Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Finn MacCool’s – Seattle
Finn MacCool’s - Seattle
Photo from Finn MacCool’s
Finn MacCool’s at a glance
Seattle West Campus
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#680 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#70 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
225
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget friendly
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene issues
- Service variability
The restaurant Finn MacCool’s is a lively Bar & Pub located in Seattle’s West Campus neighborhood. You’ll discover a welcoming spot known for its great beer selection, perfect for catching a game or enjoying live performances.
This popular establishment offers a casual atmosphere where you can unwind with friends, grab a quick bite, or settle in for a full meal.
Overview: Introducting Finn MacCool’s
Finn MacCool’s offers a distinct experience, often celebrated for its lively atmosphere and awesome aesthetics, making it a popular spot for watching games. However, some guests have pointed out concerns regarding cleanliness, particularly with sticky tables and bathrooms, suggesting a need for more attention to upkeep.
The service at Finn MacCool’s generally receives positive remarks, with many appreciating the friendly and attentive staff, including specific bartenders. Yet, there are occasional reports of less-than-ideal interactions, where some patrons felt like an inconvenience or encountered rudeness.
Good
6.6
out of 10
225
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
63
negative
16
neutral
146
positive
Finn MacCool’s holds an overall score of 6.6, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 64.9%, indicating a mixed reception from patrons.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 225 customer remarks, with 146 expressing positive sentiments and 63 highlighting areas for improvement. Diving deeper, Value emerges as a strong point, scoring (7.0), often praised for its reasonable prices and happy hour deals.
Both the Food (6.9) and Service (6.9) also perform well, with many appreciating the quality of bar food and the attentive staff. Ambience, however, registers as average (5.7), with some finding it lively while others note issues with upkeep.
What people like
- Affordable drinks
- Attentive service
- Reliable bar food
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Inconsistent service
- Specific food disappointments
Finn MacCool’s presents itself as a straightforward spot, particularly appealing if you’re seeking good value and a casual atmosphere for drinks and bar food. Its Recommendation Score of 7 suggests it’s generally worth considering for those specific needs.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in the environment and service. If you prioritize a pristine setting or expect gourmet fare, you might find it falls short.
It’s best suited for a relaxed outing where affordability and a lively vibe are key.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Finn MacCool’s
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, things are looking pretty good overall! With a score of 6.9, it certainly hits the mark for a solid meal, and customer satisfaction sits at a respectable 68.8%, indicating a generally positive experience. Out of 77 total opinions, 53 were positive, often praising the classic fish n chips and pub fare, along with the Beer and comfort food selection.
However, not every dish is a winner, as 15 negative opinions point out some areas for improvement. Some found the pizza tasteless, while others were disappointed by soggy McCain super fries or an unauthentic Irish stew. There were also mentions of issues with the burger quality, suggesting inconsistency in certain menu items.
Food
77
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
15
negative
9
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good pub fare
- Delicious comfort food
- Great drinks
What people don't like
- Soggy fries
- Tasteless pizza
- Appalling food
Often praised
- foodIt's a great dive bar where the cheap drinks flow freely. The food is delicious and quality, and the service is friendly. This bar is a staple on the ave, and it consistently offers a great place to enjoy the simple things in life without any unnecessary flourishes.
- drinksGreat place for post football game drinks
- Guinnessserve Guinness in the proper glass and pour it correctly
- bar foodI enjoyed sitting on the porch and watching the U district stroll by. The bar food was just right, and the beers were cold.
- BeerBeer was reasonably priced
- Cuban sandwichhighly recommended the Cuban sandwich
- StellaStella 맛있음~
- awesome drinkfixed me up with an awesome drink
- beersI enjoyed sitting on the porch and watching the U district stroll by. The bar food was just right, and the beers were cold.
- breakfastBreakfast is all day
Frequently criticized
- Irish stewthe Irish stew wasn't
- McCain super friesMcCain super fries, soaking soggy
- Old FashionedThey put cherry in old style
- beers in plastic mugsbe prepared to have beers in plastic mugs
- burgersoaking soggy burger with 2 chicken strips
- celery and carrotsforgot my celery and carrots which was disappointing
- drinkDrink was. Not what I ordered
- drinkswatch your drinks people
- fake beersthey have fake beers on tap
- fishMy experience at this restaurant was largely defined by the food, which was appalling. I had McCain super fries that were soaking and soggy, a burger with two chicken strips, and the worst fish I've ever eaten. I'd give the food a -10.
If youre looking for reliable pub grub and a good drink, this spot often delivers. While some dishes might miss the mark, the overall positive feedback suggests its worth a try for a casual meal.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot lands in a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.9, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 67.2%, which is considered mixed. Many of the 43 positive comments highlight the friendly, attentive staff, great service, and happily attentive bartenders who often served quickly and made for a smooth experience. Guests frequently praised employees for being supportive, knowledgeable, and going the extra mile.
However, there are 21 negative comments that point to areas needing improvement. Some experiences mention issues with bartender attitudes, perceived management shortcomings leading to understaffing, and strict international ID policies. There were also instances of staff being described as rude or making customers feel like an inconvenience, suggesting a need for better customer service training.
Service
64
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
21
negative
0
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Knowledgeable bartenders
What people don't like
- Rude bartender attitudes
- Understaffing issues
- Strict ID policy
Often praised
- serviceIt's a great dive bar where the cheap drinks flow freely. The food is delicious and quality, and the service is friendly. This bar is a staple on the ave, and it consistently offers a great place to enjoy the simple things in life without any unnecessary flourishes.
- bartenderReva is one of the coolest bartenders I ever met. It was a smooth experience for me and all our friends.
- bartendersMy experience at this bar was fantastic! It's a great little spot with awesome bartenders. The place was clean and well stocked.
- staffThe staff, service, food, and Guinness were excellent!!
- peopleTalked to some really great people
- securitythe security on Tuesdays was Cameron and he goes the extra mile
- ReillyReilly was fantastic, great service
- ServiceWhile the place isn't fancy and the tables are a little sticky, I'd return on a quiet night. Service was friendly enough. I imagine it's a madhouse when UW is in session, but during winter break, it was quiet with only a few people at the bar and we were the only ones in the dining area.
- bartender BenThe bartender Ben was amazing
- conscientious staffconscientious staff providing excellent service
Frequently criticized
- bartenderfelt bad for the bartender, though. They were the only person working
- bartender laughedthe bartender laughed about the situation
- bartender responseTold the bartender and he just shrugged
- condimentsshe points to the service counter and said ‘go get them yourself’
- customer serviceShe need education on customer service
- domestic abuserUnfortunately, I cannot go to this bar because they have a repeat domestic abuser working there. Be careful if you’re a young woman going here.
- emotionsOne woman was impressively handling the bar, a large group, and us. The place was packed, and she was running ragged, and her emotions were getting the best of her. I felt bad.
- girl behind the barthe girl behind the bar has got to be the rudest person
- inconvenienceshe made it clear we were an inconvenience for her
- international IDdidn’t accept my international ID
If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy friendly and quick service from attentive staff. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, especially regarding bartender attitudes or if you have an international ID, as these can be dealbreakers for some.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The ambience here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.7 putting it squarely in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 50% indicating a mixed reception. Many patrons enjoy the college bar vibes inside, praising the fun atmosphere with great rocking music and big screen TVs for game nights. The beautifully redecorated interior and relaxed atmosphere (for some) also get a nod, along with free pool and daily events, based on 30 positive remarks.
However, 23 negative comments highlight issues like loud music and noise that can be overwhelming, especially with rowdy drunk college kids. Concerns about dirty and sticky tables and bathrooms are frequent, with some even mentioning an old dish water smell and plastic cups instead of proper glassware, contributing to a dirty setting.
Ambience
60
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
23
negative
7
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively college atmosphere
- Great music & events
- Big screen TVs
What people don't like
- Loud, rowdy crowd
- Dirty, sticky surfaces
- Unclean bathrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereAn incredible atmosphere
- DJ plays fantastic beatsI was looking for a place with great food and drinks, where the prices on drinks are unbeatable and the DJ plays fantastic beats. This spot delivered!
- U district strollwatch the U district stroll by
- UW gamesWatch all the UW games here
- ambienceGreat ambience!
- awesome aestheticsAwesome aesthetics
- barThis bar is amazing and super fun!
- beautifully redecoratedThe restaurant recently re-opened with a new menu and a beautifully redecorated interior. The staff provided the most friendly, attentive service I've ever experienced.
- big screen TVsa handful of big screen TV’s for watching the game
- cleanlinessClean and well stocked
Frequently criticized
- bathroomsbathrooms could use a little more attention
- tablesThe beer was reasonably priced and served in a glass, not plastic cups. While the place isn't fancy and the tables are a little sticky, I'd return on a quiet night. Service was friendly enough.
- Irish pub titleabsolutely embarrassing way to use and abuse the title Irish pub
- boothsthe booths were sticky
- cleaner environmenttry to ask for a cleaner environment
- dirty and stickyit's dirty and sticky
- dirty settingDirty setting
- drivingshuffle into cars which they should not be driving
- hangoutcollege frattty douchebags hangout
- hype college kidshype college kids, by the hundreds
If youre seeking a lively, energetic college bar with entertainment and cheap drinks, this spot could be a blast. However, if a clean, quiet, or refined atmosphere is what youre after, you might find the environment too rowdy and unkempt for your taste.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7 and customer satisfaction at a great 83.3%, most folks are pretty happy with what they get. Based on 20 positive opinions out of 24 total, many rave about the reasonably priced items, fantastic happy hours, and even cheap drinks and daily specials that make your wallet smile.
However, its not entirely without its snags, as 4 negative opinions point out. A few experiences mention a "high price" for certain items, and some feel like they might "waste your money" or even be charged more than expected. While these are isolated incidents, its worth keeping an eye on your order.
Value
24
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced
- Great happy hours
- Cheap drinks
What people don't like
- Unexpected high price
- Misunderstood orders
Often praised
- cheap drinksMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great dive bar where the cheap drinks flow freely. The food is delicious and quality, and the service is friendly.
- happy hourall-day happy hour on Sun and Mon. Good discounts
- pricesSophia's service alone is a reason to return. Additionally, the prices were very reasonable, a welcome change from other establishments in the area. The fact that breakfast is served all day is a huge plus, and I'm already planning my next visit.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was consistently positive, especially for their great pub fare and happy hour specials. On a recent Tuesday visit, it was quiet, but as always, the drinks were great, the food was good, and it was not expensive.
- cheap barit's a cheap bar in the area
- cheap bar foodit’s a great spot for cheap bar food
- costThe place was clean and well stocked. I was also impressed with the great low cost menu of mixed drinks.
- daily specialsThey have daily specials and happy hour
- discountsGood discounts on beer, liquor and some food items
- happy hour specialsMy experience at this restaurant was consistently positive, especially for their great pub fare and happy hour specials. On a recent Tuesday visit, it was quiet, but as always, the drinks were great, the food was good, and it was not expensive.
Frequently criticized
- charge me morepurposefully misunderstood my order in order to charge me more
- moneyDon't waste your money
- priceI ordered a Stella beer, but what was served was definitely a cooler. To make matters worse, it cost $9. This experience with the fake beers and the high price was not what I expected.
- timeDon't waste your time
If youre looking for a place that generally offers good bang for your buck, especially during happy hour or with daily specials, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of your order to avoid any unexpected charges, but overall, its a solid choice for value.
How are the prices at Finn MacCool’s?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 32 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While the average is 26$, a good number of guests spend less, often in the $11–$20 sweet spot, but there are also those who go for more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
How this spot in Seattle stacks up against similar places on value for money.
For a Bar & Pub, wed say the pricing is fair, leaning towards the mid-range. It seems to offer a good mix, so you can find something whether youre looking for a quick bite or a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Finn MacCool’s
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Cool Bartender, Smooth Experience!
Reva is one of the coolest bartenders I ever met. It was a smooth experience for me and all our friends. I will definitely be back with more people.
- bartender10
- experience9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Bartender, Great Time!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, largely thanks to the bartender Ben. He was amazing, and my friends and I had a great time! I highly recommend this place!
- bartender Ben10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Amazing Staff Before Husky Game
My experience at the restaurant on Saturday morning before the Husky game was fantastic. The place was packed, but the staff and bartenders did an amazing job. The employees really worked their tails off.
- staff and bartenders9
- employees9
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
9
Great Drinks, Service, and Game Day Vibes!
My friends and I visited this restaurant after a stressful week for drinks and to watch the M's game. We ended up staying for almost 4 hours, and every bartender we encountered was amazing. They were helpful, kind, hospitable, and understanding, especially when one of our friends had a bit too much to drink.
The prices were fair and cheap for the area, and there were plenty of big screen TVs for watching the game, along with ample seating. The drinks were good, and the tots were perfectly crispy. We will definitely be back!
- bartender10
- prices9
- big screen TVs8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Beautifully Redecorated with Amazing Service!
The restaurant recently re-opened with a new menu and a beautifully redecorated interior. The staff provided the most friendly, attentive service I've ever experienced. I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich or the corned beef sandwich.
It's a 10/10 for game nights and karaoke.
- new menu9
- beautifully redecorated10
- friendly, attentive staff10
What Finn MacCool’s offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at Finn MacCool’s?
At Finn MacCool’s, you’ll find a casual and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy bar games, catch live performances, or watch sports on screen. It’s a perfect spot to relax and have fun with friends in West Campus, making it a go-to for entertainment and good times.
What dining and service options are available at Finn MacCool’s?
Finn MacCool’s offers a range of dining options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner with table service. You can also enjoy late-night food, quick bites, and happy hour specials. Outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout are available, and reservations are accepted for your convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Finn MacCool’s?
Finn MacCool’s has an overall score of 6.6 and a customer satisfaction rate of 64.9%, indicating a generally average to mixed experience. Value (7.0), Food (6.9), and Service (6.9) are rated well, while Ambience (5.7) is considered average.
What are the main positive aspects of Finn MacCool’s?
Customers frequently appreciate the affordable drinks, happy hour specials, and the friendly, attentive service from the staff. Many also enjoy the quality of the bar food and the lively atmosphere, especially for watching games.
Are there any common complaints about Finn MacCool’s?
Some patrons have noted concerns regarding the cleanliness of the establishment, particularly sticky tables and bathrooms. There have also been instances of inconsistent service and specific disappointments with certain food items.