Nightlife

Nightlife > Northern Lights

The Northwest corner of the United States may have a soggy reputation, but what few people know is that its nightlife scene is as hot as Las Vegas, Miami or Los Angeles.

words by > Jeremy Dillahunt

Seattle is one of those understated cities, a small-town vibe set in the midst of urban architecture. There’s a bit of an “aw-shucks” mentality purposefully adopted by its inhabitants, and it’s described as the kind of place where you can leave your keys in the ignition and not worry. This down-home attitude is largely the result of the neighborhoods that surround Seattle’s downtown offi ce buildings. Each one has a unique identity and population fi ercely proud of it, be it Belltown chic, eclectic Ballard or cutting-edge Capitol Hill.

Each neighborhood is also home to a bumping after-hours scene that runs the gamut from mega nightclubs hosting superstar DJs like Damian Lazarus, to grunge-day holdovers showcasing Seattle’s ever-vibrant alternative rock hopefuls, to swing dance clubs and jazz joints. Maybe it’s the counter effect of 180 days of rain per year, but Seattle’s mellow mood is certainly checked at the door when it comes to going out at night. You have to blow off steam somehow, right?

Chop Suey

1325 E Madison St 206-324-800
www.chopsuey.com

You can’t miss Chop Suey’s Chinese pagoda design. This little temple of music, located at the south end of Capitol Hill, is a vortex for attracting talent from around the globe to Seattle. Recent shows have seen Baltimore breaks kings Diplo, Spankrock and Hollertronix on the mikes and turntables; old-school reinvented with Kool Keith and Doctor Octagon; world beat masters Goapelle; and indie crooners West Indian Girl. The clientele is as hip as the talent, and if there is a dress rule, it is this: Be creative and look good. Even though the main area fi ts a hefty 500, the stage set up allows for good sight lines anywhere in the room.

A small outdoor space lets people mingle when it’s not raining.

Re-bar

1114 Howell St 206-233-9873
www.rebarseattle.com

An institution for as long as anyone cares to remember, Re-bar was a cornerstone of the alternative music evolution. Soundgarden, Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains all played here, and for a brief time Re-bar was synonymous with grunge in the same way that CBGBs was with punk. These days, the stage is a little smaller, but the talent is defi nitely as original. Depending on the night, guests can be entertained by theater shows, live DJs or truly unique events like the “Spazz Dance 360 Battle” or the SSP wrestlers, a group of “semi-pros” high on drama and low on athletic ability.

The Baltic Room

1207 Pine St 206-625-4444
www.balticroom.com

Modeled on 1940s cocktail lounges with mohair booths, cherry wood paneling and a fi ber optic-embedded ceiling, The Baltic Room is about as swanky as it gets. The club is perfect for an early warm-up drink and cozy chat. Come 10pm, however, the DJ booth is fi red up for the likes of Gilles Peterson, Swayzak and Tim “Love” Lee. While the crowd is presentably elegant, there’s no indication of inhibitions when the dancing gets going, which oftentimes occurs everywhere: fl oor, mezzanine, tables, bar…