Nightlife

BY JEREMY DILLAHUNT

GRUNGE TO GLAMOUR

With spots that are laidback, luxe and everything in between, Seattle shows that wet weather can’t put a damper on its nightlifescene.

The Baltic Room • 1207 Pine St • 206-625-4444 www.thebalticroom.net

With mohair booths and cherry wood paneling, plus modern touches like a ceiling embedded with fiber-optic stars, this club is about as swanky as it gets in Emerald City. It’s perfect for a quiet, early drink, but come 10pm, the DJ booth is fired up by the likes of Gilles Peterson, Swayzak and Tim “Love” Lee. There’s no holding back when the dancing gets going—everywhere from the floor to the tables and bar.

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

A Seattle institution, Re-bar was one of the cornerstones of the alternative music revolution. Soundgarden, Nirvana and Pearl Jam all played here. These days, the names may not be as recognizable, but the talent is just as original. Quirkier offerings include spelling bees or bingo.

Chop Suey • 1325 E Madison St 206-324-8000 • www.chopsuey.com

Located at the south end of Capitol Hill, this little temple of music attracts performers from around the globe. The clientele is often as hip as the talent, and if there is a dress code, it’s be creative and look good. Even though the main space fits a whopping 500 people, the stage setup allows for good sightlines from anywhere in the room. Try the signature Washington Apple, a mix of cranberry juice, Apple Pucker and Crown Royal, and, if the weather allows, check out the outdoor space.

SEATTLE has an understated, small-town vibe, despite its metropolitan setting. There’s a bit of an “aw-shucks” mentality, and it’s described as the kind of place you can leave your keys in the ignition and not worry about it. But the mellow mood is checked at the door when it comes to nightlife. The city’s bumping nightlifescene runs the gamut from mega nightclubs hosting superstar DJs like Damian Lazarus to grunge-day holdovers showcasing Seattle’s alternative rock hopefuls. Burlesque shows, swing dance clubs and jazz joints are also part of the mix. You’ve got to blow off steam somehow, right?