Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Sloop Tavern – Seattle
Sloop Tavern - Seattle
Photo from Sloop Tavern
Sloop Tavern at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 78 of the guests
#364 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#8 Bar & Grill out of 14 in Seattle
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
446
Reviews
81.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Affordable value
- Lively atmosphere
- Welcoming staff
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Cleanliness issues
- Pricey drafts
The bar & grill Sloop Tavern in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood offers you a classic Pacific Northwest experience. You’ll find a cozy, casual atmosphere perfect for catching a game or enjoying a night out.
Known for its great beer selection, this historic spot is a local favorite where you can unwind with friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, Sloop Tavern has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Sloop Tavern
Sloop Tavern offers a genuine local experience, often praised for its fun atmosphere with games like pool tables. Many appreciate the good value found in its offerings, including affordable drinks and satisfying bar food.
The friendly and capable staff often contributes to a positive visit, making it a welcoming spot. However, some experiences at Sloop Tavern have been marked by less-than-stellar service, with reports of unhelpful or rude bartenders.
While food generally receives positive remarks, notes suggest quality, particularly for items like fish or fries, has seen better days. The ambiance, though authentic, can sometimes feel dark or less clean to some.
Good
7.7
out of 10
446
Reviews
81.6%
Satisfaction
60
negative
22
neutral
364
positive
Sloop Tavern garners a solid Restaurant Score of 7.7, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 81.6%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 364 positive remarks against 60 negative ones. Patrons particularly commend the Ambience (8.2), finding it a comfortable and engaging place to spend time, and the overall Food (8.1) quality, which frequently hits the mark for pub fare.
The establishment also performs well on Value (8), with many finding the pricing fair for the experience. However, the Service (6.2) score suggests a more mixed experience in this area.
While often friendly, some interactions indicate inconsistency, preventing it from reaching the higher marks seen in other categories. This balanced perspective, derived from 446 pieces of customer feedback, helps paint a clear picture of what to expect.
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Engaging atmosphere
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness concerns
- High draft beer prices
With a strong Recommendation Score of 7.9, Sloop Tavern is certainly worth considering if you’re seeking a casual, value-driven experience. It shines as a local spot for good bar food and an engaging atmosphere, especially if you appreciate a lively setting with games and a generally welcoming crew.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and some aspects of the food quality, particularly if you’re particular about fish or fries. If you prioritize an authentic, no-frills tavern vibe over pristine conditions or premium draft beer prices, Sloop Tavern could be a solid choice for your next outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sloop Tavern
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 8.1 score and a strong 86.3% customer satisfaction, the food gets a lot of love. Out of 168 comments, 145 rave about delicious burgers, tasty fish and chips, and even unique pupusas.
Many find the portions fulfilling and the quality impressive for a pub. However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 11 comments mention some disappointments, with concerns about downgraded fries, poor flavor, and occasionally messed up orders.
A few found the fish to be less than stellar, suggesting some dishes might not always live up to expectations.
Food
168
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
11
negative
12
neutral
145
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pub food
- Great burgers
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Poor fish quality
- Downgraded fries
- Inconsistent orders
Often praised
- foodThe pool tables are great and affordable. I also loved the great bartenders, the cheap beer, and the good food. The atmosphere attracts the right people, making it a great place to be on a Friday night.
- beerThe pool tables are great and affordable. I also loved the great bartenders, the cheap beer, and the good food. The atmosphere attracts the right people, making it a great place to be on a Friday night.
- burgersThe amount of burgers (and laughs) I’ve had here is groundbreaking
- bar foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best bar food in Ballard. It's always a fun time, whether you're looking for a quick bite or want to catch a game.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a super casual bar with inexpensive food & drinks. It's a great place to eat, drink & hang out.
- fish and chipsMy experience at this classic old-school pub was great. They offer cold micro brews on tap, along with good fish and chips and burgers, all at reasonable prices. I make sure to stop in whenever I'm in the neighborhood.
- FriesRecommended dishes:Fries
- Halibut & FriesRecommended dishes:Halibut & Fries
- beer selectionThis is an excellent dive bar. The vibes are great—it’s casual and low key with a great beer selection. I didn’t order food, but it’s a great place to stop on the way to or from Golden Gardens.
- burgera delicious burger
Frequently criticized
- foodfood used to taste better, now it just cost more
- burger and fries50 minutes after ordering a burger and fries
- fishAvoid the fish. I could have done better with the freezer section at Costco.
- fish and chipswhat I got was two small fish sticks
- fish sticksLegit fish sticks. I expected something more.
- flavorMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food used to taste much better, but now it just costs more with no flavor. The fries have been severely downgraded.
- food ordersUnfortunately, my recent visit on 11/23 was not a great experience. They messed up 2 of the 4 food orders. While we ate them anyway due to hunger, I noticed the bill wasn't correct.
- friesfries got severly downgraded
- pull tabsI went to this restaurant with high hopes of playing pull tabs, but my experience was disappointing. The bartender told us he was too busy to deal with the pull tabs. We had driven all the way there specifically for this activity and were super disappointed.
If youre looking for satisfying pub fare, especially burgers, fish and chips, or even some surprising specials, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few items might miss the mark on flavor or quality, the overall consensus points to a good, fulfilling meal that wont break the bank. Come for the classic comfort food, but maybe manage expectations on certain fried items.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.2 indicating it's pretty average overall. However, customer satisfaction sits at 57.4%, suggesting a somewhat mixed experience for many. Out of 94 total comments, 54 leaned positive, often praising the super friendly service, bartenders and staff, and friendly and fast service.
Many found the staff welcoming and chatty, making for a great atmosphere. On the flip side, 37 comments highlighted areas for improvement. Some patrons encountered rude staff, experienced slow service, or found the unfriendly bar service disappointing.
Issues like a strict vertical ID policy and long waiting times also popped up, indicating that while some staff shine, consistency can be a challenge.
Service
94
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
37
negative
3
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, chatty staff
- Great bartenders
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Strict ID policy
Often praised
- servicethe service and vibe was also excellent
- staffMy experience at Sloop was fantastic! It's a dive bar with a friendly, capable staff and a solid, flavorful menu. Aiden provided excellent service at the bar, quickly recommending the house fries—crispy shoestring style—which paired perfectly with my cheeseburger.
- ServiceThe Service was rated a perfect 5
- bartenderThe bartender was friendly and efficient
- bartendersThe staff, especially Carl and Gavin, are the BEST, and catching up with them every weekend is a highlight. The bartenders are truly the heart of this place, with Kaydee being a total powerhouse, impressively running the bar solo on packed nights. If you love having fun, you should go here.
- Carl and GavinCarl and Gavin are the BEST
- CindyCindy is the matriarch and the best ever
- CyndeeCyndee is the best
- KaydeeKaydee is a total powerhouse!! Watching her run the bar solo on packed nights is so impressive
- Sloop hospitalityIt's been around for 70 years and truly caters to sailors and neighborhood sports aficionados looking for bar food, cold beer, and good company while cheering for the hometown team. Be warned, if you're not a Seahawk fan, you'll be out-cheered significantly, though you'll still be welcomed with Sloop hospitality. For their 70th anniversary, they featured a fantastic live band called Heels to the Hardwood, showcasing the owner Patrick's impressive guitar skills and their original music.
Frequently criticized
- bartenderExtremely rude bartender ruined the otherwise fine experience
- serviceGavin really put a damper on our experience. Extremely rude and dismissive.
- customer serviceAwful customer service.
- orderhad to really bug him to even take my order
- ID policydon't accept vertical ID's. Never been an issue anywhere else
- TV channelThe bartender was unhelpful, requiring significant effort to even get him to take my order in a nearly empty bar. When I politely requested a TV channel change from country music awards to an NFL game, he snapped at me. This garbage behavior made the experience wholly unworth the trouble.
- age discriminationclear case of age discrimination
- behaviorGarbage behavior
- clientelefound a clientele with poor taste buds.
- disgruntled fisherman device personaIt's a relaxing, simple place for fraught beers and decent pub food. While I used to find the disgruntled fisherman device persona part of the charm, I now prefer places where people are simply nice. I also enjoy the games and pull tabs.
If youre looking for a place with potentially great, friendly staff and a lively bar scene, its worth a shot. Just be prepared that service can be a bit inconsistent, and you might encounter some strict policies or slower moments.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The ambience here is a real crowd-pleaser, scoring a solid 8.2 and boasting an excellent 90.8% customer satisfaction! With 139 positive remarks out of 153 total, patrons consistently praise the neighborhood bar feel, dog friendly atmosphere, and pool tables that create a truly fun atmosphere and Local Feel. It’s a welcoming spot where you feel part of the community.
However, a few of the 7 negative comments mentioned the atmosphere could feel dark or have grimy booths, with some finding it a bit loud. While it offers a genuine dive bar experience, these minor points suggest it might not be for those seeking a pristine or quiet setting.
Ambience
153
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
7
negative
7
neutral
139
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Community vibe
- Fun games
- Local feel
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Grungy feel
- Dark interior
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile it's not a high-end establishment, it offers a great local experience in Ballard. The food is great, and it doesn't feel like a dive. I appreciate that it's not trying to be a bougie Michelin star wannabe.
- pool tablesfeatures pool tables and pinball machines
- dive barMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a gem and exactly how a dive bar should be. The fish and chips were fantastic.
- vibethe service and vibe was also excellent
- dartsPrices were also reasonable. The restaurant offers pool tables, darts, and games, making it a fun place to be. I also appreciated that there was always someone to chat with at the bar.
- poolI love this place and that's the reason I'm over there every other evening having a beer, playing the pinball machine and pool. The atmosphere is great, and I really enjoy the pinball machine and pool.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere were both rated a perfect 5
- arcade gamesMy experience at this dive bar was great! They offer two pool tables, some arcade games, and the Mandalorian Pinball machine. The food was good and the prices were great.
- games and pull tabsMy experience at The Sloop was fantastic! It's old school Ballard at its best, offering a fun atmosphere, good food at great prices, and entertainment with games and pull tabs. The service was super friendly, making it an always favorite stop.
- good timeIt's wonderful to see that The Sloop remains a rock in the community, not just for Ballard but also for the sailing community. I found it to be a great place to meet friends and have a good time. The fact that they are also pet friendly is a fantastic bonus.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe space felt dark and not very clean
- bar experienceyou offer a low end bar experience
- grimy boothsMy experience at this restaurant was exactly what I was looking for on a late night. It's a true dive, nothing fancy, with grimy booths and greasy burgers. The food was a 5/5, service was a 5/5, and the atmosphere was also a 5/5.
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- pull tabsThey are just for show
If you're looking for a lively, unpretentious spot with a strong community vibe and plenty of games, this place is absolutely worth checking out. But if you prefer a quiet, pristine environment, you might find it a bit too rough around the edges.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 83.9%, it's clear most folks are thrilled. Many of the 26 positive comments rave about the good prices, cheap pitchers, and affordable bar food, often calling it great value for what you get.
However, not everyone is completely sold on every aspect of the pricing. Out of 31 total comments, 5 did mention some concerns. A few folks felt certain draft beers were expensive or that the overall cost was a bit higher than expected, wishing for lower beer prices.
Value
31
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great overall prices
- Affordable bar food
- Cheap drinks
What people don't like
- Expensive draft beers
- Higher overall cost
Often praised
- pricesIt's one of the best OG taverns left in Seattle. The food was great, and the beer was also excellent, all at awesome prices. The atmosphere felt authentic to the 90s, which I really appreciated.
- beerIt's one of the best in the area, and I really love this spot. The food is decent, the beer is cheap, and there's always a good social scene.
- 3 for $10at 3 for $10, can't be beat
- affordable bar foodaffordable bar food.
- cheap beerthe beer was cheap
- cheap drinksCome for the cheap drinks
- cheap pitchersMy experience at this great little bar at the end of Market in Ballard was fantastic. They offer cheap pitchers and good burgers. I watched the Apple Cup here and had a great time cheering back and forth between the Huskies and Cougs.
- foodcheap!
- good pricesImpressively good prices for great bar food
- good valuegood value, consistently so
Frequently criticized
- beer pricesLower your beer prices
- cash backgave me $5 when the difference was $5.50
- costit just cost more
- draft beerswhy are the draft beers so expensive
- tabwanted to make sure the tab was correct
If youre looking for a place where your dollar stretches, especially for food and some drinks, this spot is definitely worth checking out. While most find the prices fantastic, be mindful that some draft beers might be a bit pricier than expected. Overall, its a great value for a casual outing.
How are the prices at Sloop Tavern?
You’re looking at roughly $20 per person – reported by 78 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Grill, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to cluster around this mid-range, with a good number also exploring slightly higher-priced options, indicating a clear sweet spot for value.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 78 most recent reviews.
A look at how this Bar & Grill’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Grill. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, which is always a good sign for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sloop Tavern
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
The Real Lock on the Block!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the real lock on the block, perfect for unwinding after sailing, work, or any other activity. The service, atmosphere, and food were all top-notch, each receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
It's definitely my go-to spot!
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food10
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Sloop: Home Away From Home
My experience at Sloop felt like coming home. The atmosphere is fantastic, with pitchers, burgers, pull tabs, and entertainment like TouchTunes, pool, and darts. The staff, especially Carl and Gavin, are the BEST, and catching up with them every weekend is a highlight.
The bartenders are truly the heart of this place, with Kaydee being a total powerhouse, impressively running the bar solo on packed nights. If you love having fun, you should go here. Don't forget to add grilled onions to your burger, and their tartar sauce is off the chain.
XOXOXO I love you Sloop.
- pitchers9
- burgers10
- pull tabs9
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Sloop Tavern: Feels Like Home
I'm going to start by telling you I'm biased. As a Sloop Tavern Yacht Club member, the Sloop feels like home. They don't have a liquor license, so it's just beer and wine.
The food is typical bar food. But it's a great place to sit down with friends and a beer and play pool. The bartenders are always friendly, even to a bunch of rowdy sailors.
- beer and wine6
- typical bar food5
- great place8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Good food, but poor atmosphere and service
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the food was good, the atmosphere felt dark and not very clean. Additionally, the staff did not seem very friendly or engaged, giving the impression that they did not really want to be there.
They only serve canned and on-tap beers and ciders.
- food8
- beers and ciders6
- atmosphere3
- staff3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Pupusas and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was great! It was an odd night, as it was a going-away party for their former chef, but his family made the best pupusas I've ever had. The service and vibe were also excellent.
- pupusas10
- service9
- vibe9
What Sloop Tavern offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options does Sloop Tavern offer?
Sloop Tavern ensures a welcoming visit with wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. For your convenience, you’ll usually find plenty of free street parking available nearby, making your trip to this Ballard bar & grill hassle-free.
Can you enjoy a meal or drinks at Sloop Tavern, and what's the atmosphere like?
Absolutely! Sloop Tavern offers a wide range of food and drinks, including happy hour specials and late-night food, alongside a great beer selection. You can dine-in, get takeout, or enjoy outdoor seating. The atmosphere is historic, cozy, and casual, ideal for sports and bar games.
What is the overall performance of Sloop Tavern?
Sloop Tavern achieves a Restaurant Score of 7.7 with Customer Satisfaction at 81.6%. Its Ambience (8.2), Food (8.1), and Value (8) are well-regarded, though Service (6.2) is more moderate.
What kind of atmosphere does Sloop Tavern offer?
It’s known for a genuine local dive bar feel and a fun atmosphere. Patrons enjoy the presence of pool tables, pinball, and other games, contributing to a lively and engaging setting.
Are there any areas where Sloop Tavern receives mixed feedback?
Yes, while generally positive, some visitors report inconsistent service, with occasional issues regarding bartenders. Additionally, some opinions suggest a decline in food quality for specific items like fish or fries, despite overall positive remarks for bar food.