Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Bothell, WA

GREEN LAKE. A quiet gathering spot for after-work drinks, this cozy bistro has earned quite a reputation as a date...

GREEN LAKE. A quiet gathering spot for after-work drinks, this cozy bistro has earned quite a reputation as a date place, so plan to impress someone special with a candle-lit table overlooking Green Lake and superb Mediterranean-Italian fare. Patrons in the sleek bar can enjoy expertly mixed cocktails, as well as a full array of tapas ­ a great prelude to a bottle of port shared among friends. From Wednesday till Saturday, live jazz or spinning DJs add to the distinctly uptown air.

Hours: Daily 3:30pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT. A definitive "not mainstream" dive, Monkey Pub has become a haven for folks wanting to...

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT. A definitive "not mainstream" dive, Monkey Pub has become a haven for folks wanting to escape the confines of trendiness and get back to basics: a cold Bear Creek Porter or three, a casual scene, a jukebox with great indie tunes, and a few rounds of pool or pinball uninterrupted by the never-ending "who's got next" inquiry heard at nearby student haunts. Great happy hour drink specials and the occasional live band are additional draws.

Hours: Daily 5pm-1:45am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT. This colorful waterside facility has widespread appeal. Focusing on organic ingredients, the cafe...

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT. This colorful waterside facility has widespread appeal. Focusing on organic ingredients, the cafe concocts flavorful Mexican eats like quesadillas, enchiladas and burritos, and it's also a popular happy hour spot. The adjoining paddle club offers kayak rentals for scenic excursions on Lake Union or Lake Washington.

Hours: Paddle Club (Mar - Oct) Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 9am-8pm; Sun 9am-6pm
Aqua Verde Cafe Mon-Sat 11:30am-3:30pm, 4pm-9pm
Hours May Vary Seasonally

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club

FREMONT. A haven for those hoping to avoid the chic and trendy crowds that tend to gather at the nightspots in the...

FREMONT. A haven for those hoping to avoid the chic and trendy crowds that tend to gather at the nightspots in the U-District, the casual Tin Hat offers terrific happy hour prices, serves up "wholesome" pub grub, and always has something cool rocking on the jukebox (usually in the "alternative" vein). Don't expect fancy drinks at this consummate neighborhood dive, just good, cold beer and maybe even a few takers in a game of pinball or two. Best of all, the prices are kept in check, and they never charge a cover.

Hours: Daily 4pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

EASTLAKE. Comfortable and unpretentious, Serafina has been a Seattle favorite for years, its cuisine drawing on the...

EASTLAKE. Comfortable and unpretentious, Serafina has been a Seattle favorite for years, its cuisine drawing on the rustic traditions of the Italian countryside and eminently satisfying. While dining on dishes like calamari salad and roasted sausage with red wine-braised onions, the happy hour crowds are treated to some of Capitol Hill's more expertly mixed martinis ­ how does a raspberry cosmopolitan sound? In addition, Friday through Sunday evenings, patrons are treated to live piano, blues, or smooth jazz.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2am; Sat 5pm-2am; Sun 10am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

FREMONT. You won't find anything square about this funky corner bar, where blue jeans-clad college kids and young...

FREMONT. You won't find anything square about this funky corner bar, where blue jeans-clad college kids and young professionals hang out, down some brews, and enjoy a surprisingly upbeat menu that features everything from white truffle mac-n-cheese and steamed clams to havarti burgers and gourmet pizzas. Outdoor seating is available, and it's not uncommon for laid-back hipsters who frequent the place to stake out a table and set up shop for the night, especially if it's a warm Saturday.

Hours: Mon-Fri 2pm-2am; Sat-Sun Noon-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

FREMONT. This rustic taproom has an all-American appeal, and its walls are adorned with vintage pictures and...

FREMONT. This rustic taproom has an all-American appeal, and its walls are adorned with vintage pictures and collectibles. Sidle up to the bar and sample the many microbrews they have on tap, or head to the outdoor patio, which offers a pleasant setting (and great people-watching) when the weather's cooperative. The menu features such hearty fare as a ½-pound saloon burger with cheddar and bacon, Lucile's meatloaf, and a mixed grill with a marinated mahi mahi filet.

Hours: Daily 11:30am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BALLARD. Bright colors and nautical decor add visual interest to this inviting bar, where patrons have their pick of 14...

BALLARD. Bright colors and nautical decor add visual interest to this inviting bar, where patrons have their pick of 14 beers from the onsite brewery.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight; Sun Noon-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Other

BALLARD. Dim lighting and funky decor characterize this quaint bar, where patrons may try a variety of tantalizing...

BALLARD. Dim lighting and funky decor characterize this quaint bar, where patrons may try a variety of tantalizing bites, from pancetta-wrapped dates to garlic shrimp, at reasonable prices. As for drinks, the margaritas are always a hit, and affordable wines, beers, and sangria are available, too.

Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat-Sun Noon-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club

CAPITOL HILL. Crowds pack dark wood booths and long tables at this booming English-style pub, which is adorned with...

CAPITOL HILL. Crowds pack dark wood booths and long tables at this booming English-style pub, which is adorned with mounted deer heads and vintage portraits. You'll find an excellent variety of imported brews to quaff, and tempting appetizers, burgers, steaks and other standbys are prepared with a contemporary twist.

Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat-Sun 10am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club