Reasons to Smile

South Lake Union might be the best neighborhood in Seattle for happy hour. There’s plenty of parking and lots of centrally located restaurants and bars offering up tasty deals for an end-of-day nosh or (and) round of adult beverages.

There’s a something for everyone in SLU, from sushi to classic burgers, bespoke cocktails, and more. These five spots deliver on the good-vibes-only promise of a proper happy hour.

Duke’s Seafood
Happy hour served daily, 3 to 6pm and 9pm to close

The happy hour menu at Duke’s Seafood is almost as expansive as the Lake Union views from this Seattle favorite spot. Get some award-winning chowder, a Dungeness crab “Un” cake, or some Dangerously Killer Prawns, all for $3 off. Thirsty? Duketails abound, and there’s even a “Skinny Hour” menu featuring lower alcohol, lower calorie creations like the Peaches for Me (Grey Goose Essence White Peach and Rosemary Vodka with Giffard grapefruit liquor, a splash of homemade sour, topped with soda water and finished with a rosemary sprig). dukesseafood.com

Seeking Kombucha
Happy hour served Tuesday and Thursday, 3 to 5pm
The popular fermentation station offers 15% off your order Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 5pm, but customers can expect some special happy hour deals from November 16–21 ranging from half off growler fills, buy one get one deals, a fun board game night, and more. SeekingKombucha

Skillet
Happy hour served daily, 3 to 7pm
This modern diner at the Regrade is known by many for its indulgent breakfast Sammy, The Chub (bacon, brie, American cheese, one egg, arugula, tomato, bacon jam, jalapeño aioli, all piled on a Macrina Bakery Sodo bun; and yes, you can add fried chicken to that). Skillet also brings the delightful decadence to happy hour, too. Garlic fries, fried chicken skewers, mini corn dogs are all available for $3–$4. Wash it down with a local IPA or a $6 well. Skillet is a perfect stop on the way to your next Seattle Kraken game. skilletfood.com

Victor Tavern
Happy hour served daily, 4 to 6pm

At the Via 6 across the street, newly opened Victor Tavern has made its mark on the neighborhood with its uber popular happy hour featuring discounted small plates, cocktails, beer, and wine. Nibble on fried Castelvetrano olives, polenta fries with anchovy aioli, an everything pretzel with creole mustard and draft cider white cheddar spread. Feel like going big? Consider the Victory or Veg Head burger or a pair of prime rib sliders. Wash it all down with a $9 cocktail like the Tavern Fix (vodka, lemon, pineapple, bitters) or French 75 (gin, lemon, sparkling wine). ethanstowellrestaurants.com 

Momiji
Happy hour served daily, 4 to 6pm

Who doesn’t love a sushi happy hour? The beautifully adorned Momiji has some incredible happy hour deals. Sushi and sashimi sets can be had for $9–$12 and rolls run from $6-$8. Don’t sleep on the kitchen menu, too — fill up on grilled garlic short ribs, agedashi tofu, a tempura platter, and more. A $5 Kirin draft, an order of hot sake, or a miso mule will keep your thirst in check. momijiseattle.com

What is your favorite South Lake Union Happy hour? Be sure to follow us on Instagram all week as we highlight more happy hour deals around the neighborhood.