oChef » Lamplighter – Seattle

Lamplighter - Seattle

Bar & Grill Lamplighter in Seattle
Photo from Lamplighter
How do the guests rate it?
Lamplighter at a glance
Seattle Crown Hill
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 20 of the guests
#221 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#3 Bar & Grill out of 14 in Seattle
Good
8 out of 10
8.7
Food
8.1
Service
7.5
Ambience
7.7
Value
282

Reviews

87.9%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Delicious food
  • Friendly staff
  • Great happy hour
Frequently criticized
  • Unauthorized charges
  • Inconsistent service
  • Bathroom issues

The restaurant Lamplighter is a vibrant Bar & Grill nestled in Seattle’s lively Crown Hill neighborhood. If you’re looking for a casual spot with a fantastic atmosphere, you’ve found it.

This local gem is renowned for its great beer selection, making it a prime destination for enthusiasts. Whether you’re catching a game or just unwinding, you’ll appreciate the cozy vibe and friendly service that makes you feel right at home.

Overview: Introducting Lamplighter

Lamplighter presents itself as a welcoming neighborhood spot, often praised for its lively atmosphere and a solid selection of food and drinks. Many appreciate the attentive yet unobtrusive staff and the overall friendly vibe that makes it feel like a local favorite.

However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies, particularly regarding service and certain operational aspects. While the food generally receives positive remarks, a few specific preparations have drawn criticism, and there have been isolated concerns about unauthorized charges .

Good
8 out of 10
282

Reviews

87.9%

Satisfaction

23

negative

11

neutral

248

positive

Lamplighter earns a respectable overall score of 8 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive customer experience. This is further supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 87.9%, indicating that most patrons leave content.

These figures are drawn from 282 customer observations, with 248 positive and 23 negative remarks. Delving into specifics, Food leads the way with an 8.7, often highlighted for its quality and variety.

Service also performs well at 8.1, with many commending the helpful and pleasant staff. While Value (7.7) and Ambience (7.5) are considered good, they don’t quite reach the same heights as the food and service, suggesting areas that could see minor improvements.

What people like
  • Delicious food options
  • Friendly, skilled staff
  • Excellent happy hour
What people don't like
  • Unauthorized charges
  • Inconsistent service
  • Bathroom cleanliness

Lamplighter is a solid choice if you’re seeking a casual, friendly neighborhood bar with good food and a lively atmosphere. The strong positive feedback for its culinary offerings and attentive staff makes it a reliable option for a relaxed outing.

With a Recommendation Score of 8.3, it’s clear that many visitors would happily suggest Lamplighter. While there are minor points for improvement, particularly around occasional service inconsistencies and specific operational issues, the overall experience is largely positive and worth considering.

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Verdict: Our expert take on Lamplighter

Food (8.7 out of 10)

mentioned by 78% of the guests

When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With an impressive score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.5%, its clear that diners are loving what's on offer. Based on 87 positive remarks out of 93 total, highlights include delicious cheesesteaks, fantastic wings, and a great selection of drinks and tots.

However, not everything is perfect, with 3 negative comments noted. A few folks found the wings to be overly drenched in BBQ sauce, making them a messy experience, and one person felt their drink was a bit too strong. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread issues.

8.7 Food

93

Reviews

93%

Satisfaction

3

negative

3

neutral

87

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Delicious food
  • Best cheesesteaks
  • Great drinks
What people don't like
  • Sauce-drenched wings
  • Drinks too strong

Often praised

  • food
  • drinks
  • wings
  • beer selection
  • cheesesteaks
  • tots
  • bar food
  • food options
  • AWESOME food
  • Brussels sprouts

Frequently criticized

  • BBQ sauce
  • drink
  • wings

If youre looking for a spot with genuinely delicious food, especially their highly praised cheesesteaks and wings, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be sure to specify your sauce preference for wings if youre particular, and perhaps ask for a lighter hand on the drinks.

Service (8.1 out of 10)

mentioned by 75% of the guests

When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.1 and a fantastic 83.1% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are generally thrilled. Many of the 49 positive comments rave about the friendly staff, great service, and how welcomed they felt, often highlighting the awesome bartenders who know their stuff.

However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. Out of 59 total comments, 7 did point to some bumps in the road. A few experiences mentioned worst service or extremely poor service, with specific call-outs about an unfriendly bartender or staff walking off before orders could be placed.

8.1 Service

59

Reviews

83%

Satisfaction

7

negative

3

neutral

49

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Friendly, welcoming staff
  • Great, attentive service
  • Awesome, skilled bartenders
What people don't like
  • Poor, slow service
  • Unfriendly bartender encounters

Often praised

  • staff
  • service
  • bartenders
  • great staff
  • Quizmaster Jarrad
  • Sarah
  • Servers
  • Tyler
  • bar service
  • bartender service

Frequently criticized

  • service
  • bartender
  • charge my card
  • staff
  • tip
  • waitress

If you value a warm welcome and attentive care, the service here is generally a major highlight. While a few guests encountered hiccups, the overwhelming sentiment points to friendly staff and great service. It's definitely worth trying for a pleasant experience.

Ambience (7.5 out of 10)

mentioned by 83% of the guests

The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a 7.5 score indicating a good experience and customer satisfaction sitting strong at 86.5%. Based on 111 comments, with 96 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the huge outdoor area, lively atmosphere with live music and plenty of TVs, and its welcoming, family-friendly neighborhood bar vibe. However, a few of the 11 negative comments point to areas for improvement.

Some found the parking lot a bit small, mentioned slow WiFi, and noted it could get a little cold inside. There were also concerns about bathroom cleanliness and soap availability.

7.5 Ambience

111

Reviews

86%

Satisfaction

11

negative

4

neutral

96

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Huge outdoor area
  • Lively sports bar
  • Friendly neighborhood vibe
What people don't like
  • Small parking lot
  • Unclean bathrooms
  • Slow WiFi

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • local bar
  • pool
  • sports
  • TVs
  • bar
  • neighborhood bar
  • neighborhood spot
  • outdoor patio
  • outdoor seating

Frequently criticized

  • WIFI
  • adult Bar
  • bathroom soap dispenser
  • cold
  • dog policy
  • neighborhood corner bar
  • noisy
  • paid jukebox
  • parking lot
  • pull tabs

If you're looking for a lively, dog-friendly neighborhood spot with a great outdoor space, plenty of entertainment, and a chill vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially tight parking and check the bathrooms upon arrival.

Value (7.7 out of 10)

mentioned by 21% of the guests

When it comes to value, this spot really shines, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 84.2%. Patrons consistently rave about the happy hour deals, prices, and even the convenient parking options. With 16 positive remarks out of 19 total comments, its clear many appreciate the "discount" opportunities and overall decent value.

However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A couple of customers (2 negative remarks) raised concerns about an unauthorized charge appearing on their bank account. While these instances are few, it's definitely something to keep an eye on when settling your bill.

7.7 Value

19

Reviews

84%

Satisfaction

2

negative

1

neutral

16

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Great happy hour
  • Good prices
  • Ample parking
What people don't like
  • Unauthorized charges

Often praised

  • prices
  • happy hour
  • beer prices
  • decent happy hour
  • decent value
  • discount
  • entry fee
  • happy hour specials
  • nightly specials
  • parking

Frequently criticized

  • bank account
  • unauthorized charge

If you're looking for a place with fantastic happy hour specials, good prices, and easy parking, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be sure to keep an eye on your bank statement afterward, as a few folks reported unexpected charges.

How are the prices at Lamplighter?

You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 20 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Grill, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.

Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good spread. While the average is around 29, a significant number of guests spend less, often in the $11–$20 range, suggesting some great value options. However, there are also a few who opt for a more premium experience, pushing the average up with higher spends.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 20 reviews.

Comparing the value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in Seattle.

Considering its a Bar & Grill in Seattle, we think the pricing feels quite fair. The range of spending options means theres flexibility for different budgets, from a quick, affordable bite to a more indulgent meal. It offers a good variety for its type.

Customer Reviews: what people think about Lamplighter

Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
James M.
Review date: 09/27/2025
9
Favorite Neighborhood Bar with Great Drinks
My experience at this neighborhood spot was fantastic! It has a lot of character, and the drinks are strong. For Seattle, the prices are quite decent, making it my favorite bar in the area. The staff are fun, and they offer events and activities on many nights.
  • neighborhood spot9
  • character9
  • drinks9
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Justin G.
Review date: 08/09/2025
9
Great Local Spot for Beers & Tots!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great spot with big beers & tots. The staff is always good, and they offer a wide selection of local beers and regular domestics. It truly has everything you could want. This is a great local spot, and I almost don't want to let the secret out!
  • beers9
  • tots9
  • staff10
Price per Person
  • $91–$100
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Pechanc B.
Review date: 06/21/2025
10
Best Philly Cheese Steak in Washington!
My experience at Tre's was absolutely fantastic! The Philly Cheese steak sandwich was hands down the best I've ever had in the State of Washington. I will travel for it again and again! It was well flavored, put together perfectly, and you could taste the love in the meat and the sandwich itself. Beyond the incredible food, I truly enjoyed talking to the staff. They are very good people and made me feel so welcomed. I truly enjoyed being there!
  • Philly Cheese steak sandwich10
  • well flavored9
  • put together perfectly9
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Travis H.
Review date: 05/23/2025
3
Poor Service, Okay Cheesesteak
I ordered my cheesesteak ahead of time and went into the bar to sit down for a drink. A waitress came over and placed napkins on the counter, stating, "I’m guessing you’re gonna need these. " I replied, "Probably, we’ll see. " She then walked off before I could order a drink or finish my sentence. Nobody else acknowledged me by the time I finished my sandwich, so I just walked out. Apparently, I didn’t need a drink either. The service was extremely poor, but the cheesesteak was decent.
  • cheesesteak6
  • service2
  • waitress1
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Nikkie M.
Review date: 04/17/2025
9
Excellent Cheesesteaks in a Relaxed Bar
My experience at Tres' was surprisingly pleasant. We had some cheesesteaks from Tres', which we discovered was located within this bar. The food was excellent! We were surprised that it wasn't overcrowded, even though it was a Saturday night. There were plenty of people coming and going, but there was lots of space and it wasn't noisy. Maybe we lucked out, but we liked it there.
  • cheesesteaks10
  • food10
  • space8
  • noisy4

What Lamplighter offers

Highlights

  • Sports
  • Bar games
  • Great beer selection

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Crowd

  • Groups

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

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
  • Coffee
  • Beer
  • Happy hour food
  • Cocktails
  • Alcohol

Dining options

  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Lunch
  • Table service

Service Options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout

Pets

  • Dogs allowed

Parking

  • Free street parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Usually plenty of parking

Atmosphere

  • Cozy
  • Casual

FAQs

Is there convenient parking available when you visit Lamplighter?
Yes, you’ll find several parking options at Lamplighter. You can take advantage of free street parking, a free parking lot, and typically there’s usually plenty of parking available. This makes your visit hassle-free, whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or a full dinner.
At Lamplighter, you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for unwinding. They offer food at the bar, late-night food, happy hour drinks, and happy hour food. You can also enjoy hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, ensuring a complete and satisfying experience.
Lamplighter generally earns a 8 out of 10, with strong marks for Food (8.7) and Service (8.1). Value (7.7) and Ambience (7.5) also contribute positively to the experience.
Lamplighter offers a lively, local bar atmosphere, often described as a great neighborhood spot with outdoor seating, TVs for sports, and activities like pool and trivia nights.
While generally well-regarded, some visitors have reported issues with inconsistent service, including an occasional unfriendly bartender, and concerns about unauthorized charges. Bathroom cleanliness has also been noted.
Loading map…
Location
820 NW 85th St, 98117 Seattle
Opening hours
Monday – Thursday
2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday
2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday
12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday
10:00 AM – 1:00 AM