Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Rough & Tumble Pub – Seattle
Rough & Tumble Pub - Seattle
Photo from Rough & Tumble Pub
Rough & Tumble Pub at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#351 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#43 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
482
Reviews
77.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Vibrant Atmosphere
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Slow Service
- Loud Environment
The bar & pub Rough & Tumble Pub in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood offers you a truly engaging experience. You can immerse yourself in a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for catching a game or enjoying a night out.
With its great beer selection, you’re sure to find your new favorite brew while enjoying bar games and delicious food. This spot is a fantastic choice for a lively evening.
Overview: Introducting Rough & Tumble Pub
Rough & Tumble Pub offers a lively experience where guests often praise the friendly staff and great atmosphere . The generally well-regarded food selection receives positive remarks, making it a popular spot, especially for sports enthusiasts looking for a vibrant setting.
However, some visitors note that the overall value can be a point of contention, with certain items feeling pricey . There are also occasional mentions of waiting time affecting the service experience, suggesting some inconsistencies despite the staff’s positive demeanor.
Good
7.7
out of 10
482
Reviews
77.6%
Satisfaction
87
negative
21
neutral
374
positive
Rough & Tumble Pub achieves a solid overall score of 7.7, reflecting a generally good customer experience. This is further supported by a 77.6% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content with their visit.
These assessments are drawn from 482 customer observations, with 374 positive remarks outweighing 87 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8) stands out as a strong point, frequently earning high praise.
The Ambience (7.9) also contributes significantly to the positive sentiment, creating an engaging environment. While Service (7.2) is generally good, it occasionally faces criticism.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.4), which customers often find less appealing.
What people like
- Delicious Food
- Vibrant Atmosphere
- Friendly Staff
What people don't like
- High Prices
- Inconsistent Service
- Loud Environment
Rough & Tumble Pub is a place worth considering if you prioritize a lively atmosphere and good food, especially if you’re a sports fan. With a strong recommendation score of 8, it generally delivers a positive experience, making it a solid choice for a casual outing.
However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and occasional service inconsistencies. If a quiet, budget-friendly meal is your top priority, you might find it less suitable.
For a vibrant pub setting with tasty offerings, it’s certainly worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rough & Tumble Pub
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
Overall, the food here is a real crowd-pleaser, earning a solid 8 out of 10 with a fantastic 81% customer satisfaction! Many diners raved about the delicious happy hour options, awesome wings, and creative brunch items like the Brussel sprout wings and skillet cookie, with 153 positive remarks highlighting a diverse and tasty menu. However, out of 189 total remarks, 24 did point out some areas for improvement.
A few found certain dishes subpar, noting issues like inconsistent execution with poutine or unseasoned chicken, and some felt portions were stingy for the price, particularly for items like the French toast.
Food
189
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
24
negative
12
neutral
153
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Delicious brunch items
- Awesome wings
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish execution
- Some dishes subpar
- Stingy portions
Often praised
- foodThe food, the drinks, the vibes are immaculate
- drinksThe boozy Penalty Kick coffee was also exactly what the doctor ordered, cold-pressed and just the right amount of kick to take the sting off a bad result. If you’re a footy fan or just someone who appreciates a welcoming, well-run pub with great drinks and a solid breakfast, Rough & Tumble is the place. It's always a great experience, even when the Toffees don’t cooperate.
- nachosthe nachos and the Caesar salad as true shining stars. The nachos had the perfect amount of toppings
- FoodFood:5
- Bloody Maryloved my Bloody Mary
- BurgerRecommended dishes:Burger
- beerFood and beer were great!
- breakfast sandwichThe breakfast sandwich was delicious
- burgerEverything was delicious! We ordered the burger
- burritothe burrito (which we love) is cheaper, comes with both eggs and protein, and is a ton of food
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was just very disappointing
- burgerIt was juicy but but no pink, it was medium or beyond
- drinksThey took our order, food, and drinks (three beers). All our food arrived before our drinks, so we asked and were given an explanation that the system went down and all drink orders were lost. I would have informed the customer about the issue and checked if they had everything instead of waiting to hear us ask about them.
- Savory French Toastgot the "Savory French Toast" for $19. It came out as a single piece of bread
- bar foodso much better than the typical bar food
- burnt breadingcouldn’t taste any over the burnt breading
- chicken sandwichOrdered the chicken sandwich and it wasn’t very seasoned
- corn tortillasOrdered corn tortillas on the tacos and it came out with flour tortillas
- creative flavorsAttempts at creative flavors on traditional pub food fell short
- executionuninspired execution
If youre looking for a spot with generally great food, especially for happy hour or brunch, youll likely be very satisfied. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the overall culinary experience is definitely worth trying.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.2. Many guests rave about the friendly staff and attentive and friendly service, with special shout-outs to the bartender and mentions that the owners care. Out of 106 comments, a solid 73 were positive, highlighting a welcoming and engaging experience.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag with customer satisfaction at 68.9%. Some experiences point to service issues, including long wait for food and empty cups being ignored. With 33 negative remarks, a few patrons felt the staff' could be more consistent, sometimes experiencing a lack of attention.
Service
106
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
33
negative
0
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Attentive service
- Owners truly care
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent attention
- Service can lapse
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and phenomenal service. The establishment features gender-neutral bathrooms and they are keen on sharing their vision.
- staffThe brunch menu's mention of "mixed greens (gf/vegan)" under scrambles, when the scramble itself wasn't vegan, was another point of inconsistency. Despite these menu clarity issues, the staff were helpful and attentive, readily checking on vegan options. The food itself was very enjoyable.
- ServiceService is excellent
- serversservers are always super nice and helpful
- KatieI apologize Katie You're the BEST!!!
- bartenderOur first bartender was super attentive and offered good suggestions.
- friendly staffAs a huge women's sports fan, I stopped by on Saturday to watch the Euros and sat at the bar. The great atmosphere and friendly staff, along with other nice customers, made for a great experience. The breakfast burrito was EXCELLENT, and I also loved my Bloody Mary.
- ownerThis bar and its owner are absolute jewels in Seattle. When my husband and I, with our little 4 month old daughter, were VERY belatedly looking for a spot to host our wedding's after party, Jen took pity on us exhausted new parents and made it happen.
- peoplelove the people in it
- serverthe server came out of nowhere, and nicely and diplomatically got his attention away
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhen I mentioned our waitress hadn't returned, I was told she was off shift. While I understand it was busy, leaving us without service for an hour without any communication about her departure or another server checking in was disappointing. To add to the issue, when we finally paid, we requested to pay together, but were still charged separately.
- checkstill waiting on our check
- waiting timeWhile the atmosphere was great and the food was excellent, the service was unfortunately lacking. We waited for over 10 minutes at the offset bar seating with nobody once greeting or attending us. When we inquired about the service upon leaving, we were informed it was due to understaffing, with no apology offered.
- waitressEven a women's rugby game was overlooked. The bartender was horrible at making drinks, the food was just okay, and the waitress was rude. While I don't mind supporting women's establishments, I think I'll skip this one in the future.
- Servicea LOT of room for improvement on Service
- bartenderBar tender is horrible at making drinks
- empty cupsAfter our first round, they didn't check if we wanted another or anything else. The owner did come over to ask about the cocktails but ignored our empty cups. We had to request the check so we could leave for a place that actually wanted our business.
- empty platesThey came up with the drinks and did not ask if we needed anything else or if everything was okay. After we finished, our empty plates sat for a long time through staff asking about more drinks. We had to actually ask for the empty plates to be taken away after about 10 minutes.
- final round of drinksWe had to actually ask for the empty plates to be taken away after about 10 minutes. We were then delivered someone else’s food and drinks, and our final round of drinks came out twice. Nobody was complaining about the extra drinks, but clearly, there is something going on.
- group reservationlarge group reservation that was forgotten about
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, youll likely have a great time. Just be aware that during busy periods, service can be a bit inconsistent, so manage your expectations for speed and constant attention.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a strong 82.5%. Based on 141 positive pieces of feedback, guests consistently praise the inclusive atmosphere and great energy, especially appreciating the focus on womens sports. Youll often find ample seating and plenty of TVs, making it a fun spot to catch a game.
However, not all 22 negative opinions are without merit. Some found the TV volume excessively loud, and there were a few concerns regarding bathroom safety and privacy. While generally welcoming, a few felt it wasnt always family-friendly, and some noted a perceived prioritization of regular season football over womens sports on screens.
Ambience
171
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
22
negative
8
neutral
141
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inclusive atmosphere
- Women's sports focus
- Ample seating, TVs
What people don't like
- Loud TV volume
- Bathroom safety concerns
- Prioritizes men's sports
Often praised
- atmosphereI had the best nachos I've ever tasted, and the burger was also great. While it's a little pricey, it's honestly worth the cost given the awesome atmosphere and the comprehensive coverage of sports. The price per person is around $50–100, and they offer happy hour specials.
- vibesThe food, the drinks, the vibes are immaculate
- environmentgreat addition and environment into the world!!!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- TVslots of TVs for watching games
- vibegreat vibe to watch local team sports
- spaceI love women's sports, and this place is great for it 🙏. The service was excellent, and there was tons of space. It's awesome for large crowds and winning game days.
- women's sportsIt’s great to have a space that honors women’s sports, including roller derby! I loved seeing Rat City represented amongst the other women’s sports.
- bathroomThe tuna melt was amazing, and my drink, a smooth and sweet mixed drink with nectarine and citrus, was also amazing! Even the bathroom was perfect, which is funny to mention. If you're here for *the* big game, you won't miss a detail, as the speakers are quite loud for it.
- communityWhat a great place for community! We went for the pride game to see the Reign soccer team, and the food surprised us greatly.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereIt was a little loud inside
- TV volumethe TV volume was on SO LOUD
- TVsNot one TV had women’s sports on them
- WNBA PLAYOFFSThis is one of the few places that shows women's sports. However, they seem to prioritize regular season football over WNBA PLAYOFFS. There was only ONE screen showing the WNBA game, while the rest were dedicated to football and even NASCAR.
- agendaThey push their agenda here
- bathroom safetymy only concern is safety with the bathroom
- bathroomskeep wo men safe on even a basic level with these bathrooms
- family friendlyThis place is not family friendly
- football crowdmanage their football crowd and support women sports
- parkingparking around this area can be quite a pain sometimes
If youre seeking an energetic, inclusive spot with a strong focus on womens sports and plenty of screens, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially loud TV volume and perhaps check the game schedule if youre specifically there for a womens sports event.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found plenty to cheer about! Many appreciated the reasonable price and fair prices for their meals, feeling the food was worth every penny. The happy hour also earned high praise for being a great deal, with beer often mentioned as plentiful and reasonable.
Based on 7 positive sentiments, it seems there are definite pockets of good value here. However, the value story isnt entirely rosy. With 8 negative sentiments, others felt things were pricey or overpriced, especially for certain items like wings or custom cocktails.
The overall score for value is an average 5.4, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 43.8%, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency. It seems some experiences left diners feeling the cost didn't quite match up.
Value
16
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable main prices
- Great happy hour
- Affordable beer options
What people don't like
- Some items pricey
- Overpriced custom cocktails
- Extra charges add up
Often praised
- pricefood is so much better for what I pay for it
- PricesPrices are fair
- beerBeer was plentiful and reasonable
- happy hourGreat happy hour!
- pricesPrices are actually pretty good
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceA little pricey for what it is
- blue cheese dressingdidn't appreciate paying $2.50 for blue cheese dressing
- custom cocktailsThe custom cocktails were a bit pricy
- overpricedBeer was ok but over priced at $7-11 a glass
- priceya bit pricey
- pricing and timingthe lower rating is due to the pricing and timing
- wingsExpensive - $17 for 6 wings - insane
If youre looking for a deal, aim for happy hour or stick to the more basic menu items, as many find those prices fair. However, be prepared that some specialty items or custom drinks might feel a bit pricey, ' so choose wisely to get the best bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Rough & Tumble Pub?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 73 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, most guests stick to this mid-range, though a few do splurge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub stacks up against similar spots in Seattle when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub in Seattle. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual outing.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rough & Tumble Pub
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Terrible Service, Decent Food
My family and I visited this restaurant, and unfortunately, we encountered several issues. Firstly, the poutine was not as described on the menu; it lacked cheese curds, and the staff was dismissive when we inquired. Secondly, my guest with a gluten allergy ordered corn tortillas for their tacos, but received flour tortillas, requiring medical attention.
The atmosphere was also problematic, with the TV volume excessively loud despite the restaurant being mostly empty. When we requested it be turned down, we were met with a rude response about it being a sports bar. Finally, as we were leaving, a busser made an inappropriate comment singling out my mother.
While the food itself was decent despite the errors, the service was consistently terrible, with the waitstaff declining opportunities to be helpful and instead being rude and uncooperative. This establishment is not family friendly.
- food7
- poutine2
- corn tortillas3
- TV volume1
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Pub for Everton Fans and More
My experience at Rough & Tumble in Ballard was fantastic. It's a top-notch local supporter pub, and as an Everton pub, they always show up for us. The staff is incredibly friendly and consistently willing to open early so we can catch the match, no matter how early the kickoff.
Today, they rolled out the full breakfast menu, and the brekky tacos were absolutely spot-on: hearty, flavorful, and exactly what you want with morning footy. The boozy Penalty Kick coffee was also exactly what the doctor ordered, cold-pressed and just the right amount of kick to take the sting off a bad result. If you’re a footy fan or just someone who appreciates a welcoming, well-run pub with great drinks and a solid breakfast, Rough & Tumble is the place.
It's always a great experience, even when the Toffees don’t cooperate. 🔵💙
- staff10
- breakfast menu9
- brekky tacos10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Great Vibes, Excellent Service!
I visit this restaurant occasionally. Last night, I went for PWHL opening night with my friend. The vibes were great, and the salad we got was also perfect!
Towards the end, a random guy was bothering me, but the server intervened, nicely and diplomatically getting his attention away and ensuring he paid his bill. I love this place even more and will definitely return!
- vibes9
- salad10
- server10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Tater Tots Steal the Show!
What an experience at this women's sports bar! Hell yeah! The tater tots were absolutely incredible, with a perfectly crisp exterior.
I've been raving about them to everyone. While the buffalo wings were delicious, the tots are what I truly can't stop thinking about. The atmosphere was excellent all around, with so many games to watch, including men's NFL games (ew, but okay).
I wholeheartedly 10/10 recommend.
- tater tots10
- buffalo wings8
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Pub with Friendly Service
I had a wonderful experience at this rough and tumble pub. It's refreshing to find a place that isn't exclusionary, unlike many other sports bars. I enjoyed getting nachos and playing bananagrams.
The pub offers plenty of seating, and the servers were consistently super nice and helpful.
- nachos9
- plenty of seating9
- servers10
What Rough & Tumble Pub offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- 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
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Rough & Tumble Pub?
At Rough & Tumble Pub, you’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for socializing. You can enjoy a wide range of offerings including food at the bar, hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. Don’t miss out on happy hour drinks and food, ensuring a great time for everyone.
What are the parking and accessibility options at Rough & Tumble Pub, and can you make reservations?
Parking near Rough & Tumble Pub includes paid parking lots, free street parking, and paid street parking, though finding a spot can sometimes be difficult. The venue is wheelchair accessible with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You can also accept reservations for your visit.
How does Rough & Tumble Pub score overall, and what are its strengths?
Rough & Tumble Pub holds a 7.7 overall score, indicating a good experience. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (8), Ambience (7.9), and Service (7.2), though Value (5.4) is an area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy about the atmosphere at Rough & Tumble Pub?
Guests frequently praise the pub’s great atmosphere and vibrant vibes, noting it’s an excellent spot for watching sports with plenty of TVs and a strong sense of community, especially for women’s sports.
Are there any common complaints regarding service or pricing at Rough & Tumble Pub?
While staff are often described as friendly, some customers have experienced inconsistent service, including long waits and forgotten orders. Additionally, many find the pricing, particularly for certain items, to be a bit high.