Highlights
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Hill City Tap House – Seattle
Hill City Tap House - Seattle
Photo from Hill City Tap House
Hill City Tap House at a glance
Seattle Columbia City
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 13 of the guests
#213 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#26 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
328
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Beer selection
- Friendly staff
- Family friendly
Frequently criticized
- Kids behavior
- Limited food
- Pricey drinks
The bar & pub in Seattle’s vibrant Columbia City neighborhood offers a truly inviting experience. When you step into Hill City Tap House, you’ll immediately notice its cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
This spot is renowned for its great beer selection, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting for you to discover. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some bar games or simply relax with friends, you’ll find a welcoming environment here.
It’s a prime destination for a laid-back evening.
Overview: Introducting Hill City Tap House
Hill City Tap House offers a welcoming environment, particularly noted for its impressive beer selection and genuinely friendly staff. It’s a spot where you can expect good service and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a solid choice for a casual outing.
While it excels in creating a dog friendly and family-oriented space, some patrons have noted concerns regarding children’s behavior impacting the overall ambiance. Value is generally fair, though a few items might lean towards the pricier side.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
328
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
28
negative
18
neutral
282
positive
The establishment holds a strong overall score of 8.1 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at a commendable 86%. This positive sentiment is built on a substantial base of 328 customer comments, with 282 positive observations outweighing 28 negative ones, indicating a generally well-received experience.
Looking closer, Service leads with an impressive (8.7), followed closely by Food (8.2) – primarily its extensive beer and tap selection – and Ambience (8.0). However, Value (5.6) registers as average, suggesting that while prices are generally good, some specific items might not feel as competitive.
What people like
- Excellent beer selection
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Dog and kid-friendly
What people don't like
- Uncontrolled children's behavior
- Limited food options
- Some pricey drinks
If you’re seeking a tap house with a great beer selection, genuinely helpful staff, and a laid-back, community-focused vibe, Hill City Tap House is certainly worth considering. It’s particularly well-suited for those looking for a dog-friendly spot or a place with a dedicated kids’ play area.
With a solid recommendation score of 8.3, this venue is a strong contender for your next casual gathering. Just be mindful that its family-friendly nature can sometimes lead to a lively atmosphere, and food options are limited, though bringing your own is an option.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hill City Tap House
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the grub and drinks! The food topic here scores a solid 8.2, which is definitely good, and customer satisfaction is impressively high at 88.5%. With 100 positive remarks out of 113 total, its clear folks are loving the great beer selection, delicious BBQ, and vegan options.
Theres a fantastic variety of beers and cider to explore, making it a real hit for beverage enthusiasts. However, its not all perfect, with 7 negative remarks. Some guests noted limited food options beyond the popular BBQ, and one even mentioned a tasteless sandwich.
There were also comments about beer being undrinkable because it had turned. So, while the drinks shine, the general food menu might have a few minor hiccups.
Food
113
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
7
negative
6
neutral
100
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great beer selection
- Delicious BBQ
- Vegan options
What people don't like
- Limited food options
- Tasteless sandwich
- Stale beer
Often praised
- beerThis is one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. The bartenders are always so nice and helpful picking out a beer. It's a perfect place to hangout and watch sports.
- beer selectionMy experience at this awesome new pub in Seattle was fantastic. The atmosphere was great, and they have an excellent beer selection. It's also super dog friendly.
- selectionGood beer with a nice selection
- beersMy experience at this great little tap house was fantastic. There were always a lot of beers to choose from, and they rotate regularly, which is a huge plus. It's also dog friendly, making it a welcoming spot for pet owners.
- tap selectionMy experience at this restaurant was positive due to its great and wide variety for a tap selection. They also offer a kids play area, which is a fantastic amenity.
- BBQequally great BBQ right next door
- beer listMy experience at this great little tap house was largely positive. I found it to have an awesome beer list and a relaxed vibe. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, which contributed to a good service experience.
- great selectionMy experience at this restaurant was amazing, with a really great selection. I highly recommend asking for Bill; he's the nicest guy ever.
- outside foodlet you bring in outside food
- selection of beeran excellent selection of beer
Frequently criticized
- beerit was undrinkable because it had turned
- beers on tapToo many beers on tap and not enough turnover
- foodFood:2
- food optionslimited food options
- red from a bottlemy glass smelled and tasted like beer
- sandwichThe sandwich I ordered was tasteless
- wrong beerThe service is always friendly, and the atmosphere is wonderfully chill. On my last visit, the bartender accidentally gave me the wrong beer after mishearing my order. However, they immediately corrected the mistake when I mentioned it and even offered me the other pour, which I appreciated even though I declined.
If youre heading here, definitely come for the incredible beer and cider selection, and dont miss out on the delicious BBQ from next door. Just be aware that the general food menu might be a bit more limited, so set your expectations accordingly. It's a fantastic spot for drinks and specific food pairings, but perhaps not a full-blown culinary adventure.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 92.1%, its clear guests are happy. Out of 63 comments, 58 rave about the amazing staff, friendly bartenders, and helpful crew who really know their beers.
Youll feel the love and knowledge from the moment you walk in. However, a few of the 5 negative remarks point to some areas for improvement. Concerns arose regarding parents not controlling their kids, inconsistent opening times, and a feeling that some guests take advantage of the business's hospitality.
While minor, these issues suggest a need for clearer management of the environment.
Service
63
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Helpful bartenders
- Excellent customer care
What people don't like
- Uncontrolled kids
- Inconsistent opening times
- Hospitality exploited
Often praised
- serviceI enjoyed the good beer and the company of good people. The friendly service made the visit even better. They offer food choices available from surrounding restaurants, which is a great convenience.
- staffI enjoyed their delicious nitro stout and found the sour beers to be top notch. The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this place if you are in the neighborhood.
- bartendersThe bartenders are always so nice and helpful
- bartenderThe bartender, Bill, is probably one of the nicest people
- crewIt's a great gathering spot with tons of beer on tap. The crew is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I am very impressed and will be stopping in as much as possible.
- ownersOwners are super sweet and caring
- staff knowledgeStaff knew the beers really well
- Barmanlovely Barman
- Friendly peopleFriendly people serving you drinks!
- MattMatt is awesome
Frequently criticized
- business's hospitalitytaking advantage of this business's hospitality
- controlling their kidsparents that don't have an interest in controlling their kids
- opening timethey have not opened at the same time stated online
- ownernot sure the owner is quite with the zeitgeist
- wine on tapboth of which were malfunctioning
Overall, the service here is a major draw, making it well worth a visit. You can expect friendly, knowledgeable staff who genuinely care. Just be aware that on occasion, the atmosphere might be affected by other patrons, but the core service experience remains stellar.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
The ambience here is a definite highlight, scoring a good 8 and boasting a fantastic 84.7% customer satisfaction. With 122 positive remarks out of 144 total, guests frequently praise the inviting patio, the welcoming dog and kid friendly atmosphere, complete with a dedicated play area, and a strong sense of community fostered by various events. However, a few of the 14 negative comments point to challenges with uncontrolled children and the overall noise level becoming quite loud.
Some patrons felt the presence of unruly kids could detract from the otherwise pleasant setting, suggesting it can sometimes feel more like a playground than a relaxed spot.
Ambience
144
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
14
negative
8
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Dog and kid friendly
- Great patio space
- Kids play area
What people don't like
- Uncontrolled children
- High noise level
Often praised
- dog friendlyHill City is also dog friendly
- atmosphereMy experience at this bar was incredibly positive. It boasts an amazingly relaxed, jovial atmosphere, making it a great spot for families. The delicious beers and ciders added to the overall fun and enjoyable time.
- kids play areaKids play area in the back so you can drink a beer
- outdoor seatingHowever, once you find street parking and step inside, you'll immediately discover the character and community this cozy tap house offers. With countless options, friendly staff, outdoor seating, and even snacks for your dog, it's a welcoming place. Plenty of TVs are available to catch your favorite sporting match.
- play areaHowever, if you have kids, this place is great. There's a small play area in the back, and the bar is clearly intended for people with children.
- patioHowever, the food options were limited. The atmosphere was enjoyable with a patio and an amazing kid zone.
- communitycommunity that this small tap house brings
- dog and kid friendlyit’s dog and kid friendly
- energyHis energy sets it off real nice
- family friendlyVery family friendly
Frequently criticized
- children's behaviorThere's a kid play place in the back, so it's understandable to expect children here. However, some parents absolutely ignore the negative impact of their children's behavior on other customers. I've been here with kids literally running around and screaming, treating the tables and chairs like an obstacle course, while their parents did nothing to stop or control them.
- hot waterthe hot water in the restroom was scalding
- kids play placefeel like a daycare with all the kids
- litter the entire placelitter the entire place with all of the kid's play things
- louda little loud with Rainier traffic
- noise levelit can get loud
- other clienteleI really like this place, but I have issues with some of the other clientele. There's a kid play place in the back, so it's understandable to expect children here.
- picnic basketIt's one thing to be kid-friendly and allow children at the table with their parents, and 100% bring games or things for them to do – as a father, I'm supportive. But it's another thing to bring half the toy chest, a complete change of outfit, and an entire picnic basket to the bar and litter the entire place with all of the kids' play things, never mind taking more tables than you need. I can imagine this is tough to manage for the Tap House management (who are amazing, thank you), but please get a hold of the environment.
- placethe place looked horrible
- playground for childrenNormally this is a great neighborhood tap house, and bonus points for being dog- and family-friendly. However, lately it feels like HCTH has become more of a playground for children, including parents who don't have an interest in controlling their kids. It's one thing to be kid-friendly and allow children at the table with their parents, and 100% bring games or things for them to do – as a father, I'm supportive.
If youre seeking a vibrant, family-friendly spot with excellent outdoor seating and a strong community vibe, this place is absolutely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially if youre sensitive to the occasional high noise level from kids at play.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.6, indicating its average. Many customers find it a solid choice for a casual beer, noting that the prices are generally good. However, customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 25%, suggesting theres room for improvement despite some positive feedback among the 8 total remarks.
On the flip side, some patrons feel that certain "bubbles" can be a tad on the pricey side, leading to sticker shock. Another point of contention, mentioned in 2 negative comments, is the requirement to buy "six packs" of craft cans, which isnt always ideal for everyone.
Value
8
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
2
negative
4
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
What people don't like
- Pricey bubbles
- Mandatory six-packs
Often praised
- choicea solid choice for a casual beer
- pricesPrices are good
Frequently criticized
- bubblesThey are dog friendly inside and out, which always earns bonus points. However, I would say some of the bubbles are a tad on the pricey side, so definitely skim the price tags before checking out to save yourself the sticker shock of having realized you picked up a $12 bottle of beer.
- six packsmust buy six packs of craft cans
If youre looking for a casual beer and dont mind potentially pricier specialty items or mandatory six-packs, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared for a mixed experience, especially if you're sensitive to individual item pricing.
How are the prices at Hill City Tap House?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 13 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 what people usually spend, most prices cluster around this $11–$20 sweet spot, though there are a few options both cheaper and a bit pricier.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 13 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual outing.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hill City Tap House
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Solid Spot for a Casual Beer
My experience at Hill City Tap House was that of a reliable place to grab a drink. It's not particularly flashy, but the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. The beer selection is decent, and the staff are friendly.
It’s a good spot to unwind with friends or enjoy a quiet evening. While not a must-visit if you’re looking for something extraordinary, it's definitely a solid choice for a casual beer.
- beer selection7
- staff8
- atmosphere8
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
- Moderate
9
Hidden Gem with Great Community Vibe
Hill City Tap House, tucked away on the edge of Seattle's Columbia City neighborhood, is a small spot that's easy to miss. However, once you find street parking and step inside, you'll immediately discover the character and community this cozy tap house offers. With countless options, friendly staff, outdoor seating, and even snacks for your dog, it's a welcoming place.
Plenty of TVs are available to catch your favorite sporting match. Come on down for a pint, a laugh, and a sense of community all in one.
- street parking7
- character8
- community9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Neighborhood Bar with a Play Area
My experience at this neighborhood bar was fantastic. It offers a touch of beer snob heaven, meaning they have a great selection for beer enthusiasts. Additionally, they have a kids play area, which is a great feature for those with little ones.
- neighborhood bar9
- beer snob heaven9
- kids play area9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Jazz Jam Nights!
My experience was fantastic! The restaurant hosted jazz jam nights, creating a fun environment for both musicians and listeners enjoying a pint. These events happen on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 7-10pm.
- jazz jam nights9
- fun environment9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Cool Neighborhood Spot with Good Drinks
My experience at this cool neighborhood spot was great. I enjoyed the good drinks. While you can bring in outside food, they do offer some sandwich options if needed.
The atmosphere was fantastic, and the service was excellent.
- good drinks8
- sandwich options6
- atmosphere10
What Hill City Tap House offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Hill City Tap House?
Hill City Tap House offers a variety of convenient service options, including no-contact delivery, takeout, and traditional dine-in. You can also enjoy your visit with outdoor seating available, making it a versatile spot for your needs.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Hill City Tap House?
You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere at Hill City Tap House, perfect for relaxing and socializing. They offer a selection of food at the bar, along with wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages to complement your visit, ensuring a complete experience.
How does Hill City Tap House rate overall?
Hill City Tap House earns a good overall score of 8.1 out of 10. Its strengths lie in Service (8.7), Food (8.2), and Ambience (8.0), while Value (5.6) is considered average.
Is Hill City Tap House suitable for families and pet owners?
Yes, Hill City Tap House is notably dog-friendly and offers a dedicated kids’ play area, making it a welcoming spot for families. However, some patrons have expressed concerns about uncontrolled children’s behavior impacting the atmosphere.
What kind of food and drink options are available?
The tap house is highly praised for its excellent and wide beer selection, with rotating taps. While food options are limited, customers are permitted to bring in outside food, and there’s often good BBQ available next door.