Pony
A very queer barAverage Reviews
About
Pony Seattle, a vibrant and iconic gay bar located in the heart of the city, offers a unique and lively atmosphere that harks back to the classic West Village and Castro bars of the 1970s. This popular dive bar, housed in a transformed 1940s-vintage gas station, stands out as a distinctive spot in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Customers appreciate Pony for its unapologetic celebration of queer culture, with its eclectic mix of music and a diverse, often youthful crowd. The bar is noted for its spirited atmosphere, featuring an array of themed nights and regular DJ events that span genres from punk rock and disco to new wave and indie rock. Visitors can enjoy a variety of music and dance opportunities, with special events like Tuesday Karaoke, Retro Gay Tunes, Goth nights, and Drag Takeovers adding to the allure.
Pony's interior, described as a bit grungy and reminiscent of an underground gay scene, is part of its charm. The bar's decor, which includes unique elements like inflatable penises and vinyl art, contributes to its edgy and slightly seedy vibe. Patrons often highlight the fun and welcoming environment.
One of the few stand-alone bars in the area, Pony boasts a large west-facing patio, open year-round thanks to a retractable roof and heaters, making it an inviting space regardless of the weather. This outdoor area provides a perfect spot for socializing and enjoying the lively Capitol Hill atmosphere.
Customers appreciate Pony for its unapologetic celebration of queer culture, with its eclectic mix of music and a diverse, often youthful crowd. The bar is noted for its spirited atmosphere, featuring an array of themed nights and regular DJ events that span genres from punk rock and disco to new wave and indie rock. Visitors can enjoy a variety of music and dance opportunities, with special events like Tuesday Karaoke, Retro Gay Tunes, Goth nights, and Drag Takeovers adding to the allure.
Pony's interior, described as a bit grungy and reminiscent of an underground gay scene, is part of its charm. The bar's decor, which includes unique elements like inflatable penises and vinyl art, contributes to its edgy and slightly seedy vibe. Patrons often highlight the fun and welcoming environment.
One of the few stand-alone bars in the area, Pony boasts a large west-facing patio, open year-round thanks to a retractable roof and heaters, making it an inviting space regardless of the weather. This outdoor area provides a perfect spot for socializing and enjoying the lively Capitol Hill atmosphere.
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Reviews
Based on 347 reviews
Heather Zhang
10:05 19 Dec 24
The karaoke is so fun (expect a 1-hour wait during the busy hours though). Also the community is friendly, plenty of kind and cool people having a good time here.Finu Lukose
06:51 10 Dec 24
This is a regular haunt for my friends and me. Very queer friendly and unrivaled vibe. If Freddy KOP is spinning you know you are going to get some amazing music and mixes. There's a reason why he travels all over the country to DJ gay events - he's amazing. All the bartending staff are SUPER friendly and fun to chat with. Pony is one of the places I always feel safe and a sense of community.Neydi
02:07 10 Nov 24
I love you, Pony 💞 Love how gay and trans it is. I feel so safe here. Love the cool events they throw. Staff is always nice and the drinks are great. Also, if you're coming to a queer bar with straight people, yes, you are going to get strange looks cause there are so many other bars but you decide to invade a safe space...Mercedes Smith
03:23 06 Nov 24
One of the best places in capital hill to get an affordable drink. Jam out and hang with other like minded queers.A mainly gay bar, but the most welcoming overall queer bar I’ve been to in seattle.I always hit this bar up when I’m on the strip.No food tho ! ( or very little )Daniela A.
17:14 31 Oct 24
A friend recommended that we come here on Halloweekend. We definitely loved the vibe, it was exactly what we wanted!However when I stepped away my friend...Alexander C.
17:11 31 Oct 24
The bar staff and ambiance was amazing but then we met our match with a devilish looking red haired and browed meth chick talking about she was "THEE...abaddon
17:35 19 Oct 24
Disappointing. If you like milling around aimlessly with a drink in your hand you'll like it. But if you want to do anything else like dance or talk to new people you're better off going elsewhere. It sucks because I visited for a monthly DJ event, but I literally walked in, saw how boring it was and walked out.Jeremy K.
19:28 11 Sep 24
Went there on a Wednesday night since it was my husbands birthday and closed it down. We were on the patio having a good time until 2 when the bar closed...Avery R.
17:57 10 Sep 24
Honestly a fun little dive bar, it was on the quiet side when I went but things were great even then. Be prepared for a LOT of penis, but that's okay....Mark Crossfield
00:58 08 Sep 24
Fantastic crowd. Busy, lovely and fun. Friendly staff. Interesting decor. We made friends easily with locals.Katrina GIrling
20:52 25 Aug 24
A gay bar? That denied my bisexual best friend and I and my trans boyfriend from even entering because the bouncer didn’t like how we looked? Amazing job PonyChip W.
13:39 25 Aug 24
Would love to be able to give a review on the food and drinks, however we weren't even allowed in. the bouncer stopped my friends and I at the door and told...Tim W.
00:20 21 Aug 24
Cool fucking space... and small fucking space. Anyway, a one drink and go or if you're in you're in kinda vibe.Jonathan Mathews
05:35 19 Aug 24
FUN AND FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD BAR . COOL FUNKY ATMOSPHERE . GREAT OUTDOOR SPACE . GOOD FOR SMALL GROUPSmarche8189
18:18 31 Jul 24
Staff are great. But if you are not gay/trans then this is probably the most unwelcoming bar I have ever been too. I have never gotten so many dirty looks, I was just trying to enjoy a drink visiting the area. Everyone inside was extremely rude and unpleasant to be around. Constant bad looks and aggressive interactions… really disappointed, was a cool bar though.oleg jelezniakov
16:40 14 Jul 24
Loved this adorable gay dive that looks like a gingerbread house for naughty boys. If for nothing else, it’s worth coming by for the decoration; b&w cardboards of the 70s and 80s cornstars flying off the ceiling. The two sexy bears of bartenders could not be nicer. And sexier. Not to mention that I must have gotten there there during a happy hr because the gin n tonic was equal to a bottle of beer was equal to $6. (What!?) This place made my one day in Seattle before I had to fly back to ny.Onnie E.
10:57 03 Jul 24
This place is fun! Karaoke till 2am and the drinks are strong af. Different vibe for sure.Samuel Gibson
15:59 28 Jun 24
The place is small but has great personality. Bartenders and patrons super friendly. Great patio with multiple fire pits.Matt Sidor
17:06 18 Jun 24
I always have a good time at Pony. The staff are always warm and friendly. The crowd is fun and respectful. Sometimes I wish it was a little bigger, but that would also take away from its charm. This is the only real queer bar in Seattle.Elven Prince
22:44 11 Apr 24
I've been going to Pony since moving here to Seattle 3years ago, and gosh idk where to begin to describe how refreshing and amazing in general of an experience it has been. Excellent Staff who I must say have the best taste in music, freedom to dance unabashed, great prices, and the ambience? Always top notch.Definitely a queer spot for those who are sure of themselves or just figuring things out, patio is excellent for meeting people and being surprised that hours have passed by.All in all, 5 stars for being a badass spot for badass bitxhesKendra Rocha
22:32 11 Apr 24
This place is small, and odd. The bathrooms are always filthy, and the music is generally just odd. It doesn't come together or vibe well, it just throws you off. It's a small space with no bar seating, just bar top tables and an outdoor area with a firepit. The good thing is that all queer people and gender identities are seen here, and are welcomed. It's just an odd little bar.Aubrey
07:28 09 Apr 24
felt nothing but respect from staff, drinks were fairly priced for seattle, good furry graffiti out on the patioAubrey
06:25 17 Mar 24
felt nothing but respect from staff, drinks were fairly priced for seattle, the city's finest furry graffiti out on the patioAlicia Schueller
07:28 04 Mar 24
Bouncer with the Rollercoaster 🎢 eyebrows was rude. Dancers and drag queens were amazing and super sweet. If you're coming with a mixed gay/straight crowd, expect to get some looks. Overall, it's an experience!jacob m.
14:51 01 Feb 24
Awesome place to let your queerness fly, kind staff, and reasonable drink prices,very few woo girls, something I really appreciate, nothing worse than a...Steven A
20:04 20 Oct 23
Pony is where the queers live and we love it. Scary-ann checking ids sets the tone. A much more diverse crowd, in all senses of the word, though it does lean young. When you’re going out to the bars, you gotta hit up Pony!Daniel B.
20:57 03 Oct 23
Fewest StarsThe worst experience The mascara drawn girl who checks IDs is the biggest c u next Tuesday ever and CANNOT believe they receive a paycheck...Jordan Hall
04:41 22 Aug 23
Staff is very nice. Felt nothing but respect the whole time I was there. It’s a little low key but perfect for my vibe.Junior Ruiz
07:57 01 Jul 23
The person that was the bouncer bullied me and made me feel like I was less than my worth.Junior Ruiz
05:53 24 Jun 23
The person that was the bouncer bullied me and made me feel like I was less than my worth.Rations
16:01 08 Jun 23
Ugly disgusting bartenders, pathetic crowd, just a spot for straight up losers.R P.
21:16 31 May 23
Had a run in with bouncer wannabe from "pink flamingoes" as others also noted in reviews. I made a joke about my hairline being my ID when carded at the...Dennis Caldwell
15:38 28 May 23
This is one of my favorite gay bars in the world! It is unapologetically a queer space!! Every time I go, I always have the best time. Support this iconic institution anytime you can.Stephen Zeek
22:54 28 Mar 23
Had a blast here on a random Monday night. Great bartender, fun DJ, and good vibes. Will come back next time I am in town.Kushraj N.
05:06 29 Jan 23
It's a hit or miss. I would recommend going on the weekends because it might not be the most welcoming environment for POCs during the week. But I love...Lissette G.
23:01 24 Sep 22
Dj sucked! But decor is dope af and dranks are cheap.Yea that's all I had to say about this place. Working proo hard but not hard enoughClinton M.
21:15 10 Sep 22
The place is dead and it's almost 10pm on a Saturday night. Not a good place to go for excitement even though they claim to be a very gay bar very gay. I am...Liz L.
10:47 16 Jul 22
Omg super cool club good drinks and upbeat atmosphere. I'll definitely be back 100 out of 190 stars.Catherine H.
16:07 08 Jul 22
Such a fun spot! This is a very small bar with an even smaller patio area in the back. The people are super friendly and the staff was fantastic. We came on...Evan P.
15:00 08 Jul 22
I really like this place. It's where I bring friends to pregame or just take in a relaxed drink on the patio. the staff are always very nice, and in my...Liz S.
03:29 02 May 22
Good lord I love this placeIt really warms my little gay heart to have all the weirdos togetherJessica M.
11:39 25 Feb 22
Unnecessarily loud with their music and bass (even some workers wear earplugs to save their ears). The volume is at its worse whenever they throw sets, and...Pax S.
23:17 21 Dec 21
My friend and I entered after our Vax cards were verified and we had a great time. I visited super early during this standard and we felt super safe and...Your N.
01:23 19 Dec 21
Stood and waited for nearly 5 minutes. Bartender was just conversing with a "friend". There were literally 6 people in the bar..Never acknowledged, we can...Jack T.
01:50 19 Nov 21
Yup, I can confirm that this bar is the most inconsiderate bar in Seattle. Absolutely no consideration for the apartments around it when it decides to throw...Michael J.
17:14 02 Nov 21
Someone needs to give the bouncer who thinks they are from the movie "pink flamingos" a reality check.... Because she's seriously not all that!!!!!!...Lauren P.
20:31 24 Oct 21
I've been to Pony a couple times in the past, but it was pre-Covid. Came here recently as the last stop on a bar crawl to celebrate my cousin's 21st....Camryn E.
01:09 20 Oct 21
Incredible. Iconic. Classic. My style. Everything I could have hoped for in a place like this. My bartender was fabulous and conversed with me through the...Guillermo Rangel
05:57 07 Aug 21
Don't come here for the drinks. It's not their strength. I had the wine, it tasted like very citric feet.Kevin Nguyen
14:55 02 Aug 21
I made a mistake choosing an apartment next to this bar, because this bar is POPPING. They got a rager to happen on a Tuesday night (booming music and screaming past 12am) while people in apartments around the bar are trying to get a good night's rest. Nice!Victor Howard
00:06 30 Jul 21
Best bar on the hill! Great community, fantastic staff and owners that care!Kevin Nguyen
13:37 14 Jul 21
I made a mistake choosing an apartment next to this bar, because this bar is POPPING. They got a rager to happen on a Tuesday night (booming music and screaming past 12am) while people in apartments around the bar are trying to get a good night's rest. Nice!Joseph A.
19:04 26 Jun 21
Too many queens claiming seats and they're not there. Also drinks are strong enough. Call me whatever it's just my opinion.Jeff Rosenblum
07:39 24 Sep 20
This is my favorite bar in Seattle. I like to go for happy hour drinks. It’s pretty small inside too and can get loud. I’m looking forward to going again post Covid-19Percy Floyd
13:49 08 Aug 20
I adore this place. No matter what day you go this place is always having a good time.Steen M.
13:10 31 Mar 20
Had the tastiest drinks, so so much fun! Great ambience and decor, fantastic staff! Plenty of seating for a huge group of us, too.Chris A.
01:37 31 Jan 20
While it might be the "dive" appeal to hang around this bar, you'll quickly pick up on inferior attitude by the staff, particularly Ben and Anouk...I've...Alexander Hernandez
20:32 16 Oct 19
It’s a fun dingy fun space full of fabulous art and props. Brings back memories of old San Francisco before the techies took overAlex Garcia
00:42 29 Jul 19
Capitol Hill's diviest gay bar. It's like they transported a gay dive bar from the 70's and put it on capitol hill and that's a good thing. The bar is an escape from all things amazon and tech bros. It's also the home to seattle's tiniest tea dance on Sundays. If you are planning on going on the weekends show up early because the bar gets super packed by 10 or 11Tammy E.
00:39 18 Feb 19
This place pins the "dive bar" description of a tail on the pony *ahem donkey. What you see is what you get folks - don't expect a fancy bar or 5-star...Javier Alejandro
13:31 18 Sep 18
I loved Pony. It is a very unique place and carries beer that's about as alcohol loaded as a cocktail. The patio is a great place to spend some time, especially around the firepit. I hope this place stays open for a really really long time. Would definitely visit again. Hopefully I'll find another $100 bill on the floor outside the bar like I did last time!Richard Priest
03:05 20 Jul 18
This bar is easily in my top three bars in the entire world. The music is always on point, especially if you have good taste. The bartenders pour amazing drinks, and are always incredibly welcoming to queer and queer allies. The balcony is the best place to spend an evening or an afternoon. This place is for all of you out there who have an edge, whatever that may be. No top 40!Fabio Lopes
20:50 07 Feb 18
Super friendly queer crowd, I definitely felt at home and safe there. The drinks are cheap and they have Karaoke on Tuesdays! Prepare yourself for some obscure taste in music (which I absolutely love!) and have fun singing along. Definitely my favourite bar!Michael de Lange
23:47 30 Sep 17
Pony has a really mixed queer crowd in a warm friendly atmosphere. The location is cool too. It's on a traffic island in a former gas station. The bar is small but weird and fun and the outdoor area is pleasant. It's my favorite bar in Seattle.Brandon L
16:16 19 Mar 17
I just wanted to write to you about our experience at Pony on 3/14. Two of us visiting from out of state and heard Pony was an interesting bar - which we both liked the atmosphere. However, the bartenders that night were not the nicest group of guys and seemed to have cared less if we were there while leaving us waiting during their personal conversation. I’m not writing about your atmosphere or the drinks - it was the lack of caring by the bartenders that night. I wouldn't waste my time visiting again.Robin D
03:54 10 Jan 17
Came with a group of friends, gay and straight. The one straight couple in the mix was asked to leave because their "heterosexuality was not welcome." This is not what my lgbtq community stands for. The rest of the crowd there is never friendly, doesn't matter how pretty or friendly you are. Bartenders are rarely friendly, and the go go dancers keep getting grosser. Used to go all the time so I know it isn't just a "bad night," won't be back.
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