Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » Hilltop Ale House – Seattle
Hilltop Ale House - Seattle
Photo from Hilltop Ale House
Hilltop Ale House at a glance
Seattle Queen Anne
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#226 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#34 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
240
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great beer
- Vibrant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Service delays
- Billing errors
The bar & pub, Hilltop Ale House, located in Seattle’s vibrant Queen Anne neighborhood, invites you to experience a truly authentic local spot. You’ll immediately notice its reputation for a great beer selection, making it a prime destination for enthusiasts.
Whether you’re catching a game or simply unwinding, this casual and cozy establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can feel right at home.
Overview: Introducting Hilltop Ale House
Hilltop Ale House generally provides a positive experience, with many guests commending the delicious food and friendly staff. The lively atmosphere and comfortable patio further enhance its appeal, making it a pleasant spot for a casual visit.
However, some experiences have been impacted by slow service and occasional issues with disorganized billing. While the culinary offerings often impress, inconsistencies in guest experience suggest there’s room for improvement in operational flow.
Good
8
out of 10
240
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
23
negative
13
neutral
204
positive
Overall, Hilltop Ale House earns a solid 8 out of 10, reflecting a generally good dining experience. This aligns well with a Customer Satisfaction of 85%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are based on a substantial 240 customer observations, with 204 positive remarks outweighing 23 negative ones, painting a clear picture of its strengths. Digging deeper, Food stands out with an impressive (8.4), frequently praised for its quality and variety.
Ambience also scores well (8.2), contributing to the pleasant vibe. Service (7.4) is generally good, though some experiences vary.
The main area for improvement appears to be Value (5.5), which falls into the average range, suggesting some guests find pricing or billing inconsistent.
What people like
- Delicious food
- Excellent beer selection
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Billing inconsistencies
With a Recommendation Score of 8.2, Hilltop Ale House is generally a solid choice. If you’re seeking a spot with quality food, a great beer selection, and a lively atmosphere, it’s definitely worth considering for a casual outing.
However, be prepared for potential service delays and keep an eye on your bill, as some guests have reported inconsistencies. While these issues can be frustrating, the overall positive experience often outweighs these occasional drawbacks for many patrons.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hilltop Ale House
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot truly hits the mark! With a good score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 90.5%, its clear most diners are delighted. Out of 116 comments, 105 positively highlight the tuna melt, beer selection, homemade soups, and high quality food, often described as always delicious and prepared & presented with care.
However, a handful of the 5 negative remarks point to some areas for improvement. Some found the food to be mediocre or even awful, while others noted the menu was meat heavy or that Mahi tacos' seemed to be made with frozen fish, suggesting occasional inconsistencies or specific dietary limitations.
Food
116
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
5
negative
6
neutral
105
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious tuna melt
- Excellent beer selection
- High-quality food
What people don't like
- Mediocre Mahi tacos
- Limited menu options
- Food can be awful
Often praised
- foodThe staff was super chill, and the bar food was of a much higher quality than I expected for this type of local bar. The ingredients were fresh, and the food was consistently delicious. I highly recommend trying the shishito peppers.
- beer selectionThe beer selection is consistently excellent
- beersThe seating is outdoor seating only, with a few tables on the front sidewalk. The service was friendly and the beers were cold.
- beerMy experience at this restaurant was great. It's one of the best spots on the hill to grab a burger and a beer. 🍔🍺 They have specific seating arrangements for dogs, allowing them only at the two small tables out front.
- drinksThe only thing they got right was the drinks
- tuna meltespecially excited to try their tuna melt and it did not disappoint
- beers on tapFantastic beers on tap
- burgerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the BEST BURGER ANYWHERE! The friendly staff and the chef's are on-point.
- chorizo nachosthe chorizo nachos were some of the best
- full barThey were large, and you get six in an order, which is a generous portion, perhaps a lot for one person. They offer good beers on tap and a full bar.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was awful
- Mahi tacosMahi tacos were clearly made w frozen fish
- cremeOut of creme
- menuThe menu was very meat heavy
If youre looking for a place with consistently delicious food, especially their highly praised tuna melt and excellent beer selection, its definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few experiences mention inconsistencies, particularly with certain dishes or menu variety, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With 50 positive remarks out of 66 total, many customers rave about the friendly staff, awesome bartenders, and attentive servers. The overall score for service is a solid 7.4, reflecting a good experience for most diners, and customer satisfaction sits at a strong 75.8%.
However, it's not always smooth sailing. A smaller group of 14 negative opinions points to issues like rude waitstaff, slow service, and difficulty getting attention. Some even felt the staff could be dismissive or uncooperative, leading to frustrating experiences like long waits at unbussed tables.
Service
66
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Awesome bartenders
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Rude waitstaff
- Slow service
- Hard to get attention
Often praised
- servicecommend them on their consistency of great service!
- staffThis is always a place I go to when in Seattle. I enjoyed the good local beers on tap, the pleasant staff, and the good food.
- bartenderI stopped by for a pint after soccer and had a great experience. The service was great, with a very nice bartender. Despite it being busy, everyone seemed to be having a great time, creating a lively atmosphere.
- bartendersMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the great beer selection, which was matched by the friendly staff and bartenders. It's a place I always enjoy stopping at when I'm in Queen Anne.
- serverour server followed all the protocol and was a pleasure
- MattMatt was an awesome server
- ServiceService:5
- bar/wait staffthe bar/ wait staff helpful
- boys in the backso will the boys in the back
- chef'sI had the BEST BURGER ANYWHERE! The friendly staff and the chef's are on-point. If I had one suggestion for Hilltop, it would be to add a few more items to the menu.
Frequently criticized
- serverShe couldn't get our orders right and then when the bill came she double charged some people
- servicethe service was terrible. Absolutely terrible.
- waitstaffAbsolutely terrible. The waitstaff made us feel like we were an inconvenience to the establishment. They were extremely rude, and everything took SO long.
- attentionhard to get attention
- barkeeperthe bar keep yelled at her
- everythingThe waitstaff made us feel like we were an inconvenience to the establishment. They were extremely rude, and everything took SO long. It’s too bad because this place could have been our go-to neighborhood spot.
- kicked outkicked out of this place a couple times
- mean, dismissive, and uncooperativethey decided they wanted to be mean, dismissive, and uncooperative
- people that arrived after us get servedpeople that arrived after us get served
- unbussed tableMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. We were seated at an unbussed table and waited for 15 minutes. To make matters worse, we observed several parties who arrived after us being served while we were still waiting.
With a generally good score, the service here often shines with friendly and attentive staff. While some experiences mention rudeness or slow attention, the positive feedback is strong. It's worth trying for a pleasant visit, but keep in mind there might be occasional inconsistencies.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 88.5%, it's clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 52 opinions, 46 rave about it, highlighting its charm as a cozy neighborhood spot with a fantastic atmosphere, a great back patio, and even a cool 90s vibe.
However, not every experience was perfect, with 2 opinions noting minor issues. Some found the mask requirements a bit of a bummer, and a couple of guests wished for more outdoor seating, mentioning the limited options available.
Ambience
52
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
2
negative
4
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy neighborhood spot
- Fantastic atmosphere
- Great back patio
What people don't like
- Limited outdoor seating
- Mask requirements
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was great, with a very nice bartender. Despite it being busy, everyone seemed to be having a great time, creating a lively atmosphere. The beer selection was good, and the tuna melt was on-point!
- back patioback patio is a cool and comfortable place
- locationConvenient location
- patioMy experience at this restaurant featured a really nice patio in the backyard, which was perfect for enjoying a drink in the shade. The beer was excellent!
- placeThe chorizo nachos were some of the best I've ever had. The place was warm and the vibes were immaculate.
- vibesThe chorizo nachos were some of the best I've ever had. The place was warm and the vibes were immaculate.
- 90s vibehas that 90s vibe down pretty solid
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- British themewith a British theme
- COVID standardsIf I had one suggestion for Hilltop, it would be to add a few more items to the menu. I will definitely return because I love this place, and I appreciate that they take the COVID standards seriously. I highly recommend!
Frequently criticized
- maskHad to wear a mask
- outdoor seatingonly have outdoor seating for 2 sets of 2
If you're looking for a place with a genuinely warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Its cozy vibe and fantastic patio make it a great choice, though be aware that outdoor seating might be limited and mask rules could apply.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 8% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5, placing it squarely in the average range. About 50% of customers felt satisfied, which is a mixed result. Many folks really appreciate the great prices and the cheap happy hour, often calling the price a real draw!
These positive sentiments come from 3 observations out of 6 total. However, it's not all sunshine and savings. There are 2 comments noting some issues, particularly around the bill and being overcharged.
Some customers mentioned being double-charged or finding the billing quite disorganized, which definitely takes away from the overall value experience.
Value
6
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Cheap happy hour
What people don't like
- Overcharging issues
- Disorganized billing
Often praised
- happy hourcheap happy hour
- priceprice is a real draw!!
- pricesgreat prices
Frequently criticized
- billwhen the bill came she double charged some people and didn't charge other people
- overchargedshe was definitely disorganized and overcharged us
If youre looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour, this spot might be worth checking out for its attractive prices. Just be sure to double-check your bill, as some guests have experienced disorganization and overcharging. Its a place with potential for value, but a little caution is advised.
How are the prices at Hilltop Ale House?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 32 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub in Seattle, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what folks actually spend, most guests stick right around this $21–$30 sweet spot, though a few enjoy a slightly cheaper bite, and a handful splurge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub stacks up against similar spots in Seattle when it comes to value for money.
For a Bar & Pub in Seattle, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It hits that sweet spot where you get good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual outing.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hilltop Ale House
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Tuna Melt and Cozy Atmosphere
I visited this restaurant for lunch and was particularly excited to try their tuna melt, which did not disappoint. It had a nice kick and the bread was toasted perfectly. It was absolutely delicious.
My husband enjoyed his burger and chips. The spot is really cozy, with good drinks, making it a great place to watch a game and enjoy some food.
- tuna melt9
- bread9
- burger and chips8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disorganized Service, Awful Food
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative, primarily due to the server. She struggled to get our orders correct and then presented a bill that had errors, including double charging some and not charging others. Despite attempts to rectify the situation, she repeatedly brought back incorrect receipts, with us still being overcharged.
The food was described as awful, with little more to say. The only positive aspect was the drinks, suggesting it's more of a bar than a dining establishment.
- drinks8
- server1
- bill1
- overcharged1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Unacceptable Wait Time and Service
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. We were seated at an unbussed table and waited for 15 minutes. To make matters worse, we observed several parties who arrived after us being served while we were still waiting.
We eventually decided to leave due to the poor service.
- unbussed table1
- waiting time1
- people that arrived after us get served1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A True Local Gem!
My experience at Hilltop Ale House was fantastic. It's a reliable and welcoming spot that truly feels like a second home. The staff, from the front to the back, are incredibly friendly and create a genuine family atmosphere.
The beer selection is consistently excellent, with weekly rotations alongside staples. The food is equally impressive, especially my go-to Grilled Green Chili Tuna Melt, which is always perfectly prepared. To top it off, the weekly food specials are always killer.
Thank you to the Hilltop family for consistently providing a fantastic atmosphere and countless memorable experiences.
- staff10
- family atmosphere10
- beer selection9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Fantastic Staff, Unique Chicken Experience
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, especially regarding the staff, who were fantastic! While I may have ordered incorrectly or wasn't clear, the chicken was prepared in a style I wasn't accustomed to, which is understandable given the variety of chicken dishes available in Seattle. The food was rated a 4, and the service and atmosphere both received a perfect 5.
- staff10
- chicken6
- variety of chicken dishes6
What Hilltop Ale House offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Hilltop Ale House?
At Hilltop Ale House, you’ll find a wonderfully cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for relaxing. When it comes to dining, you can enjoy comfortable seating with full table service, ensuring a pleasant and convenient experience during your visit.
What are the key highlights and service options available at Hilltop Ale House?
A major highlight at Hilltop Ale House is its great beer selection, alongside being an excellent spot for sports fans. For your convenience, you have service options including outdoor seating, traditional dine-in, and takeout if you’re on the go.
What is the overall rating for Hilltop Ale House?
Hilltop Ale House holds a good overall score of 8 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction at 85%. Key strengths include Food (8.4) and Ambience (8.2), while Service (7.4) is good, and Value (5.5) is average.
What are the highlights of dining at Hilltop Ale House?
Customers consistently enjoy the delicious food, particularly the high-quality bar fare and excellent beer selection. The lively atmosphere and comfortable patio also contribute to a pleasant experience.
What are some potential drawbacks when visiting Hilltop Ale House?
Some patrons have noted issues with slow service and occasional billing inconsistencies, including instances of being overcharged.