphere and the generally friendly bar staff.
However, some experiences have been impacted by concerns regarding service consistency. While it can be a welcoming spot for a casual drink and bite, reports indicate occasional slow service and issues with staff conduct.
The overall vibe is largely positive, though cleanliness has been a point of contention for some, suggesting a mixed bag for visitors.
Good
6.6
out of 10
223
Reviews
65.9%
Satisfaction
65
negative
11
neutral
147
positive
Chieftain receives an overall Restaurant Score of 6.6 , placing it in the average category, reflecting a balanced experience for many. This is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 65.9% , which falls into the mixed range.
With 147 positive and 65 negative opinions out of 223 total customer remarks, there’s a clear split in experiences. Looking closer, Value stands out with a strong score of (8.4), indicating patrons feel they get a good deal.
Food also performs well at (7.1), suggesting many find the offerings enjoyable. However, Ambience (6.9) and especially Service (5.5) hover around average, with service being a particular area where improvements could make a notable difference.
What people like
- Excellent Value
- Tasty Pub Fare
- Lively Pub Vibe
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service
- Cleanliness Concerns
- Limited "Irish" Food
If you’re seeking a casual spot with solid pub fare and great deals, Chieftain could be a fitting choice, especially given its Recommendation Score of 6.6 . It offers a lively atmosphere for a relaxed outing, and many find the overall value appealing for drinks and food.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and some reported cleanliness issues. While the food and value are often praised, these aspects might temper your experience.
Consider Chieftain for its strengths, but manage expectations regarding service and upkeep.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chieftain
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, scoring a 7.1 which is quite good! While customer satisfaction sits at a 68% (a mixed bag), many diners are clearly enjoying their meals. Out of 75 remarks, 51 highlight delicious items like grilled cheese and tomato soup, happy hour fish & chips, and flavorful burgers, often praising crispy fries and generous portions.
On the flip side, there are some areas for improvement. About 17 comments mention concerns, such as a menu heavy on deep-fried options or issues like wrong food being served. Some found tortilla chips stale, and there was even a serious report of food poisoning, suggesting inconsistency.
Food
75
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
17
negative
7
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pub food
- Generous portions
- Crispy, flavorful fries
What people don't like
- Food poisoning risk
- Often deep-fried
- Stale tortilla chips
Often praised
- foodIf you're not ready to moan from the pleasure of the food and a drinkie drink, then you're not ready for The Chieftain. Just having their fried pickles are a godsend and their fish n chips are juicy and succulent.
- drinksgreat, moderately-priced drinks
- fish and chipsMy husband loved the fish and chips
- FoodFood:5
- beerrecommend the beer and the food over local alternatives
- beer selectiona wholistic beer selection (on tap!)
- friesGet some fries while you're there. They are very crispy and very delicious!
- $2 tacosrave about their $2 tacos. Best $2 tacos I’ve had.
- AMFsThe AMFs were on point!
- GuinnessExcellent Guinness
Frequently criticized
- Irish fooddidn't see any Irish food on the menu
- Irish themed itemsaren't really very good
- burgerburger ends up soaked in juices
- chips & guacchips & guac- oh my god
- coconut shrimppotato skins and coconut shrimp we decided were not actually an option
- deep-friedEverything is pretty much deep-fried
- drinksagainst the law to serve us three drinks a piece
- foodpurposely took longer to bring it to us
- food menuI'm not sure when they last mopped. The food menu is very unhealthy, with most items being deep-fried and typical bar food. On the plus side, there's a pool and shuffleboard in the back room, making it a great hang-out spot for college students on a budget.
- food poisoningCame down with food poisoning
If youre looking for solid pub fare like burgers, fish and chips, or tacos, this spot often delivers delicious, generously portioned meals. However, be aware of the menus deep-fried focus and potential inconsistencies, especially regarding freshness or order accuracy. It's worth a try for casual eats, but manage your expectations.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a real mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.5 with a mixed customer satisfaction of 51.4%. Based on 70 customer observations, its clear that experiences vary quite a bit. Many guests praised the friendly servers and attentive staff, often highlighting the great bar staff and bartenders who provided quick and welcoming service.
Some even noted the quick service for drinks and food pickup, making for an enjoyable visit. However, the experience wasnt universally positive, with several complaints about slow service and long wait times for drinks. Some patrons encountered distracted bartenders or issues with management, leading to frustrating interactions and poor customer service.
There were even mentions of bouncer issues and staff disappearing, contributing to the less-than-stellar moments.
Service
70
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
33
negative
1
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great bar staff
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Distracted staff
- Rude management
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant featured a nice spacious bar. It was empty when I visited on a Saturday around lunchtime, but the service was prompt and they had a wide selection of drinks.
- staffthe staff is very attentive and kind
- bartenderMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The bartender was helpful, which was a positive aspect of the service. However, the overall atmosphere didn't feel like a true Irish pub.
- bartendersBen is one of my favorite bartenders in Seattle
- ServiceService:5
- Benhe's really great to talk to!
- MCGreat MC
- bar staffReally great bar staff
- courtesyThe doorman went over and above to help draw people in to an empty bar, and I have nothing but compliments for his hustle, kindness, and courtesy. Unfortunately, his boss, someone claiming to be the manager, was so incredibly and unnecessarily rude to us and another would-be patron.
- customer serviceawesome customer service!
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhile I can't be 100% certain this is how it happened, it's highly suspicious as this is the only place my card has been out of my sight. Additionally, the service was incredibly slow. The bartender and other staff repeatedly disappeared into the back for shots while patrons waited at the bar to order.
- bartenderMy friend and I, two men of color, visited this bar yesterday and felt singled out by the bartender. He claimed it was against the law to serve us three drinks each, despite other bartenders serving us any amount on a previous visit.
- bartendersthe bartenders were working super slow
- ID checkhad some girl who didn’t work there trying to check my ID
- bar serviceJames tended bar poorly
- bouncersBouncers though, had some girl who didn’t work there trying to check my ID
- customer careNever saw him....#customer care 😌
- customer serviceWhat happened to customer service?
- debit cardAttempted to force me to leave without getting my debit card
- distractedwere clearly distracted
If youre looking for a quick drink and a friendly face at the bar, you might be in luck. But be prepared for potentially slow service or inconsistent staff attention, as experiences here can really vary. Its a bit of a gamble, so go in with an open mind.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! This spot generally hits the mark with a 6.9 score and a solid 75.4% customer satisfaction, indicating a good experience for most. Many of the 49 positive comments rave about its lively "Irish dive bar" feel, complete with "Karaoke, " "free pool, " and a fun "college vibe.
" Plus, the "back patio" and "outdoor seating" are big hits for hanging out. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. The 14 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
Some found the atmosphere super loud, especially during karaoke, while others noted cleanliness issues, describing the place as stinky. A few also mentioned strong perfumed cleaning products causing discomfort.
Ambience
65
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively college bar vibe
- Fun karaoke, free pool
- Great outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Can get very loud
- Cleanliness concerns
- Strong cleaning product smells
Often praised
- atmosphereGreat atmosphere of an Irish pub
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- barit’s always been my favorite seattle bar
- free poolwith free pool
- karaokeMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag, leaning heavily towards the negative. While the drinks are consistently fine and the karaoke is good, the food quality is hit or miss. On this particular visit, our experience was significantly impacted by an unwelcome guest: a rat in the corner.
- locationconvenient location to campus
- outdoor seatingWe love the outdoor seating
- vibeA very chill vibe
- Irish dive barMy experience at this restaurant was positive, thanks to the great staff. It's a great Irish dive bar that also hosts the Seattle chapter of the North American Aston Villa supporters.
- Irish pubNice Irish pub generally
Frequently criticized
- Irish pubdoesn't really seem like an Irish pub
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- back areawe sat in the back with the pool table and shuffle board and it was freezing!
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a low-key place with a great price. However, the cleanliness was an issue; the place felt a bit dirty, and everything was stinky, especially the floor. I'm not sure when they last mopped.
- establishmentWe elected to leave rather than go further than the door. I would absolutely not give my business to this establishment on my next trip to Seattle; there are lots of welcoming water holes grateful for patrons. I will not be back and have shared our interaction with this person with our child that attends college in the neighborhood.
- musicI enjoyed the excellent Guinness and the appetizers were also very good. It's never too busy, which is a plus, though the music can be loud at times. I recommend taking a friend and enjoying the best place to get Guinness on the hill!
- neighborhoodIt's a great find with a good drink selection and surprisingly delicious food. However, it is located in a sketchy neighborhood.
- perfumed cleaning productsI also rated the food and service a 5 out of 5. However, I had to deduct one star from the "atmosphere" rating due to overwhelming perfumed cleaning products. I really wish they'd use unscented products, as many people are allergic to fragrance.
- placeI will not be back and have shared our interaction with this person with our child that attends college in the neighborhood. They have shared with friends and locals and received similar feedback about this being a very closed door, unwelcoming place.
- pool tablePool table is shotty aswell
If youre seeking a lively, unpretentious spot with karaoke, free pool, and a strong college bar feel, youll likely have a blast. However, if you're sensitive to noise or expect pristine cleanliness, you might want to manage your expectations or look elsewhere.
Value (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.4 and a fantastic 84.6% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are happy with their wallets. Many rave about the affordable drinks, "unbeatable" happy hour deals, and even specific steals like $1 wings and taco tues deals, showing that the price is right for many.
However, its not entirely perfect. While most find the overall value excellent, a single comment among the 13 pieces of feedback points out that alcohol prices might be a bit steep for the perceived quality. It seems this is a minor concern, but worth noting if you're planning on a long night of drinks.
Value
13
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable drinks
- Great happy hour
- Food specials
What people don't like
- High alcohol prices
Often praised
- priceIt offers a great atmosphere that blends an Irish pub feel with Indigenous Peoples influence and sports, making it ideal for Seattle University students. I'd definitely recommend it for its moderately-priced drinks and its convenient location to campus.
- $1 wingsthey have wings that are $1 per wing
- beer and shot specialsBeer and shot specials are fire
- drinksI absolutely LOVE this place! The drinks are cheap, and the food is tasty. I especially enjoyed the tater tots.
- happy hourThe staff was super friendly, and the location is convenient for bar hopping. I enjoyed the good pub food and the good happy hour. They also have pool tables in the back.
- happy hour dealsunbeatable happy hour deals all day Sunday and Monday
- happy hoursHappy hours make up for alcohol prices
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- priceslow prices
- taco tues dealtheir $2 tacos (current taco tues deal). Best $2 tacos I’ve had.
Frequently criticized
- alcohol pricesalcohol prices that are too high for the quality
If youre looking for a place that wont break the bank, especially with its fantastic happy hour and food specials, this spot is a solid choice. While a few might find the regular alcohol prices a tad high, the overall value is overwhelmingly positive, making it a great option for budget-conscious outings.
How are the prices at Chieftain?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 16 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 most guests spend in the 11 – 30 $ range, there are a few premium options that push the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 16 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
For a Bar & Pub, this pricing feels quite fair. We see a good mix of spending, suggesting options for both casual visits and those looking for something a bit more premium. It seems like a good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chieftain
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
1
Doorman Great, Manager Terrible
The doorman went over and above to help draw people in to an empty bar, and I have nothing but compliments for his hustle, kindness, and courtesy. Unfortunately, his boss, someone claiming to be the manager, was so incredibly and unnecessarily rude to us and another would-be patron. We elected to leave rather than go further than the door.
I would absolutely not give my business to this establishment on my next trip to Seattle; there are lots of welcoming water holes grateful for patrons. I will not be back and have shared our interaction with this person with our child that attends college in the neighborhood. They have shared with friends and locals and received similar feedback about this being a very closed door, unwelcoming place.
- doorman10
- hustle9
- kindness9
- manager1
- establishment1
- place1
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Mellow Vibe and Deals
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a fun chill spot with unbeatable happy hour deals all day Sunday and Monday. The service was great and friendly, and they usually show cool movies on the TV at the bar.
I've been here a few times and appreciate the quality selection of cocktails and beers. I haven't experienced it when it's super busy, which I like because I prefer mellow vibes.
- happy hour deals10
- service10
- cocktails and beers8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Avoid Thursdays, creepy karaoke dude
My experience at this restaurant on a Thursday was extremely negative. I strongly advise against visiting on this particular day unless you enjoy being stalked and taken advantage of. The karaoke dude is creepy and preys on drunk girls.
The service and atmosphere were rated very low (1 out of 5). The noise level was loud, but at least conversation was still possible. We were a group of 3-4 people and had no wait time, with a price per person of $20–30.
- noise level6
- wait time8
- price per person6
- karaoke dude1
- service1
- atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Food, But Perfume Overwhelms
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the food. The happy hour fish & chips were soooooo good! I also rated the food and service a 5 out of 5.
However, I had to deduct one star from the "atmosphere" rating due to overwhelming perfumed cleaning products. I really wish they'd use unscented products, as many people are allergic to fragrance. This issue gives me an instant sinus headache upon entering, which prevents me from spending more time and money here.
Other than that, I love the place.
- happy hour fish & chips10
- perfumed cleaning products2
- sinus headache2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Bar, Service, and Seattle Dog!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The bar was amazing, and the service was equally impressive. I had a very personable bartender who made the experience even better.
I also tried my first Seattle dog here, and it was great!
- bar9
- service10
- bartender9
What Chieftain offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant?
At Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant, you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for relaxing. You can enjoy various highlights, including watching sports, engaging in bar games, and exploring their great beer selection. It’s an ideal spot for a laid-back evening in First Hill, Seattle.
What dining options and services does Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant provide?
Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant provides diverse dining options, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service. You can enjoy outdoor seating, dine-in, or takeout. They also offer late-night food, happy hour drinks and food, plus a full bar featuring hard liquor, wine, and cocktails for your enjoyment.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Chieftain?
Chieftain holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.6 and a Customer Satisfaction of 65.9% , suggesting a mixed but generally average experience. Value (8.4) and Food (7.1) are often well-regarded, while Ambience (6.9) and Service (5.5) are more average.
Does Chieftain offer good value for money?
Yes, Chieftain is frequently praised for its excellent value. Customers often mention moderately-priced drinks, $1 wings, beer and shot specials, and popular happy hour deals, making it a budget-friendly choice.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Chieftain?
You can generally expect a lively and chill Irish pub atmosphere at Chieftain, often featuring free pool and good karaoke. However, some patrons have noted concerns about cleanliness and an unwelcoming vibe in certain areas.