Seattle's Music Scene

Check out some of the coolest live music venues in Seattle.

Tractor Tavern

Located in the heart of Ballard, Tractor Tavern is a beloved Seattle staple, offering a cozy yet energetic venue for a variety of live shows. Known for its intimate atmosphere and country-inspired vibes, it’s been a go-to for everything from indie rock to bluegrass. If you're a fan of raw, electrifying performances, Tractor Tavern is where you’ll find them.

WAMU Theater

WAMU Theater, situated in the heart of Seattle, is a prime venue for large-scale concerts and performances. With impressive acoustics and ample space, it’s hosted everyone from major rock bands to electronic artists. Whether you’re a fan of chart-topping hits or underground acts, this theater brings the energy and excitement to every event.

Sunset Tavern

Sunset Tavern, a Ballard gem, has been serving up great tunes for nearly two decades. With a reputation for fostering emerging talent and hosting unforgettable nights, it's where you can catch a mix of indie, rock, and everything in between. With its chill vibe and intimate setting, Sunset Tavern is a must-visit for music fans of all kinds.

Blue Moon Tavern

A true Seattle icon, the Blue Moon Tavern has been bringing live music and cold beers to the U-District since 1934. This historic venue has seen legendary performances by local acts and established stars alike. With its vintage charm and laid-back atmosphere, the Blue Moon continues to be a favorite stop for both newcomers and regulars.

The Central Saloon

Nestled in Pioneer Square, The Central Saloon offers a rustic yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for music lovers. As one of Seattle’s oldest bars, it has seen its fair share of legendary performances. Whether you’re catching a rock show or grabbing a cold one with friends, The Central Saloon has the vibe and energy you’re looking for.

Darrell's Tavern

Located in Shoreline, Darrell's Tavern has been rocking the local music scene since 1979. Known for its welcoming community vibe and high-energy shows, this unassuming venue has been the launching pad for many up-and-coming bands. It's the place to go if you're looking for live music in a cozy, unpretentious setting.

The Crocodile

The Crocodile has been the soundtrack of Belltown, hosting incredible bands including Nirvana, Yoko Ono, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Lizzo, and Billie Eilish. A must for music lovers, where Pearl Jam & Sound Garden played to standing-room-only crowds.

El Corazón

El Corazón is a legendary spot in the heart of Eastlake, known for its killer sound and intimate vibe. From punk to metal, this venue brings some of the hardest-hitting bands to Seattle. El Corazón is the place to catch both emerging talent and established acts in an unforgettable, up-close-and-personal setting.

Slim's Last Chance

Located in the industrial SoDo neighborhood, Slim's Last Chance offers a perfect blend of live music, cold beer, and delicious southern-style BBQ. Known for its dive-bar atmosphere and local rock shows, Slim’s is where you can enjoy a laid-back night with great tunes and tasty food in one cozy spot.

The Showbox

For more than 85 years, from the Jazz Age to the Grunge Era to the current wave of Seattle exports – neo-folk and hip hop – the storied ballroom has featured shows by touring icons such as Duke Ellington, Muddy Waters and the Ramones — as well as those by homegrown talents ranging from burlesque queen Gypsy Rose Lee, to grunge gods Pearl Jam, to the dynamic duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. More recent shows have included the likes of Foo Fighters, and The Roots - to name a few. This intimate spot, next to Pike Place features a variety of rock and alt‑pop bands on the rise.

Neptune Theatre

Situated in the U-District, the Neptune Theatre offers a beautifully restored historic space that’s perfect for everything from concerts to comedy shows. With its intimate seating and incredible acoustics, it’s a place where you can enjoy live performances up close and personal. The Neptune has seen everything from indie rock to world-class comedians on its stage.

Neumos

Located in Capitol Hill, Neumos is one of Seattle’s top venues for indie, rock, and electronic music. Known for its intimate vibe and killer acoustics, it’s where you can catch both local talent and nationally touring acts. With a trendy atmosphere and a fantastic sound system, Neumos is one of the city’s best spots for live music.

Barboza

Barboza, located beneath Neumos in Capitol Hill, is an intimate venue with a strong reputation for showcasing Seattle’s rising talent. The venue’s underground vibe and great acoustics make it a go-to for anyone looking to see the next big thing before they blow up. Whether you’re into indie rock, folk, or electronic, Barboza delivers a great live music experience.

Max Insider

Exclusive Perks for Hotel Max Guests!

RIDER Seattle

If you are in pursuit of a fabulous happy hour with signature cocktails that are truly "Buzzworthy" or a late-night burger, look no further as Rider serves delicious fare for Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour & Late Night plus a Weekend Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays.

Special Offer: Hotel Max guests enjoy 10% Off at RIDER (Check with Hotel Max front desk for details)

Rooftop Brew Co.

This Seattle Craft Brewery makes small-batch, artisan beers with an emphasis on quality, approachability, and just a little bit of whimsy, making beer that is meant to be enjoyed surrounded by friends and fresh air. Brews, pups, food & fun with multiple spaces to relax and enjoy, a cozy indoor tasting room or the fully open-air deck looks out across the Lake Washington Ship Canal and, yes, is technically on the rooftop. Fido friendly.

Special Offer: Hotel Max guests enjoy $5 Off your purchase at the Jolly Rogers Taproom, perfect towards a Flight or your favorite IPA (Check with Hotel Max front desk for Voucher)

MOPOP (Museum of Pop Culture)

MOPOP is a leading-edge nonprofit museum in Seattle, dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary pop culture. With a mission to make creative expression a life-changing force by offering experiences that inspire and connect our communities, MOPOP reaches multigenerational audiences through their collection, exhibitions, educational programs, and community partnerships. At MoPOP, artists, audiences, and ideas converge in order to bring understanding, interpretation, and scholarship to the pop culture of our time.

Special Offer: Hotel Max guests enjoy 20% off admission (Check with Hotel Max front desk for discount code) or book our Seattle Sound Experience package and enjoy two free MOPOP tix ($60 value) with your stay!

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Argosy Cruises

Enjoy incredible views, history and of course a full-service bar on board!

Special Offer: 20% Off Harbor Cruise or Locks Cruise for Hotel Max Guests (Check with Hotel Max front desk for details)

Sub Pop

Sub Pop Records, Seattle’s most iconic indie record label, the name that brought us our most beloved grunge bands in the 90s (think Nirvana and Soundgarden), as well as current giants like Father John Misty and Beach House. Because we can’t get enough of these guys, we’ve also outfitted our art-filled lobby with a retail kiosk display of all sorts of Sub Pop merch – from backpacks and bottle openers to koozies, keychains, patches, stickers and more.

Special Offer: Hotel Max Guests Enjoy 10% Off all Sub Pop Merch at our Hotel Max Kiosk

Stoup Brewing

Located in the heart of Capitol Hill, Stoup Brewing brings their signature balance of science and artistry to one of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods. With a rotating selection of fresh brews and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to raise a glass after a day of exploring.

Special Offer: Hotel Max guests receive $1 off any pint at the Capitol Hill location when they present their room key

El Corazón

A legendary venue in Seattle’s music scene, El Corazón has been home to countless iconic live performances, from punk and metal to indie and alternative. Show up, grab a drink, and catch the next band that just might be your new favorite.

Special Offer: Hotel Max guests receieve free El Corazón merch when they show their room key

Things to Do

Nightly Spirits Ghost Tour & Pub Crawl

An experience combining years of experience crafting the best tour routes and locations with full-time ghost hunters and researchers to deliver an epic ghost tour & pub crawl around Pike Place Market in Seattle.

Pike Place Market

Come on, it's a classic. Pike Place is a Seattle staple where visitors can enjoy views across the bay during the day backed by fresh flower, fish and produce stands or settle into a candle-lit wine bar in the wall at night.

Museum of Pop Culture

MoPOP is a nonprofit museum dedicated to contemporary popular culture. It was founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2000 as the Experience Music Project. This over-the-top museum is right next to the Space Needle and you can’t miss the purple and silver wavy building. Inside the museum takes you through the history of music and movies that have shaped our culture. Step into a rock ‘n’ roll sound lab, view the original manuscripts from Game of Thrones, and peek at hundreds of props from famous movies.

Argosy Cruises

Enjoy incredible views, history and of course a full-service bar on board!

Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)

The Museum of History & Industry is a history museum in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, United States.

Seattle Selfie Museum

Check out a different way to play at a museum made for the digital nomad of the world. All you'll need is your phone, a couple of friends, and you’re in for some rocking fun.

The Great Wheel

This giant Ferris Wheel at Pier stands 175 feet, it was the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast of the United States when it opened in June 2012.

Olympic Sculpture Park

This park is located on Seattle’s waterfront and features modern sculptures set against a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and of course, the Space Needle.

Seattle Space Needle

Located in the Seattle Center, the Space Needle is without a doubt the most iconic man-made feature of Seattle. This iconic building is an integral piece of the Seattle skyline, and you can either opt to see it from the ground, or get up in there and take in the view of Mount Rainier (on a clear day) from 520 feet in the air on the observation deck.

Post Alley Gum Wall Seattle

Seattle is full of all sorts of quirky sights and photo ops, but the most famous (and accessible!) is arguably the Post Alley Gum Wall. It's right around the corner from Pike Place, so you really can’t miss it. Bring a pack of bubble gum for a cute photo op and try to guess how many pieces are actually on the wall.

Hot Tub Boat

Exactly what it sounds like. Book a trip with some buds and float around Emerald City in the comfort of your own hot tub boat.

T-Mobile Park

Catch a Seattle Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park. Enjoy a spectacular game experience with panoramic views of the city skyline and Puget Sound.

Lumen Field

Enjoy matches featuring the Seattle Seahawks, Sounders, and OL Reign as well top musical performances at Lumen Field.

Climate Pledge Arena

Enjoy NHL Hockey excitement with Seattle Kraken plus top performers at Climate Pledge Arena just a few monorail stops from Hotel Max.

Restaurants

Tat’s Deli

Bringing East Coast flavors to the heart of Seattle, Tat’s Deli serves up towering sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, and classic hoagies. Whether you're craving a hot pastrami or a meatball sub, this Pioneer Square staple delivers big flavors and even bigger portions.

Dick’s Drive-In

A Seattle institution since 1954, Dick’s Drive-In is the go-to spot for classic burgers, crispy fries, and thick milkshakes. Open late and always serving up simple, no-frills deliciousness, it's a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

Bok a Bok Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken done right. Bok a Bok brings crispy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned chicken to Capitol Hill, served alongside house-made biscuits, kimchi mac & cheese, and spicy sauces that pack a punch.

Barolo Ristorante

For an upscale Italian experience, Barolo Ristorante delivers rich pastas, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list in a romantic, dimly lit space. Perfect for a date night or an indulgent meal in the heart of downtown.

Biscuit Bitch

Seattle’s most unapologetically fun breakfast spot, Biscuit Bitch serves up Southern-style biscuits smothered in gravy, loaded with sausage, eggs, and cheese, and packed with attitude. The perfect way to start your day with a little sass and a lot of flavor.

Piroshky Piroshky

Located near Pike Place Market, this beloved bakery crafts fresh, hand-held Russian pastries filled with everything from savory smoked salmon to sweet cinnamon apple. Always made from scratch, always worth the wait.

Michou Deli

A hidden gem in Pike Place Market, Michou Deli offers a mouthwatering selection of sandwiches, paninis, and fresh salads, all made daily. Grab something quick and delicious while you explore the market.

Marination Columbia City

Hawaiian-Korean fusion at its finest. Marination Columbia City dishes up flavorful tacos, kimchi fried rice, and their famous miso ginger chicken. Casual, colorful, and packed with island vibes.

H Mart

More than just a grocery store, H Mart’s food court is a paradise for Korean cuisine lovers. From sizzling bulgogi to spicy ramen, this downtown Seattle spot is perfect for a quick, authentic bite.

Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya

Rich, savory broths, perfectly chewy noodles, and traditional Japanese small plates make Kizuki Ramen a go-to for ramen lovers. Whether you're after tonkotsu, miso, or shoyu, this cozy Capitol Hill eatery delivers.

Skalka

Bringing a taste of Georgia (the country, not the state) to Seattle, Skalka specializes in fresh khachapuri—cheesy, buttery bread boats—alongside savory dumplings and Eastern European comfort food.

Post Alley Pizza

A hidden gem for pizza lovers, Post Alley Pizza serves up classic slices with crispy crusts and gooey cheese in a cozy, no-fuss setting. Perfect for a quick bite while exploring downtown.

Salumi Deli

Founded by the family of legendary chef Mario Batali, Salumi Deli is a must-visit for cured meats, gourmet sandwiches, and Italian specialties. Located in Pioneer Square, it’s a sandwich lover’s dream.

Paseo

Home to Seattle’s most famous Caribbean sandwiches, Paseo is known for its legendary pork shoulder sandwich, grilled corn, and bold island flavors. Messy, juicy, and absolutely worth it.

Rojo’s Mexican Food

Tucked away in Pioneer Square, Rojo’s serves up fresh, flavorful Mexican fare with house-made salsas, sizzling tacos, and some of the best burritos in town. Fast, delicious, and packed with spice.

Health & Safety

If you are having a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately.

Bartell Drugs Pharmacy

Locally-owned and founded in 1890, Bartell's showcases over 150 local partners making products right here in the Pacific Northwest.

Zoom+Care

Easily book virtual appointments online for everything from prescription refills to medical aid.