Formerly sleepy Phinney Ridge is having a moment thanks to a flurry of openings post-pandemic. Now, it sees one of the largest new bars to open in Seattle in years. Following the long-awaited transformation of an old auto repair shop into a bar and event space, Phinney Station caters to all kinds of clientele. The lawn and picnic tables are ideal for board games and family hangouts (the venue is kid- and dog-friendly), while the upper deck and interior Frostē Bar have more of a club vibe. But don’t think it’s all just for show — the cocktails here are genuinely good.

Most bar grand openings don’t involve a massive crowd and a bagpipe band, but most bars aren’t Atlantic Crossing. After shuttering its old Roosevelt location earlier this year, the bar has re-emerged invigorated, and swiftly built a new following in its new Greenlake home. The food is as satisfying as pub food gets (try to Hot Link and Shrimp Po’Boy for a fiery twist), but atmosphere is the draw. This lively neighborhood tavern is the place for sports, community, mixed drinks, and a solid selection of local and European beers. Kronenbourg 1664, anyone? 

When the beloved punk rock (and pirate-themed!) Kraken Bar & Lounge was forced to close its doors back in March 2023 after developers bought the building, it seemed that life had come to an end for the decade-old U District watering hole. But never underestimate the bar that sued Seattle’s NHL team. The owners snagged the run-down old location of Cafe Racer and spent a year fixing it up. Now months into its new life, the Kraken is thriving in all its punky, piratey glory. Come for the beer and hard-hitting tunes, stay for the stories and live bands. 

Perched right on the northern end of the Ballard brewery district (in Reuben’s Brews original location), Distant West has the makings of a new favorite beer stop. The microbrewery’s menu is small but notably explorative, with additions like a semisweet schwarzbier and raspberry cream ale. Even the expected pale ales are deserving of double takes — these ones have infusions of spruce tips and black tea. It’s all right next to the new Wildwood Spirits Distillery too, setting up the corner as a worthy detour from the hop-packed taplists further down the road.

It was exciting enough when food lover favorite Situ Tacos moved out of Belltown’s Jupiter Bar to its very own brick-and-mortar location in Ballard. But now things are even more delicious with the debut of Tilda’s Lounge, a semi-secret cocktail parlor tucked in the back of the venue. Colorful and cozy, it’s a little oasis to grab some adventurous drinks to pair with a tasty plate of tacos. Looking for something to balance out those spicy cauliflower tacos? Try the Killer Queen with strawberry-infused mezcal will do the trick.

Natural wine bar La Dive’s new second location in Queen Anne is exciting enough. But then we found out about La Dive’s other new project — a cocktail-focused speakeasy. Rich Rich hits all the marks for indulgent craft cocktails and swanky nightclub character. We’re talking a rotating lineup of DJs, drinks with names like “Crimes of Passion” and “Chamborg with REAL Champagne,” plus just enough red lighting to navigate between the bar and the stylish booths. To find it, head down the alley behind the wine bar and look for the pink neon light.

If you think the name sounds classy, you’d be right. This spacious place exudes style and elegance — though not just because of the photo-worthy lighting fixtures. The cocktails here are refined and clever, accompanied by a sustainable, locally sourced food menu. Opened in late September, Chandelier breathes new life into the vacant space after Boca’s steakhouse’s closure earlier this year. Time will tell if the new place will be a more social photo-op hotspot or a polished culinary destination, but for now, it feels poised to fit both niches.

Capitol Hill has long been home to maximalist design and quirky inspiration, so the Wash feels right in step. Taking over the old Rose Temple space, this new late-night watering hole weaves together Route 66 kitsch with desert nature — or as the staff put it, “Southwest roadside motel attraction.” There’s a full bar here, and the focus is on fast, balanced cocktails that go down smoothly. The fan favorite so far is the Pearl Hart, silver tequila and cointreau with prickly pear and lime. For the full immersive experience, be sure to check out the bathrooms and the back room that looks like a mid-century honeymoon suite.

Where can you pre-game your next Mariners game with elevated craft cocktails and Korean-fusion bar food in a historical brick-lined building with laid-back vibes? This new Pioneer Square hotspot of course! True to its name (and owner Sean Yoon’s goal of creating a sports bar with “extraordinary fried chicken”), the bar has an extensive chicken menu alongside its beverages. Try the golden poppers if you’re not sure where to start. Their spicy succulence somehow pairs excellently with just about everything on the cocktail list. And with a not-so-secret speakeasy tucked ‘round the back, Golden Roosters is set to stay popular long after baseball season ends.

Fine dining pizza meets even finer cocktails at Pioneer Square’s Bar Sosta. Unabashedly upscale, this new concept bar comes from the same folks behind Il Terrazzo Carmine next door. Whether or not you’re in the mood for a full dinner here, it’s a gorgeous spot to stop for a drink — white marble countertops and birdcage chandeliers draw the focus to neat shelves stocked with an impressive array of liquors and wines. But to truly bask in the luxury, try the Jungle Bird with aged rum, Campari, pineapple and just the right amount of brown sugar. 

The newest spot in Bellevue’s Factoria Village garnered social media buzz well before its July opening. This is only the second U.S. location of the well known Korean chain (after Los Angeles). Ideal for groups, Chi Chi exudes entertainment with neon lights and disco balls, a crazy cocktail menu (try Aria’s Drink) and tableside tablets that let you chat with other parties and bet bottles of soju on community games. The “pocha” menu alone is worth a visit, with dishes like kimchi bulgogi cheese fries and creamy seafood pasta.

King Leroy now has a second location. East siders no longer need to trek over to Seattle for this popular bar, thanks to its new digs in Bellevue’s Lincoln South Food Hall. For the uninitiated, King Leroy leans into its “classic Northwest bar” status with plenty of beer on tap, Rainier bottles, and all the cocktail basics in a homey-style setting. The new location also partnered with Great State Burger, swapping out its classic sandwiches for burgers and hot dogs.