Belltown, about a ten minute walk from downtown is home to some of the best restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and bars in Seattle. What Belltown lacks in tourist attractions, it makes up for with outstanding food and drink. Belltown isn't known for it's kid friendly vibe but tucked between "No Minors" and "Adult's Only" signs we have a found a number of delightful spots whose child-tolerant status may fly under the radar. Though we aren't huge drinkers, we are suckers for a deal and always on the look out for places to dine with our urban urchins. Happy hour can be a great way to sample some culinary delights from local restaurants without breaking the bank.
1. Cyclops2421 1st avenue (On the corner of 1st and Broad)
Happy Hour- 3:00-6:00pm
I spent a lot of time at the Cyclops in my pre-kid days of the late 90's. Needless to say, my definition of an appealing happy hour may have changed over the years. Thankfully, Cyclops remains a consistently solid choice. This is the kind of place that can make you forget that your purse is filled with goldfish crackers and unidentifiable gummy lint. You will feel like one of the cool kids again (or for the first time) in this quirky landmark that has the divey-charm of old school Belltown. The Cyclops is divided in half with separate well-labeled entrances. One door is for adults and one door is for those of us who want to feel like adults but have children that lack a proper fake ID. The staff is not only friendly but have been perfectly comfortable engaging with my kids in weird and interesting conversations. Happy Hour consists of drink specials and two dollars off their already reasonably priced appetizers. Though my kids are happy with the black bean nachos, they do have an unofficial kid's menu, you just have to ask! Seating consists of comfortable roomy booths, a few tables and they do provide highchairs. If you are looking for a happy hour that captures the vibe of what used to be Belltown, The Cyclops with it's eclectic Tiki, velvet print, mid-century modern decor is the spot.
2. Sarajevo Lounge and Restaurant2332 1st Avenue (Corner of 1st Ave and Battery St.)
Happy Hour- Tuesday-Sunday 2:00pm-6:00pm
Don't be fooled by the marketing. Yes, Sarajevo is a popular and very crowded nightclub in the late evening, but before 8:oo pm it is one of our favorite family friendly restaurants in Seattle. Sarajevo serves traditional Balkan food as well as the usual American pub fare. Happy Hour is a great deal here and you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Our kids can put away Balkan sliders like nobody's business and though it's not on the happy hour menu, I would highly recommend the cevapi (balkan hand formed sausages) with fluffy house made lepinja bread from the dinner menu. There are a couple of options for vegetarians, this is a pretty meat heavy place. Seating is plentiful and comfy and service is mostly friendly. They welcome children but don't expect a kids menu or high chairs or booster seats. Also, my daughter needs me to mention how beautiful the ladies room is...because it is.
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| Still life with birthday girl, mac 'n cheese and bucket of corks |
2234 1st Ave.
Corner of 1st avenue and Bell st.
Happy Hour-Daily 3:00-6:00pm
Local 360 has been a favorite restaurant of ours since they opened shortly after our move to Belltown. They pride themselves on locally sourced food with a majority of their ingredients coming from within 360 miles of downtown Seattle. Their happy hour is available throughout the restaurant and dishes range from $3-$9. The mini mac 'n cheese is always a kid hit, as are the sliders and hand cut french fries. There are plenty of options for the the more adventurous diner as well. If you have a heartier appetite, the regular menu has an assortment of delicious and inventive items. The service is super friendly and attentive and always ensure that we have a memorable visit. There are no children's menus here but I have it on good authority that the macaroni and cheese will please even the most discerning young customer. Insider tip, if you ask nicely they will provide you with a tin of wine corks to play with. Think that sounds weird ? Try it.
4. Buckleys 2331 2nd Ave (Corner of 2nd avenue and Battery St.)
Happy Hour -All Day Monday!
Tuesday-Friday 3:00-6:00pm
If you are looking for your standard pub grub type of place, where you don't need to worry about your kids being loud, or picky, or given the stink eye by surly waiter, Try Buckleys. this sports bar/neighborhood pub has become a Belltown institution. If you are looking for superbowl food anytime of year, Buckley's is your place. My husband is always down for a happy hour that includes tater tots. Buckley's also offers a kids menu, coloring sheets and high chairs. Seating during football (professional or college) can be tricky but any other time, you can usually get a table pretty darn quick. In addition to happy hour, Buckley's has weekday specials like Taco Tuesday and Burger Night. Just note, you are surrounded by TV's. My family is distracted by anything from basketball games to dish soap commercials to Malaysian soap operas. If your family is as easily preoccupied as mine...be forewarned.
5. Taqueria Cantina
2630 1st avenue(On the corner of 1st avenue and Cedar St)
Happy Hour-3:00-6:00pm Every day.
Taqueria Cantina is pretty standard Mexican fare in Belltown. This place is always good and sometimes great. The Taqueria is family friendly and the happy hour selection is extensive and affordable. The service is always affable but not always efficient, so if y'all are feeling impatient, Taqueria Cantina can be a bit of a gamble. There is quite a bit of seating and room to spread out. Even at the most crowded of times, we have rarely waited long for a table. The restaurant provides coloring sheets, crayons and a kids menu as well as high chairs and boosters. . If your kids are easily frightened by the Dia de Los Muertos theme, it might be hard to tune out the giant skeleton mural on the South wall. After seeing Pixar's Coco, my daughter has finally made peace with her fear and can enjoy her Mexican fare sans anxiety. When the weather is nice, take advantage of their outdoor patio seating for some fresh air and people watching. This place is colorful and inviting and a welcome addition to the Belltown restaurant scene
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